Volume 13 Chapter 8 Investigation Begins
The next morning, Al was taken to the reception room of the Levy merchant guild's mansion, trying hard to hold back a yawn.
'Hey, are you okay? You're sleepy, right?'
Glee whispered a bit worriedly in Al's ear.
"I'm fine... I'm fine. I'll get a good sleep tonight."
'Really? You promise?'
Last night, Al was so excited to get 6 new spellbooks that he ended his 'Telepathy' session with Patricia early and ended up not sleeping at all while learning spells.
"Maybe I'll finish the Interpretation series soon. Then I'll sleep for a bit."
'True, the 3 spellbooks weren't that different... But if you push yourself too hard, I won't help. You need to sleep a little, okay?'
"Yeah..."
Al nodded reluctantly. This morning, he was almost late, and Glee, who usually didn't say much, kept shouting in his ear.
"Starting today, they should let us rent a room here, so I shouldn't be late..."
'Good luck, and make sure to solve the murder case quickly.'
Glee had a reason to hurry Al. Yesterday, Patricia told him that Malachi had made progress with the golem repairs and could start on other things.
If that happened, Glee could finally discuss the prototype doll golem she's been waiting for. They could also look into the two assistant devices--one from Patricia and one taken from the goblin mage--and the mysterious magic tool.
'If we can ensure Patricia's safety and well-being at the research tower, then we can go investigate the ancient ruins, right?'
When Glee said that, Al couldn't help but smile. It's true; it really is. There have been many problems, and everything has been postponed for a long time.
But if that happens, he can use the 'Fly' spell to search around the ancient ruins. Al happily tapped his fingers on his knees.
At that moment, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in!"
Al quickly stood up from the sofa. The person who entered was Sigmund, Lord Radyard's son, along with a female servant carrying a tray that looked like it had tea on it.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. No need to be so formal. Just relax."
"Thank you. By the way, where is Lord Radyard?"
As Al sat on the sofa as he was invited, he couldn't help but ask. He thought Lord Radyard would be joining them for today's investigation.
"My father suddenly had something come up. It's just the two of us today. If you leave your bags here, I'll take them to your room later. So, where should we start?"
"I see. Got it. Um, before that, could you please give this to Baroness Tabasa?"
Saying that, Al took out a rolled-up parchment sealed with wax and a handkerchief. It was a letter he wrote last night after discussing with Patricia, along with an embroidered handkerchief that Al had received from her before.
"This? I think that girl named Doris will want to see what's inside, but is that okay?"
Is Doris the girl taking care of the Baroness? The letter was just something Al prepared to gain trust instead of asking suddenly. Since it was meant to be seen, there was no issue with the missing wax seal. Al nodded.
"Chris, can I ask you for a favor?"
The servant who was preparing tea for Al and Sigmund looked up. Her name seemed to be Chris.
"Of course."
She respectfully took the two items from Al and gave a slight bow.
"Thank you."
Al also returned the bow politely. For now, they would wait for a response regarding Baroness Tabasa, and then there was the murder case.
"Well then, I'd like to see Mr. Donald's house first. Can you guide me?"
Sigmund nodded in understanding at Al's words, finished his tea in one gulp, and stood up.
* * *
Donald, the decorative craftsman, lived in an impressive three-story building. Lord Radyard had contacted the guard, so an elderly lady who cooked, cleaned, and did laundry was waiting at the entrance.
She guided them inside. The first floor was a workshop, while the second and third floors were living areas. Al cast the 'Magic Sense' spell and began to investigate carefully.
"How is it? Did you find anything interesting?"
"Um..."
The products and tools in the workshop on the first floor, as well as the items in what seemed to be the living room and bedroom, didn't seem special at all. However, Al had one thing that caught his attention.
"There's a little rust on these tools over here. This one isn't as bad, but something feels off..."
There were two workbenches for detailed tasks. The tools on them were in slightly different conditions. Both had been untouched for about a week since the incident, so they were dusty, but the dust levels varied.
"This workbench hasn't been used for more than a week, maybe even longer..."
Sigmund looked unsure, as if he didn't quite get it.
"Do you know if Mr. Donald or his apprentice used this workbench?"
Al asked the old woman who managed the keys to the mansion.
"Um, Sir Donald always sat at this one. Recently, he said he wasn't feeling well, so he hardly did any work as a craftsman. It seems his apprentice took over the jobs he couldn't refuse."
She pointed to the workbench that looked like it hadn't been used for a while.
"Oh, how long ago was that?"
"About a month ago, I think."
Al tilted his head. What had he been doing for a whole month without working?
"Was there anything else that changed in that month?"
"Well, his taste in food changed, and before that, he rarely went out, but now he goes out almost every day. His apprentice said he seemed like a different person."
Al and Sigmund exchanged glances. From Sigmund's reaction, it seemed like he was hearing this for the first time.
"Could it be that someone else was pretending to be Donald?"
Sigmund asked the old lady, and she shook her head.
"It seems that the suspicious disciple investigated Sir Donald, who was drunk and sleeping. However, they said that no one was pretending to be Sir Donald, and it was definitely him."
There might be a chance someone used magic to disguise themselves. Al thought he could use an 'Illusion' spell to look somewhat similar, but a close inspection would reveal the truth.
However, there could be a disguise spell unknown to Al that goes undetected, even by touch. Sigmund looked at Al, scratching his head. He wonders if Lord Radyard knows anything. It would be great to ask Eric, the top magician in Lester, but he's far away in the border city of Lester.
"For now, can you check again if there were any strange occurrences from about a month ago?"
Sigmund nodded at Al's words.
"Okay, leave it to me. So, what about you?"
"I'm thinking of going to Baron Zora's house. Can you tell me where it is?"
Al doesn't know what kind of person that is, but if he is scared, having Sigmund around might make it worse. I should try to meet them alone first. Al thought this to himself.
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