Chapter 54: Investigation

Before heading to the police station, Leo took a quick shower and changed into his formal clothes. He adjusted the cuffs of his shirt, ensuring he looked presentable. When he stepped back into the hall from his room, he noticed his mother and Rosie still sitting near Eliza. The air was heavy with unspoken words and lingering tension. Not wanting to break the silence, he gave them a small farewell gesture, his eyes lingering on them briefly before he quietly left.

His walk to the police station was hurried, his mind racing with thoughts. Thoughts of the Illusionist Ryan, of Eliza and her mother, and of his illusion class which was right now. 

'I hope the Captain tells Mr. Wells,' Leo thought, a flicker of anxiety crossing his mind. His illusion teacher was not someone he wanted to upset.

Upon reaching the station an officer at the entrance stepped forward to block his path. Without hesitation, Leo flashed his paladin card, his expression firm and pushed past the officer without breaking stride. Inside, he approached a desk he assumed belonged to the secretary.

The man behind the desk was absorbed in a newspaper, his feet casually propped up on the edge of a filing cabinet. Leo cleared his throat to get his attention but the man didn't even flinch. Growing impatient, Leo's eyes narrowed and he used Telekinesis to snatch the newspaper from the man's hands. The secretary flinched, startled his chair creaking as he straightened up. His eyes flicked nervously between Leo's stern face and the paladin card now resting on his desk.

"Oh, I'm sorry sir. How can I help you?"

"There's a file here about a missing person named Brandon. Get me everything you have and be quick about it."

The man hurriedly stood, his chair scraping loudly against the floor and disappeared into a corridor. Moments later, officers began moving from room to room, gathering documents and files. Leo stood in the middle of the office arms crossed, his eyes scanning the disorganized chaos. He waited for about five minutes before the secretary returned, carrying a small stack of files.

"Sir, this is everything we have."

The files weren't particularly thick, a clear sign that the case hadn't received much attention. Leo's lips pressed into a thin line as he picked them up without another word and left the station, heading straight for the association.

The association building was close by and it took him only five minutes to reach it. Leo walked directly to Lara's desk, his steps firm and deliberate and set the documents down.

"Good morning, Ms. Lara. These are the files about Brandon's family," he said, certain that Lara was already familiar with the details.

"Take them to the library. The Captain has assigned you to go through them thoroughly. Extract every useful detail you can and inform Liamond and Gery as well."

Leo gave a quick nod, picked up the files and made his way to the kitchen. As expected, Liamond and Gery were there, enjoying their morning coffee and engaged in light conversation.

"Good morning" Leo greeted.

Gery looked up and gave a curt nod. "Morning."

"Captain wants us to review these documents," Leo said, placing the stack of files on the table.

Gery sighed but stood up without protest. Leo turned to Liamond.

"The three of us," he added.

Liamond let out a quiet sigh, set down his cup and stood as well. Together, they headed to the library. After a brief greeting with Samuel, they settled at a large table. The light from the library's big window cast shadows across the scattered papers as each of them grabbed a file and began reading in focused silence.

Most of the files contained basic information—details about the missing person, the date the report was submitted, and mentions of Eliza and her mother.

'Eliza's father and mother are Pietro and Alberada Brandon,' Leo noted as he scanned the document. His eyes then fell on the date.

'He went missing on the 10th of January last year. Today is the 8th. That means in just two days, it will be one year.'

"Listen to this," Liamond said suddenly.

Both Leo and Gery turned their attention to him.

"It says the person never left the city. There's no record of him staying at any inns, bars, or other lodgings. Either he found shelter illegally or managed to leave the city without leaving any trace."

"Like through a secret passage? Or bribery?" Gery asked.

Liamond shrugged. "Either is possible."

"Then we need to investigate the guards who were on duty during that time," Leo suggested. "Find them and interrogate them."

"Maybe the noble he owned money to killed him?" Gery suggested, his tone cautious.

"If that noble had done it, they wouldn't still be trying to recover the debt," Liamond replied, raising an eyebrow.

"Maybe another noble provided him with a place to hide," Leo added thoughtfully, his voice calm yet probing.

Liamond leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowing as he considered the possibility. "Maybe," he muttered, the single word laden with uncertainty.

After another hour of reading, Liamond sighed and closed the last file, pushing it aside.

"These documents have nothing useful," he said with frustration, standing up.

"Where are you going?" Gery asked, looking up from his seat.

"We can't touch the nobles right now, but we can track down the guards who were on duty that month," Liamond replied with determination.

Leo stood as well. "I'm coming with you."

Liamond gave him a brief nod, then turned to Gery. "Stay here. If Captain Edmond comes back, he'll need to hear whatever we found out."

they left the station and headed straight for the police station. This time, the officers were much quicker in assisting them. Within minutes, they retrieved the roster of guards who had been assigned during that month. Finding an empty desk, they sat down to go through the files.

After a while, Liamond pieced together a summary. "Three groups of two guards were on duty that month. Luckily, all but two are still stationed here."

He noticed Leo's face harden with anger. "What is it?" he asked, concerned.

"I know the other two," Leo said, his voice tense.

"Who are they?"

"The ones Captain Edmond exiled from the city," Leo spat. "The ones who were bothering my sister until Mr. Rorin stepped in and saved her."

Liamond's expression darkened. Leo's fists clenched, a mix of anger and satisfaction coursing through him.

'It's time to pay those bastards a visit,' he thought coldly.

"Let's start with the ones here," Liamond said, his tone resolute.

He skimmed the file again before continuing. "Group one on this list is on gate duty right now. Group two has been transferred to another part of the city."

Liamond placed the file down and stood, brushing dust from his uniform. "Let's head to the gate."

Leo followed closely, curiosity flickering across his face. "Don't we need some kind of authorization to interrogate police officers?"

Liamond glanced at him, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "We're paladins. That's authorization enough."

The two walked briskly through the city streets, the midday sun casting shadows against the cobblestones. The bustling crowd parted for them instinctively, murmurs of respect following in their wake. After about ten minutes, they reached the southern gate, where two officers were busy checking carriages and travelers entering and leaving the city.

Upon spotting the paladins, the officers stiffened and quickly saluted by placing their fists over their chests.

"Sir," they said in unison, their voices a mix of respect and apprehension.

"We need to ask you some questions. Step inside, one at a time," Liamond ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

The officers exchanged nervous glances. "But sir, it's busy today—"

"It won't take long," Liamond interrupted. "One of you will stay outside and handle things while the other comes in."

He pointed to one of the officers. "You first."

The chosen officer hesitated but ultimately nodded, following the paladins into the small police lodge by the gate. The cramped room was cluttered with uniforms, boots, and scattered papers. Two small beds were crammed into one corner, with a desk and two chairs dominating the center. A door leading to what Leo assumed was a restroom stood slightly ajar.

Liamond took a seat at the desk and gestured for the officer to sit across from him. As the officer complied, Liamond pulled a spell-inscribed paper from his pocket, activated it with a soft hum of magic and placed it on the desk between them.

"Put your hand on the paper," Liamond instructed firmly.

The officer hesitated for a fraction of a second before obeying, his hand trembling slightly.

"If you lie, the paper will burn," Liamond said, his voice devoid of emotion.

The officer swallowed hard, visibly nervous.

"Name and rank?"

"Officer Brandy Thorn, Sergeant."

Leo had read about police rankings in his law books and understood how the hierarchy worked. The lowest rank was Soldier, essentially trainees aspiring to become full-fledged police officers, typically holding a G rank.

Above them were the Sergeants—soldiers who had officially become police officers. They usually held ranks between G and F, depending on their experience and accomplishments.

Next came the Inspectors. An inspector could lead a small team of officers or act as a detective, with their rank typically ranging from F to as high as D.

At the top of the chain was the Commander, the chief officer of the police force. Commanders were required to be at least C rank to hold their position.

"In your time here, have you ever taken a bribe?" Liamond asked, his sharp gaze fixed on the man.

"Bribe? No, sir. Never," the officer stammered.

Liamond glanced at the paper, which remained unchanged.

"Have you ever broken any laws related to the gate or commuting?"

"No," the officer replied firmly.

Liamond continued questioning the officer, rephrasing the inquiries to ensure consistency. Satisfied with the answers, he pulled a folded piece of parchment from his pocket—a picture of Eliza's father. He unfolded it carefully and placed it on the desk.

"Do you recognize this man?"

The officer studied the image for a moment before shaking his head. "No, sir."

"Have you ever worked for a noble?"

"Yes," the officer admitted hesitantly.

"What was the job?"

"I was assigned twice to guard a noble's residence."

"Which noble?"

"I wasn't told, sir. We were just given orders."

After a few more questions and no signs of deception, Liamond leaned back, satisfied. "You're dismissed. Tell your partner to come in."

The officer sighed audibly, his shoulders slumping in relief as he left the room. A moment later, the second officer entered, his expression tense.

The process repeated, taking another thirty minutes. By the end, Liamond and Leo were confident neither officers were involved.

Liamond glanced at his pocket watch as they stepped outside. The sun was nearly overhead, signaling noon.

"Let's grab something to eat," Liamond suggested, stretching slightly.

Leo didn't argue—his stomach growled softly in agreement.

The two paladins decided to head back to their association, as it was on their way. They entered through the back door, making a beeline for the kitchen. Inside, Gery and Frank were seated at the table, deep in conversation.

"You're back!" Gery exclaimed. "Captain Edmond wants to see you as soon as possible."

Liamond and Leo exchanged glances, their hunger momentarily forgotten. Frank noticed their hesitation and grinned.

"Don't worry. I'll have something ready for you when you're done," Frank assured them.

Relieved, they nodded and made their way to the captain's office. Liamond knocked firmly on the door and Edmond's deep voice called out, "Enter."

They stepped inside, snapping to attention with fists over their chests. Edmond was seated behind his desk, leaning forward slightly, his hands clasped under his chin.

"At ease," he said, gesturing for them to sit.

They complied, sinking into the chairs across from him.

"Gery told me what you found," Edmond began. "How did it go with the officers? Did you confirm who was on duty?"

Liamond produced a neatly written list from his pocket and handed it to Edmond. Leo glanced at it, surprised—he hadn't even noticed Liamond making it.

Edmond scanned the list, his eyes narrowing slightly as he reached the last two names.

"Did you interrogate any of them?"

"Yes," Liamond replied. "The first two. They're clean. We're heading to the next two after lunch."

"Good," Edmond said with a nod. "Once you're done, report back to me. I've assembled a team to track down the last two outside the city."

Liamond and Leo stood, saluted and left the office. Back in the kitchen, they found Frank setting out plates of food.

"You'll need your strength for what's next," Frank said with a smile.

Both of them chuckled softly, grateful for the warm meal.

…

Edmond stood up and made his way to the main hall.

"Captain, all the other captains have agreed to the meeting. It will be held in half an hour at the Grand Cathedral." Said Lara.

"Did you inform Mr. Edgarth Wells as well?"

"He'll be there."

"Good."

Without wasting time, Edmond stepped into the waiting carriage. Five minutes later, he arrived at the cathedral's grand entrance. Another five minutes of purposeful strides brought him to the meeting room. Inside, only Oryu and Edgarth had arrived. Edmond greeted them formally and waited silently for the others.

Ten minutes later, the remaining captains filed in and took their seats. Once everyone was settled, Edmond began.

"The number of crimes following the A-rank confrontation has been steadily increasing. I'm requesting heightened police presence across all districts. Additionally, I'll need support from the two headquarters nearest to mine to assist with patrolling a section of my district."

The two closest HQs were Cirnath's and Gerhard's. A request like this was rare for a Paladin Captain and Edmond's words drew surprised glances from around the room.

"What happened recently, Edmond?" Gerhard asked, his tone cautious.

"Another at least A rank individual has been sighted in my district."

"What?" Emma exclaimed, unable to hide her shock.

The room fell silent as the weight of Edmond's revelation settled on the captains.

Nora let out a slow sigh. "There's a group causing disturbances in my district as well. Based on the evidence, we suspect one of them is B rank."

Oryu tapped his fingers on the table, drawing everyone's attention.

"You will all increase the number of officers in your districts and boost patrol frequencies." He turned his gaze to Edmond. "Edmond, I'll assign three knight squads from my forces to assist your district. This will allow the other districts to maintain focus on their patrols."

Edmond placed a fist over his chest in a gesture of respect. His gaze flickered briefly to Edgarth, who remained observant and silent.

Edmond had insisted on Edgarth's presence for a reason—he needed a trusted figure to oversee and evaluate the situation. 

The number of criminals and high-rankers had been increasing at an alarming rate, as though something menacing was unfolding behind the scenes. With Oryu present in the city, no A rank individual would normally dare to act so boldly. This meant one of two things: either there was a force greater than Oryu at play, or Oryu himself was allowing these events to transpire.

Regardless, the only thing that mattered now was that Edgarth had been sent by the cathedral—likely under Pop's direct orders. That made him the only person he could trust in this volatile situation.