Four gazes, like four sharp swords, pierced right into Lynch's chest. Since his transmigration, this was the first time Lynch had felt the breath of death so close.
He felt like needles were pricking his back, and cold sweat poured down.
“Wait, wait, things aren't what they look like, believe me.” Letting go of her as if he had been burned, Lynch waved his hands frantically. In his panic, five different languages spilled out of his mouth. “I-I-I... This is just me collecting my payment. The payment for the catacombs incident.”
“I see.” Officer Angel's face was as dark as water, her tone icy, her gaze like a knife. “Threatening an incoherent lady to use this sort of thing as payment, and even publicizing it openly. According to the kingdom's penal code, it starts at the death penalty, with no upper limit.”
“What law could possibly regulate such a thing? You Watchers can't just make up laws on the spot, can you? And what does 'starts at the death penalty' even mean? Are you going to execute me by firing squad for five whole minutes?” Lynch was on the verge of tears, explaining frantically. “I didn't mean that! I misspoke! Let me rephrase it—no, re-explain! It's really not what you think. It was all just an accident. None of us wanted to do this.”
“You've deeply disappointed me, Mr. Levive. It turns out you're just like those nobles. I've seen far too many people push all the blame onto accidents just to escape the responsibility they should bear. Where is your sense of duty?”
“Diana, why have you become like this too? Wake up, this isn't one of those mystery novels you read!” Lynch felt like weeping but had no tears. “We share a very pure comradeship. Just now, a supreme being behind her just stuffed something into me. What you saw was only the surface!”
“Oh, a very pure comradeship.”
“Just as pure as what we had before?”
The two ladies cooperated with perfect chemistry, taking turns to deliver questions that pierced right through his heart.
“Alright, alright, Natalie, Miss Valente. You're both too excited. Don't keep staring at Mr. Levive like that. It won't help solve the problem.”
This single sentence moved Lynch to his very core. As expected of you, Mrs. Maggie. A mature woman was indeed far more stable than those two. Every single word she spoke made perfect sense:
“After all, we still have this lady who paid us a sudden visit. We can wait until we hear her accusations before executing him.”
???
I misjudged you, Maggie Hudson! You're in cahoots with those two after all! They only want to kill me, but you want to burn the evidence too!
Unfortunately, a sinner had no right to speak. The three ladies warmly guided the victim, Judy, to the sofa, and the four of them began to chatter away, recounting the events that had transpired in the catacombs.
Meanwhile, the pitiful detective finally escaped from the hell of their glares, shrinking into a corner and watching them with a pathetic expression.
“Women really are the most terrifying creatures in the world.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
Hm?
Lynch tilted his head and saw little Martha hugging a large pillow, cradling a cup of tea as she curled up on the sofa. Her eyes were filled with excitement, and she was practically on the verge of jumping up and cheering. Seeing Lynch look her way, the little rascal's eyes darted around, a mischievous grin suddenly spreading across her face. She raised her head and opened her mouth, about to shout something out loud.
Holy crap. This little brat's mind was more wicked than anyone's. Although she didn't harbor any actual malice now, her destructive power was unmatched. If she spoke up, the slightly softened atmosphere would explode on the spot.
Lynch immediately lunged and covered her mouth, glaring at her with a grimace. The little rascal smiled like a blooming flower, making a gesture of counting money with her hand.
Switched from robbery to extortion, have we?
Lynch gritted his teeth and pulled out two shillings, but the little girl didn't even spare them a glance. Instead, she patted her belly and muttered, “Oh dear, I'm so hungry.”
“You win. What do you want to eat?”
“Oh, I've heard many people say that the steaks at Lattis Kitchen are delicious. I've never been there before.”
“You certainly know how to pick a place.”
“Mhm, I want you and Mama to take me there to eat together.”
“You...” This was a completely different story. Lynch's heart softened, and he patted the little girl's head. “Doesn't that mean I have to pay for an extra person? I'm not going to—ow!”
His hand was grabbed and bitten, leaving a neat little set of teeth marks. Martha shook her fist at Lynch, then pattered over to the ladies. Soon, the sound of giggles and laughter echoed from their direction.
Is teaming up to mess with me really that amusing?
Lynch curled his lip.
In truth, from the moment those two women appeared, Lynch had already guessed that they must have colluded beforehand, looking for an opportunity to pull one over on him.
Judy had merely delivered the perfect opportunity right into their hands.
As for the reasons why the two—or rather, three—ladies were doing this, Lynch would have to be brain-dead rather than just dense not to figure it out.
“Actually, I've considered some of these things too, and more than once.”
Lynch suddenly let out a soft sigh. Under the surprised gazes of the ladies, he said quietly:
“I really like the feeling of fighting side-by-side with Officer Natalie, trusting each other with our lives. Whenever I see that resolute back, I always think of that first night when she charged with me into a horde of monsters, and my heart instantly fills with peace.
I also deeply enjoy the joy of being in perfect sync with Miss Valente, joining forces to face our enemies. Hearing that wise, calm voice makes me feel like I have a reliable support, and I no longer fear any schemes from our foes.
And of course, I also love living in this tiny apartment, listening to the sounds of housework downstairs, hearing Mrs. Maggie calling me down for meals, and occasionally giving little Martha a light smack.”
【In the Mythological Era, this kind of person was generally referred to as scum.】
Don't start. That's a term plagiarized from my world.
Lynch gave a self-deprecating laugh and shook his head. “I know this isn't right, but I still hope... that you can give me some more time, and give yourselves some more time as well. We should all make our decisions with greater care, so we won't leave any regrets for the future.”
Silence fell over the living room, with only the ticking of the grandfather clock echoing in the quiet. After a long silence, Officer Natalie Angel suddenly said with a stern face, “What time? I have no idea what you're talking about. You're an advisor for the Watchers, and I'm your direct contact. If you dare fail to report on time, watch out or I'll break down your door myself.”
“Heh... I understand.” Miss Diana de Valente opened her folding fan to cover her face. Her watery gaze swept across Lynch and Officer Natalie's faces as she said softly, “The Valente family's assessment of an ally is a very long process. We are never in a hurry, and we are willing to offer our allies the greatest tolerance.”
Saying this, the Eldest Miss smiled meaningfully. “And that goes for any kind of ally.”
Whew.
Lynch let out a long sigh. To meet women like them, what more could he ask for in this transmigration journey?
“It seems your issues have been resolved, so it's my turn now.” Judy had already regained her sanity. She nodded to Lynch. “I didn't just come to say thank you today. I also came to say goodbye. I'm going home.”
“You're leaving?” Lynch was taken aback. Though they had only been temporary teammates, he still felt a bit reluctant to see her go.
“Yes.” Judy raised her eyes, gazing out the window into the distance. “My business here is done, so it's time for me to go back.”
As a former homebody, he hated partings the most. Feeling a bit of a lump in his throat, Lynch pressed, “Will we have a chance to meet again in the future?”
The corner of Judy's mouth curled up, and she sighed softly. “I don't know. Perhaps we'll have to leave it to fate.”
Lynch said, “Where is your home? Tell us. It's the Age of Steam now. No matter how great the distance, there will always be a chance to meet again.”
“It's better if you don't know.” Judy shook her head seriously. “Knowing won't do you any good.”
“Are you in trouble?” Lynch frowned, his voice turning grave. “Then I have even more reason to know. At the very least, we've trusted each other with our lives.”
“You won't regret it? You really want to know?”
“Yes, where is it?”
“The Valley District. Number 2, Linyin Avenue, Valley District.”
???
At first, Lynch didn't react. He chewed on the words for a moment before the realization of her address finally dawned on him.
That was literally just one district over, a twenty-minute carriage ride away! He could visit her and still make it back in time for lunch! What kind of "faraway home" was that? How could knowing that do him no good, and why on earth would he regret finding out?
Yet just as Lynch was thinking this, a deeply meaningful voice sounded in his ear.
“Exchanging private addresses already, and with a lady no less. Surely this damages the reputation of the Watchers.”
Hiss... Lynch immediately pictured scenes from movies and plays where a noble lady would secretly slip her address into a gentleman's pocket.
“It seems we've given our ally a bit too much time...”
Judy, I have no grudge against you! Why must you ruin me like this?!
Knock, knock, knock.
Just as Lynch was suffering in painful bliss amidst their teasing and playful laughter, the apartment door was knocked on once again.
The ladies in the room were startled. Mrs. Maggie quickly wiped the smile from her face and got up to answer it.
“Are you sure?” After a brief, quiet conversation, the landlady's voice suddenly rose. “You want to rent a room?”
After a slight hesitation, she looked back at Lynch and little Martha, then shook her head. “My apologies, but I no longer plan on renting it out.”
Rate on N.U.
