My wife is an immortal black snake.

"Yes. He deliberately left the cutlery and necklace behind... He was showing us his despicable behavior."

"After capturing him, we must cut off his limbs and hang him at the city gate to show our people the final fate of a cannibalistic, perverted nobleman."

However, this was just talk; after all, Yang Hao didn't know who the murderer was, nor where Fairy was...

Not to mention, the "event" notification didn't pop up either. Sigh, it seems I can only ask Monica what she thinks.

With this thought in mind, Yang Hao turned around and faced the head maid, who was inexplicably bowing her head and remaining silent...

He didn't ask her now because her condition was really bad.

Chapter 179

...

Monica wasn't sure if that was what she was thinking.

A golden necklace, from which hung a golden canine tooth. The necklace was incredibly luxurious, and that canine tooth was all too familiar to Monica...

Sri Lanka...

Is it a part of you?

Monica thought about it carefully. Because if that thing really was part of Lanka... then it also meant that the shadow of her life had appeared in this city.

Lanca is Monica's friend, her best friend.

It was also in front of her that her friend, who had gone mad, was eaten alive, and who was overjoyed even in his dying moments.

When Monica escaped, her remains hadn't been completely cleared away. But Monica still vividly remembered the scene—a nobleman was gnawing at the flesh on Lanka's cheek, even biting off her upper canine teeth.

That should be the only missing bone on Lanka's remains... but no, it shouldn't be... perhaps it belongs to someone else?

Monica was trying not to think so much. She kept her head down, not wanting the adults to see her strange behavior. She hoped to recover quickly, but just as she thought and did so, she felt her face being pinched by two hands.

"Eh?!"

"Monica, are you alright?"

She was startled and looked up in a panic, only to see Lord Yang Hao looking at her with concern.

He was pinching his cheek, an intimate gesture that momentarily stunned Monica—but she quickly recovered.

"No, no, nothing..."

Although it hasn't fully recovered yet, it should be fine to work normally.

......

"No, no, nothing..."

Monica's unusual behavior worried Yang Hao greatly. He released his hand from kneading Monica's cheeks and watched as the expression on his trusted head maid's face gradually returned to normal.

The killer in this cannibalism case is definitely connected to Monica. He thought to himself that after triggering the [Event], he still needed to gather more information to confirm the killer's identity. Of course, if Monica were willing to reveal the shadows of her life, it might help in solving the case...

But Monica is still trying to escape the shadows, what should we do?

After some hesitation, Yang Hao and Monica circled the cannibalism scene several times, making sure no new events had been triggered before returning to the Duke's mansion. In the police department's archives in the mansion's office area, Yang Hao and Monica gathered all the intelligence related to the cannibalism case. After instructing the head of the police department to report any news immediately, they returned to their bedroom and began their work.

...

Despite calling it work, Yang Hao couldn't find much to use to "push forward the progress." He went through all the suspect lists from the police department, compared them with Monica's (to see if she would feel nervous), and found nothing wrong with them.

Needless to say, those silver cutlery pieces were definitely made by nobles. Yang Hao also sent the police to visit all the shops that sold silver cutlery, but judging from the current progress, the silver cutlery shops in the Duchy of Koschie did not sell any cutlery to nobles. In fact, many shops had only sold ordinary wooden cutlery during this period, and had not even sold many iron cutlery pieces.

Why? It's probably because the economy is really bad, plus Yang Hao has embezzled most of the nobles and big merchants, so the tableware shops aren't doing very well.

"Those silver cutlery pieces were brought by that nobleman himself... Monica? Are you... alright?"

"I'm fine, sir."

"But you don't look well."

"...because I was reminded of some terrible things. But I think the actual situation probably isn't that bad."

Faced with Yang Hao's concerned inquiry, Monica, who was standing beside him serving him, simply shook her head after a moment of silence.

She still didn't want to talk about her situation... Yang Hao had no other choice but to continue working, hoping to obtain information and news that could bring the cannibal to justice as soon as possible.

...... ......

the other side.

When Duke Kosichä once again concluded a gathering of nobles and shared the "Work-for-Relief Procedure" she and her husband had proposed with the nobles who genuinely had an urgent need for it in exchange for their favor, the person who approached her was not His Majesty the Emperor of Ursus, but a distinguished guest from Yan Kingdom.

“Greetings, Duke Kosiché.” The Liberian nobleman, dressed in traditional attire but wearing a silver mask, bowed to Kosiché. “Given the current situation, the Duchy of Kosiché is undoubtedly a territory that can acquire a great deal of commercial resources in the future—therefore my master wishes to discuss future business contracts with you and your husband.”

"If that's the case, it might take a while. My husband is slightly unwell, but barring any unforeseen circumstances, he should be able to come here in a few days."

"I will relay this to my master as truthfully as possible."

Is this one of the gains from the aristocratic gathering? Originally, Kosiché only intended to gain some favors from the nobles and, incidentally, help her husband lay the groundwork for war with Duke Nikolai at the end of the gathering. However, she unexpectedly gained a future business contract.

That's not bad. It's just that I need to discuss the details with him carefully when I get back. Watching the distinguished guest from Yan Kingdom turn and leave, Koschke suddenly had another headache:

That is, Yang Hao left the palace because he had to handle a matter personally. If nothing unexpected happened, the news that he was unharmed had probably already reached the Emperor's ears. He could no longer hide in the palace and enjoy his carefree life. Alas...

Is the only option to stay close to him as much as possible during that time? If possible, try to avoid letting him be alone with His Majesty the Emperor...

and...

"The cannibalism case... I need to go back and find out the details later."

She frowned. Although Koschei had witnessed firsthand the scenes of cannibalism during famine years, the fact that people in the Duchy of Koschei, where starvation was no longer a concern, was truly disturbing and unsettling.

We need to arrest and deal with him as soon as possible—and if nothing unexpected happens, that cannibalistic murderer can be used for propaganda, giving the people of the duchy a high degree of unity, as well as additional influence and solidarity.

...Kochice found the motivation to continue working after thinking about this.

But before she could turn and leave—the sight of His Majesty the Emperor walking towards her made her pull back the foot she was about to step out with.

Chapter 180

"I heard that Your Majesty, your husband is well now?"

"...Your Majesty, your information network is truly impressive."

"I've only heard about it. And regarding the commercial treaties between cities with Yan Kingdom, I won't interfere much—after all, these belong to you." Her Majesty the Emperor elegantly raised her wine glass, her graceful smile causing Kosich's expression to gradually darken. "However, in exchange for not interfering in your politics and commerce, and ensuring your independence, I hope to see your husband in the next few days. After all, Duke Kosich, you know that the Ursus Empire's current economic crisis is not something that can be solved simply by copying others' methods."

"...I must be present to listen in."

"of course can."

Since things had already come to this point, it wouldn't be good for either of them if Kosicé refused any further. Besides, Duke Kosicé had already redefined his bottom line—you can talk to my husband, but I must be there to listen in so you don't do anything strange.

Therefore, after accepting His Majesty the Emperor's proposal and receiving a personal promise from the Emperor to maintain independence, the Duchy of Koschei was guaranteed to profit. The only ones who might lose out were she and her husband...

...

Moreover, the loss isn't in terms of politics or interests, but in terms of personal relationships—but if I were to be there, there shouldn't be any problems.

Duke Kosiché and His Majesty the Emperor have roughly reached an agreement regarding their upcoming meeting with Yang Hao.

Meanwhile, Yang Hao used some of the special abilities of the [Puppet Stage] in order to find the murderer as quickly as possible. However... he failed. He didn't find the exact location of the murderer, but instead found more [suspects] who had infiltrated the Dukedom of Koschche.

The common characteristic of those suspects in the [Puppet Stage] is that they were [high-ranking individuals] who had entered disguised as [ordinary citizens]. And their numbers weren't large, but not small either—about 20 or so, if you count their servants.

The cannibalistic killer may be lurking among them, or he may not be one of them at all...

Just as Yang Hao was racking his brains over this, Monica, who had been silent for quite a while beside him, finally took a step forward after hesitating for a long time, leaned down and whispered in his ear:

"...Lord Yang Hao."

"Huh? Monica?"

"...Perhaps I can offer some assistance. However, this might just be...my personal speculation. I cannot guarantee...that it is accurate."

...

Monica thought that if hiding her inner thoughts would cause the adults to get tired, it would be more appropriate for her to express what she was thinking.

It's just... whenever she thinks back to what happened back then, her hands and feet turn ice cold. She doesn't know if she can seriously express her guesses without fear... but she still has to say it properly so that the adults can understand some information, which is better than wandering around aimlessly now.

Thinking of this, Monica took a deep breath.

“My lord. If I’m not mistaken, the one who has infiltrated our duchy and committed the first crime of cannibalism is the same person who ate my friend back then.”

"...what?"

"...Perhaps he was one of the nobles present, or perhaps...one of the other nobles there, or perhaps...in short, he should be someone I've seen before. But I don't know his name, I only vaguely remember what he looked like..."

"...Are you alright?"

“I will help you find him. But I don’t know... whether I will be able to remain calm then.”

“It’s okay if you can’t stay calm. You really need to vent,” Yang Hao comforted her, reaching out to hold Monica’s hands, which were clasped together in front of her apron, giving her his trust through direct physical contact. “Then I’ll leave the rest to you.”

"...yes."

She paused for a moment, then nodded, showing no intention of pulling her hand away from Yang Hao's.

......

2pm sharp.

Just as Yang Hao and Monica were about to go outside to check on the situation again, the police department brought new information—a second cannibalism case had occurred. The problem was, the perpetrator in this cannibalism case was not the same person as the perpetrator in the first case. More precisely, it wasn't the same group of people.

When Yang Hao and Monica arrived at the scene to inspect it, they were immediately overwhelmed by the stench emanating from it, almost vomiting. The accompanying police officers provided them with filter masks infused with spices. With the help of the masks and the refreshing minty scent emanating from them, the master and servant were finally able to move around freely in the second crime scene.

“Sir, this is undoubtedly a group crime.” The accompanying forensic doctor used tweezers to pull out several strips of flesh from a crack in the wooden plank of the table. The victims here were likely a mother and daughter; the daughter was estimated to be no more than four years old. “There were shoe prints from more than 10 different shoe soles at the scene. Based on this, we infer that there were at least 15 perpetrators, including at least four strong adult men, and they were likely carrying heavy tools.”

"At least 15 people? Four adult males? And why are you so sure the perpetrator at this crime scene isn't the same person as the suspect at the previous scene?" Yang Hao frowned—they didn't even spare a four-year-old child and her mother? "Tell me the deceased's name. See if she's had any recent contact with anyone."

“Let me answer your questions one by one. There are at least 15 people because there are still many barefoot footprints here. In total, there are at least 15 people and at most 20. Four adult males because… um… we found… four different DNA profiles at the mother’s remains… I’m sorry to upset you, but it is indeed a disgusting reality. As for the third question, it’s very simple: the suspect in the first cannibalism case was undoubtedly a [gentleman], while the suspects at this scene… their way of eating was simply too beastly.”

That was eating by tearing off limbs and flesh and biting into them, not enjoying them after they were plated.

The forensic doctor gave his reasonable explanation, but when it came to the fourth question, he remained silent for a long time, flipping through the documents in his hand for a while before saying:

"One last question: The deceased's name was Nikolaevna, and we do not know her daughter's name because she was not registered."

"...Did they have any contact with anyone before they died?"

"I don't know. The police interviewed the neighbors and only learned that they heard a piercing scream an hour ago. Although someone tried to approach the place after calling the police, [due to some strange Originium Arts], they passed out shortly after approaching the edge of the building."

"...Originium Arts that restrict entry and exit?"

“I heard that a nobleman in the neighboring Duke Nikolai’s territory possesses similar Originium Arts. But I’ve never seen him, so I don’t know anything about it.”

"So, these beasts are from the Duke of Nikolai?"

"I'm not entirely sure... but if there's still a 1% chance it's a cannibalistic monster that wandered in from somewhere else, then there's probably a 9% chance it's someone from the Dukedom of Nikolai."

"...A bunch of bastards. Hasn't customs said anything?"

Yang Hao was so angry that his hair almost stood on end. His face was flushed red. If he weren't wearing a mask, the forensic doctor would probably be able to see his fierce, beast-like face right now.

Just as Yang Hao was about to be blinded by anger, Monica stepped forward and told him in a calm and trusting voice that it was not the customs' fault.

“Sir, Customs can only ensure that the information of everyone who passes through the customs inspection channel is recorded. However, if they entered the city through smuggling channels, or even through some kind of special Originium Arts... then neither the garrison on the defensive walls nor the customs inspectors can trace the suspects’ infiltration route,” she said. “So Customs is not at fault. Perhaps we can start our investigation from the secret passages that may have been built in the warehouse area.”

“...Monica, you're right, they might have escaped from the secret passage. But the most important thing right now is to arrest the perpetrators of both cannibalism cases—hey! Captain over there, come here!”

The trustworthy maid quickly calmed Yang Hao down and helped him clear his mind. At this moment, Yang Hao was still filled with rage towards the cannibals—but after channeling that rage into motivation, he immediately came up with two new measures to prevent the cannibalism case from escalating further.

1. He ordered the police captain to immediately place all police officers under martial law. All police officers, carrying lethal weapons, began patrolling areas in residential districts that were previously inaccessible to regular police forces, while areas previously patrolled by police were now guarded by fully armed soldiers.

“Monica, contact the military now using the communicator and do as I say. Then immediately return to the Duke's mansion and contact Mr. Joseph—he knows what to do. Also, take three policemen with you for protection before you go back, and take a car back, understand?”

"But, sir—"

"I'm right here. Go ahead, the sooner we get there, the better we can stop the situation from escalating further."

"Yes."

Monica left with three fully armed policemen. If it weren't for the fact that the Serpent Scales and the Gauls had been working overtime lately, Yang Hao would have really wanted them to come and protect the maid right now—but with the police watching over her, and the Duke's mansion not too far away, there shouldn't be any worries.

Compared to that, I'm the one in the most danger right now, aren't I? He shook his head and spoke to the police captain, who had already ordered his men to transmit the orders, about the second measure.

The second measure is also very simple.

That is, starting tonight, we will begin to count the population of the Duchy of Kosiché through a repetitive and tedious process of sealing off areas one by one, checking everyone's identity information, lifting the area lockdown, and then sealing off the next area.

The specific lockdown will be carried out by the military, but the inspection work can only be carried out by the police—or rather, both the police and the military can do it together, but the lack of police and military manpower will greatly delay the progress of this remedial measure.

"Sir, we don't have enough police force. If we need to conduct blockades and checks while maintaining armed patrols, we need more people."