Commission from Hazel and Selection of Temporary Base

Because it was built along a mountainside, most of the houses in Gulain City were constructed along winding roads. In places where the terrain flattened out, plazas or markets were established.

As Ebner walked through the city, he noticed that the description in the original novel was accurate—there were not many carriages on the streets, and one could only occasionally see one or two.

The most popular mode of transportation here was the "coffin," a vehicle unique to the East Balam region. This custom stemmed from the worship of the God of Death, as coffins were considered items that brought peace and tranquility.

Therefore, in Gulain, the mainstream means of transportation were "black, sliding-cover, lightweight, and breathable coffins" carried by two people, four people, eight people, or drawn by horses or horned goats...

After wandering for a while, Ebner soon spotted a house that met his requirements. Observing invisibly for a while, he concluded:

"The area is spacious, but the household population is small, with few servants. Much space is wasted, especially the basement wine cellar... With a little rearrangement of those randomly placed wine barrels, there would be enough room to set up a 'Teleportation Altar,' and it would be well hidden...

"However, although this place is good, there might be an even better option... There's still plenty of time, so I might as well look around a bit more. After all, it's always better to compare choices…"

As he stood there contemplating, a four-person-carried coffin happened to be set down by the roadside.

When the lid was opened, the passenger lying inside stood up and stepped out—a North Continental-style gentleman dressed in a white shirt and black waistcoat.

This gentleman kept his formal coat draped over his arm until he stepped out of the coffin and put it on.

Then, Ebner watched as this brown-haired, slightly wavy gentleman walked straight towards the house he had been eyeing and was warmly welcomed by his wife and daughter.

He must be a husband and father returning from a business trip… However, coming home directly from a coffin does create a rather strange sense of incongruity… Ebner quipped inwardly before continuing his journey to "freely acquire housing."

...

Backlund. After protecting Reporter Mike and ensuring the interview with Daisy and Liv's family was completed, Klein had just returned to Minsk Street when he saw Dr. Allen waiting at his doorstep.

In the past few days, Klein had accompanied the doctor in search of a boy named Will Auceptin, only to discover that the child had already passed away and his family had long since moved away.

This matter should have ended there, but Allen had a nightmare that night. In the dream, a silver-white serpent appeared, and the boy named "Will" was calling for help.

Through Klein's meticulous "deduction," he realized the nightmare likely originated from an origami crane that Will had given to Allen before his death.

After entering the dream to investigate, Klein discovered that the matter might involve a struggle between two "Silver Serpents." To prevent Allen from being harmed, he stealthily swapped Allen's crane with one he folded himself.

Last night, the Nighthawks also entered Klein's dream to inquire about the matter. After he informed them about the crane, the "Nightmare" left happily.

As Klein recalled these events, Allen eagerly pulled out his wallet, took out an origami crane, and said:

"Sherlock, I had that nightmare again last night. I don't think this is normal.

"Do you think it could be because of this?

"Ever since I started carrying it with me, I've been having these dreams."

Klein glanced at it nonchalantly, but his expression froze. If not for his experience as a "Clown" and his superb facial muscle control, he might have laughed outright in front of the doctor.

This… this crane is even uglier than mine… Is this a traditional craft among the Nighthawks—bad origami skills? This was Klein's first thought.

Without a doubt, this origami crane was swapped again. After getting the relevant information from Klein, the Nighthawks must have snuck into Allen's bedroom last night and switched the crane.

The operation was flawless… but the craftsmanship left much to be desired… Klein shook his head slightly, carefully chose his words to comfort Allen, and persuaded him to speak with the bishop. Afterward, he made the sign of the triangular holy symbol across his chest.

Allen calmed down after hearing the suggestion and nodded in agreement:

"That makes sense… I'll go see the bishop now."

After Allen hurriedly left, Klein sighed, quickened his pace, and pulled out the key to open his door.

Before entering, he habitually checked his mailbox and found another letter inside.

Who sent this? Klein pulled out the letter and glanced at it in the light of the sunset filtering through the fog.

No stamp… The handwriting is elegant and somewhat familiar… Huh? This seems to be from Miss Hazel of the Harvest Church… Why would she write to me? And how did she send it?

But Klein quickly figured it out.

He had previously brought the vampire homebody Emlyn to prepare medicine for his neighbor, Mrs. Doris. At that time, his address had been exposed…

So Emlyn acted as the courier?

Nodding thoughtfully, Klein went inside, locked the door, and put on the "Nightmare Badge" before opening the letter. The badge granted faint night vision, saving him the trouble of turning on the light.

As expected, the letter was signed by Miss Hazel Macht. The contents were brief—she invited him to meet at the Harvest Church tomorrow evening for a commission.

Klein held the letter, pondered for a while, then returned to his bedroom, reversed four steps, entered the world above the gray fog, manifested his pendulum, and recited:

"Will meeting Miss Hazel at the Harvest Church tomorrow bring danger?"

After repeating it seven times, he opened his eyes and saw the citrine pendant rotating counterclockwise.

No danger… It seems to be a normal commission… But Miss Hazel is the daughter of a Lower House Member, wealthy, and backed by the Earth Mother Church… What could she possibly need a small detective like me for?

Could it be… she wants me to catch "Mr. Tower" cheating?

But "Mr. Tower" seems to be in Bayam right now—that's a bit far…

Klein couldn't help but let his imagination run wild.

...

Southern Continent, Gulain City, Upper Lip District, Tooth Street No. 22

As the sun began to set, Ebner, after circling around this mountain city for a while, returned to the house he had initially chosen. Despite his prolonged search, he hadn't found a better option.

Having made up his mind, Ebner concealed his figure, simulated the ability to "open doors," and boldly walked into the entrance hall.

Before stepping inside, he glanced back at the plaque on the door. It was written in both Loen and Dutan languages:

"House of Wall."

(End of Chapter)