The fairy maid cheers for her deceased master today.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Countess. May I ask what case has prompted you to come here in person to report it?"

The inspectors asked questions carefully.

Elena's expression turned serious. "It's about my nephew, Inspector Hawthorne. He disappeared three days ago, and was last seen near the docks in the East End. I'm worried he might be involved in something bad."

That's right, since the persona has changed, the details of the police report have also changed.

It definitely needs to be paired with the right accessories to work properly.

Inspector Hawthorne frowned. "The docks in the East Wing? That's certainly been a bit turbulent lately, with a lot of gang activity. Do you have a photo of your nephew? Any other details?"

“Of course,” Elena took a prepared photograph from her handbag and handed it to the police inspector. “This is Charles. He’s twenty-two years old and studies at Cambridge University. Three days ago, he told me he was going to see a friend, and he hasn’t come back since.”

Inspector Hawthorne examined the photographs carefully, then looked up at Elena: "We will launch an investigation immediately, Countess. However, the situation in the East End is complex and may take some time."

“I understand,” Elena said, “but as a member of the family, I want to know how the investigation is progressing. If possible, I’d like to look at the recent case files… I suspect he’s been involved in something.”

It doesn't directly mention the theft of silverware.

Instead, they used this indirect method to try and secretly access information about the silver theft case.

Inspector Hawthorne's expression clearly became hesitant: "Countess, I understand your concerns, but police case files are not released to the public, especially those involving ongoing investigations."

Just then, Angel peeked out from behind Elena, her voice sweet and innocent: "Mommy, what are case files? Can I see them? I want to help Brother Charles too."

Inspector Hawthorne was amused by Angel's naiveté, but his expression remained serious: "The case file is a confidential document of the police department. I'm sorry, only police officers are allowed to see it."

Angel pouted, a hint of grievance flashing in her eyes: "But Brother Charles is so good to me. He always brings me gifts when he comes back. If I could help find him, that would be such a wonderful thing."

Wow! Angel didn't let me down at the crucial moment. Her acting was superb.

But thinking about it carefully... Angel has performed very well in crucial moments since she transmigrated to this day. It seems she is a pure "big game player," and the more critical and important the situation, the more outstanding her performance becomes.

Irene gently stroked Angel's hair, then turned to Inspector Hawthorne:

"Inspector, I understand your concerns. But as a member of the Winston family, I have the right to know all aspects of the investigation's progress and to see what else happened back then. I'm genuinely worried about my nephew."

Inspector Hawthorne was clearly in trouble.

On the one hand, he didn't want to offend a countess; on the other hand, police regulations did indeed prohibit outsiders from accessing case files.

"Perhaps we can compromise," Ax suddenly spoke, his voice low and respectful, "If the Countess could provide some insignificant assistance to the branch office, perhaps the inspector could allow her access to some non-classified information?"

Inspector Hawthorne looked at Ax, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, seemingly not expecting the butler to speak up.

But Axe's suggestion did give him a way out.

Ax walked over again and gently placed a small box into the inspector's hand.

The inspector glanced at it briefly, opened the lid and looked around. Finding no one watching, he quickly put it away.

"This stuff tastes much better than the British stuff. It's a shame there's so little of it," the inspector sighed.

"Yes," Axe said in a low voice, "You know how good Cuban cigars are. Unlike our local tobacco, which is rough in taste and also scarce."

"I can consider your request," Inspector Hawthorne said hesitantly, "but it requires approval from my superiors."

“Of course,” Elena said. “I’m willing to wait. But while we wait, perhaps you could allow us to rest in the reception room?”

"Of course," Inspector Hawthorne nodded. "Please wait here for a moment while I go and ask."

After Inspector Hawthorne left, only three people remained in the reception room. Elena breathed a sigh of relief and put down her feather fan: "The first step was successful; they didn't immediately reject us."

This was exactly what Ax had expected.

Soon the door to the reception room opened.

Inspector Hawthorne returned, followed by two officers.

"Countess Winston," Inspector Hawthorne bowed slightly, "after consulting with authorities, we have granted you access to some non-classified files. But..."

"But what?" Elena raised an eyebrow gracefully, her feather fan waving gently.

"But we need to confirm what kind of help you can provide us." Inspector Hawthorne turned his gaze to Axe, "especially your butler, who seems very insightful."

Oh?

As expected of an inspector, he realized something and started to suspect something as soon as he stepped outside.

Angel sensed something was wrong and immediately hid behind Elena, only showing half her face, her blue eyes timidly observing the newly arrived police officers.

Their innocent and naive appearance once again made the new police officers unconsciously lower their guard.

Axe stepped forward and bowed slightly: "Inspector, you flatter me. I am merely the Countess's servant; how dare I offer advice before my master?"

"Don't be modest," Inspector Hawthorne said with a chuckle. "Let's get straight to the point."

Ex deliberately consulted Elena, and only after receiving Elena's nod did he straighten up, ready to answer.

Unless further suspicion arises, the inspector is unlikely to personally verify the authenticity with the nobleman. After all, if he were wrong, the police department would be in a difficult position.

Axe was betting that the inspector was merely suspicious of himself, rather than adhering to police regulations.

"Since the Inspector is being so frank..." Ax took out an exquisite notebook from his pocket, "Perhaps I can provide some information about the East District gangs."

Inspector Hawthorne's pupils contracted slightly. Several gangs in the East District were a major headache for the police department, and there had been no progress in dealing with them for years.

However, the fact that the police department made no progress does not mean that Elena made no progress at all.

After seeing the gang information on the wall at Miss Detective Agency, X knew that this was information that could be exchanged.

"Go on."

"I know a few of the Blackrock gang's strongholds," Ex said in a low voice, "and their most recent deal—an abandoned warehouse in the East Wing early tomorrow morning."

"How do you know all this?" Inspector Hawthorne raised his voice instinctively.

Axe smiled slightly: "The Countess's social circle is far wider than the Inspector imagines. And because of Charles's disappearance, the Countess has already conducted investigations through other channels."

Everything is now complete.

Elena added at the opportune moment, "If this information is valuable... we'd like to access some files. Because police records are also something I'd like to know."

"Because the lady wants to hire a famous detective to help with the investigation, she needs some basic information for reference," Ax added.

The excuse has been made up again.

Inspector Hawthorne fell into deep thought. He paced back and forth, his gaze shifting between Axe and Elena.

"This information... cannot be verified," he finally said.

But Ax noticed that he was already interested. Elena's information was accurate, and the experienced Ax had probably already realized it.

This is the benefit of integrity; integrity can build trust.

Once the genuine products run out, it'll be time to switch to counterfeit ones.

Ax then took out another item from his pocket—a letter of introduction.

He handed it to Inspector Hawthorne.

"This is a letter of introduction from Inspector Leo of Scotland Yard," Ax said calmly. "He's investigating the Raven Brotherhood. If you need... you can contact him to verify its authenticity."

A strategic retreat. It's a gamble that the other side wouldn't dare to suspect a nobleman, let alone a countess.

Inspector Hawthorne took it, his fingers trembling slightly. He carefully examined the signature, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

It seems he knows Leo's handwriting.

The signature was created through an exchange of equivalent value; it was incredibly realistic. Creating handwriting is much easier than making badges or tamper-evident documents.

"Inspector Leo... he is indeed investigating the Raven Brotherhood."

X nodded to himself.

Because that's obvious. Think about it, which police officer in London hasn't investigated the Raven Brotherhood?

Inspector Hawthorne looked up at Axe. "But how do you know him?"

Ax smiled slightly: "Inspector Leo is a distant relative of the Countess. We occasionally meet at family gatherings."

"So you went to headquarters?"

"No, the case at the East Port is handled by the precinct, isn't it? Inspector Leo directed us to come here to file a report and gather information at the same time."

Playing the role of an inspector directly could easily expose flaws.

But it's much safer if a relative, who is playing the role of an inspector, comes.

Throughout the entire process, Axe, acting as the butler, maintained an elegant demeanor and provided reasonable explanations.

Inspector Hawthorne finally believed him, and his attitude immediately became respectful.

"Since that's the case... you've already done us a great favor, and we'll allow you to access the files. But please remember, some of the information is classified..."

"We understand the rules." Elena rose gracefully. "Then, please lead the way."