"The Detectives Behind the Masks"
Suddenly—
The police station door opened.
A tall man and a woman entered.
Both wore black suits.
Their faces were hidden behind masks and dark glasses.
The man spoke calmly.
"May we come in?"
Everyone turned toward them.
Police Head Yorvin narrowed his eyes.
"And who exactly are you two?"
"Judging by those suits and masks... you look like agents."
The man replied smoothly,
"Not agents."
"Detectives."
Yorvin crossed his arms.
"Which branch?"
Mr. Waylv suddenly noticed the badge on their suits.
His eyes widened.
He quickly grabbed Yorvin's shoulder.
"Sir... they're from OEDD."
"The Organization of Elite Detective Dealers."
At once—
Yorvin stood straight and saluted.
Mr. Waylv did the same.
"Our apologies, Sir, Ma'am."
"We failed to recognize you sooner."
The man and woman stepped inside.
Their masks still covered most of their faces.
Only one eye remained visible—
the woman's right eye,
and the man's left.
Mr. Waylv quickly pulled chairs forward.
"Please... have a seat."
They sat down.
The man gestured casually.
"You all may sit too."
"We came regarding a case."
"But first... introductions."
"I am EJ010."
The woman spoke next.
"And I am EH020."
Yorvin slowly sat.
"Oh... then you two are PCO."
"Partnership Couple Officers?"
The man gave a low chuckle.
"Close."
"Partnership Couple Detectives."
"You figured that out from our code names?"
Yorvin nodded.
"Your numbers are 010 and 020."
"Both begin with zero."
"That marks a partnership unit."
"Solo members only carry two-digit codes."
Suire raised a hand slightly.
"But Sir... what happens if there are more than a hundred members someday?"
"Would someone become code 100?"
Mr. Waylv answered before anyone else.
"That never happens."
"OEDD has a strict limit of ninety-nine members."
"They choose members carefully."
"Out of one hundred million Detective Dealers..."
"Only ten become Elite each year."
"And ten Elites are removed."
"When stronger members rise, weaker ones fall."
"That is why the number has never crossed ninety-nine."
The man smiled beneath his mask.
"You know a lot, Mr. WV01."
Yorvin turned sharply.
"Mr. Waylv... that was your code name?"
Mr. Waylv's face darkened.
"Yes."
"It was."
"My code name... when I was an Elite."
He looked down, clenching his fist.
Yorvin frowned.
"Then how do you know him?"
The man leaned back in his chair.
"How could I not?"
"He was Elite Number 99."
"The highest-ranked Elite."
"He solved over six hundred and fifty unsolved cases."
"Enough."
Mr. Waylv's voice turned sharp.
The room fell silent.
Sumie, Ruden, Suire, Yorvin, and even the guards stared at him.
Mr. Waylv exhaled slowly.
"...Excuse me."
"I need some air."
He walked outside into the narrow lane beside the station.
He lit a cigarette.
Smoke rose into the evening sky.
"Ridiculous..."
Suddenly—
The woman detective stepped into the lane.
"You really haven't changed."
"Still angry with him, Mr. H00?"
Mr. Waylv's eyes turned cold.
He straightened and faced her.
"And how would you know what I'm feeling?"
"And who exactly are you?"
The woman gave a faint smirk.
"You'll find out when the time is right."
She turned and walked back inside.
Mr. Waylv stared at the empty spot where she had stood.
Then gave a mocking smile.
"Angry? Me...?"
He crushed the cigarette and returned.
—
Inside the station—
EJ010 had listened to Yorvin's explanation about Lamia Castle.
"Hm..."
"After hearing all that..."
"This is no ordinary case."
"And it's only going to get worse."
Sumie stepped forward in tears.
"Please..."
"Find our son first."
Ruden gently held her shoulders.
EH020 stood beside EJ010.
EJ010 looked at Ruden.
"Your son's name is Jeigan, correct?"
Ruden nodded.
"Yes."
"He is our son."
EJ010's tone sharpened.
"Then he's the true target."
EH020 placed a hand on his shoulder.
EJ010 paused, understanding her silent signal.
"...Fine."
"I'll leave finding him to you."
Without a word, EH020 turned and left the station.
Mr. Waylv was just entering as she passed him.
She smiled beneath her mask.
"Solve this case..."
"And perhaps you can prove yourself."
Mr. Waylv turned back with a cold expression.
"Worry about yourself."
She kept walking.
—
Yorvin looked around.
"Where did your partner go?"
EJ010 waved casually.
"Relax."
"She's gone to hunt."
Then he leaned forward.
"Now then..."
"Would you like to hear some secrets about Mr. Waylv?"
Yorvin leaned closer.
Suire and Ruden did the same.
"Go on..."
Sumie glared at Ruden.
Just as EJ010 was about to speak—
The door opened.
Mr. Waylv entered.
His expression was calm.
Cold.
Unreadable.
"I believe OEDD rules clearly state..."
"That no detective may reveal another person's private data to outsiders."
Yorvin stared at him.
The man who once acted like a clown now felt completely different.
EJ010 laughed awkwardly.
"Haha... relax."
"I was only joking."
Yorvin coughed and changed the subject.
"Right."
"Mr. Ruden, Ms. Sumie..."
"Please don't worry."
"Our forces are already searching for your son."
"You may return home for now."
"I'll assign four guards to escort you."
"And once he is found, we'll call you back immediately."
Ruden nodded.
"Understood, Sir."
Sumie was still crying softly.
Ruden supported her as they slowly left the station.
Suire stood as well.
She walked near the exit and looked at the evening sky.
"It's already evening..."
"I should go too."
Yorvin nodded.
"Of course, Ms. Suire."
"I'll send four guards with you as well."
"And... there is an important task I'd like to entrust to you."
Suire turned back.
"What kind of task?"