"So... Is this it?" Catherine asked. "Was Raymond the murderer?"
"It's not like he can either confirm or deny that." Sunny said, looking over the body.
"Detective." (Y/n) said like it was a warning, still embracing a crying Miriam.
He raised his hands as a silent apology.
"No, he's not." he said more seriously. "After all, he was with Miss Ashwood at the time of the murder. Speaking of which, Miss Markov?"
He turned to the hare lady, she was shaking like a leaf and was struggling to even say 'yes?'.
"I'll give you some time then." he nodded. "Miss Ashwood?"
He went up to her and crouched to be at eye level.

"If I could have your attention for a moment."
She sniffed and looked at him.
"Did you know Mr. Henry Pillar was working here in the Goliath's basement?"
"What?"
"Have you met your parents' investors or other business partners in the last year or so?"
"I...I'm not sure."
"When were all these candles inctalled?"
"What are you saying?!" she sobbed.
"Miriam, I need you to think-"
"Detective, that is enough!" (Y/n) exclaimed. "And unnecessary."
She and Sunny looked at each-other. She glared at him, understanding exactly what he was doing. He was taking advantage of Miriam's emotional state to get answers out of her.

"We understand that you are used to these situations and are able to keep a clear head," Wally spoke. "but we are not."
"We?" he glanced back at him with a cheeky smile. "Coming from you, that is surprising."
Wally didn't respond. Sunny chuckled.
"Of course, of course. I understand." he stood up. "Apologies."
"I've heard enough."
Everybody turned to the Count of Tremontes.
"Two people have died now. I'm putting a stop to this before a third tragedy strikes."
Before anyone could ask what he meant by that, he walked away. Miriam sniffed and dried her eyes.
"I... I need a moment." she quietly said before leaving in the same direction as the Count.

Catherine and (Y/n) looked at each-other. Catherine glanced at their direction, (Y/n)'s eyes widened ever so slightly as she tilted her head, Catherine nodded with her eyes closed and went to the direction they left. (Y/n) rolled her eyes, sighing through her nose. Witnessing that strange exchange, Wally believed that this was once again this secret code women had.
"Well then!" Sunny clapped his hands. "I welcome everyone to move to another room while me and my assistants have a look at Mr. Mondego's belongings."
"We're not going after the Count?" Wally quietly asked as the guests left.
"I believe Lady Tempertuft is beating us to it, correct?" he looked at (Y/n).
"Indeed." she nodded with a sigh. "Though I tried to stop her..."
"You did...?" Wally whispered, confused.
"No lady such as herself could pass on an opportunity to eavesdrop on a secluded conversation." Sunny chuckled as he went to search Raymond's pockets.

"Not just that." (Y/n) said. "During the party, while the three of us were in the middle of a conversation, Miriam suddenly went stiff and as white as a sheet. I believe it was when she saw the Count."
"You're saying she knows him?" the detective glanced back at her, intrigued.
"It was as if she'd seen a ghost."
"Interesting... Now I wish I had gone with Lady Tempertuft!"
"Her and Miriam could be in danger." Wally said. "What if she recognized him because she'd seen him conducting secret business with her father?"
"Miriam followed the Count, if she dies, then everybody will know he did it. He is not a dumb man." he waved. "As for the Baroness, I trust that she won't get in any trouble. Always count on a lady who loves gossip to never get caught."
"She had gotten better at it..." (Y/n) tilted her head and nodded.

"Well, nothing of interest here." Sunny stood up and went back to her and Wally. "We'll have the servants cover the body until the proper authorities arrive."
"They are taking long..." she looked out the window as the thunder roared.
"In this weather, it's understandable." Wally said.
Sunny looked out the window as well. His eyes narrowed for a second.
"Mmh." he then turned to the couple with a smile. "What do you say we go back to the study and continue to talk about what we found?"
"Yes." Wally nodded. "I have something I want to show you."
"More puzzle pieces?" (Y/n) asked.
"That too, but something else also." he said with a grave expression.
"Ooo, I like that expression!" Sunny smiled, rubbing his hands together. "Let's go mi querido compañeros!"

Catherine moved quickly, but her footsteps were silent, even the ruffling of her dress didn't make any sound.
"Wait, Rodney!"
There was a moment of silence. Right around the corner of the hallway, Catherine pressed her back against the wall and listened closely. She almost gasped when she heard a first name coming from Miriam.
"It is you, isn't it?"
"...Miss Ashwoood, you just lost the two men most important to you. You are confused, simple as tha-"
"Yet here you are, Rodney. Alive." her voice quivered. "I thought you were dead."
"My name is Ronald. Whoever this Rodney is, he could very well be dead."
"...What happened to you?"
There was a moment of silence. Catherine leaned over ever so slightly to catch a glimpse. The hallway ahead was making a left, so she could clearly see Miriam and the Count, face-to-face, a few steps away from each-other. Miriam stepped forward and he stepped back.

"I... I know I'm the one who told you to go away." she said. "Trust me, not a day has gone by that I haven't thought of you."
"...With another man in your heart, you looked at Raymond with those eyes?"
"Raymond is-" she turned away, hugging herself. "He was a lie. Everything about him. He brought me the comfort, the love I needed. He filled the hole you made when you left." she shook her head. "But it was all by design, all to get to me- I don't even know why!" she covered her face. "Why did a woman's heart have to be fooled and used for whatever dreadful business he had here?"
She sniffed and sobbed. The Count lifted a hand, but he only took a step towards her before stopping himself. He closed his hand into a fist and turned away.
"Dry your eyes, Miriam." he spoke in a softer tone before walking away. "The cyclamen might blossom if you do."
Miriam gasped and looked back. She watched the Count leave and she leaned on the nearest wall to support herself, crying.
Catherine wanted to go and comfort her, but she knew she couldn't. And anyway, she had heard enough. She took out a piece of glowing paper and rushed to go find some ink.

"So, your Highness." Sunny said as they entered the study. "To start from the beginning, you found the key to the study in the victim's pocket."
"Indeed." Wally nodded. "There wasn't much else on his person."
"And what was it that you found and wanted to show us?"
"After I checked the pockets, I went through the desk's drawers." he said as went to the desk and opened a drawer. "In one of them, there seems to have been a hidden compartment, which was open when I opened the drawer." he pointed.
Sunny and (Y/n) went to look.
"It's empty..." the Lady said. "Was its content stolen?"
"Very likely so, yes." Sunny nodded.
"Could it be the killer's motive then?!" her eyes widened. "They wanted whatever was in that box!"
"Maybe. We can't know for sure unless we learn what was inside." he waved before turning to Wally. "Anything else, your Highness?"

Wally's expression turned graver.
"In another drawer, I found this."
He opened the top drawer and took out a sheet of paper, which he handed over. Sunny took it and let out an 'oooo!' while (Y/n) leaned over to see. She gasped when she saw the big letters which seemed to have been cut out from newspapers:

FILTHY SPADE, YOUR DAYS ARE NUMBERED

"He received one too?"
The two men looked at her with big eyes. She took out the letter she received right before the murder and showed it to them. Sunny took her letter and compared the two.
"When did you get this?" Wally went up to her with a sense of urgency.
"Right before we heard that strange thunder."

"Why didn't you say anything?" he took her hands.
"Well I figured the threat was fake."
"...What?"
"Why give a heads up to someone you want to kill?" she shrugged. "It doesn't make sense. Rather counter productive if you ask me."
Sunny burst out laughing. The couple looked at him confused.
"Querida, we must solve more mysteries together in the future!" he looked at her, beaming.
"I hope we won't, to be perfectly honest." her eyebrows furrowed. "I'd rather no more gruesome murder happens, ever."

"You do raise an interesting question." he showed the two letters. "These were clearly made by the same person. With one of their recipients now dead, were these threats genuine?"
"Obviously, yes." Wally said, squeezing (Y/n)'s hands. "The killer killed Mr. Ashwood and now they are after my wife."
"Mmh. Maybe." he sat on the desk and put the letters aside. "Maybe they are just one lousy killer who gives their future victim a warning. But again, one thing at a time. Let's focus on the murder that happened rather than a potential one."
"Do you hear yourself?" Wally glared. "She could be in dange-"
"With you? Impossible!" he waved before looking around.

"This isn't the first time I've been threatened, you know?" (Y/n) whispered.
"It's not?" he looked at her with big eyes.
"I'm the Queen of Hearts, from the Spades Kingdom. Of course I've received my fair share of nasty letters." she squeezed his hands. "I've never told you because I didn't want you to worry. And it was my problem to deal with."
In this moment, Wally felt his heart break for her.
"You're my darling wife." he placed a hand on her cheek and made her lean over so their forehead could touch. "It is my duty to lend you my shoulders so you wouldn't carry your burdens alone."
"Oh Wally my love..." she kissed him. "If only you'd apply this to yourself as well."
"It's different."
"It's not." she smiled, shaking her head.
"It is, though."
"It really isn't."
Sunny cleared his throat, making them look at him.

"Your Highness," he gestured towards Wally. "I see you've tidied up a little bit!" he looked around. "Despite me saying not to..."
"It was getting impossible to find anything with this mess." he nodded. "As soon as I started tidying up, I was able to find more pieces that had no place here."
"Such as?" he leaned closer with a spark in his eyes.
Wally went to a corner of the room to get his findings before walking back to the desk.
"I hid them, in case someone would walk in." he said as he put everything on the table.
The three of them leaned over. The new findings were: a small block of rounded wood with holes of various sizes at the top and a single one at the bottom, two small metal semi-circles (one bigger and longer than the other) and a screw.
A moment passed during which the trio simply just stared. (Y/n) picked up the screw and the strange S she found earlier and put the screw in the hole. Then she picked up the block of wood and checked if the screw fitted into one of the holes. It did for the one at the bottom and one at the top.
"I'm still lost." she exhaled, putting everything back down.
She looked over at Sunny and saw an intense look of focus on his face.

"A strange contraption dispersed around the crime scene," he mumbled. "a strange noise..." he slowly turned his head to look back. "A strange smell..."
He went to blow out the few candles that were lit around the room before going to the ashes on the carpet that Wally found. He kneeled down and put his hands on the floor to look very closely. He started laughing.
"I knew something wasn't adding up!" he picked up some of the ashes and went back to the couple, his hands closed. "King of Hearts, I believe I will make a lot of people jealous for having the chance of a lifetime to tell you that you were objectively wrong."
If Wally could frown, he would've.
"Here are the 'ashes' you found."
He opened his hands to reveal what he was holding.
"Oh. My love, he's right." (Y/n) placed a hand on her husband's shoulder. "These are not ashes."
"Really?" he looked at her, then back at the black substance. "I just figured, since you said black ashes were normal in the Spades Kingdom, I thought that their consistency might also be different."
"They are thicker, but these are more like... grinded pepper." she looked at the detective. "What is this?"

"Mmh..." he brought it close to his nose, giving it a good sniff before licking it and moving his tongue inside of his mouth.
(Y/n) and Wally exchanged a weird look. He then went up to the fireplace and spit on it, making a face at the taste.
"Um, detective?" she asked. "What are you doing?"
"I'm taking the clue box off the shelf for some connecting action." he said without thinking before turning towards Wally while dusting his hands together. "Your Highness. You're the King of Hearts, you're a magic prodigy, surely you've used lighting magic before."
"...I have." he nodded, confused as to why he brought that up.
"And my dear Madam, have you seen one of those wonderful light shows the Kingdom of Hearts is famous for on New Year's Eve?"
"I have, they're truly wonderful." she nodded with a smile. "But how does this have any relation to the matter at hand?"

"Well, have you heard about this recent study that said that non-magic users could be able to replicate such fireworks?"
The Lady's eyes widened as she gasped.
"Non-magic users, able to make something as grand as fireworks... Such a thing is possible?"
"And again, how does this relate to the investigation?" Wally pressed, not liking when people don't get to the point already.
"Well here's the thing," he raised an index. "My cousin was in a courting relationship with this man who's a researcher. They broke it off at some point because, they said they were courting when really it was just that neither of them wanted to take things further. I however kept in contact with the man because he was very brilliant – not to mention dashingly handsome – and one day he made a little presentation of his own fireworks made from scratch, with no magic whatsoever! And the substance he would use to make them looked almost exactly like this!" he pointed at the black 'pepper' left on the carpet.
They all looked at it for a moment. The thunder roared outside.
"Fireworks..." Wally mumbled.

"Would it then be safe to assume that it would have something to do with that strange thunder we all heard?" Sunny smirked. "Rhetorical question, of course." he pointed.
"That man who created fireworks out of nothing." (Y/n) looked at him. "During the presentation, did it make a similar noise?"
"No. The smell is a little different as well. But there is no single way to invent something." he shrugged.
"Fireworks don't kill people." Wally turned to him.
"Have you ever tried?" he raised an eyebrow with a cheeky smile. "Fireworks start as small strings, flying high in the air before exploding into sparkles." he said, gesturing to illustrate his words. "What if instead of flying upwards, it went right for someone who was standing right across the room from you, before exploding into their face?"
"If a firework 'explodes', as you say, then there shouldn't be just a single hole in the victim's body." she pointed at the corpse.
"Maybe it didn't get to. Maybe it didn't need to."
As the two men spoke, (Y/n)'s gaze wandered. She looked at the ashes, at the walls, at the desk, at the body... Her eyes widened, her mouth agape.
"Detective!"
They looked at each-other. Sunny recognized this look of realization on her face. He smirked and pointed at her, wiggling his finger.
"I knew you'd get it."

"Get what?" Wally asked.
"The contraption!" (Y/n) exclaimed, shaking her hands rapidly.
He looked at it and thought for a moment before his eyes widened.
"Oh."
"And his Majesty is close behind!" Sunny snapped his fingers. "Yes, indeed, the-"
"Detective Santana?"
The investigating trio looked over to see Miss Markov standing on the doorstep.
"I... You w-wanted to see me?"
"Yes." Sunny nodded. "Come in, please, and mind your steps."

She carefully went up to them. While she was watching where her feet landed, Sunny swiftly went to the desk and hid away the threat letters.
"Dr. Osman is a scholar, but you have years of experience as a doctor, correct?"
"You... You want an... an autopsy?"
"If most of the Ashwoods' discoveries in the past few years were actually yours, then we know for a fact that you are brilliant."
"B-Brilliant? I-I-I wouldn't-"
"Olga, please." (Y/n) leaned over a little bit. "It would help us greatly."
She gulped and turned towards the body. She took a deep breath and pulled out a pair of gloves from her pocket.
"Give me a minute."

The trio watched as she removed Osman's jacket from the body and put it aside. She made a face at the smell, so she took her long floppy ears, tied them in a knot and placed the knot on her nose. She opened Mr. Ashwood's suit jacket and dress shirt to get a clear view of the wound on his chest.
"Right where his heart is." she mumbled before checking the blood on his hands.
She then checked his head, his pupils, the inside of his mouth. (Y/n) couldn't handle the smell of rotting flesh and lit up a scented candle that she then brought close to her nose. (Seeing this, Wally lit up the other candles using magic.) Olga then checked the wound in the chest. Her eyes narrowed. She has a look of pure focus that the trio has never seen before from her. She seemed to be in her element. That made Sunny smile. Finally, she sat up with a deep breath. She untied the knot, her ears easily untangled and went up.
"This is definitely the wound he died from." she said. "It seemed to have been made bigger by the victim though. There are still pieces of flesh under his fingernails."
'So...The killer inflicted the wound, but Mr. Ashwood didn't die right away.' (Y/n) deduced.
"The deeper you go into the wound, the narrower it gets. Which would mean..." her voice trailed off.
Her lips pursed, she put her hand inside the wound, going as deep as it could get. (Y/n) turned away, her face pale. She felt her stomach twist with the sounds coming from behind her. Eventually, Olga pulled something out. Something small. Sunny was quick to approach and take a closer look. Wally and (Y/n) joined them shortly after.

"That's no firework." Wally said.
"No it is not." Sunny replied without thinking as he kept staring.
In Olga's hand – all red from the blood – was a small ball, as small as a marble. After running a fingertip through it, it revealed its black color, and the fact that it was made of metal. The four of them stared in stunned silence. The air became a little heavier. (Y/n) looked back at the desk.
"So, this is what killed him?" Wally broke the silence.
"It went right into his heart and he tried to get it out." Sunny mumbled.
"How?" Olga looked closer. "How can something this small kill someone? What even is this?!"
'If this is indeed what killed him.' (Y/n) thought. 'It must've been thrown at an unnatural speed...'
"No idea." Sunny took out a handkerchief (a different one than the one he used for the poison capsule) and quickly took the small sphere for himself. "And anyway, size doesn't matter. Anything could kill anyone if used correctly."
"Ladies, gentlemen?"
They all looked over to see Francis, standing in the doorway. (Y/n) looked at Sunny and couldn't see the ball anymore.
'Did he hide it because he heard Francis approaching...?'

"I'm sorry for interrupting," the butler said. "but the guests are getting restless, since they've skipped dinner because of..." he glanced at Mr. Ashwood and quickly looked away, clearing his throat.
"Ah! Of course!" (Y/n) stood up. "Oh, but would it be a good idea to send them all to their room?" she looked at Sunny. "Wouldn't it be safer to keep them all in one place?"
"Sadly, some have already left for their room. And the Count of Tremontes is nowhere to be found."
"What?"
Just then, there was a piercing scream. (Y/n)'s heart dropped.
"Catherine!!!" she ran out, the others closer behind (except Markov, who stayed to look after the body and the crime scene).

She ran at full speed, almost tripping as she turned around the corner of the hallway. She opened the bedroom door. Catherine had her back against the wall opposite of the windows.
"What's wrong?!"
"S-Stalker!" she pointed. "Outside, I saw them!"
The investigating trio rushed to the window. It was dark outside, the rain still pouring down. But as the thunder roared, there was a quick flash of light. And in those split seconds, they saw a silhouette. There was someone out there. A cloaked figure.
"My stars..." (Y/n) stepped away, shocked. "He followed her in the rain?"
"We have to catch them!" Sunny exclaimed.
"I'll go with other butlers." Francis said as he began to leave with quick steps.
"I'll go with you." Wally followed him.
"Worry not, your Majesty. We know these gardens, we'll easily catch him."
"With me, the rain won't bother you. I can also use light magic to lit up the area." he went past him.

And with that, they were off. There was now a tense silence, where the people in this room could do nothing except wait. While Sunny kept staring out the window, (Y/n) went to comfort Catherine who was shaken.
"Are you sure it was him? The window is rather high up."
"I..." she cleared her throat. "Granted, I don't really know for sure but... I listened to my guts."
"Trust your guts." she nodded.
"You have a stalker, Lady Tempertuft?" Sunny glanced back at her. "What an addition to an already thrilling night!"
"A sleepless one, for sure." Catherine placed a hand over her heart, then gasped and grabbed (Y/n)'s shoulder. "Miriam and the Count. They definitely know each-other."
"Hold that thought." Sunny raised a finger.
Soon after, other guests began to rush in, asking what happened. When Sunny explained the situation, some went by the windows while others went downstairs to watch the action from the doorways leading to outside. Meanwhile, a ball of light shone brightly as Wally and a few other servants began to search through this part of the garden.
Sunny and (Y/n) looked around the room, then at each-other. Neither of them saw the Count of Tremontes. The Lady had a bad feeling about this and anxiously bit her lip.

The people looking out the window kept commenting on what there were seeing, it was just vague enough for her to not understand what was going on. But when they were gasps of horror, she had a good idea of what happened.
"They're dragging it back!" someone said before running out.
(Y/n) hesitated, she didn't want to leave Catherine alone. But Catherine was one of the first ones to leave, so she followed closely behind. The people who were watching from the doorways moved away for Wally – who, except for mud on his shoes, was as dry as ever – and the servants to get inside. When (Y/n) came in, her eyes met Wally's.
"I'm sorry."
Hearing these words, she didn't want to look down at what they've brought in. Miriam came in and screamed before falling to her knees. Laid down on the floor, drenched in water was the now dead Count of Tremontes.
"No nonono no..." Miriam hugged herself, shaking her head. "This can't be happening. Not him."
(Y/n) and Catherine exchanged a look and they helped her up.
"Let's go somewhere else, Miriam." Catherine whispered.
"I'm fi-"
"So that you can freely grieve Rodney."

She looked at her with big eyes and let herself be escorted away. (Y/n) looked at Wally, then at Sunny, hesitant to leave. Wally nodded while Sunny discreetly gestured her to go ahead. She left with Catherine and Miriam, and together they went to the room of the latter.
There were a lot of questions regarding the past ten minutes. But right now, in this room, it was all about comforting this young lady, who has been going through a lot in just a few hours. So much so that she didn't care about how Catherine found out about Rodney. (Y/n), sitting beside her on the bed, kept an arm around her, rubbing her shoulder. While Catherine, kneeled down in front of her, kept her hands in hers.
"I'm so sorry Miriam." (Y/n) said. "I don't know anything but... He seems to mean a lot to you."
"He..." she sniffed. "My only real friend... And my first love."
She cried harder. (Y/n) felt like she messed up already, reminding the poor woman of painful memories. She looked at Catherine, who was better at this than she was.
"Deep breath, Miriam." the Baroness caressed the back of her hands with her thumb. "Deep breath, with me."
The three of them began to breathe deep for a short while.

"Now I have no one." Miriam spoke. "I know my mother is still alive but I... I don't see her anymore, she might as well be gone!" she covered her face. "What am I supposed to do now?!"
Catherine opened her mouth, but couldn't find anything to say. (Y/n) pursed her lips.
"...I know how you feel." she said. "The people who supported your entire livelihood are suddenly gone. Now you feel lost and alone." she shifted her position to fully face her. "But let me tell you, Miriam, it's in these moments that you find your true strength."
"Strength?" she looked at her.
"Trust me, Miriam, I was just like you. That's why I know what I'm talking about when I say this: mourn. Mourn for as long as you see fit. But once you're ready, live. Stand up for yourself and become your own person!" she placed a hand on her shoulder. "You are a kind and friendly woman, Miriam. There is a life for you out there, I know it."
Miriam blinked rapidly as she smiled. Silently, she hugged (Y/n), and she hugged back, her own eyes teary. Seeing this, Catherine smiled and sniffed. Not a dry eye in this room. After this, the three of them just sat there in silence.
"You can go back to the investigation." Miram quietly said. "I'm feeling better thanks to you."
"My husband and Detective Santana can handle it just fine." (Y/n) said.
Catherine nodded. Miram blinked rapidly again, her eyes teary, and she looked down.

"...Rodney and I were childhood friends." she said. "Well...more like childhood sweethearts."
"Aww." (Y/n) let out. "You grew up together?"
"Yes." she nodded. "All the other friends I made would eventually leave since – with my parents being world class celebrities – I had restrictions with what I could do or where I could go. But Rodney never minded, as long as he was with me." a soft smile formed on her face.
"Oh my gosh, he was in love for sure!" Catherine giggled.
(Y/n) couldn't help but feel disturbed, talking so lightly about someone who just died, but it did seem to make Miriam feel better...
"He was so full of life back then." she crossed her legs and rested her head on her head. "He was a real ray of sunshine."
Her smile slowly faded as her gaze wandered.
"And then, we grew up. And I had to get married."
"Right, about that," Catherine tilted her head. "if you two were that much in love, why didn't you marry him?"
"Well, they might both be commoners, technically, but..." (Y/n) explained, then looked back at Miriam. "I'm guessing that, as an Ashwood, the approach to marriage was that of a noble."

"Exactly." she sighed. "You say we Ashwoods are commoners, but this-" she gestured all around her. "surely is not what comes to mind when you think of that term. I have lived like this, comfortably, my whole life. I didn't want to lose it. ...I'm still not sure I do. And I knew that if I married Rodney, my family's reputation would plummet, since he was a poor nobody. Of course, he was the first to ask my parents for their blessing, and of course they refused. But I sided with them." her face twisted in pain. "He begged me, begged me to elope with him. I turned him down, in fact I told him to go away. The sight of him began to hurt... And he listened, I never saw him again. Until today."
(Y/n) and Catherine exchanged a glance.
"If the Count really is him," Catherine said. "then he must've been through a lot."
Miriam covered her face.
"Because money was the issue, right?" (Y/n) asked, though it sounded a little like an accusation. "The only issue, since money can buy social status as well."
Miriam sniffed. The Lady sighed through her nose. Maybe she should've kept that to herself.

Just then, the door opened and Sunny came in, singing a little Escobian tune with lyrics than none of them could understand.
"Ooo, nice room! Love the decor." he said before finally picking on the gloomy atmosphere and he cleared his throat. "Miss Ashwood, my condolences." he bowed. "Lady (L/n), Lady Tempertuft, me and his Highness have things we'd like to share."
The two ladies turned to Miriam.
"I'm alright now, ladies. Thank you both so much." she held their hands and smiled. "Go on, find whoever did this and make sure they die for what they've done."
"Oh my." (Y/n) whispered inaudibly. "You should join the other guests,, Miriam. Leaving you on your own worries me."
"You are too kind, your Highness." she stood up. "Let's go then."

The four of them went back downstairs, at some point Miriam entered a separate room where all the guests were. As she opened the door, (Y/n) took a peek inside and she noticed something. Rather, she didn't notice something, and that was the problem.
"Where are Howdy and Henry?" she asked as the door closed. "They weren't in there." he looked at Sunny. "And now that I think about it, Henry wasn't there when the Count was found either."
"He passed out from all the alcohol right after Olga left to see you guys and Howdy brought him to his room." Catherine explained. "He was in a sorry state, let me tell you." she leaned a little closer. "His breath was so strong I felt myself getting drunk from just him talking! Which is strange because Howdy swore he only had a few drinks, and the maids have been frequently giving him a glass of water."
"Maybe he's just an extreme lightweight?" she shrugged.
"Even Howdy was as perplexed as you are."
"I'm sure the mystery of Pillar's tolerance for alcohol will be resolved eventually." Sunny smiled. "Baroness, I believe you have much juicier gossip to share."
Said lady gasped, remembering.
"Yeees!" she whispered excitedly.

"(Y/n)." Wally went up to her as soon as they entered the room. "Next time, I'm the one going to get you."
"Why?" she blinked twice, confused.
"You spend too much time away from me." he said with his straight face.
"Aww." she smiled and kissed him.
"Now." Sunny clapped his hands. "Lady Tempertuft?"
Catherine's face lit up and she recounted the dramatic exchange between Miriam and the Count.
"With a painting of her father in between them, how theatrical was that?!" she said.
"Catherine." (Y/n) said.
"Wha- Oh." her shoulders dropped when she remembered that the Count's dead body was right across the room. "I apologize." she bowed her head.

"It's alright, my Lady." Sunny waved. "Thank you very much for your service. You may leave now."
"Oh please let me help." she joined her hands together. "I want to uncover the truth as much as you do!"
"For justice, or for your own curiosity?" he raised an eyebrow.
"Why, one doesn't exclude the other."
He chuckled.
"You are a peach." he booped her nose. "But, I must insist that you go back to the rest of the guests." he leaned a bit closer. "We're going to need someone that keeps an eye on the suspects."
"Who are the suspects?" she whispered.
"Why, everyone of course."
She softly gasped, smiling. She accepted the task and left.

"Detective," (Y/n) placed her hands on her hips. "this far into the investigation, surely your list must've narrowed."
"Of course it has, my dear Madam!" he waved. "Are you implying that yours has also?"
"It may have, yes."
"Ooo, we must compare notes later. But for now, we have to talk about murder number three." he turned to the Count.
"Um, number two. Raymond killed himself."
"Mmh. Yes, quite." he pointed. "'Death number three' just doesn't sound as dramatic." he said as he went up to the body, the couple following him.
"Catherine said she believes the Count might have been working for a crime syndicate." Wally said. "We've found something that can confirm that."
He showed a ring with an insignia: a bull's head with thorny vines wrapped around its horns.
"You recognize this, don't you?" Sunny asked, though it was more of a statement. "One of the most infamous criminal clans in the Kingdom."
"Yes." she said with a grave expression. "After the Great Departure, they were probably the biggest thorn in the Great Council's side. They took advantage of the chaos, and even added fuel to the fire."

"It was on the Count's finger." Wally said.
She frowned and thought for a moment.
"I don't remember him wearing a ring."
"Neither did we. But when we took it off, the skin underneath it was lighter, and the shape matched perfectly."
"And I remember noticing that when I conversed with him at the beginning of the party." Sunny added. "I had deduced that he was used to wearing a ring."
"He must've taken it off before stepping into the Goliath. He knew the Spades people here would quickly recognize that symbol."
(Y/n) nodded along, processing all this information.
"Last time we saw him alive, he said he would put a stop to the murders. And he sure sounded confident." Sunny said. "Then, after he left, he put his ring back on, why?"
His two assistants thought for a moment.

"For what reason would you put on a ring that would let everybody know you're working in organized crime? For who?"
"The killer?" (Y/n) frowned.
"Was he maybe intending on fighting them?" Wally tilted his head.
"Or maybe he thought it would get the killer to reveal themselves, thinking they would have an ally."
"Or maybe he knew who the killer was from the very beginning."
"Maybe, tal vez, perhaps." Sunny shrugged. "Whatever he was planning, the killer got to him first. Perfect transition to talk about to murder itself!" he crouched, the others did the same, surrounding the body. "While you were with the Baroness and Miss Ashwood, Miss Markov did an autopsy. Death by strangulation, she said."
"I can tell." (Y/n) said, seeing the red around the man's neck.
"Based on how redder it is on one side than the other, she concluded that the killer sneaked up on him from behind."
"Francis and the others are still looking for clues out there." Wally added."
"You told them to go back in the rain?!"
The two men shook their heads, saying the butlers actually volunteered. (Y/n) felt her heart twist.
'They want to find whoever killed the man they've been serving for decades...'

"But here comes the strange part!" Sunny raised an index. "He also has two broken ribs, a fractured spine and there is a dent on his skull."
"By the stars!" she put a hand over her heart. "Are you certain that's not what killed him?"
"Certain, confirmed by both doctor and detective. These injuries aren't grave enough to kill. And after all, why strangle someone whose bones you've broken? Rather counter productive if you ask me." he winked.
His light-heartedness disturbed her.
"But why break the bones of someone you've just killed?" she asked.
"That was my question exactly." Wally said.
"And my answer remains the same: I don't know." he bowed his head. "Rather, I have theories. I just need to investigate the matter a little further. And besides, don't you find it strange?" he looked at the two of them. "Compared to how Robert Ashwood was killed, this is majorly different."
"Not in terms of damages." Wally shrugged. "The killer did rampage around the room after the crime was committed."

"That would settle it then..." (Y/n)'s expression turned graver. "The strange contraption in the study is the weapon that killed Mr. Ashwood."
"That was our conclusion as well." he nodded.
"That's not the only strange thing though."
"Ah?" he tilted his head.
"Why was the body moved outside?"
"Moved?" Sunny blinked, pleasantly surprised. "What makes you say that?"
"She's a smart woman, detective." Wally glared at him. "She figured it out just like you figured it out."
"It's already, darling." (Y/n) patted his shoulder. "I like explaining my thought process. Look at the soles of his shoes." she pointed. "There is mud on them yes, but not nearly as much as one would have if they were to go outside in this rain. Meaning he didn't step outside. I'm willing to bet the killer dragged him by his ankles."

"However, there wasn't any trail on the ground near the body." her husband said. "It's more probable that he was carried then dropped."
"Ah, I see." she nodded. "Still, why move the body outside, why try to hide a murder when you've already committed one?"
"It might be because this one wasn't planned." Sunny stared into space with a small frown. "The Count wanted to put a stop to this, using his experience in organized crime, and he might have done it if he hadn't been ambushed by the killer. This murder is...consequential, an after effect of the first one. Just like the death of Raymond. It's sloppy, it's simple..."
Wally noticed his wife's face had become paler. He instinctively held her hand and gently squeezed it. Her expression softened as she looked at him and squeezed his hand back.
"I won't hide the fact that what we may find terrifies me but... Detective." she looked at Sunny. "We should quickly go back to the study. No one is there to guard the crime scene."
He snapped his fingers and pointed at her.
"Good idea!" he almost jumped on his feet. "Because you, my friends, are going to solve the mystery of Robert Ashwood's death!"
"Us?" they blinked twice, pointing back and forth at one then the other, confused.
"Yes. Time is of the essence, we must split up now, to cover more ground."

"You're going to investigate alone?" (Y/n) asked, her eyebrows furrowed. "On your own?"
"Your concern is deeply appreciated, Madam." he bowed his head with a hand over his heart. "Not to worry, for my part will require the assistance of a certain Baroness."
"Catherine?"
"I'm sure she'll be thrilled by that." Wally said.
"Good!" Sunny pointed at him. "Enthusiasm in the face of danger is welcomed in this line of work. I wish you both good luck. I shall get back to you once I've uncovered more clues. Toodles!" he waved before leaving in a rush.
Now alone, the couple looked at each-other. Instinctivelly, they hugged.
"Why, Wally?"
This 'why' can apply to a lot of things. He just gently squeezed her.
"I don't have any answers just yet." he stroked her hair. "But I know this: whoever did this – be it a single individual, or a group – they will pay for making a mockery of your efforts."
She sniffed.

The couple made haste to the study. When they left because of Catherine screaming, Miss Markov had stayed behind, still they knew she could easily be overpowered. And there was a brief moment where she had to leave to perform the Count's autopsy. When they came back, they found her and Dr. Osman.
"My Lady, you Highness." he bowed. "When Olga was called for the autopsy, I volunteered to take her place in guarding the crime scene. I decided to stay with her, in case someone was to attack her."
(Y/n) breathed a sigh of relief.
"That is very noble of you, doctor. Thank you both so much."
"Also, detective Santana came by and took something out of the drawers. Then he left you a note."
"A note?"
"What did he take?" Wally asked.
"A document envelope of some kind."
The couple shared a glance before looking at the note left on the desk. Beside it was a thick blue feather. They read:

'Took them for my side of the investigation, thank you and good luck! ¡Hasta luegooo! –Sunny'

There were two little musical notes after his name.
"It must be to prove that it was him who took the letters." Wally said quietly as he picked up the feather and spun it between his fingers.
"Yes, I agree."
'Does he want to find out what is this shipment they mentioned...?'
With no definitive answers, she turned to the two doctors.
"Thank you for telling us. You may leave now."
"B-Before I go!" Olga stood up, tense. "I-I..." she took a deep breath. "I found some things uh... I-It would seem you were collecting those," she pointed at the desk, where all the metal and wooden parts were. "so..."
Wally glanced at the desk, cursing himself for not hiding his findings when he was leaving. (Y/n) smiled.
"Thank you Olga. May I have them?" she presented her hands.
The hare woman gasped at the mention of her name and she quickly searched through her pockets to hand over what she found. There were more than expected.

"What are these, my Lady?" Osman asked. "Could it be related to the case?"
"We sure hope so, doctor." she gave him a polite smile. "You may leave now."
The two doctors nodded and left the room, closing the door on their way out. (Y/n) quickly placed the scraps on the desk with the others. Her and her husband looked at the little pile for a moment.
"I believe this might be enough pieces," she broke the silence. "we could start reconstructing it."
"Why? We know this is the murder weapon."
"To be sure, of course." she looked at him. "We mustn't leave any room for doubt. Plus, aren't you curious?"
Wally blinked twice. He didn't expect her to act out of curiosity in this situation.
"...Maybe Howdy could help us with that." he said. "Even if it's something he's not familiar with, he is good at reverse engineering."
(Y/n) let out a small gasp.
"Great idea Wally! Um... maybe we should hide these now. And make sure you lock the door with the chair."
"What if the detective comes back while we're away?"
"He'll have to wait, we won't take long." she smiled.
Wally's eyes narrowed a little bit. Something about her smile seemed off.

They went to Henry's room and knocked on the door. They first heard Howdy's voice. When they announced themselves, the door opened a crack.
"Y-Your Highness! Milady!" he stepped out and closed the door behind him. "Hello there. What... What can I do for you?"
"Hello Howdy. How is your cousin?" (Y/n) asked.
"Still out like a light. Water isn't doing the trick either, even though he drank more of that than alcohol tonight." he scratched his head with a sigh.
"Howdy, we have a job for you." Wally said. "It's very important."
"Very important." (Y/n) repeated so that the word can be accentuated.
"O-Of course, yes, anything." Howdy nodded.
"...Are you alright? You're a little pale."
"I'm just worried is all." he chuckled. "With all this hullabaloo. So what's the job?"
"Come with us."
Before following them, Howdy quickly locked the door, not with a key (guests weren't given one) but with magic.

When Howdy was presented with the pile of scraps, he looked as perplexed as them when they first saw it.
"You want me to repair that?" he pointed. "Whatever 'that' is."
"You're the best craftsman in the Kingdom, Howdy." Wally nodded. "I have faith in your skills."
"Oh you flatter me, my King." he scratched his head while rolling the sleeves of his other pair of arms. "This might take a while though, so please be patient."
"I shall look around for any other pieces that might be left." (Y/n) said as she started her search.
"I will join you." Wally went up to her.
"Um, actually..." she glanced to the side before looking at him. "Could you be on the lookout please?" she pointed at the door. "I'd like this to stay a secret."
"Oh. Alright." he nodded and went to the door.
(Y/n) looked at Howdy in the eyes.
"...Got it." he put a hand over his forehead like a salute. "Secret mission."
She nodded and started to look around the room.

"So I stopped right here." Catherine pointed at the floor. "And they were standing right over there." she pointed around the corner.
Sunny looked ahead, scratching the spot on his head where he took out a feather.
"Miriam was by the wall right there and the Count, Rodney, was over there, a few steps away from each-other. With the painting in between them."
Humming, the detective went up to where the interaction happened and looked to where the Count left. His eyes narrowed and he took out a pair of thick glasses.
"Alright." he said under his breath as he put them on.
It made his eyes go a lot bigger than normal and it startled Catherine.
"Stay behind me, Milady." he looked at her and she flinched at the eye contact. "It's time to get down to business. Literally."
And with that, he got on all fours and began to carefully scan the carpet as he moved down the hallway. Catherine was a little dumbfounded – she was hoping helping a detective would be more...well, thrilling – as she followed him with very small steps.

"Are you looking for something?" she asked, looking behind and ahead of them to check if anyone was coming this way.
"This is a big mansion, the party was originally confided to just downstairs. So some areas of the Goliath must not be frequented as often. One can tell when a carpet has been walked on a lot or not- Could you get on all fours with me? I need some more light."
Instead of doing that, she simply put the candlelabra down.
"Thank you! You know, I'm impressed you obliged so quickly." he said, his eyes still scanning. "The majority of people get flustered whenever I ask such a question."
"You don't say." she said, moving the candles just a step ahead to keep up with how slow he was going.
"I knew we'd work well together, Lady Tempertuft! You focus on the case and disregard all these methods people deem 'embarrassing'! People are so silly sometimes, you know?"
Catherine made eye contact with a nearby painting and shook her head with a smirk. This went on for a while, during which the duo traveled a few meters down the hall.

"Detective, so far there's only one way Rodney would've gone to." she broke the silence. "Can I at least move ahead-"
Suddenly, a gust of wind blew out the candles.
"What the-" Sunny looked at the candlelabra, thought for a millisecond that Catherine had disappeared, then looked up at her. "Milady! I feel betrayed! I thought we were together on this!"
Catherine ignored him and listened closely. She heard the rain, a lot clearer than usual. And the wind didn't die down at all. She walked down the hallway.
"No no no-!" Sunny quickly stood up to try and stop her but then whined when she was out of reach. "Madre de Dios." he shook his head with a huff before rushing to follow her.
Catherine walked with quick steps before she found an open window. The wind was whistling, the curtains were flying, rain was getting in and creating a puddle on the floor. She walked up to it without much care and looked around to see if something flew in or if it broke open in some way.
"Lady Tempertuft!"
She looked over to see Sunny, who started talking as if he was in front of her when in fact he was several steps away.
"A little closer, detective."
He lifted his glasses and let out an 'Ah!' before walking up to her, for real this time.

"You can't just rush ahead like this." he said with his hands on his hip like an angry parent. "I know I said I appreciated this go-getter attitude, but I have a process!"
"And I simply just skipped to the end of that process." she shrugged. "Look, an open window. That's a good place to start."
"Milady, you don't understand." he shook his hung down head. "I was following a specific trail, the critical clues might not be anywhere near the windo-Oh, wait." he noticed something and crouched down, making Catherine step back out of instinct.
In the puddle of rainwater, there were a few strings that looked like they used to be connected to something, they were starting to dissolve in the water and he picked them up before they completely disappeared.
"Rope fibers." he mumbled to himself.
Meanwhile, Catherine looked out the window. Maybe she'll catch a glimpse of her stalker again. But when she looked down...
"Detective! Look!"
Sunny quickly stood up and leaned out the window. He took off his glasses and for once disregarded how the wind would mess up his hair. They were on the second floor. On the ground underneath the window was a bed of flowers which seemed to have been trampled down. Sunny gasped and laughed.
"That's how his bones broke!" he leaned back.
"Whose?!" she looked at him with big eyes.

Their hair was a mess and they both took a moment to brush it back into shape with their hands.
"Let me ask you something, Milady." Sunny said. "Have you ever had to move furniture out of your home?"
"I did once had to sell my grand piano after the Great Departure. I was able to buy it back last year though." she shrugged with a satisfied smile.
"And when you gave away such a precious instrument, surely you didn't mail it piece by piece or bring it down the stairs." he said, moving his hand in a circle.
"Of course not! I had it wrapped in ropes and gently lowered it down the window."
Sunny raised his eyebrows and gestured to the window with his eyes.
"The Count was strangled," he showed the rope fibers. "and he had several broken bones."
Catherine's eyes widened.
"And not only that!" he quickly crouched down. "But the carpet is wrinkled and there is a small dent on this furniture right there." he stood back up. "There was a struggle. It was probably short lived since he was strangled from behind."

"H-Hold on!" Catherine raised a hand, overwhelmed with this new information. "You're saying that Rodney was killed and... then thrown out the window?"
"That is exactly what I'm saying, yes." he nodded.
"But wait." she looked out the window again. "This is nowhere near where (Y/n)'s husband and the butlers searched. This is almost literally the other side of the manor!"
"Easy enough question. Someone moved him there."
"Why?"
"Because they wanted us to find the body, why else?"
"...Again, why?"
"I don't know for certain yet." his gaze wandered. "But that isn't the most important question at the moment." he paused. "How did the killer get to him? He was strangled from behind, yet he was walking this way."
There was a moment of silence, Catherine stared at him with big eyes.
"Detective, are you saying that you're suspecting Miriam?" she asked, now with a hint of animosity.

"You said it, I didn't say anything." he pointed at her, then placed a hand on his chest. "But, here's an exclusive piece of detective wisdom, just for you." he booped her nose – this time, she frowned – with a smile. "If there is only one way in and out of the crime scene, and that way is blocked, there is probably another way in and out of the crime scene." he smirked. "Would you close the window, please?"
He walked away while she quickly closed the window and followed him. Sunny picked up the candlelabra they left and kept walking until they find other lit up candles, where Miriam and Rodney talked for the last time. He lit them again.
"What are you doing this time?" Catherine asked.
Sunny took a moment to watch the candles.

"Mmh." he picked up the chandlelabra and turned to her. "It's better if I just show you."
She frowned, but she would lie if she said this didn't intrigue her. The two of them walked back to the window. The candles flickered, as if there was a light breeze, but not from the window. Catherine turned pale.
"Do you believe this could be the work of a ghost, Lady Tempertuft?" Sunny asked.
"D-Do you?"
He laughed.
"Of course not!" he looked away from the window. "We were so focused on the carpet and the window, neither of us noticed the painting."
"What painting?"

Catherine followed his gaze and saw a painting of a lady, almost perfectly facing the window.
"What's wrong with it?"
"It's on the wall."
"Well yeah." she gave him a weird look. "As most paintings are."
"No. No, most paintings are hung on walls. This one is fully affixed."
"What?"
They took a closer look, each standing on either side of the frame. Indeed, unlike other which are hung by a string and then lean at an angle, this frame was fully glued to the wall.
"What does it mean, detective?"
"It can only mean one thing," he smiled. "the two murders have one key common point." he started to closely examine the frame. "We just need to find-"
"Detective."

The two of them looked over to see Miriam.
"Miriam..."
"Miss Ashwood." Sunny smiled and faced her. "You're earlier than I thought you'd be."
"You knew I'd come to you?"
"Of course you would! You lost your father, your fiancé, and the love of your life, you are quite literally at the eye of the hurricane. Not having any answers must be eating you from the inside!"
Catherine glared at his insensitive words. Miriam took a deep breath, but kept a tough front.
"Raymond was a spy, what was his purpose here in my house? Is it somehow related to my father?"
"I have those answers." he tilted his head. "But, I would like some answers from you as well." he smiled. "It's only fair."
"Very well. I'll tell you all I know if it's helpful."
"¡Muy bien!" he clapped his hands. "But I suggest you find somewhere to sit." he took out the envelope containing the letters. "This might take a while."

"I-I got it!" Howdy exclaimed.
"So? What is it?" (Y/n) asked as she and Wally made her way to the desk.
"It's uh.... This is unlike anything I've ever seen."
The three of them looked at the reconstructed weapon. The handle of a crossbow with no arrows, with the strange S at the top, and a long tube of metal, This was the thing that killed Robert Ashwood.
There was a moment of silence, with a heavy tension in the air. The three of them felt like they've discovered something they shouldn't have...
"Howdy."
"Yes, my Lady?"
"Do not mention this contraption to anyone."
"Yes ma'am." he gulped, even without any context, he could tell this was big.

"Hold on."
Wally took it and opened the drawer where he found the secret compartment. He placed the weapon inside.
"It's a perfect fit."
"You mean-" (Y/n)'s voice was caught in her throat for a second. "This was Mr. Ashwood's."
"It seems likely so, yes."
She covered her own mouth, staring intensely into space, deep in thought. She turned to Howdy, as if she just remembered he was here.
"Thank you so much, Howdy. You can leave now."
"Before I do, Milady, can I see that thing one more time?"
"Why?"
"Of course, Howdy." Wally already handed it to him.
(Y/n) glanced at him, but said nothing. Though she figured that Howdy – with his life worth of experience – would get a good idea as to what the purpose of this contraption was. He looked at it from different angles.

"The tempering and molding of the metal," he mumbled to himself. "the shaping of wooden handle... There's no doubt about it." he placed it back on the desk. "This was made by a Pillar."
While Wally's eyes became wide open, (Y/n) ran a hand through her hair. This was a theory of hers, and it seemed to be confirmed now.
"Henry." she let out.
"Howdy's cousin?"
"No no no." Howdy held his head, his face paler. "It can't be!"
"Either way," her expression turned grave. "we must go talk to him."
Without waiting, she left the room. The two men quickly followed, after hiding the weapon and closing the door behind them.
"M-Milady wait!" Howdy exclaimed in a panic. "Henry's probably still out!"
"Then we must sober him up, however that can be achieved!"
"B-But-!"

They reached Henry's room. Just as (Y/n) reached for the door handle, Howdy rushed and pressed his back on the door, making her jump back with a yelp.
"Let me try and bring him back to reality!" he said with a smile that was too big and awkward for him. "Us Pillars have a secret home made soup we use for, um..." his eyes darted around.
(Y/n) frowned.
"Howdy. What are you hiding? Where is Henry?"
"H-He's in there! It's just that he..." he tried to come up with something and sighed. "Oh what the heck."
He undid the spell he put on the lock and opened the door. When they walked in, (Y/n) and Wally immediately noticed something.
"They were there when I brought him here." Howdy said, looking down. "I'm so sorry I kept it from you."
On the small desk, there were a few letters. When approaching the desk, they saw that they were written with big letters which seemed to have been cut out from newspapers. And they were all threats to someone from the Spades Kingdom, a few of them were using some nasty terms. (Y/n) picked them up and stared at them.
With big eyes Wally slowly turned towards Henry who was sleeping on the bed. He felt his hand itching to grab his sword...