Chapter 10: The Royal Guard

After the Ghoul finished speaking, Edward grabbed him harshly by the hair and pulled him closer, glaring at him with terrifying eyes and said in a calm but chilling voice,

"Don't think you can deceive me with your story. I've uncovered everything."

Ghoul: Let go of me (he removes Edward's hand). Fine, I'll tell you.

Edward: Yes, tell me… Thomas.

(All the detectives froze in place.)

Stephen, asking Edward: What do you mean?

Edward: I'll explain. It's simple. Remember when Martin said Brian disappeared a month before Victor met James? That means the time between Thomas's kidnapping and Brian's disappearance is more than a month. Yet in the Ghoul's story, Thomas was there when Brian arrived — which was supposedly only two days after his disappearance.

Raphael: In other words, he combined the two stories — the escape part was Brian's, and the castle and Alexander part was Thomas's.

Edward (firmly, as the Ghoul smiles): No, that's not what happened.

Stephen (surprised): Then explain.

Edward: What you said, Raphael, wasn't entirely true (Raphael frowned)… That was Thomas's full story.

John: How? Didn't he get kidnapped?

Edward: He did. But… what if the kidnapping was fake? Isn't that right, Ghoul?

Ghoul: I'm truly impressed. But you're still behind that boy. He uncovered the whole truth, while you only discovered 80%.

Edward: You mean the truth that you and Brian are the Ghoul?

Thomas's face changed from a smile to a stern expression.

Stephen: My head is spinning… If that was Thomas's story, then the one who died by a rock during the fight was supposed to be Brian. So how is Brian alive?

Edward: You're right… but only if we follow that narrative.

Kevin: In other words, the lie about Brian's death was to mislead us from the truth — that they're taking turns.

Edward: Exactly… and I suspect Martin is using both of you criminals.

Everyone: How?

Edward: He said there's no use confronting Alexander by solving his crimes. The better way is to fight fire with fire. And if he wants to kill without dirtying his hands, he needs ruthless killers with experience. And that's exactly what we're seeing now. Isn't that right, Martin?

Martin enters the room with Brian. Everyone is stunned. Stephen tries to attack him, but Kevin holds him back. John demands an explanation.

Martin: The truth is… I've formed a gang of street kids and some fugitive mafia members to fight Alexander.

Edward: That doesn't make sense. How?

Martin: What's so illogical? I told them they could be rewarded if they save the country from the greatest evil. And the former mafia members might get pardoned or receive reduced sentences.

Edward: And what? Those promises weren't fulfilled?

Martin: No need for all that — they'll all die in the end anyway.

John: So you're after sacrifices, not soldiers. You really are a devil, Martin.

Martin, with a sly grin: Heh… if that's the case, what I told them was to kneel before their master, abandon their dreams, and serve my goals. So they better set their humanity aside… and become demons.

Edward: Fine. Now, Brian…

Brian: What?

Edward: Thomas killed Arthur, and you killed Maria and a police officer. Do you realize this has destabilized not just England but all of Europe? It's made things easier for Alexander. He can commit more crimes and frame the two of you.

Brian: Really? I see it differently. Now he knows we can't die, even if he sends an army. Remember — I defeated many officers even while injured.

Martin: This is not the time for speeches — they've found Adolf's body on a hill near the farm. He was tied to a tree, and the murder weapon appears to be poison he was forced to swallow.

Edward: Everyone — to the crime scene!

As they left, Edward passed Brian and said,

"Thank you."

Brian, surprised: "For what?"

Edward replied, "You were the one who saved me from the sniper at the hotel… and shot the criminal."

The Ghoul gave a faint smile, and the detectives headed to the crime scene.

Before leaving, Edward asked,

"What's the name of your gang, Martin?"

Martin looked at him with arrogance and said,

"It's called the Royal Guard."