Cornflower Witch

Chapter 369 Dessert Feast
Luo Weier didn't quite understand the two people's speculations.

"Aren't legends supposed to be about great and amazing things in history? Can something like this really become a legend?"

“Yes, but legends are also graded. As you can see, the kind of legends that most people know can be classified as epics, while the ‘legends’ we’re talking about now are more like rumors circulating in the city, or ‘strange tales’,” Aurora explained.

"This kind of 'strange tale' is not widely circulated, but as long as there are enough people, it can also cause the secret language to condense."

“‘Secrets’ represent knowledge, records, rules, and history. If a story is accepted and believed by everyone, even if it never happened in the real world, this ‘false history’ will still have an effect and influence future generations.”

[Secret Saying]: History is hidden in proverbs, and the past shapes the future.

"It feels like some kind of scam game," Luo Wei'er said softly.

"To deceive people into believing, and then to use that belief to achieve one's own goals."

"It's so sad. If there are too many scammers like this, and something truly tragic happens, then no one will believe anymore."

“Yes, Lovir.” This was the first time Hilti had seen Lovir look so downcast. She went over and gently hugged her.

"So, we must defeat the evil villains!" The words, spoken in a coaxing tone to the blonde girl, made Lover's face flush slightly.

"That makes me sound like a child." She shook her head.

"No, no, Hedra bullied me." She opened her arms and hugged Hilti, ready to tickle her and quickly move past the slightly embarrassing scene from earlier.

After playing around for a while, Luo Weier ran to the side, picked up her cat, and then sat on the edge of the bed to continue listening to the two people's plans.

Hilti decided to participate in the police investigation, not only to clear her name, but also to understand what kind of life the orcs were living in the Mage Alliance.

Aurora continued to handle liaison work with the theater, saying that if the real prisoner heard about this, he would definitely come back to see the opera to find out how others viewed him and what his reputation and image were really like.

"I'll just cheer you on," Luo Wei'er said, adding that she would prepare delicious meals for the two of them every day.

"Murder cases are too horrible, I don't want to watch them. And I don't understand what's going on at the theater."

So, the three of them, having divided their tasks, began their operation. Thanks to Brandon's suggestion, the police station agreed to let Silti accompany them, which was a form of surveillance and a way to provide an alibi.

So for the next week, Hiltiya took leave and went back and forth between the police station and the crime scene, watching how the people investigated, sampled, and studied. These processes benefited her greatly, and she also found a way to use the 'secret language' to assist the police officers.

“There are still fingerprints left here.” In a corner where no one paid attention, Hilti pointed to a corner of the wall.

Upon hearing this, the police officers took out a magnifying glass to carefully observe the fingerprint and were surprised to see a faint mark. The others took out special tools to etch the fingerprint.

During subsequent revisits to the scene, Hilti helped uncover even more information, including many overlooked details.

As these things accumulate, like collecting fragments, a vague image gradually comes together, becoming clearer little by little from fingerprints, height, weight, preferred techniques, habitual movements, walking posture, and stride width.

After obtaining these, the list of opera audience members was retrieved and compared with the names and identities on it to identify 46 potential candidates. After further comparison and selection, 7 potential candidates were identified, and finally, these 7 people were verified in more detail.

"The person we're meeting today is a waiter from Beetle Street. He works at 'Night Fragrance,' a high-end tea house that only serves members." Over time, the police officers had become familiar with the girl and increasingly relied on her keen observation skills.

"I see."

"Considering that going in directly would arouse their suspicion, we need to do some disguise this time," a senior police officer advised.

"Miss Hedra, have you ever considered temporarily playing the role of a noble lady? Your temperament is definitely up to the task."

"Okay then." If it's only once, it's not a big problem.

“Then let’s go rent a dress first. Don’t worry, we’ve worked with that store many times before, they’re familiar with us.” With that, the police officer headed to a fine clothing store on the street.

Upon entering the shop, a policewoman skillfully led Silti to the back dressing room. After exchanging a few words with the shop owner, the owner sized up Silti, estimated her approximate body measurements, and then brought out a black evening gown.

This gown is made of high-end matte black fabric with a frosted finish. It is then embellished with reflective glossy black lace at the chest, cuffs, and hem, creating a three-dimensional sense of space between the lace and the underlying fabric. This breaks the monotony of a single color and creates an understated yet luxurious beauty.

"Wow, this outfit looks expensive." The police officer was also surprised. Although they had a cooperative relationship, it was rare for the boss to lend out such an expensive dress.

“Yes, this is a masterpiece made by a famous tailor, but it would not be a waste for this young lady to wear it; in fact, it would be pleasing to the eye.” She had a sharp eye and could tell at a glance that Shirutiya’s temperament was very suitable for this dress.

"However, there is a small request: this young lady needs to introduce the origin of this dress, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, at the banquets or parties she attends." It turns out they wanted to use Siltiia as an advertisement.

"Just say that you picked it out by chance in our store, and that you were very satisfied with it so you bought it for only 900 gold coins."

"What do you mean it only cost 900 gold coins?" The female police officer next to her couldn't hold back anymore. This price was extremely expensive, probably equivalent to ten years' salary.

"You don't understand those women's obsessions and thoughts," the proprietress shook her head.

“High prices are exactly what they are looking for; the higher the price, the more it reflects their status and difference.”

"Besides, only at this price can so many masters focus on this field; otherwise, everyone would be studying to become a mage," she added casually.

"Oh right, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm the owner of 'Black Lily,' you can call me Mrs. Grace."

“Yes, Mrs. Grace,” Hiltiya nodded in reply.

Suddenly, Grace looked at the girl with interest for a few more moments and asked again.

"Do you know Yingzi?"

"Yes, I do know him. I met him at that store last month."

"Oh, I thought you were her junior, after all, you look like an Asian. I didn't expect that." She recalled something interesting.

"Looks like she hasn't made clothes for you yet. Well, that guy is always lazy, otherwise he wouldn't be so unpopular."

"Next time you go to see her, wear this outfit."

"This?" Hilti blinked, slightly puzzled.

"Don't ask why, she'll understand. Just treat it as a greeting between two acquaintances, hehe."

After leaving the shop, the police officer gave her some more instructions and then told Hilti that the carriage was ready.

"Take a carriage to 'Night Fragrance' and hand the invitation to the waiter to enter the party."

"This gathering was hosted by Mrs. Mared. Her family runs a large food business, and nearly a quarter of the high-end pastries in the Mage Alliance are supplied by their family businesses. They have also invited familiar friends and distinguished guests to come and enjoy the food."

“Miss Hedra, take this tin cookie box. When you find that waiter, have him open it for you. As long as he touches it with his finger, he will leave a clear fingerprint on it. Then we can get it and go back to verify it.” After saying that, the officer handed a smooth and clean cookie box to Hilti, which was also embossed with a 'pansy' flower pattern.

"I understand." Hiltiya carefully took the item with her gloved fingers and put it into her handbag. The handbag, shoes, hair accessories, and jewelry that matched the dress were all provided by the proprietress of 'Black Lily'.

The carriage slowly drove along the street and stopped at the gate of 'Night Fragrance' a few minutes later. Then, with the help of a maid disguised as a police officer, Hilti stepped down from the carriage and entered the red brick building decorated with wrought iron railings and night lights. After handing over the invitation at the gate, she and the maid went inside.

After turning through the red carpet corridor inside 'Night Fragrance', the two quickly arrived at the lobby on the third floor, where quite a few guests had already arrived.

Unlike typical banquets, this place features a wide variety of desserts on the tables, each long table adorned with magnificent chandeliers that illuminate the area below. The areas away from the long tables are dimly lit and softer, where many guests relax and chat with acquaintances, occasionally commenting on the new dishes that have appeared.

"The combination of maple syrup from Mingxi, sea salt from Quebec, and crispy biscuits baked until thin and golden brown, is truly a delightful experience."

"There are many new varieties now. I saw a spiral rose dessert tower."

"As expected of Mrs. Marie, she always manages to bring surprises to everyone."

Hiltia walked into the hall and listened to the conversations of the guests. Most of them were engaging in meaningless chatter, while some were genuinely enjoying the snacks offered.

She first went to a long table and asked a waiter to help her take down a tea cake with a floral design. Then she sat down at a small table in the corner, enjoyed her tea slowly.

During this process, Hilti's eyes slowly swept across the entire hall, filtering and searching for her target.

Although she can't use many abilities due to the decline in her sexual phase level, she still retains the ability to identify pupils, making her still strong in observation.

Having identified her target, Hiltiya slowly finished the tea cake on her plate, then stood up and walked towards the direction where the waiter was.

"I asked you to find absorbent tissues, why did it take you so long?" A young woman in a light blue and white dress frowned, holding a handkerchief in her hand, and scolded the waiter who was bowing his head and apologizing in front of him.

"I'm so sorry, Miss Walnut, I had to run all the way to the second-floor storage room to find what you need."

"Still making excuses? Are you implying I don't understand you?" The bright blonde girl with her exquisite hairstyle raised her eyebrows. Although she looked angry, her good looks gave her a unique charm that made many young customers admire her.

"Don't be angry, Walnut, let me help you wipe off the stains on your skirt." As she spoke, Hiltiya noticed a small patch of wine stain on the corner of her skirt. It seemed that she had looked for absorbent paper for this.

"Stop it, Anna, you wipe it for me." With that, she made the maid behind her kneel down and carefully wipe the stain on the hem of her skirt. First, she used absorbent paper to dry the wine, then soaked it with a little water to dilute it, and then dried it again. She repeated this process to make the small stain less noticeable in the pattern.

At this moment, the waiter who had just been reprimanded slowly stepped aside. Seeing that he was about to leave the hall and go somewhere unknown, Hilti had no choice but to speak up.

"Hello, could you please get me a snack?"

Hiltiya's voice startled the other person for a moment, then she reacted, hurriedly picked up the tweezers on the table, carefully cut off a piece of pastry, and placed it on an exquisite silver plate.

Noticing this, Miss Walnut looked at Siltia with a slightly strange gaze.

"You even said 'hello,' how amusing." Her subtext was that being so polite to a servant meant the servant was probably unsophisticated.

Even though Hilti heard this from a short distance away, she had no time to pay attention to the young lady. She had the waiter take the tray to a corner of the hall.

"Set it here."

"Yes." The other party placed it respectfully and carefully.

At this moment, Hilti sat down again, raised her eyes, and saw the other person's appearance clearly.

With a square face, ordinary looks, and slightly curly hair, he would be completely inconspicuous on the street if it weren't for his exceptionally neat waiter's uniform. However, the waiters here all possessed second-tier strength, which was stronger than many freshmen. In a place like the Kingdom of Regas, he would be a well-known figure in the city.

"I have a box of cookies in my bag, please get them out for me. I want to try them with some snacks."

"Yes." The other person took a deep breath, then carefully opened the girl's handbag, took out the tin box, and after prying it open with his fingers, revealed a few thin cookies inside.

He picked up the chopsticks on the table, carefully took out the cookies, placed them on a plate, and then watched the girl spread some pastry on them and taste them in small bites.

All you need to do is finish the cookies and snacks and put the tin box away. Any further conversation or questioning will only arouse the other party's suspicion. Anyway, if we determine that he is the murderer, there are always various interrogation methods to follow up, so there is no need to rush.

However, accidents, though rare, can still happen.

"You even brought it here to eat, but this way is quite novel." A hand picked up a tin cookie box on the table, looked at the labels, and took out a cookie to taste.

The other person was none other than Miss Walnut from earlier. Her hair was styled into an elegant updo at the back of her head, revealing her slender, swan-like neck. A few strands of pale gold hair were translucent in the light, outlining the back of her neck.

"The taste is just average," she said, and like Shiltia, she spread a small amount of pastry on the cookie and continued to try.

The overly sweet pastries, paired with slightly crispy cookies, created a wonderful chemical reaction that caught her eye.

"Oh? This is indeed very good." She then tried it a few more times, to which Hilti could only helplessly interrupt her.

"Please leave me some, Miss Walnut." She was afraid the other party would just take the box away.

"Okay, I got it." The other person waved casually.

"I'll have my aunt send you a few boxes of cookies later."

"Come to think of it, I don't seem to know you. How do you know my name?"

“I overheard someone else saying it just now,” Hiltiya replied.

"Is Miss Walnut's aunt Mrs. Marie?"

"Of course, it seems you really don't recognize me." After finishing the pastries and cookies in her hand, she reached behind her, and the maid carefully wiped her clean again.

“I am the eldest daughter of the Fox family. The desserts and food you see at the banquet today are all from my family’s business.” She rested her chin on her finger and looked at Hilti with interest.

"His clothes, appearance, and temperament are all very rare."

"May I have your name."

"My name is Hedra, and it's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Kurumi."

"Hehe, I'll remember you. Come to the next party too, I'll have someone prepare an invitation for you." With that, the young lady left gracefully with her maid.

Seeing that the young lady had finally left, the waiter breathed a sigh of relief. Now that Silti had no other tasks, he prepared to leave the hall again.

"Put the cookie box away and put it back in my bag." Siltia's voice came through my ear again.

"Yes."

Once again, the fingerprint of that finger was clearly imprinted on the tin box, and Hilti finally got what she wanted.

　I had a great time riding the carousel today! 0 0/~
　　Although I'm not young, this is my first time.

　　Thank you Qingyun and Zuo Junlin for their great support.

　　Thank you to Starry Sky Purple Cloud Sea, I Love Eating Meat wac, Ling_Dream, Under the Peach Tree, Book Friend 20200117000154279, Heartfelt Stream, Enjoy the Grand Ceremony, Brunard, and other book friends for their generous donations!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)