Bad woman, am I pretending to be bad?

The little bird didn't understand; she just secretly clutched the faded hem of her clothes.

Just then, there was a gentle knock on the office door once again.

The guests have arrived.

Chapter Fifty: Port Matters and Connecting Clues

The man who pushed open the door was nearly forty years old and walked with difficulty.

He was quite obese, with the flesh of his neck and face bunched up, making his eyes appear as small as beans. He was leaning on a gentleman's cane and wearing a tall top hat.

Although it was already quite cold in Tingen in December, there was a noticeable amount of sweat trickling down the gentleman's forehead.

With each step he took, his plump hips and legs stretched his wide suit trousers so much that they bulged out. After just a few steps and a few swaying, he was already panting heavily, unable to stop himself from bending over and supporting his knees to catch his breath.

Upon seeing this, two attendants dressed as riders quickly stepped forward and helped him up, one on each side.

This appearance, this demeanor... seems somewhat familiar...

Before Charlotte could observe any further, the gentleman opened his arms and gave the old detective a casual hug.

“Mr. Singh, I’m so glad I found you. That matter just now almost drove me crazy.”

As he spoke, the man took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

"This weather is really hot."

Just as he opened his mouth, a gust of cold wind blew in from outside the window, causing the passerby to shiver and quicken his pace.

"Mr. Vancent, please have a seat and explain things to me slowly."

Despite being splattered with saliva and then receiving a hug, Singh's expression remained unchanged; he merely furrowed his brow slightly.

It was clear that he didn't like the other party's actions. If he remembered correctly, Vancent was the viscount who had recently accompanied the old detective to gamble on horses.

"Oh, what was I going to say...?"

He plopped down on the sofa, causing the somewhat old furniture to groan in protest. Just as Vancent was about to speak, he caught sight of the three girls sitting on the other side.

"Thank goodness, I never expected to see three bright flowers on this day. Singh, you pretended to be so reserved and gentle, but you're so flamboyant behind the scenes."

Upon hearing this, Charlotte raised her eyebrows, revealing a rare displeasure. She could flirt with the birds, that was her own skill, but to be regarded as a decorative vase by others was a blow to her dignity, impolite and lacking in self-control.

Silently, she hugged the little peacock in her arms tighter, and turned her body to protect the bird girl beside her. The girl straightened her back and faced the person in front of her, her eyes becoming more piercing.

Unmoved, Singh simply tapped the table lightly, making a solemn sound to emphasize the point.

“Mr. Vancent, you must be here seeking help to solve the case. Beauty is certainly worthy of praise, but it shouldn’t become a topic of idle gossip. These three ladies are my assistants, each with their own strengths in terms of ability.”

"I'm so sorry, I was rude. Actually, this matter is a bit complicated. May I hire you in my private capacity?"

He forced a couple of dry laughs, implying that the matter might involve privacy or legal boundaries, and that he hoped Singh would keep the truth from the police and sheriff.

"Although I am not that upright and occasionally take on dirty and tiring jobs depending on the situation, if your request violates the law, please forgive me for refusing without any consideration for feelings."

No longer as approachable as before, the old detective tapped his pipe lightly, his gaze growing cold, clearly indicating that he wanted to see the guest out.

“Singer, it’s not what you think. You should know that there’s a kind of bitterness called ‘family scandals should not be aired in public.’ Also, whether you want to take this on or not, I will explain the specific details of the incident to you.”

Really? Since when can you even trust friends you meet at a casino? Who knows, if it comes to matters of interest, these people who call each other brothers on the surface might tear each other apart in an instant.

Charlotte thought so, but she didn't believe in anything as strong as gold. In many cases, the word "friend" could even become a bargaining chip.

"After all, you are the most famous detective in Tingen, and one of my only two friends, so you were the first person I thought of when this happened. Look, here I am, bringing you money."

At this point, Vancent observed Singh's expression and, seeing that he seemed unaffected, continued with a relieved sigh.

"Here's what happened. With the Blooming Flowers Art Exhibition approaching, many nobles and tourists from afar have various needs. In order to make a small profit and to cater to guests with different customs, I purchased a batch of goods from Newland."

"The total amount of cargo wasn't too much, and we were lucky enough not to be robbed by those desperados during the sea voyage. Because of the smooth journey, I even asked the captain to buy a thoroughbred horse from Tullif along the way. Singh, you know, I enjoy doing this."

Without rushing to respond, the obese man pondered for a while, as if considering his next words.

"Everything was going very smoothly. I was making some money, and the customers who came to Tingen were also getting convenience. But somehow, when the cargo ship docked at the port area, the workers unloading the cargo seemed to have contracted tuberculosis and got into a quarrel with the crew. When my guards arrived and recounted the cargo, they found that a lot of stock was missing, and it was all the best and most valuable stuff."

"This made me feel like crying. Everything was fine the whole way, but the problem only occurred at the very end of the return trip."

He took out some papers from the drawer and, while listening, occasionally picked up a pen to write down a few key pieces of information.

"May I ask about the types of goods?"

This is a normal inquiry.

"This, this isn't that relevant to the incident. Actually, my request is for you, Singh, to help me find the thieves and recover the missing goods. Everyone involved in the incident is currently being held at the dock. Once you go there, you can directly question them for more details."

His gaze wandered, his eyes darting around. Vancent tiptoed, scratching his neck anxiously, sweat beading on his forehead.

Not only could he not reveal the type of goods, but his stumbling denials and guilty expression also made it hard not to be suspicious. Charlotte had already confirmed the viscount's business the moment she heard the first sentence.

—Transoceanic smuggling.

Honestly, it must have been quite an achievement for him to describe smuggling so euphemistically.

Similarly, the old detective naturally noticed that this 'good friend' was clearly lying.

"I can't take this case, after all—"

"Wait, wait! I'll pay you forty pounds if you can help me find some of the goods! If you find them all, I'll pay you double, no, triple!"

Forty pounds?

Even in the eyes of extraordinary individuals, this is a considerable sum of money, not to mention the generous commission. It's hard to imagine how valuable the goods themselves are.

"Okay, I'll go and see for myself, and then decide based on the situation."

Therefore, Singh choked on his words and pondered for a moment before giving an ambiguous answer.

Normally, a detective like him only has two options when faced with a case: accept or refuse. He rarely has to make a decision. But Viscount Vancent was offering too much, leaving him no choice but to stick to his own will.

"That's good, that's good. As expected of my good friend, Detective Singh from Tingen, you're a true friend."

Before parting, he gave the old detective one last hug, then the portly nobleman shook off his trousers, got back into the carriage parked outside, and drove away.

Only when the sound of hooves gradually faded did Singh lower his brows and hurriedly wipe his suit.

To be honest, Charlotte was somewhat pleased, probably because she saw the old detective's expression, as if he had eaten a rat dropping.

After all, her employer was usually calm and composed, rarely showing negative emotions, but his current unbalanced expression showed just how disgusted he was.

Her pleasure lies in seeing others moved.

Of course, this commission could also help her to some extent. The docks in the port area were usually managed and unified by the labor union, so now she had a legitimate reason to investigate.

"Sir, judging from Viscount Vancent's words, he must have consulted more than one detective, and most likely only decided to come to you after several unsuccessful attempts. Moreover, the private commission and the unknown nature of the goods... isn't that...?"

Suppressing her inner turmoil, Charlotte clarified the strangeness of the incident one by one, and also refrained from speaking at appropriate times, intentionally leaving room for interpretation.

“I know that the business that gentleman runs has always been something between the legal and illegal worlds, but I hope you won’t blame me too much. Maintaining the dignity of the upper class always comes at a price, and compromises and social obligations are unavoidable.”

"However, I assure you that if Vancent's commission involves anything malicious, I will make a swift decision. In any case, a gentleman should not allow his conscience to suffer prolonged torment for the sake of money."

With a short sigh, Singh grabbed his coat from the shelf, draped it over his shoulders, and gestured for the three girls to follow behind.

"Mr. Singh, where are we going?"

It was a timid inquiry from a little bird.

"As my assistants, you will naturally have to go to the scene to understand the situation and gradually learn and become proficient in the process of solving cases."

The old detective called out to a nearby rental carriage, opened the door, and made room for them to enter.

"However, before that, we need to explain the specific details of the disappearance to Ms. Mossam."

Ms. Mozambique?

Great! Perfect timing to chat with her about my achievements. Just imagining her astonished expression at my accomplishments made Charlotte lick her pink lips, her face flushing. She felt a surge of emotion—

very excited.

Chapter Fifty-One: The Fleeting Nature of Life and the Promise

Lavis Cemetery, Marais District.

As the pedals are retracted and the sound of hooves gradually fades, a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere arises with each gentle step.

Strolling among the neatly arranged pines and cypresses, the evergreen cabbages still stand gracefully, without any heavy deathly atmosphere. This place hardly resembles a cemetery; it's more like a verdant garden.

Although it had only been two days since they last met, Charlotte already felt a pang of longing.

After all, that woman was the guide, and only by her side could the girl slightly let down her guard, find a sense of peace, and reveal a hint of her weariness.

"Ms. Mozambique".

In the distance, the beautiful woman wiping the tombstone stopped, straightened her back, and looked in the direction of the sound.

Upon seeing that strand of silver-gray hair, a joy spontaneously welled up in her eyes, softening her otherwise melancholic and aloof demeanor.

"Watson".

It is a gentle call, and a soft smile.

Without a reply, Charlotte simply raised the corners of her lips, trotted and leaped a few times, lively and carefree, to stand before Mossant, turned around, opened her arms, and gave the lady a hug.

"Madam, I miss you so much."

It was a brief exploration, a measured conclusion, yet it was full of tenderness.

Considering the upcoming transfer, the two birds did not come along, but simply sat in the carriage and waited, which made it easier for the girl to play along.

"Ah."

Mo Sang nodded slightly, uttering few words, but gently smoothing the girl's disheveled hair as she ran.

"this......"

Shocked by what he saw, the old detective accompanying him took several deep breaths before he could calm himself down and said in a low voice.

"Regarding the previous case, Ms. Mossan, we have roughly confirmed the identity of the murderer. Even if it is not him, this gentleman must have a close connection with the case."

After waiting until the two had stopped being affectionate, Singh took out the photo from his pocket and handed it to the dark-haired woman at the opportune moment.

"His name is Vaughan Gerald, he lives in the port area, and he recently joined the India Party."

Staring at the portrait in the film, Ms. Mossang remained silent for a moment, then lowered her voice and gave a stern instruction.

"Thank you for your hard work. Please don't get involved in what happens after this. I will inform the church in Tingen to handle this case as soon as possible."

Without any delay, after delivering the details, the old detective was about to call the girl to leave when Charlotte shook her head slightly and apologized.

“Mr. Singh, please wait outside for a moment. Ms. Mossang and I have some things to discuss.”

Before the other person could ask any further questions, she smiled and put her index finger to her lips in a 'shh' gesture.

"It's a secret, a secret among ladies."

Upon hearing this, Singh lost interest in persisting and they passed each other by. When only Charlotte and Ms. Mossang remained in the cemetery, the girl took out the talisman given to her by the little parrot from her suitcase.

“Ms. Mosan, I bought this at the party at Connor Bar. Could you take a look at it for me?”

"it is good."

Unfastening the clasp, her slender hand, covered in black gauze, wiped the surface of the talisman paper one by one. With the beauty's touch, the originally dull and unremarkable surface gradually revealed ancient and complex patterns, like spreading flower branches.

"The traces of spiritual drawing make this a usable talisman, but most of its effects are just releasing a huge amount of light in an instant. Only the last one can cause a shallow hypnosis in a certain area, depending on the situation. Overall, it is a very good finished product."

"The way to stimulate it is to recite the ancient Su secret word 'light' or to receive a certain external stimulus."

It's genuine! Little parrot, thank you for your generosity. I'll definitely bring you some delicious bird food next time.

I carefully put away the talismans that were handed back to me, and used this opportunity to count the number of usable ones. There were four talismans for releasing light, but only one for hypnosis.

However, just as Charlotte was pondering, Ms. Mossant raised her voice and spoke carefully.

“Young lady, after this case is over, I may leave Tingen for a while.”

Her mind went blank for a moment, and the girl instinctively raised her head to look at the black-haired beauty. Seeing that the beauty had lowered her eyes, she knew that the truth could not be changed.

There is certainly reluctance, and Ms. Mosang is like an unread encyclopedia, waiting for the touch of one's fingertips. But as a sensible and well-behaved Miss Watson, what she should do now is—

She patted her cheeks lightly, as if trying to dispel her disappointment, and Charlotte forced a smile.

“Ms. Mossang must have had her own things to do. After all, everyone has their own life. I remember everything you said back then very clearly.”

Mentioning something at the right time can often deepen the impression you make on the other person.