September 17, 1882
The carriage moved through the city.
Dirt gave way to stone, and the steady rhythm of hooves echoed as the carriage entered the city grounds, leaving the farmlands behind.
"You said that you wanted to finish the interrogation as quickly as possible because you had something to tell me, right? What is it?" Antonio questioned.
"Well, I wanted to tell you right away… it's about Lucien Graves," Austin answered hesitantly.
"Lucien Graves? Did he finally make his move?"
"Not quite. He has accepted your request for a meeting, and the date he gave is today."
"Why didn't you tell me about this beforehand? What time did he give?" Antonio questioned in an annoyed tone.
"Well, you immediately left to meet Thomas after you read the file, and I thought it would be fine since the meeting is in the evening."
Antonio let out a sigh.
"I understand. It's my fault for not listening to you properly. I'm sorry."
"It's fine, sir. It's my fault as well for not conveying it to you immediately," Austin said with a soft smile.
"So, where is this meeting?"
"At his main guild building."
Antonio instructed the carriage driver to head toward the main guild building of Graves Mercantile.
***
The carriage slowed as it approached the building.
Unlike the scattered shops of the market, this structure stood apart—taller, broader, its stone façade polished, with tall windows lining the front.
The carriage came to a halt.
A brass plaque beside the entrance read:
Graves Mercantile
Antonio stepped out first, lifting his gaze to briefly take in the building.
Austin stepped down behind him, glancing up as well.
The moment they stepped inside, the difference was clear.
Quiet.
Not the kind of silence born from emptiness—but control.
Men moved through the halls without wasting a second. Papers were exchanged in an instant, as if it had become a daily habit.
Antonio's eyes moved across the space.
"…Well organized," he said.
Austin leaned slightly closer.
"Or well controlled, in my opinion."
A man approached them before they could move further.
"May I assist you?" he asked.
Antonio reached into his coat and briefly presented his identification.
"Blackthorn Investigation Department. We're here to meet Mr. Lucien Graves."
The man's expression changed immediately.
"Of course. This way… please."
They were led up a staircase.
The sound of their steps grew louder as the surroundings became quieter, indicating that they were close to their destination.
At the far end, the man stopped.
He knocked twice.
A pause.
"Enter."
The voice from inside was calm.
"Sir, I've brought the officers as you instructed."
"Good," Lucien said. "Welcome, Mr. Holmes and Mr…"
"Austin Farmer," Austin said with a hint of annoyance.
"Yes, welcome. Please take a seat. I believe you've been wanting to meet me."
"Oh, well of course. You are quite a famous figure yourself, Mr. Graves," Antonio said sarcastically.
"It's nothing much," Lucien replied, laughing it off.
"What do you mean? There are reasons a person becomes famous, after all," Antonio said, his gaze sharpening with a smug smile.
Lucien observed Antonio intently for a moment before answering.
"You're right. So, why have you been seeking my attention, Mr. Holmes?"
"Let's skip the basics, shall we? You're a merchant yourself—you already know why I am here."
"Haha—You're right. So let me ask again. Why do you think I am the one who orchestrated the murder of Evan Brundestter?" Lucien's voice turned cold as he asked the question.
"It's just a matter of perspective, Mr. Graves. And right now, from the perspective of everything, you are the only one my eyes land on."
"Well, it is true that I hold a grudge against Cedric for the cheap tricks he used, but that doesn't mean I'll harm an innocent person for it."
"Oh, don't worry—even I believe that you wouldn't harm an innocent civilian who provides you with no benefits whatsoever. But isn't it a different matter when it comes to an innocent person with benefits?"
"What are you trying to imply here, Mr. Holmes?" Lucien's eyes darkened.
"I think the implication is pretty clear. It's just that you are pretending to be a fool."
"And if I do act like I understand what you mean, what does that change?"
"Well, the goal becomes clearer," Antonio answered with a faint smile.
"What kind of goal are we talking about here?"
"I need information on who might've committed the murder. I have no interest in the orchestrator."
"How does that matter to me? What am I to gain from that? And what are you to gain from it as well?"
"Truth, Mr. Graves. I'll give you one single truth behind your downfall that occurred because of Cedric. And what I intend to gain is just one simple thing—fame. Fame is everything that I desire. To build a reputation."
"For a detective, you are quite a simple man."
"Aren't we all, Mr. Graves?"
Lucien observed Antonio with a knowing look.
"We sure are. But what is this about some kind of truth?"
"You heard right. Don't you want to know what happened to the evidence that you gathered against Cedric? Don't you want to know the person responsible behind it?"
Lucien frowned. It was clear as day that he was intrigued by Antonio's proposal.
After a moment of thought, Lucien opened a drawer and pulled out a black envelope sealed with red wax.
Austin frowned briefly but regained his composure quickly.
"I believe that your father must have one as well. But since it's not something you can simply ask him for, take this."
Antonio narrowed his eyes.
"What is this? Some kind of invitation?"
"Yes—and also the place where you'll find the answers you're looking for. It's an invitation to a gathering of politicians, merchants, nobles, and other shady people. There, you should look for a person named Gray Watcher."
'Gray Watcher? A familiar name. Didn't expect to hear it from him, though.'
"A gathering, huh. Quite a headache you've handed over to me," Antonio said while observing the letter.
"That is up to you to deal with."
"I see, the—"
"One moment, sir." Austin intervened.
Both of them turned their attention towards him.
"What is it, Austin? Something you want to ask?" Antonio questioned, observing him keenly.
"Yes, I do have a question that I've been meaning to ask."
Lucien frowned, confused by the sudden interruption.
"Well, go ahead," Antonio said, sliding the letter into his coat pocket.
"What do you want to ask me about, Mr… Farmer, if I remember correctly?" Lucien asked with a smug smile.
"Well, there is something I've been curious about, Mr. Graveyard."
Antonio let out a soft chuckle, doing a poor job of hiding it.
The room went silent. Anger flashed across Lucien's face, but he restrained himself.
"Is there something that you don't agree with?" Lucien asked, observing Austin intently.
"Well, for starters, would you like to tell us how you acquired such information? Because I'm sure the information you provided isn't freely available on the streets—especially not about a murder." Austin said, folding his arms.
"Is there a reason for me to reveal something like that to you?" Lucien answered, almost mocking him.
"Why not? We have quite a lot of evidence against you—and not to mention, the one you just handed over with your own hands."
Antonio watched the exchange, clearly amused.
"Is that something I should be afraid of?"
"If you don't want your already damaged reputation to collapse further, then yes—you should be afraid," Austin replied with a faint smile.
Lucien began tapping the table repeatedly, visibly stressed and irritated.
Antonio remained silent, already having guessed the outcome.
"Gray Watcher."
Both Antonio and Austin turned toward Lucien instantly.
"I used to work with him. Now, if you've gotten your answer, give me my truth."
"Of course, Mr. Graves. All I have to say is that you should be careful of the crocodiles hidden in the river. They can grab your neck anytime you go to quench your thirst."
"Explain in simpler terms," Lucien said, annoyed.
"I'm sorry. I wasn't aware that you didn't understand the meaning of a traitor."
"A traitor?"
"Yes—a traitor. Someone who might've been really close to you. It may be someone you met long ago, someone who has stayed with you for years… or someone you met a few months ago but got close to very quickly."
Silence settled between them.
And this time—
No one broke it immediately.
After a while, Antonio stood up.
"I think it's about time we head back. I believe both of us have gotten satisfactory answers."
"Ah, I got so lost in our conversation that I didn't notice the time at all. I wish you safe travels. I'll have someone escort you out."
"Thank you, but it's fine. We'll leave on our own," Antonio said, shaking Lucien's hand.
Both Antonio and Austin took their leave without further exchange.
Lucien watched them walk away, his gaze fixed on them until they disappeared.
"You know, sir… I don't think I can get used to these merchants changing their colours like a chameleon," Austin said with a deep sigh.
"Eh, you'll get it one day."