The fairy maid cheers for her deceased master today.

Irene was more naive than she was three years later.

Miss Catherine, on the other hand, has a style reminiscent of Elena three years later.

In response to Elena's admiration, Catherine simply chuckled and said, "Elena is already very outstanding."

"But that's not enough," Elena said firmly. "I want to become as strong and respected as my sister Catherine."

Clearly, Elena wanted to be as popular as Catherine in this spiritual world because she genuinely admired her friend.

“Well then, Sir,” Catherine said, “to thank you for saving my life, please allow me to invite you to my detective agency. It’s been damaged here, so let’s talk somewhere else.”

"Wait a minute," Ex interrupted her, puzzled. "Isn't this your detective agency?"

Catherine chuckled. "No, this is just 'Catherine Detective Agency.' But this agency is closing down soon. I've found a new place and am preparing to open a new detective agency on Shuk Street."

Hmm, what's the reason?

Ex thought to himself, but wasn't prepared to ask.

Catherine spoke first, "You must find it strange, Sir?"

"Yes, that's true."

"The reason is simple."

Catherine smiled and pointed to the street corner faintly visible in the distance outside the window, her fingertip drawing a light arc in the air.

"I'm a huge fan of 'The Detective Chronicles of Shuke Street.' Shuke Street holds so much romance for detective enthusiasts. And..."

She bent down and picked up a dog-eared book from the table, "The Detective Chronicles of Shuke Street," its gold lettering gleaming faintly under the light.

"I always feel that true detective stories have to take place in those streets and alleys with a touch of legend in order to create new and exciting stories. Staying in the same old places for too long will make your inspiration doze off."

inspiration?

Axe responded with an "Oh," and then said, "You're a writer?"

Angel's eyes lit up: "Wow, sister, you're a real writer!?"

“That’s right.” Catherine blinked. “Only a true detective can write a true detective story, isn’t that right?”

"That's true. Shall we set off now?" Ex asked, shrugging.

"Okay, let's go!"

■

With Catherine leading the way, the journey will never be boring.

Catherine is exceptionally talkative, knowing everything from popular games and artworks to current political news, and she speaks fluently about it all.

Moreover, she would greet familiar passersby warmly along the way. In contrast, Irene appeared much quieter.

Not used to walking in the rain, Ax instinctively pulled up his hat brim, then noticed that Catherine had stopped.

"Sir, this way."

Catherine walked ahead, her blonde hair shimmering in the rain. She held a delicate lace parasol, its pale purple canopy standing out starkly against the gloomy rain.

Following Catherine's directions, Ex saw his destination.

The sign for "Miss Detective Agency" is deep in the alley. It's a red brick building with vines climbing the walls. The agency's appearance is almost identical to Elena's real-life agency.

Ax looked up and saw the signboard swaying in the wind. The signboard was made of wood and looked a bit old, but the lettering was clear, so it must have been recently painted on.

It feels like this apartment was recently purchased; the exterior hasn't been fully renovated yet.

"We're here." Catherine smiled, took out her key, unlocked the door, and pushed it open.

"Welcome, both of you. Welcome to—'Miss Detective Agency'."

The atmosphere changed drastically as soon as we entered the room.

Inside the office, the warm yellow light dispelled the chill, and the air was filled with the smell of ink and paper; bookshelves reached the ceiling, crammed with heavy books and files; maps of London and England, along with clippings of cases, hung on the walls; a mahogany desk stood in the center, piled high with documents.

Except for the lack of a chemistry lab bench, it's pretty much the same layout as what we'd see three years from now in reality.

"This is my territory." Catherine lowered her parasol and gently brushed the water droplets off her skirt. "It's not big, but it's enough."

Ax nodded and continued to look around. His gaze swept over the books on the shelves, most of which were related to law and detective work. There were also a few books on botany.

He also noticed a small photo frame on the bookshelf. Inside was a picture of Catherine and Elena, both smiling happily.

"I just moved most of the documents over." Catherine walked to the bookshelf, casually picked up a thick folder, and flipped through it to check.

Angel looked around curiously, exclaiming, "So many books!"

"They're all case files and manuscripts," Elena added. "Miss Catherine is no ordinary person."

Catherine waved her hand and put the folder back.

"Sir, please have a seat." She gestured to the chair opposite the desk. "Miss Angel, there's tea and refreshments over there. Please help yourself. Elena, go and make some tea."

"Okay, Catherine!" Elena replied happily and went into the small tea room next door to make tea.

Angel's attention was drawn to the coffee table, where delicate pastries were laid out. She couldn't resist the opportunity and immediately picked one up, taking a small bite.

After Ax sat down on the sofa, Catherine sat directly opposite him.

At that moment, Catherine's eyes suddenly sharpened, as if she could see through everything.

"Sir, I'm curious," Catherine suddenly spoke up. "How did you and Elena meet?"

A chill ran down X's spine.

Actually, ever since he discovered that Catherine was a detective, he had expected to face questioning from a detective. But he didn't expect it to be so direct.

So X simply smiled and said, "It was a chance encounter."

"A coincidence?" Catherine raised an eyebrow, clearly not quite believing it.

"...Yes, you see, Miss Elena didn't know me before," Ex replied helplessly.

He was also observing Catherine.

"Your clothes." Catherine's gaze then fell on Axe's coat. "The material is nice, but the style is a bit outdated, at least two years old... You've only just arrived in London."

No, no, no, I'm an old Londoner. This style will be popular in three years.

Ex couldn't help but smile wryly.

"Your expression..." Catherine continued, "is calm, but there's a hint of anxiety deep in your eyes. What are you worried about? Or... what are you looking for?"

Axe had to admit that Catherine was an excellent detective. She could actually read things from the eyes of dead people.

She had almost guessed her situation.

"I'm looking for a place to stay," Ax decided to be honest. "I just arrived in London and haven't settled in yet."

"As expected." Catherine smiled slightly. "Where's your luggage? Oh, right, you don't have any luggage, only personal belongings. This means you decided to come to London at the last minute, and..."

She glanced at Axe's waist. "You're carrying a gun, a revolver, not standard issue for the London police. You're not a policeman. But you used standard silver bullets before, and you may have ties to the Church of Jesus."

Ex instinctively pressed down on the revolver. He hadn't expected Catherine to notice even that.

"But it's true, when coming to London, it's normal to be wary of monsters in the wild. So—"

Catherine leaned forward and placed her hands on the table.

"Who exactly are you? You've come for Elena, what is your purpose?"

X knew he could no longer hide it.

In front of intelligent people, the more you try to hide your secrets, the more annoying you become.

However, in order to avoid causing a so-called "mental breakdown," X knew he couldn't say everything.

"I am indeed Sir Axemore." He decided to tell part of the truth, "I... came for Elena."

Catherine suddenly smiled and asked in a low voice.

"So, you want to take Elena home?"

These words struck like a bolt from the blue, so shocking that even X's deadpan expression almost crumbled.

What exactly does Catherine know?!