January 1. The first day of the New Year.
It was a holiday in the Duchy of Konst. Since Siles had happened to sleep rather late, it was already nearly nine o’clock by the time he woke up.
In the early hours of the morning, after saying “Happy New Year” to Chendo and exchanging hugs and kisses, he returned to 6 Hayward Street. Chendo had originally wanted him to stay the night at 32 Lowell Street, as it was simply too late, to spare Siles the trouble of traveling back.
But Siles still wanted to go back to change clothes.
Besides, Chendo only had one bed there.
…It was easy to imagine exactly what Chendo was thinking. Anyway, Siles said very naturally, “It’s nothing, Chendo, don’t worry. It only takes me ten minutes to get back.”
Chendo froze, then nodded slowly, saying, “…Alright.”
Seeing Chendo’s seemingly nonchalant but actually teeth-grinding expression, he probably wished Hayward Street was a hundred thousand miles away, making it impossible for Siles to return even if he wanted to.
Siles couldn’t help but laugh. He played with Chendo’s braid and then hugged the man. He said, “We can start looking for a house. Perhaps after the spring break?”
Chendo’s eyes instantly lit up. They might have truly “lit up,” as the fireworks were still blooming so gorgeously in the sky, reflecting in his emerald eyes.
“If you say that, I’m going to take it seriously,” Chendo hugged him, nuzzling against the crook of his neck, and then said, “I am extremely impatient.”
Siles kissed his cheek and said, “Take it seriously, Chendo.”
Such a promise was already enough to fully satisfy Chendo.
Afterward, Siles bid Chendo farewell and returned to 6 Hayward Street. He fell asleep around two o’clock, feeling that this night had greatly disrupted his biological clock.
But it didn’t matter. Thanks to the power of Akamara, he could freely control his sleep schedule.
In the morning, shortly after he woke up, Chendo came over. He brought breakfast and New Year’s greetings.
“A day off,” Chendo said. “What do you plan to do?”
It looked like Chendo very much wanted to place himself as the object of that verb, but he didn’t express it so obviously, merely leaning his face close to Siles.
Siles pretended he didn’t understand Chendo’s meaning. After pondering for a moment, he said, “Go out for a walk, and then read a book?”
Chendo: “…”
He sighed lamentably, finally saying, “Very well, Professor Noel. Being with you is my greatest honor.”
These words were also very sincere, though it would be nice if his beloved deity wasn’t so restrained and reserved.
Siles was also serious when he said that, as the things he did every day amounted to just about that much.
Chendo, however, reminded him, “By the way, do you remember the novel you’re serializing in the newspaper? It’s been ten days since your last submission… I recall the publisher saying you should submit a manuscript every week to half a month?”
Siles: “…”
He fell silent for a moment.
Finally, he said helplessly, “I know. I’ll write it this afternoon.”
From a certain perspective, Chendo was doing a pretty good job as a teaching assistant.
This first day of the New Year, and the days that followed, seemed like a microcosm of Siles’s life since coming to this world. Working, reading, writing, eating with Chendo, and then strolling down the street hand in hand.
The weather remained nice for several consecutive days. This also brightened Siles’s mood considerably. This pleasant mood lasted for over a week and reached its peak when he submitted his manuscript on schedule, avoiding double reminder letters from both the publisher and the newspaper.
January 10, Saturday.
During the Dawn Revelation Society meeting on this day, the good news Carol brought also gave Siles a pleasant surprise.
“Siles, you can go look for that conversation record you wanted yourself,” Carol said. “Those archives of the Brewer Darrow family are stored in the secret vault of the Konst National Bank. With this authorization letter, you can get in.”
Noblewoman and Paperboy had already left; only Siles and Carol remained here—incidentally, they had just played a few rounds of Fate Cards here. Originally, because the cards had recently become popular in Lamifa City, they wanted to try something new.
But Noblewoman and Paperboy had both seemed wanting more.
Carol handed Siles a document; the signature at the bottom was from Mr. Grace, the head of the Second Corridor.
Siles sincerely thanked Carol. This matter likely took quite a bit of effort; otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken such a long time.
Carol waved his hand, not really minding it, and laughed, saying: “I gave Grace a good teasing over this. A Revelator who isn’t even in the Second Corridor pays more attention to this than they do. One can only say, perhaps the Second Corridor should expand its personnel.”
Siles couldn’t help but feel helpless at Carol’s words.
The training of Second Corridor investigators was far more complicated than that of other departments. If the First Corridor focused more on administrative affairs and the Third Corridor focused more on combat power, then the Second Corridor had to learn a bit of everything.
Yet, they still had to deal with the various incidents arising from supernatural powers, constantly running themselves ragged in the process.
In a city as massive as Lamifa City, how many incidents occurred every day? And how many truths would ultimately be annihilated in the torrent of history?
Siles was not omnipotent; he could only do his best to investigate the things he knew about.
He thanked Carol once more and confirmed that this authorization letter would allow him to bring someone else into the vault—he had to bring Chendo; after all, he couldn’t read the Kansas text.
The progress of this matter also allowed Siles to breathe a huge sigh of relief.
On the one hand, this conversation record would allow him to understand the Darrow family’s past. The noble ancestor of the Darrow family clearly had a very candid and open mindset during his conversation with the wandering poet Aldous Gershwin.
Both of them would mention their pasts, along with various pieces of information. In the book The Poet’s Fate, because the author Albold aimed to learn more about the poet, the content leaned more toward what Aldous said.
But that currently unknown noble would obviously reveal some information in the conversation record as well.
On the other hand, this conversation record was connected to a believer of Ligadia. Siles could naturally search the Praia family’s archives for materials related to Ligadia, but such first-hand information still needed to be reviewed.
Who knows, he might obtain some unexpected information?
He put the authorization letter into his bag, planning to visit the Konst National Bank with Chendo tomorrow. The last time he went to a bank, it was to cash the draft sent to him by Greyson Food Company.
Thinking about it now, the Greyson incident felt very distant to him. Even though he himself felt that compared to that time, he hadn’t made any massive improvements.
Carol then asked, “By the way, do you know about the History Society commendation ceremony?”
Siles nodded, adding, “I’ve heard people mention it.”
Carol then said, “That’s good. I suspect you’ll receive the invitation letter for the ceremony in a couple of days; it’s expected to be held at the end of January. However, quite a few old geezers will be attending at that time. Professor, you need to be mentally prepared.”
Siles couldn’t help but pause, feeling a bit of a headache. Ultimately, he still nodded calmly and said, “I understand. Thank you for the heads-up, Carol.”
But since Carol mentioned these people, Siles weighed his words for a moment and then asked, “Carol, what I wanted to ask is… do you know anything about Jonathan Bryant?”
Carol was surprised to hear this name—his surprise seemed more like he hadn’t expected Siles to bring up Jonathan Bryant, rather than being surprised by the name itself.
He nodded: “Of course I know him. He’s a well-known…” He hesitated, “Uh, a rather conservative Elder of the History Society.”
Siles looked at him silently.
Carol touched his nose. “Alright, it seems you already know. This Elder’s attitude toward you is indeed not very friendly, but then again, he’s not very friendly toward any young people like you…”
“Is the behind-the-scenes financier of the West District underground gangs you once mentioned this Elder?” Siles asked.
Carol was startled. Instead, he asked in surprise, “Is it this Elder? I’m not very sure myself. But that is indeed a possibility.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then shook his head again. “Anyway, this Elder is already… how should I describe it, getting on in years?”
Siles frowned imperceptibly. “Is his health already that poor?”
This was actually bad news. If Jonathan was already nearing death, then he might take action soon. Yet Siles was still hovering at the periphery of his massive and evil plan.
Carol said, “Elder Bryant’s health has always been rather poor; it’s been this way for three or four years now. However, he has just been pushing through it. Whether it’s Duchy affairs or internal History Society affairs, he refuses to pass them off to others.”
Three or four years ago?
Siles couldn’t help but narrow his eyes.
If Jonathan’s physical condition deteriorated around this time, then the fact that those two children, Mike Lampson and Nona Norrison, picked up some unidentified dangerous items in the West District three years ago seemed too coincidental.
Perhaps at that time, because his health worsened, Jonathan formed the idea of extending his own life?
Siles slowly nodded.
Carol changed the subject, “But generally speaking, this Elder’s focus is more on the Duchy side rather than the History Society. That incident with the Dawn Revelation Society fourteen years ago… because of what happened back then, he also severed ties with certain people in the History Society.”
Siles asked with some confusion, “What exactly happened fourteen years ago? Why did the Grand Duke’s elder brother suddenly disappear?”
“As far as I know,” Carol said with a tone of revealing a secret, “it’s because he had some connections with certain Old God followers from a foreign country, and this was discovered.
“At the time, the Dawn Revelation Society took a very hardline stance, uniting with parts of the History Society’s upper echelon and the Church of the Past, jointly pressuring the previous Grand Duke, believing that such a person should not serve as the next leader of the Duchy of Konst.
“And that person—Ebenezer Konst—should currently be living in exile abroad.”
Siles was surprised to learn this and also found it strange that Carol knew so clearly.
Furthermore, the Dawn Revelation Society uniting with the Church of the Past? This was truly a relationship he hadn’t anticipated. So, was Mr. Xia truly connected to Antinam? Perhaps Mr. Xia was Antinam?
This speculation arose in Siles’s heart.
Carol quickly explained, “The reason I know so clearly is because… well, recently, with the progression of Lamifa City’s development plan, some rumors have been spreading.
“As it happens, I mentioned to you before that I’m already a reserve member of the Elders’ Council. After this winter passes, quite a few Elders will probably plan to retire, so I might just obtain the qualifications to be an Elder.
“Therefore, someone extended an olive branch to me and informed me of some information, especially regarding the upper echelons of the History Society, Dawn Revelation Society, and the Duchy of Konst.”
Saying this, Carol revealed a slightly complex expression.
He said, “Just thinking about how I might also get dragged into these troublesome affairs in the future gives me a headache.”
Siles said, “Don’t you want to resolve these troublesome affairs even more?”
“Perhaps.” Carol was noncommittal, laughing heartily. “There are indeed certain things about the History Society that I can’t stand. Some changes ought to be made.”
Siles also couldn’t help but smile slightly. To be honest, he was looking forward to seeing what changes Carol could bring to the History Society after becoming an Elder—even if they were just minor changes, accumulating them would eventually lead to improvements for the History Society.
As it neared evening, they didn’t chat much longer, separately leaving the History Society. Siles headed to the Fenn household to have dinner with them, learning that Harriet Collens and Louisa Lampson had both agreed to participate in running the shop.
Preparations for opening the shop were also steadily moving forward. Siles had given Dawson Street calling cards to the three ladies so they could enter there, and he also found a suitable processing factory through the merchant Lanmere.
This factory had originally done business related to machinery and had never thought about producing children’s toys.
However, after Lanmere heard Siles describe the products he wanted to make, he figured that an ordinary factory likely wouldn’t be able to meet Siles’s standards, so he recommended a factory with better craftsmanship.
Rubik’s cubes, jigsaw puzzles, building blocks, ragdolls, and so on were already in production. Perhaps the shop could open for business by the end of January.
Of course, Dawson Street was, after all, an underground black market, and its outskirts housed some less-than-respectable businesses. Thus, these three ladies would mainly be engaged in behind-the-scenes management. The actual selling, tending the shop, and similar tasks could simply be handed over to the street urchins of the West District.
It was precisely because of Dawson Street’s unique geographical location that Siles realized ordinary people probably wouldn’t frequently come here to shop. So he proposed a business method—was it possible to let customers order by mail, and then have the goods delivered to their doors?
The Dawson Street shop could serve as a warehouse and experience store.
Conveniently, there was a large number of street children who could act as “couriers.” Perhaps if customers placed an order in the morning, these children could deliver the goods by the afternoon.
Siles even had the advertising slogan ready: “Order by mail, delivered to your door; seven-day no-reason returns, one-year trade-in for a new one.”
…The soul of an Earthling had been deeply branded with the instinct for online shopping.
Lanmere was greatly astonished by this idea, appearing to have completely never thought of such a business model—or rather, this home-delivery method naturally existed, for example, with milkmen, postmen, and so on, but no one had yet thought that ordinary goods could also be sold this way.
Still, Lanmere was indeed somewhat curious about the feasibility of this method.
Right on time, Siles also planned to ask Lanmere to print advertising cards. The first batch of ad cards could tease the shop’s existence, while the second batch would print the ordering address, product list, prices, and so forth. These ad cards could also be distributed by the street children.
These follow-up matters would probably need to be followed up by Mrs. Fenn; Siles himself actually didn’t have much time to look into them. However, Mrs. Fenn seemed highly enthusiastic, and she was also very interested in this home-delivery shopping method.
Bertram Fenn said very considerately, “It seems from now on we can respectfully call Irene ‘Madam Merchant’.”
Irene Fenn felt a little embarrassed by this remark.
After dinner, Siles also learned a piece of news from Anthony. The street urchins in the West District whom he had previously asked to investigate Darwin Hospital, Hubert Fox, and Nanisal had indeed uncovered some information and hoped Siles would visit the West District when he had time.
The next morning, Siles went out with Chendo, heading first to the Ernestine Tavern in the West District. He originally wanted to go alone and have Chendo leave later to wait for him at the Konst National Bank. However, Chendo clearly didn’t want to be left alone like that; he’d rather run around with Siles. Since Chendo wanted to do this, Siles wouldn’t object over such a trivial matter. They took a rented carriage to the West District together.
It was snowing again that day, and Siles felt a rare chill when he left the house in the morning. The gloomy, snowy air made people feel rather uncomfortable.
In the carriage, Chendo played with Siles’s fingers and asked, “So, what do you think they found out?”
Siles thought for a moment and said, “I’m actually more looking forward to what they’ve learned about Nanisal. Nanisal has already been discharged, and I don’t know how he’s doing.”
Before Nanisal was discharged, Siles had given him a warning; however, he couldn’t be sure if the boy had taken it to heart. Moreover, that abacus-like ornament might have come from Jonathan Bryant; but Nanisal’s own identity as the “Holy Child” was an entirely different matter.
During the deep-sea dream, he hadn’t remembered to enter Nanisal’s dream, which would have been another channel for communication; but since the situation was already like this, Siles could only investigate the related matters as much as possible.
Regardless, what first dragged him into this incident was the distant museum guard theft case that occurred last August. Even though the Second Corridor’s investigation had started strong but ended weakly, Siles himself couldn’t truly let it go completely, especially after Nona’s appearance. He hoped to be able to resolve this matter.
At the time, the underground gangs were collecting Time Traces everywhere—no, he should say, ancient items. Back then, they thought someone wanted to do something on the Day of Divine Birth in October, but in reality, they were part of another conspiracy.
After those Time Traces were collected, they might have been tainted with the pollution of Jonathan Bryant—a dying man—and then scattered back everywhere.
…Thinking of it this way, this matter simply induced a belated sense of unease. Siles couldn’t help but wonder, how many Time Traces and items carrying such pollution had appeared in the Revelator-related markets recently?
They arrived at the Ernestine Tavern at nine in the morning.
Chendo went inside the tavern to sit and wait for Siles, while Siles went to the nearby low houses to meet with Jimmy.
“Good morning, sir,” Jimmy said. “I didn’t expect you to come so quickly.”
Siles replied, “I happened to have some free time. So, what did you all find?”
“First is Darwin Hospital,” Jimmy said, glancing out the window.
Most houses in the West District were relatively short, at most five or six stories. Therefore, taller buildings appeared particularly striking. Darwin Hospital was one of them. From here, they could see that drab hospital in the distance.
Jimmy said, “Darwin Hospital… My impression of this hospital is not very good. You know, we are all street urchins; if we get sick, no one cares. Therefore, occasionally when that hospital held free consultations, we would go get checked. But even if something was actually diagnosed, we didn’t have the money to buy medicine—it’s different now. Because of the money you gave.
“Usually, every winter, some of us would freeze or starve to death, but not this year. We’re actually much healthier. I really thank you for this.
“…Anyway, there was once a girl who wandered with us. Last year, she caught a cold. We happened to have a little money on hand, so we pooled it together for her to see a doctor. As a result… instead, because she took the medicine from Darwin Hospital, she acted as if…
“…as if she went mad. She attacked us crazily, cursed at us, didn’t want to come into contact with us, and then ran away. The next day, we found her body in the Kanla River. We didn’t know what happened… we buried her body near the Kanla River.
“I’ve also heard some other stories about children taking medicine from Darwin Hospital and not only not getting better, but their illnesses becoming even more severe. I also know some children recovered. But… no matter what, we have a bad impression of Darwin Hospital.”
As he spoke, Jimmy pursed his lips, looking as if he was suppressing his emotions. On the one hand, he had a deep prejudice against Darwin Hospital; on the other hand, he was trying hard to suppress this negative emotion because he didn’t want Siles’s judgment to be clouded by his feelings.
…This child is truly exceptionally intelligent, Siles thought.
Siles then asked, “That girl… what medicine was she prescribed at the time?”
Jimmy’s eyes immediately widened: “It was… it was that doctor you mentioned, Hubert Fox. We investigated and asked the other children who accompanied that girl to see the doctor at the time. We compared the portraits of the doctors hanging in the hospital—don’t worry, we didn’t ask anyone in the hospital. We confirmed it was this doctor who treated her and prescribed the medicine. That medicine drove her mad.”
Siles frowned slightly and said, “This kind of thing doesn’t seem uncommon? Since that’s the case, wasn’t that doctor punished in any way?”
Jimmy shook his head slowly. He couldn’t help but say, “But those who die are street urchins like us, or children from poor families. Even if they die, who would go to the hospital to protest?
“They would only think it’s because the child was weak, or unlucky, or ran into some other trouble. The adults are busy making money. Even if they are truly very sad and heartbroken… but that’s Darwin Hospital.
“Big shots from the East District stand behind that hospital; everyone knows this. What does it matter if one or two children are treated to death? At least they cure the vast majority of patients.
“…And no one knew they might be malicious. I mean, sir, before you asked us to investigate Darwin Hospital, we were only frustrated because this hospital failed to cure that girl. We never thought that the hospital might have been… doing it on purpose.”
Jimmy’s voice trembled, and his trailing words fell silently, just as that girl had died silently on a cold, uncared-for winter night.
Siles felt a heavy emotion and sighed inwardly. He asked, “We will figure everything out. Is there any other information regarding this hospital and that doctor?”
Jimmy said, “There is one thing… I’m not sure if it’s important, but I still want to tell you. Every few months, Darwin Hospital distributes some…”
He frowned, not knowing how to say it.
“People say it’s charitable donations, but those things are a bit too personal. Clothes, shoes, and socks are one thing, but towels, handkerchiefs, even used, unwashed bedsheets and pillowcases… those things are all donated. I always feel that the big shots in the East District treat the West District like a garbage dump.”
Jimmy muttered softly, looking quite dissatisfied with this.
Siles couldn’t help but narrow his eyes. He asked, “Besides these things, are there any other… items?”
Jimmy shook his head, but then added, “These things are free; some people rush to grab them, then take them home, wash them, and use them. But occasionally, the West District has some… larger-scale charity events?
“I’m not sure how to describe it. These charity events are sponsored by certain institutions and organizations, including Darwin Hospital. But I’ve never been to that kind of place; I’m too young. I’ve only heard older vagrants talk about it. It’s more like a flea market, where items are categorized, and the prices are very affordable. They are items donated by some people… equivalent to a second-hand market? It’s held about twice a year.”
Siles nodded slowly. This kind of charity event sounded relatively normal, but if some abnormal items were mixed in, it would be troublesome—he suddenly realized, perhaps the History Society’s Second Corridor would know more about this? Of course, this wasn’t his primary focus right now.
“I understand, Jimmy,” Siles said. “So, did you find out anything about Nanisal?”
Jimmy nodded and said, “Nanisal… he wandered in the West District for a while before, but not with us. He always kept to himself and didn’t really partner up with anyone. Later we heard he found his family and disappeared. That seems to have happened last summer. Before that, my understanding of him was that he was originally a resident of the West District.
“His parents died a year or two ago, seemingly due to an accident; I’m not entirely clear on the specifics because Nanisal never talked to anyone about his affairs. We don’t know how he survived on his own either. However, when I was asking around for news about Nanisal, a girl told me she once saw Nanisal together with Bourne—you know, that vagrant Bourne.”
Nanisal and Bourne? Siles was slightly taken aback.
The vagrant Bourne was a mysterious figure who stood in opposition to Antinam and the Church of the Past. His sudden, mysterious connection with Nanisal surprised Siles.
Because didn’t Mr. Xia leave a Fate Card with Nanisal? If Nanisal was on Bourne’s side, how could Mr. Xia use Nanisal to prompt Siles? These two factions were diametrically opposed.
Perhaps Nanisal had no connection to the matters behind Bourne, and was merely seen with him due to a chance encounter while wandering? However, this explanation hardly put Siles at ease, because the vagrant Bourne himself was a dangerous individual.
Since Bourne was mentioned, Siles took the opportunity to ask, “Have you encountered Bourne again since then?”
Jimmy shook his head.
Siles felt a hint of regret. He couldn’t help but think this vagrant Bourne was truly elusive. Yet in reality, he stood faintly behind this case, appearing from time to time.
Mike Lampson died on the banks of the Kanla River, and Bourne had also appeared at the Kanla River at that time; Nanisal Bryant was called the Holy Child, and he had come into contact with Bourne while wandering. Was he also connected to this case? If so, what was his goal? Did he possess more information than Siles?
This bothered Siles.
Afterward, he exchanged a few more words with Jimmy, and after confirming Jimmy had no other information, thanked him.
Jimmy froze for a moment, then hurriedly waved his hands. “You don’t need to thank me. I’ve always felt you are more than kind enough. I’ve never met a kind-hearted person like you.”
Siles smiled slightly and said, “I’m just doing what I can.” He then changed the subject, “By the end of January, that shop might be able to open for business.
“There are three ladies managing the shop behind the scenes; one of them is Anthony’s mother. So, if you need to contact them, you can go directly to 13 Milford Street and contact the landlady, Mrs. Collens; she is another lady involved in the management.
“Your main task is to tend the shop. Usually, a rotation of two or three people will do; when the time comes, you’ll need to memorize the prices of the goods. Additionally, you will need to distribute ad cards and help deliver the ordered goods to the respective addresses.”
Jimmy nodded silently, memorizing these things. Hearing the last part, he couldn’t help but pause in surprise. “Sir, this is my first time hearing of such a method. Some milkmen are responsible for delivering the milk people order to their homes, but for these kinds of goods… I’ve never heard of it.”
Siles thought to himself that one could never underestimate the power of laziness.
He said, “This is more convenient. After all, you know what kind of place Dawson Street is. Ordinary people probably wouldn’t want to go there, and might not even be able to get in. So, we can have interested customers order by mail, and then we’ll deliver to their doors; all they have to do is wait at home.”
Jimmy pondered this for a moment, then said, “It sounds like a more complicated process.”
Siles didn’t deny this, but still said, “It’s just an attempt.”
Jimmy nodded earnestly.
Having finished discussing this, Siles checked the time and said, “I have to go, Jimmy.”
“Alright, sir. By the way, is there anything else you need us to help with?” Jimmy asked earnestly.
Siles thought for a moment and suddenly said, “There is indeed one thing. You guys are quite familiar with the underground gangs, right?”
Jimmy froze for a second, then said hesitantly, “Fairly… familiar, I guess?” He paused, then added, “Those people in the underground gangs don’t really look highly upon us kids, so if we run around randomly, they won’t pay much attention.”
Siles understood. He weighed his words, then said, “I might need you to look for a place. I’m not entirely sure exactly what this place looks like, but it’s in the West District and has some connection to the underground gangs. It’s very likely near the Kanla River. The only description I know of this place is that it’s ‘very bright and very dark’.”
Jimmy said in confusion, “‘Very bright and very dark’?”
He looked a bit baffled.
Siles nodded and urged, “No need to rush; just look for it slowly. Your own safety must come first.”
Besides, today was January 11. Siles would enter the deep-sea dream again tonight; he could check Nona’s exact location from the lake in the pasture, although he wasn’t sure how much that planet map could be magnified, or how clear and three-dimensional it would be.
However, since he had met Jimmy today, a two-pronged approach was also a good idea. These children knew the West District better and more deeply than he did.
“I understand, sir,” Jimmy said. “See you next time.”
“See you next time, Jimmy.”
Siles walked out of the low house and took a breath, feeling the biting winter air permeate his lungs. He was just planning to head to the Ernestine Tavern to find Chendo when a call came from afar.
“Professor Noel!” The person walking over from the distance was none other than Detective Jon, who greeted Siles very enthusiastically, “I didn’t expect to run into you in the West District again.”
Siles was also quite surprised. He looked at Jon with some astonishment and said, “Good morning—we meet in the West District again.”
Jon smiled and nodded, saying, “I’m here this time to investigate a client’s commission. I was just planning to go to the Ernestine Tavern; I have some things to ask them.”
“I see,” Siles said. “I am also investigating something.”
As he said this, he thought that Jon seemed to have sensed the suspicion in his heart. This was already their second chance encounter in the West District; it always seemed a bit too coincidental, as if Jon were deliberately meeting him. However, Jon specifically explained what he was doing, seemingly to stop Siles from getting suspicious. This was indeed a coincidence, not deliberate.
…He thought, as expected of a character card with 86 Psychology.
Jon stopped with interest and asked, “What are you investigating?” He thought for a moment, then added, “By the way, last time you mentioned needing to use the Trace Tracking ritual; was that because of what you’re investigating?”
Siles nodded. He thought that since Jon was a detective, he likely also knew some relevant information, so he carefully revealed some things related to Darwin Hospital.
Of course, he didn’t mention Nona, Nanisal, and so on; he spoke of Mrs. Lampson’s commission. The death of Mike Lampson indeed had a faint connection to Darwin Hospital.
He started from meeting Mr. and Mrs. Lampson in the Ashless Lands, mentioned Mike’s death and his illness, and finally mentioned that by using an object-finding ritual, he learned that the final location of the lost item was Darwin Hospital.
…Of course, he hadn’t actually used the magnifying glass Time Trace that Jon provided. But there was no need to tell Jon that.
Jon listened to him in surprise, nodding thoughtfully.
After Siles finished, he finally said:
“How interesting. Professor, it seems I’m unexpectedly investigating the same thing as you.”
Siles was surprised to learn this.
Jon said, “In the East District, there is a… I can’t go into too much detail, but anyway, a child from a wealthy family was treated at Darwin Hospital and unexpectedly died. They believed the child’s death was connected to Darwin Hospital, so they commissioned me to investigate.
“I did investigate the Darwin Hospital in the East District, but found that this kind of incident is extremely rare. However, during the investigation, I discovered that the Darwin Hospital in the West District actually had some rather bad rumors surrounding it.
“Therefore, I decided to come to the West District to take a look. The Ernestine Tavern is a well-informed place; perhaps I can find something there, or hear the latest rumors.”
Siles suddenly understood.
He wondered, did something happen at the Darwin Hospital in the East District too? Was it an unintentional coincidence, or… was the Darwin Hospital in the East District also conducting some kind of experiment?
Based on the information Nona had provided earlier, this research was indeed not limited to the one location where Nona was. But whether those were other branches of Darwin Hospital was also a question.
After all, the West District and the East District were quite different. The West District easily attracted nobles and big shots; Siles believed the actions of the mastermind were always relatively low-key and secretive.
…Even though they were indeed becoming increasingly crazy.
Jon then continued, “Let me share my investigation results with you. As far as I know, Darwin Hospital is jointly sponsored by multiple nobles, merchants, and Duchy ministers, and has always had an excellent reputation.
“However, starting roughly three years ago, the hospital’s reputation has somewhat… declined. It seems quite a few doctors left Darwin Hospital to take positions at other hospitals, and some patients or their families are very dissatisfied with Darwin Hospital.
“Overall, Darwin Hospital remains a popular hospital in the city. By the way, this is the only hospital that is unwilling to provide medicinal prescriptions to patients; they claim their formulas must remain confidential.
“Some patients would ask the hospital for a prescription, then go to a pharmacy to buy the medicine or herbs themselves; but Darwin Hospital is never willing to give them out. They only allow patients to go to them, believing that other hospitals and pharmacies are undesirable.”
Siles nodded and couldn’t help but say, “This is the first time I’ve heard of this. It seems there might be a problem with their formulas.”
“People didn’t think so previously,” Jon said. “People always felt that it might be because Darwin Hospital truly possessed some special miracle drug, which is why they were unwilling to give a clear prescription.”
Siles nodded, then shook his head. “I had someone buy medicine from Darwin Hospital, and that medicine…” He considered his words, “The other ingredients should be fine, but it has the smell of blood.”
“Blood?” Jon was surprised to learn this. “That’s not a normal medicinal ingredient.”
Siles nodded in agreement.
Jon then said, “In that case, we can go to the Ernestine Tavern together and have a look. Maybe we can get some information there.”
“Alright,” Siles said first, then suddenly remembered something. “By the way, Jon, did you also investigate the Darrow family massacre?”
Jon paused and said, “That’s true… Oh, I understand; you heard about it from Maynard, didn’t you?”
“Yes,” Siles nodded. “I learned that you found the Marigold Cup? If possible, could you let me see it? I had some connection with one of the deceased.”
He couldn’t speak too plainly; after all, Jon didn’t seem to look favorably upon the History Society, so Siles simply concealed his actual connection with Brewer.
“Of course you can!” Jon immediately agreed, smiling, “This case has also been troubling me. Speaking of which, perhaps I can even get some relevant clues from you?”
Siles was about to reply when a voice interrupted him: “Siles?”
It was Chendo.
Siles subconsciously looked up and saw Chendo walking out of the Ernestine Tavern and coming up to them. Chendo looked at Jon, slightly narrowed his eyes, and then, as if no one else was around, reached out and took Siles’s hand.
He said, “I figured you shouldn’t have taken this long to arrive, so I came out to take a look.” His wording very astutely covered up the fact that Siles had just met with Jimmy.
Chendo looked at Jon again: “Chendo Praia. You are?”
“Hello, unfamiliar sir.” Jon looked at Chendo with some curiosity and introduced himself, “I am Jon Mansfield, a detective.”
“A detective? A young… detective?” Chendo said in a quiet tone, then glanced at Siles again and said, “I’ve heard much about you.”
“A young detective?” Jon was slightly taken aback, saying with some confusion, “I don’t think I… count as young anymore?”
He added jokingly, “Is this meant as a compliment?”
Siles: “…”
He remained silent for a moment, thinking, Jon, you’d better just stop talking.
Finally, he took the initiative to interlock fingers with Chendo, hoping to stop his childish lover from secretly being jealous. He then said, “Let’s go chat inside the tavern.”
