After eight o'clock, in the restaurant at the Moretti home. Watching the now nearly empty plates, Bensen raised his hand to cover his mouth and sighed contentedly. "Though I've now tasted it for the third time, I still find it exceptionally delicious—the bright acidity and sweetness of the tomatoes perfectly blending with the elastic texture and distinctive freshness of the beef shank. I'm truly sorry, Klein, that Black Thorns Security has lost such a talented chef to Tinggen City." Melissa leaned back against the chair, silently agreeing and nodding. "It's only because you haven't yet experienced true culinary art," Klein modestly remarked. "One day, if we have the chance, we'll dine at Bonaparte in the Houls district for an authentic Indis meal, and at Coastline in the Jinwutong district for southern specialties." Both were well-known restaurants, with the former costing an average of one and a half pounds per person. "I prefer your cooking," Melissa replied without hesitation. Bansen chuckled and said, "But I've always felt that your tomato-braised shank soup is missing something—perhaps it doesn't belong with bread?" Klein nodded in agreement. "Its ideal companion should be rice." "Rice…" Melissa murmured, her expression filled with genuine longing. Tingen, located in the northern part of the region, is not a large city. Outside of visiting a few specific restaurants, rice is hard to find. For Bansen and Melissa, rice exists mostly in newspaper descriptions and occasional mentions in textbooks. Seeing her sister's expression, Klein laughed heartily. "Once we save another six months' worth of money, we'll plan a vacation to the Desea Bay to experience its cuisine." Desea Bay lies in the southernmost part of the Roon Kingdom, with one-third of it belonging to the Feneport Kingdom. It enjoys abundant sunshine, beautiful scenery, and is particularly renowned for its seafood rice dishes. Before Melissa could even voice her opinion on frugality, Cline stepped in to say: "Wait another three months, and my salary will see a significant increase—enough to comfortably cover both travel and savings." "Why?" Benson and Melissa were indeed diverted from their focus. Cline cleared his throat and smiled, explaining: "Thanks to my solid professional competence, several police departments that regularly collaborate with our company have expressed interest in hiring me as a part-time historical consultant. They’ll pay me an additional weekly salary of at least two pounds. So, whenever you see me in a police uniform, presenting the appropriate credentials, don’t be surprised." "Of course," he added, "you all know how government offices operate—like a ninety-year-old lady’s gait—slow, with a long process to go through, and they still need to evaluate me. That’s why I’ll be visiting Hoy University quite frequently over the next two months, meeting with my advisor and faculty members I know, to deepen my knowledge." With his brother and sister staring at him in surprise, he paused, his expression slightly odd as he began: "Just as the Great Emperor Roscel said, 'Learn throughout your life.' " Bassen remained silent for a few seconds, half moved by emotion, half self-conscious: "Do I still have time to apply to university?" "Knowledge truly is wealth." He quietly added, "And also power." "Bassen, you need my grammar textbooks and my classical literature course materials," Melissa suddenly said, voicing exactly what克莱恩 had been thinking. Bassen's expression seemed to shift; he bit his teeth and said: "Clay, you'll deliver those books to me tonight." "Even if they help me sleep, I'll read one—no, one and a half hours—every day." "By the goddess! If I can't manage it, I'll be nothing but a shaggy baboon!" Clay immediately beamed: "No problem." … the next morning, Caine hung his coat and hat on the rack in the lounge, then proceeded to the watchroom outside the Charnes Gate, as relayed by Rosan. All the team members—Captain Dunn, members Lunnfry, Siggah, Luo Yao, Leonard, and Coen Li—had arrived. Dunn glanced at the new night watchman standing at the door and smiled, “We hold a regular meeting every Thursday to review our recent assignments and discuss any challenges we’ve encountered.” I’ve certainly weathered my share of such meetings… Caine muttered under his breath, then found a seat and playfully asked, “Should we all do a brief self-introduction?” Dunn chuckled and turned to Coen Li, “Could you briefly summarize the follow-up investigation into Siris Ariphus?” Coen Li also transitioned from a civilian role to a night watcher. He is of average height, with fairly dense brown hair, well-proportioned and physically fit, with strong, well-defined muscles, giving the impression of being sharp and capable. After a moment's reflection, he said, "With the help of the elder Neil, we discovered Siliris's hidden base. There are numerous books and items on site, which confirm that Siliris is a member of the secret organization known as the 'Aurora Circle,' specifically designated as a 'Secret Prophet.' There is ample evidence that the Antigonus family's notes were indeed sold to Welch by Siliris and Hinas Vancent. Anyone who doesn't remember Welch can inquire about him with Kline." "What we've uncovered includes three valuable potion recipes: Sequence 9 for 'The Seer,' Sequence 9 for 'Apprentice,' and Sequence 8 for 'The Clown'..." "Next, we need to identify the peripheral members of the 'Aurora Circle' who have embraced the evil deity, based on the surviving letters and Sirus's social circles—particularly the member currently embedded within the police department." "We also need to reevaluate those who have had contact with Haynes." Dunne nodded gently, turning to Caine: "You've heard, haven't you? We now possess the recipe for 'The Clown's' potion, but we haven't yet confirmed its authenticity—this will depend on feedback from the Hall." "The tasks involving the Aurora have seen your key, decisive contributions—add to that the successful elimination of a Monastery member, and you'll soon accumulate enough merit for a significant promotion. Yet I must remind you that not everyone is Daili. You must endure your yearning, remain composed for three years, and resist the influence of the 'Jester' potion's formula on your mindset, or risk losing control. Captain, this is precisely what you don't yet grasp about the magic of 'playing the part.' Last night, atop the Gray Mist, I confirmed through divination that the formula for the 'Jester' potion is correct. Klay nodded earnestly. 'I will keep my emotions under control.' Then, the white-haired, black-eyed, composed 'Poet of Midnight,' Siga Teyon, added: 'We still haven't found any trace of the 'Instigator,' Tris. I suspect he has already fled from Tinggen.' …One matter settled at a time, Caine left the watchroom and went to continue his studies in mysticism with Old Neil. In the afternoon, he visited Gowan, the combat instructor, to undertake foundational training in strength, endurance, and overall coordination. Thud, thud, thud! He knocked on the half-opened door. "Please come in," a voice, as if carrying a bit of old phlegm, replied. Cain held his cane and stepped inside, noticing that the detective office had a semi-open layout, with four employees each seated in positions separated by partitions. "Good day," said a man in a white shirt and black jacket who approached promptly. "How can I assist you today?" He held a pipe, his facial lines firm, his eyebrows sharp like blades, and his deep blue eyes professionally assessing the client across the table. Cain raised the collar of his overcoat to shield half his face. "I have two matters I'd like to entrust to you. Could you please let me know your fee structure?" "It depends on the complexity of the cases," the detective replied, shifting his gaze and pointing toward the guest area with a sofa set. "Shall we go there?" Klein followed him to the partially separated area, sat on the single sofa, still wearing his coat, hat, and mask. On purpose, he spoke in a deep, resonant voice: "First, I need you to investigate which homes in Tinggen have chimneys of this kind, and identify both the landlords and the current occupants." As he spoke, he unfolded a folded sheet of paper, revealing a colorful rendering of the red chimney and its surroundings. This was another drawing achieved by Klein through the unique properties of the gray mist and his own self-directed efforts. "That's quite excellent," the detective Henry remarked instinctively, slightly frowning. "The commission isn't complex, but it's quite detailed—requiring a long duration and a significant number of assistants." "I understand," Klein nodded gently. After a moment of reflection, Henry said: "Seven pounds for the commission, and I need at least two weeks." "Um, the second matter—find this man, establish his identity. The only information I have is that he occasionally appears at the Dragon's Beer Hall in the dock district. And, above all, don't let him notice. He's exceptionally perceptive, with a remarkable observational skill." Caine produced the second portrait. He was trying to reach out to members of the "Psychological Alchemy Society" to gather valuable intelligence and materials—such as recipes that could be exchanged for justice. "Three pounds for similar tasks, usually three to four. Your exceptional drawing skills will save me and my assistants considerable time," the detective Henry replied smoothly. "Ten pounds total?" Caine found the price rather painful. Detective Henry drew out his pipe and said, "Yes. You'll need to pay two pounds upfront, then an additional three to five pounds as progress is made, and the remainder once the work is fully completed." "Then I'll come to check on progress next week." Klein made no extensive negotiations, lest the observant Mr. Detective remember his distinctive features. After signing the standard contract, he produced two one-pound banknotes and handed them to the other, leaving only one pound and seventeen shillings in his private funds. He watched as the gentleman—wearing a bandaged mask, a black coat, and his collar raised high—quickly departed. Detective Henry drew on his pipe, his expression full of curiosity. "What business could he have with a house that has such a chimney?" "…He must be an artist, at the very least someone with training in drawing..." ………… Meanwhile, in the luxurious manor of the Viscount of Glayntrit in Beckland, at mid-afternoon. Following protocol, Audrey, accompanied by a maid, extended her hand to the host, who gently kissed it. "Your beauty has truly brightened my salon," the Viscount began, offering a normal compliment, before lowering his voice. "The lady has arrived. She is both a remarkable person and a writer."