Bad woman, am I pretending to be bad?

"Shh, Sophie, this is not a good time. I won't let him get away, don't worry."

The grief and anger of seeing the real culprit should have overwhelmed her thoughts, but with the girl's comfort, Sufby's heart involuntarily calmed down.

It's a habit, a small habit that has become a little ingrained.

"Ah."

She gave a soft murmur, turned her head away, and remained silent as before, but did not loosen her clasped fingers.

"Butler, could you please explain to me in more detail the identities of all those involved and the specific circumstances of the incident?"

Singh looked around and saw mostly dockworkers, all with their heads down, standing anxiously, occasionally hunching over and shivering.

"The missing cargo was originally stored in the middle and lower decks, and apart from these peasants, the only sailors on board at the time of the incident were the steward Vaughn, the cook Hauser, and the second mate Elliott."

Still not in a good mood, the old butler complained as he spoke.

"Luckily, only a small part of the cargo was lost, otherwise I would have been in real trouble. Viscount Vancent would have skinned me alive."

"Were the lost goods also packed in these types of wooden crates? Approximately how much did they weigh?"

Frowning, Singh temporarily disregarded the unexpected encounter and had probably already guessed where the goods had gone. His current questioning was simply to seek more evidence.

“That shipment was extremely valuable. We were so worried about it getting damp and rotting during sea transport that we used several layers of wooden boards to seal and preserve it. As for the amount that was lost, it wasn’t a huge loss, but it wasn’t insignificant either. It was about a third of the shipment, enough to fill four similar wooden crates.”

The butler patted the wooden box placed nearby, then his sharp gaze swept over everyone's faces.

"Luckily, I checked the inventory halfway through, otherwise, who knows where these idiots would have taken it later."

“I think I understand, Mr. Butler. Who was the designer who modified this ship? Is he still working on the White Pearl recently?”

The first clue noted down became the key to solving the case. Since the cargo had not left the dock and had not been found on the sea, it must have been hidden somewhere on the ship.

"You must be talking about Pierce. He used to be a craftsman and was working as a warehouse manager on this ship last week. However, he had to leave due to some family matters, so Viscount Vancent had no choice but to hire this experienced Mr. Vonn."

Upon hearing the butler's mention, Fu En straightened his chest and smiled, appearing completely unhurried.

Without asking any further questions, the old detective turned to look at the girl, as if seeking confirmation.

"What do you think, Ms. Watson? If you could give me some insight, I would be eternally grateful."

"Ha, sir, if you weren't confident, why would you use such a tone?"

Knowing Singer's thoughts, Charlotte didn't want to spoil the fun. Instead, she stepped forward and asked the other two parties involved, pretending to be unaware of the situation.

"Mr. Hauser, Mr. Elliott, may I ask why you were still in the lower decks when the cargo was lost this morning? As far as I know, both the captain and the first mate left the White Pearl beforehand, whether to go home to rest or to participate in recreational activities."

“Ahem, madam, you’re not a crew member, so you might not know my responsibilities. I’m not only in charge of the sailors’ food, but also responsible for sanitation after each return to port to prevent the spread of disease. The period from loading cargo to the end is the dirtiest and most chaotic time, so how can I possibly leave?”

With a hint of helplessness in his explanation, Hauser sighed repeatedly, seemingly troubled by his involvement in the incident.

“Beautiful lady, as old Saul said, the White Pearl has its own ship rules. Every time it docks for resupply, someone must stay in the cabin to prevent some of the porters from being dishonest. Unfortunately, this time, I have encountered this bad luck during my term.”

Leaning against the gangway, Elliott explained casually, deliberately showing off the musket at his waist as if to confirm his identity.

"Thank you for clarifying things. Well then, Mr. James, Mr. Sitney..."

As she read out the names of the dockworkers one by one, the girl changed her previous seriousness and gently inquired about the plight of these suffering people.

The butler didn't have the time to introduce the identities of these 'fools' one by one. Charlotte knew this because during the nights she spent sketching with Sophie, she had helped some of the laborers, and even talked to them personally, giving them hope and comforting the emotions of each dejected person.

Her exceptional memory allowed her to remember everything she saw, enabling her to clearly call out the names of each gentleman at this moment, which in turn led to the current situation.

Seemingly flattered, hearing the respectful addresses and seeing the gentle and bright face, the dockworkers felt even more grateful. They told the girl everything they knew, with little concealment.

"..."

With wide eyes, as if meeting Watson for the first time, the old detective was actually quite incredulous.

Although it's unclear how she did it, it's astonishing that her witty, clever, and resourceful assistant possessed such a kind heart, not only willingly bowing down and becoming gentle, but also earning the trust of these suffering people.

"The answer is obvious, Sophby. What can you tell from the deck?"

Instead of immediately revealing the truth, Charlotte uses each bird's talents to pose appropriate questions, gradually drawing out deeper clues.

This is an inquiry, but also a deliberate guidance and instruction.

“The drag marks were very light. If there were four boxes of cargo, it would be difficult to transport them off the ship openly and legitimately in the sight of others.”

Following the girl's words, and with her exceptional eyesight, Sophoby quickly found a clue on the deck.

"So, Winnie, do you think only one person can do it?"

"No, even with a winch and a carrying pole, such a heavy load is not something one person can move."

Winnie shook her head vigorously, denying it repeatedly.

“Mr. Singh, it seems you think so.”

It's time to return the power of summarizing to the old detective. After all, Charlotte is just an assistant and shouldn't overshadow her employer.

She was an expert in navigating social dynamics and manipulating human relationships.

"Butler, have someone break a hole in the lowest deck; the missing cargo should be hidden inside."

Coming to his senses from his initial shock, Singh glanced at the girl with admiration. Even though she was occasionally a little excessive, this girl was indeed sensible and empathetic when doing serious things, which made people feel at ease.

"But the lower deck has no openings, and there are no signs of stress damage. How could cargo have been stored there?"

While still questioning the old detective, the butler's expression changed when the laborer broke open the box, revealing the familiar wooden crate and the corresponding handwriting. He then began to fawn over the old detective.

"Oh, sir, you truly are a master detective. I admit, I'm completely baffled. How did you come up with this idea?"

“After eliminating all possibilities, even the most fantastical idea becomes an undeniable fact. I don’t know how Mr. Pierce modified the ship, nor do I know how the suspect knew this, but only this area could hide four boxes of cargo.”

Not paying much attention to the former, like Charlotte, after the goods saw the light of day again, Singh secretly observed the expressions of the others out of the corner of his eye.

Hauser and Elliott both breathed a sigh of relief, while Vaughn frowned slightly, as if he was suppressing his emotions.

“My dear Mr. Singh, you have saved me and Viscount Vancent from our losses. I am very sorry that I had doubts about your abilities. But if you can find the real culprit, you will be of even greater help to us.”

"I'm sorry, the recovery of the lost goods was mostly due to lucky guesses. As for the methods used by the real culprit, I, like you, have no idea. After all, hiding things remotely is unbelievable; it's practically like—"

The old detective paused, still carefully choosing his words, when the silver-haired girl aptly added the finishing touch.

"magician."

Chapter Fifty-Four: The Goddess and the Church (First Update)

The whip cracked, and the tall horse neighed in pain, its pace quickening as the simple carriage continued its journey along the tree-lined road.

"Mr. Singh, where are we going?"

Looking out at the unfamiliar scenery, Charlotte asked softly.

No wonder she was confused. Looking around, she saw that the streets were no longer congested and dirty. Instead, neat and tidy buildings came into view one by one, and even luxurious shops with signs hanging high, occasionally offering humble greetings to customers.

It was clear that they had left the port area after completing the mission.

"Go to the police station to report Viscount Vancent's smuggling activities."

Without any hesitation, the old detective gripped his cane tightly, his tone resolute.

"Why, sir? Didn't you complete the task?"

The bird girl glanced at the two people talking and said timidly.

"As a detective, it is my duty to accept a commission and resolve the matter. However, as a gentleman, my conscience does not allow me to turn a blind eye and remain silent."

Singer sighed deeply, stroking his pipe, his expression quite complicated.

"Perhaps you didn't see it clearly, but those missing shipments were addictive drugs that have caused countless families to break up. They are prohibited from being sold publicly by the Tingen law. Moreover, the serial killer suspect was among them."

“Well, there were one or two times when I realized that the harm caused by completing a case was even more serious than the case itself. Now, I have learned to be cautious. Between friendship and conscience, I will not hesitate to side with my conscience.”

Once the carriage came to a stop, the old detective spoke up and gave instructions.

“Leave the trouble of dealing with the police to me, Winnie, Sophby, you two just wait in the car for a bit.”

Pushing open the police station doors, Singh, leading Charlotte, took the initiative to greet the distinguished man standing in the center of the crowd.

He was a tall, well-dressed gentleman with curly hair and a beard, and bright, light blue eyes.

"Isn't this Mr. Singh? What brings you here? Please have a seat."

Upon seeing the visitor, the man immediately pulled out a chair and greeted him warmly, clearly indicating that the two had a prior relationship.

"No, no need, Inspector Redtire. I'm here to report a crime. Viscount Vancent smuggled a large quantity of raw hibiscus from Newland, right at the Teddam docks."

It is an unreserved expression of feelings.

Frowning, Redtire's expression changed noticeably upon hearing the words "Viscount" and "Hibiscus."

"I will try my best to cut back on any extra portions, but I've been very busy lately, so some things may be a little delayed. Please forgive me."

The man paced back and forth in the lobby, seemingly wanting to say something, but in the end he only patted Singh on the shoulder and made a reluctant promise.

"I know your difficulties and hardships, but Detective, please don't let your conscience be disgraced."

Without a reply, leaving only these words, Singh straightened his trench coat and strode outside.

"Sir, this case involves nobles, so I'm afraid it won't be easy to handle."

“I trust Redtire. He’s a responsible sheriff, and even if he’s a bit arrogant, he still gets things done.”

Grasp the riding crop again, and before departing, the old detective chuckled twice to ease the tense atmosphere.

"It's getting late today. If you need, I can give you a ride home as a perk for your first day on the job."

"Thank you, Mr. Singh."

Somewhat shyly accepting the kindness, Winnie hugged her knees, her eyes unfocused, as if recalling the events of the day.

Are you still thinking about that request from earlier?

Not ignoring the little bird's feelings, Charlotte lowered her head slightly, causing strands of her silver-gray hair to brush against the girl's skin.

"Yes, both Mr. Singh and Ms. Watson are amazing. I really didn't expect that I could be of any help, even if it's just a small favor."

“Winnie, you’ve definitely been working hard, from making an attempt to achieving something. I’ve seen it all.”

Encouraged by these whispered words, the bird girl felt a slight itch and chuckled somewhat foolishly.

"I'm so happy. I hope things can stay like this forever."

“That won’t do, Winnie. People always have to part ways. No one can’t survive without another person. It’s an essential part of growing up.”

It wasn't intentional; Charlotte was indeed touched by the bird's words and actions. She had once relied on her mother in the same way, and those same words were spoken to her by that aloof woman.

The girl knew that the other person hoped she could be an independent and strong person.

She's always like this.

I always hope that I can start my own family independently, and that I can live a good life even without all my family, friends, and lovers.

Just as she wished, since leaving university and entering society, Charlotte has become increasingly withdrawn and indifferent, so indifferent that she would be unmoved even if someone dismembered her, so indifferent that she would lie at will without feeling any harm, so indifferent that others could never see her clearly through her mask.

As for why she confides in the little birds here, she simply wants to try something new, to try to paint this blank sheet of paper with her own colors.

Upon hearing this, Winnie glanced at Charlotte and murmured to herself.

But everything I have now—this complete dress, my sister's improved condition—was given to me free of charge by Miss Watson. How could she not yearn for it, how could she not depend on it?

The sounds of horses' hooves and cart tracks still echoed, and the girls' thoughts fluttered.

Perhaps drawn by the rich aroma wafting from the window, or perhaps by the loud calls, the bird-girl looked in the direction of the sound and saw a thriving cake shop. A small glimmer of hope appeared in her eyes.

Charlotte noticed this as well, and as she looked at the store's sign, she read it aloud, word by word.

"Sachertorte? Do you like this kind of sweet flavor?"

"Um......"

Unexpectedly, Watson noticed her momentary lapse in concentration. At a loss for words, Winnie simply nodded blankly and subconsciously admitted it.

"Okay, I'll remember that."

Charlotte tilted her head slightly, raised her lips, and let her delicate smile bloom, brightening the twilight outside the window.

Click.

The footstool was lowered, and the bird girl stood quietly at the entrance of the narrow alley, watching the carriage gradually disappear into the distance. She wanted to reach out and grab the passing breeze.

But who can catch the wind?

The wind slipped through her fingers, stirring the nearby stream and rippling across her heart.