Mission Accomplished! (update)

Kiramann Manor, Library.

Link sat at a table, surrounded by stacks of books.

After securing an interview with Caitlyn, he had mustered the courage to ask for access to the Kiramann family library.

Caitlyn had granted his request.

And now, Link was like a wolf let loose in a sheep pen. He devoured every piece of knowledge and skill stored in the Kiramann library.

The library held books on humanities, geography, economics, politics, mechanics, and more.

But with the memorial service attack looming in two and a half days, Link focused on mechanical engineering.

In just a few hours, he had absorbed the contents of dozens of books.

With the Cursed by Knowledge talent, his learning and comprehension abilities were limitless.

The intense studying left him exhilarated, trembling, and utterly captivated.

He loved the feeling of unraveling mysteries and engaging in silent conversations with the minds of the past.

It was intoxicating.

"You really love books, don't you?"

A husky voice broke his concentration. Link looked up to see Caitlyn approaching, holding a lantern.

Vi followed closely behind, like a loyal guard.

Thinking about the complicated relationship between Vi and Caitlyn in the original story, Link wasn't surprised by Vi's presence.

After all, he was here to fulfill a request from another timeline's Cassandra Kiramann. He had no interest in Caitlyn's personal life.

"Sorry for the mess," Link said, setting down The Ergonomics of Firearms.

The table was indeed a disaster, with books piled haphazardly like a mountain range. The floor was littered with finished volumes.

He looked like a mouse that had stumbled into a grain silo, surrounded by its treasure.

"It's fine. The maids will clean it up," Caitlyn said, shaking her head.

Vi picked up a book from the table—Clockwork Engineering.

Her lips twitched as she realized this wasn't her area of expertise. She quickly put it back.

"If you enjoy reading, I'd be happy to give you a library card. You can come here anytime to read or borrow books."

Caitlyn glanced at the book Vi had put down. She was well-versed in criminal investigation and firearms, but clockwork tech? That was beyond her.

It wasn't for everyone.

And besides, everyone had their strengths.

There was no need to torture herself with something she couldn't grasp.

"Thank you so much!" Link's face lit up.

His talent meant he had to keep learning and improving to achieve anything.

He wasn't like those protagonists in novels who could instantly master anything with a shout of "Deep Blue, add points!"

For him, steady progress was the way to go.

"Shall we start the interview?" Caitlyn gave Link a look, and he quickly stood up, carefully navigating the sea of books.

He grabbed his notebook, pen, and camera.

"Of course."

As Link got ready, Vi brought over three chairs.

The three of them sat in a triangle formation, and Link tapped his notebook with his pen.

"First question: How do you view your mother, Caitlyn?"

Caitlyn froze. Though she kept telling herself to accept her mother's death, the question hit her like a sudden downpour, drenching her in sorrow.

Vi's jaw tightened, her eyes narrowing as her fingers twitched.

"If you'd rather not answer, we can skip it," Link said quickly.

Why had he brought it up?

To complete his mission, of course.

A grieving yet resilient Caitlyn would surely touch the heart of the Cassandra Kiramann from another timeline.

As for whether it was underhanded—

Well, he was already begging across parallel universes. A little manipulation was nothing.

It was all for the sake of fulfilling his promise.

"No," Caitlyn said, placing a hand on Vi's clenched fist. She looked up, her eyes red.

"To me, my mother wasn't just 'Mom.' She was my role model, my guiding light, the one who inspired me to keep moving forward."

"Even though she tried to plan my future, she always supported my choices. I'll never forget that."

"Councilor Kiramann was a remarkable mother," Link said softly, jotting down notes.

"Next question: What are your thoughts on the attack?"

"The attack—" Caitlyn hesitated, Jinx's maniacal grin flashing in her mind. The laughter echoed like a nightmare.

Vi placed a comforting hand over Caitlyn's, gently stroking it.

Caitlyn took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay composed.

"It was a tragedy. We lost so much, and it drove a wedge between Piltover and Zaun."

"But—" Caitlyn glanced at Vi, her voice tinged with suppressed rage, "it was the act of a deranged individual. We can't let it escalate further."

"What do you plan to do?"

"I'm just an enforcer. I don't have the authority to interfere in politics." Caitlyn lowered her head, murmuring, "I trust and respect the Council's decisions."

Link raised an eyebrow. While he couldn't see Caitlyn's expression, Vi's was a mix of emotions.

The culprit was her sister, her only remaining family.

Her sister had killed her best friend's mother, leaving her torn between loyalty and justice.

The internal conflict was written all over her face.

"An excellent answer," Link said, sensing he needed to push a little further.

"The public is divided on how to handle the perpetrator. Some demand blood for blood, while others insist on a legal trial."

"What's your take?"

Caitlyn's fists clenched, and Vi tightened her grip on her hand.

Feeling the warmth from her friend, Caitlyn took a deep breath, steadying herself.

"We must trust the law."

"Spoken like a true enforcer. Impartial and just."

Link closed his notebook and stood, picking up his camera.

"May I take a few photos of you?"

Before Vi could object, Link added, "It's to give the people some reassurance."

"Right now, we're all scared."

His sincerity was evident. Caitlyn patted Vi's hand and stood, straightening her posture like a soldier on parade.

"Of course."

...

A short while later, Link left the Kiramann manor with a spring in his step.

Clutching his new library card, he glanced back at the brightly lit mansion and smiled.

Now he had something to show the Cassandra Kiramann of another timeline.

Caitlyn was truly impressive. Even under his subtle provocations, she had remained composed.

Truly, the Sheriff of Piltover.

Opening his mailbox with a thought, Link drafted a reply to the other timeline's Cassandra Kiramann.

He included the camera, along with his notes and photos, and hit send.

With that task complete, it was time to prepare for the upcoming memorial service.

What wonders would clockwork tech unleash when pushed to its limits?