15.8

Ralph led Eve back into the mansion before stopping at the door to the reading room. The older butler politely opened the door, gesturing for Eve to enter within. Upon entering, Eve realized that the professors were giving a lesson, that had clearly been interrupted.

Thomas and Max Morgan were currently in a mild verbal standoff with the others. Charlotte was in the chair facing both of the seated investigators, while Justin was seated to her right slightly off-center. The exceptional College robes of her companions clashed with the neat suits of the investigators. Both of the College’s men were seated in the wings, next to their respective spell specialties. Swift was on Charlotte’s left, while Bloodwood was on Justin’s right. Each of the professors was giving disdainful looks at the two investigators. Justin’s expression was annoyed, while Charlotte’s was a mask of politeness.

Eve smiled politely as both groups looked at her, before taking a seat adjacent to both parties. Ralph closed the reading room door before moving to the tray left by the staff to refill everyone’s cups. The cart’s tray was laden with a delicious variety of snacks. Eve released her sword beside her chair where it floated point down, hovering an inch off the floor. It was a temporary application of Float that would expire, but she found it worth the minor effort. The Morgan Brothers didn’t appear to miss the club she used, so Eve graced them with a benevolent smile.

Thomas and Max’s eyes narrowed as they observed the weapon, but chose wisely not to bring it up. Enchanted weapons were not uncommon among the upper echelons of the bodyguarding profession. It wasn’t like they could ask her not to keep her weapon to hand with Eve’s client directly in the room. That would be a faux pas of extreme proportions. Eve had taken care not to make her weapon showy although something with so many enchantments was eye-catching to those that could see the mana within it.

Much like a lamp on full display when viewed directly. Eve thought idly as she accepted a cup of flavored chocolate-laced tea from Ralph. It is a clear warning, and honestly, I just don’t want to bother making the effort to hide completely. Low-key is good when you are weak, but incredibly suspicious when you are not.

Flexing her will, Eve activated the earring on her right ear to speak with Charlotte. With impressive control, the younger girl didn’t display any outward signs as the mental connection fell into place.

Charlotte. This is Eve. I am raising my right index finger up in the air for a few moments to prove it. Adjust your cup of tea if you heard me.

After a swift exchange of signals that allowed both women to be on the same page the two-way channel of communication was fully opened.

This is fascinating. Can you connect to more than one person? Charlotte asked while simultaneously saying aloud, “Since you have no warrant, I am loathed to allow inspection of my property, Mr. Thomas.”

In theory, I could connect to Justin, but I see no need to involve him in this farce. Eve replied taking a sip of her delicious chocolate drink. There was probably more chocolate than tea, but that was for the best in her opinion.

Indeed. I was hoping you could connect to Ralph instead. Charlotte said.

No, only my summoners can use this method. Eve said closing the door ruthlessly on that option.

“Miss Charlotte, I would think you would be far more invested in the robbery of the Segway Merchant Guild Bank. To my understanding, you were a major shareholder. Any assets that might have been in the bank are most likely gone. You probably suffered countless losses, more than I would make in a lifetime, to be frank. For that not to be a problem, and for you to have no visible distress, is most strange you must admit.” Thomas Morgan, the older investigator said.

I liberated the bank’s liquidity. If anything belongs to you just tell me and I’ll put it aside for you. Eve said.

Charlotte’s eye roll was both for the investigator's and Eve’s benefit. “I have no doubt that the thieves will return anything belonging to my House. They are after profit, not suicide.”

“You seem rather certain for someone who wasn’t directly involved in the crime,” Max said with a raised eyebrow.

“I’m a Zienfer,” Charlotte said shutting down that avenue of questioning with noble logic.

Thomas took over after Max’s abrupt verbal gutting, “Would you mind answering a few questions under a truth spell Miss Charlotte? It would let us completely clear any suspicions. Otherwise, I’m afraid we’ll have to place your household on the list of suspects.”

“The moment my name is listed as a suspect is the day a mysterious bounty will be placed on both your heads. I’m a warlock, I can see these things sometimes.” Charlotte said before taking a scone to munch.

Before the two investigators can say anything, Ralph approached and refilled their drinks with calm precision. The two investigators managed to recover their equilibrium after taking a few sips of honey-spiced tea.

“Threatening those in our line of work rarely ends well,” Max said.

“Pot, meet kettle,” Charlotte said crunching down on another cookie with a very deliberate level of cold malice.

Eve saw a flicker of annoyance cross Ralph’s face as he gave a subtle look at Charlotte. Charlotte glanced at her butler before rolling her eyes again and said, “Fine. We can do a truth spell. But when it proves my household completely innocent, I expect a formal apology and a letter to use the gate today. This farce has eaten up valuable time. The time that could be spent learning to improve my personal power.”

Both investigators gave a glance at each other before Thomas nodded, “If you are innocent, we will take responsibility for the delay to your plans today, Miss Charlotte.” It was quite clear the older investigator knew when to retreat and when to attack.

“Excellent. Ask your questions, but be warned, if you attempt to ask anything other than things related to the theft…” Charlotte said glancing at Ralph. “You won’t be leaving this place alive. The Zienfer house has many secrets, quite a few of them fatal. I know that many truth spells have an element of compulsion in them. If you, by accident, of course, compelled me to answer something about my house that is a secret...”

Thomas nodded, “Of course. I wouldn’t dare to infringe on one of the oldest duchy’s depths. I merely desire to remove one more suspect from the list in order to ensure justice befalls the guilty. Once everything is cleared, I will personally write a letter to clear the use of the Gate.”

Tsk. This old bastard is a King’s Man. No wonder Ralph was giving me the evil butler annoyance eye. Charlotte said to Eve.

Oh? Some type of super-spy privileged class that takes care of issues for the royals under the table? Eve said as she took a chocolate chip cookie via Telekinesis applied from her ring with a faint smile.

I see you already know about them. Charlotte said while finishing her own snack. The younger girl took a small pound roll filled with marmalade from Ralph’s hands. Her butler quickly placed her cup’s saucer into a spot prepared for it on the left arm of her chair. The entire series of actions appeared as if it had been rehearsed for decades.

They aren’t uncommon. A ruler that doesn’t have their fingers on the pulse of the people tends to be replaced sooner rather than later. Eve said before using her ring to shamelessly move the chocolate-filled teapot over for a refill. Ralph’s eyes had a fiery look as she ruthlessly cut him out of the service with a smile. Telekinesis was useful for all sorts of sordid things, but the true worth to Eve was promoting her laziness. Irritating the older butler was just a wonderful extra dish to the trick.

Yes. We have something similar for the Duchy although they stick more to the shadows. I suppose losing the entire contents of the Segway Merchant Bank has shocked the King’s Men to action. They are probably terrified you’ll strike the Royal Bank next. You won’t be doing that, right? Charlotte said with a flicker of nervousness in her mental tone.

If it wasn’t a million times more difficult to do, I might have. However, I’m lazy. The weakened security system of the SMB was a much more tempting target. Which by the way had massive holes placed in it by whoever put it up and thus was a far easier target. Eve said.

While the two King’s Men put together a complex ritual truth spell Eve said, “Will there be any problems with me answering Miss Charlotte? I don’t want to violate any of the contract terms in place by accident.”

Charlotte gave a regal nod before saying, “We have nothing to hide. Everyone in this room will be available for questioning since we are all innocent. That should be enough, shouldn’t it Mr. Thomas?”

Max looked like he wanted to speak up, but Thomas cut him off and said, “As long as none of the other staff can use mana, it shouldn’t be an issue.”

Ralph bowed slightly before saying, “I can assure our guests that none of the other staff in the house use mana.”

Use is such a nice word. Eve said.

Caught that did you? Yes, almost all the servants have a body that passively handles mana. Technically they are not using it, as use implies active manipulation. If I could trust anyone other than Ralph, I might take a few with me when we leave. On the other hand, I doubt bandits will bother you much. Charlotte said.

When the truth spell finally activated a soft blue glow covered everyone’s body in the reading room. Justin looked at the light with interest while both professors had a bored expressions. Eve, Ralph, and Charlotte wore expressions that mimicked the professors to various degrees. Eve looked at the truth spell with interest. Picking it apart would be the work of moments, but she had no interest in becoming suspicious. Twisting words was something she had learned at her mother’s knees. To spin a tale that the truth spell couldn’t deny as fact would be quite fun.

Words are a method of changing perception. Changing perception is changing a person’s entire existence Therefore, words have the power to change reality when applied properly. It is the most basic form of magic in existence, Eve. If done correctly you can turn white into black, or black into white. Eve’s eyes flickered silver for a moment as the memory of her mother’s calm voice washed over her. Although her mother had never entered into politics that didn’t mean she didn’t have influence. Her mother had been quite saddened that she decided to follow the corporate pizza path rather than take a place in the family business. It took another cup of tea and three more cookies for the sadness to leave Eve. Good food countered depressing thoughts quite effectively. Thinking of her family was painful, and no amount of Witch’s Dust could prevent it.

Problem? Charlotte said.

Just remembered my mother. She had the uncanny insight. Eve replied.

My condolences. Charlotte said.

She’s not dead yet! Eve said with a glare at her employer.

Oh, you looked sad. My error. Charlotte replied quickly.

Homesickness is a malady without a cure for me at the moment. Eve said with brevity.

I plan to gather support and usurp my father.  Charlotte replied.

I suspected as much, any particular reason? Eve asked.

Do you not desire entertainment? Charlotte countered.

As long as it passes time, you have my support. Eve decided. Watching a story weave was rather exciting in her opinion. It provided entertainment while she went about her plans for the List of Evil.

Thank you. Charlotte said with a faint smile as professor Swift gave evasive answers about his nightly endeavors.

Both the investigators finally managed to corner Swift getting him to admit he was sleeping with the Mansion’s maids. All the men in the room displayed varying levels of discomfort at seeing where the truth spell had led them.

“Let’s make this quick,” Thomas said recovering with aplomb. “Mr. Swift, were you here last night?”

“Yes,” Swift replied with a long-suffering sigh.

“Did you ever leave the Mansion?” Max asked.

“No,” Swift replied.

“Do you have any knowledge of the theft that occurred at the Segway Merchant Bank last night?” Thomas asked.

“No,” Swift said with a smirk.

“Were you in any way involved with the theft?” Max asked.

“No,” Swift replied with finality.

Both investigators looked crestfallen, they continued by asking Bloodwood, Ralph, and then Justin the same questions.

By the time it was time to question Charlotte, the investigators had started to sweat slightly. It was clear they had suspected the household, but now the tables were being flipped without mercy.

“Miss Charlotte, were you here last night?” Max said quickly.

“Yes,” Charlotte said with a yawn she covered using one hand while the other sent the devoured snack’s plate back to Ralph.

“Did you ever leave the Mansion?” Max asked.

“No,” Charlotte said.

“Do you have any knowledge of the theft that occurred at the Segway Merchant Bank last night?” Max asked.

“Everything I know about the theft I learned in this room under your eyes and ears,” Charlotte said with a disdainful tone.

“Were you in any way involved with the theft?” Thomas said with a hint of panic in his tone.

“I did not plan, execute, aid, assist, fund, or involve myself in any way, shape, or form with the Segway Merchant Bank’s theft,” Charlotte said with cold eyes.

Both investigators looked deeply depressed at the younger girl’s answer. They turned to Eve with faint hope in their eyes. Eve thought the light in their eyes resembled the faint burning embers of sanity. She smiled politely and said, “Gentlemen, it appears I am the last contestant in this thrilling game!”

Max gave a brief smile and said, “Indeed. Well, let's get it over with. Miss Eve, were you here last night?”

“Yes,” Eve said.

“Did you ever leave the Mansion?” Thomas asked.

“Yes,” Eve said. She enjoyed watching both investigators perk up as if they had heard a divine hymn.

“Where did you go?” Thomas asked.

“Out for a stroll,” Eve said maintaining a polite grin.

“Do you have any knowledge of the theft that occurred at the Segway Merchant Bank last night?” Thomas asked his hands tightening on his chair’s armrests.

“Yes! I learned all about the theft from you gentlemen!” Eve said. Watching the light in their eyes go out like an extinguished candle was so much fun she almost burst out laughing.

Your evil. Charlotte said causing Eve’s smile to grow.

“Are you fucking with us?” Max said his tone full of dark rage.

“Absolutely,” Eve said as the rest of the room burst into laughter.

“Do you have any of the items from the bank robbery in your possession?” Thomas said holding his companion back.

“No, I have no item that holds whatever was taken from the bank. I have not hidden any such items anywhere in this town. I do not have any desire to find the items that were stolen.” Eve said using her Telekinesis to refill her chocolate tea. She took a sip and nodded at Charlotte.

“Are those answers to your satisfaction, Miss Charlotte?” Eve said appearing as a respectful subordinate.

“Very well done,” Charlotte said without taking her eyes off the two investigators.

“My deepest apology, Miss Charlotte. We had to be certain of innocence. You are after all the beneficiary of a rather large insurance policy now. It was also a very disturbing coincidence that one of the Zienfer security providers enchanted the bank.” Thomas said with a faint smile.

“Mr. Thomas, are you familiar with every step your underlings take? Do you track their movements without rest? Do you read their very thoughts?” Charlotte said as she raised her cup of tea for a sip.

“No,” Thomas said. “I do no such things, but when too many coincidences occur, they invariably lead to the real suspect.”

“You have called me a suspect yet again,” Charlotte said even as the truth spell faded. Before the blue glow was completely gone, the young girl said, “The Zienfer family never forget those who blow hot air upon our name.”

Did you just say you were going to have them shanked in a back alley? Eve asked with amusement.

Nothing so crass. I was just informing them that I would be personally seeing to their complete and utter destruction in the future. Thomas seems to understand, but the younger man is a bit thick. Charlotte grumbled.

There is no need for that, you have played a wonderful bad cop. You should let Ralph handle the rest. I’ve enchanted the carriage for a smoother ride among other things. Eve said in a calming tone. She knew the two men were decent individuals, and Ralph had introduced them personally. There was likely history there that Charlotte wasn’t party to.

Does Ralph know these men? Charlotte said.

He introduced me to them personally. Eve replied.

You didn’t think to mention this earlier? Charlotte said while covering her gaffe behind a few gulps of tea.

What part of ‘as long as it passes time’ did you miss? Eve said with a disparaging glance at the younger girl.

“We have delayed long enough; Ralph, please handle the rest of this sordid business,” Charlotte said dropping the entire matter into her trusted butler’s lap.

Eve didn’t miss the small vein pulsing in the older butler’s temples before it faded swiftly as he said, “Of course young miss, I will make sure this isn’t something you need to attend to personally.”

“Good,” Charlotte said dismissing the investigators from her sight as if they had turned to air.

At a motion from professor Swift, the chairs instantly realigned themselves in a half-circle facing away from the investigators. Eve raised an eyebrow as she had been excluded either by accident or design. She rose from her chair after floating her teacup over to the section of the cart for dirty dishes.

Eve grabbed her sword and approached the two men who had risen from their seats before she said, “No hard feelings I hope. I was just following orders.”

“It isn’t a problem. Ralph warned us, but I was certain the culprit was here. Too many signs pointed to this place.” Thomas said waving his hand.

Ralph approached from the side and said, “Don’t worry about the young miss. She trusts my judgment. If I tell her the matter has been settled, it is. As long as we get the letter for the Gate use, I don’t mind letting it drop here for my old friend’s sake.”

“Master would be completely embarrassed that we survived only due to his past efforts,” Thomas said with a deep sigh.

“He saved me once, it is no issue to do the same for his proteges,” Ralph said. “This matter will end here though, I can block the hurricane only once.”

“Understood,” Thomas said. “I’ll make sure my report completely removes the Zienfer name from suspicion.”

“Excellent,” Ralph said with a smile. “Let us exit with all due haste. Interrupting the children’s private tutor lesson can only draw unfavorable attention.”

“Indeed,” Thomas said turning to exit. His younger brother followed along behind him with a dismal look. Ralph moved to open the door, and the four of them filed out.

Once they were in the hallway Eve asked, “Who will serve if you are out here old man?”

“Justin of course,” Ralph said ruthlessly.

Eve turned to the two investigators as they started walking out and said, “Do you see what I put up with every day? It’s brutal out here.”

“My condolences,” Thomas said. Eve nodded but the smile she was about to display froze as the older man said, “You must have it very tough, Elder Ralph.”

Eve glared at the two men until they had exited the property’s gate. She had followed along as the two investigators chatted with Ralph. It had taken a great deal of willpower not to cast anything diabolical on them.

After the gate closed behind them, Eve turned to Ralph and asked, “Why are bandits an issue if you have a Gate?”

“Gate entry and exit points are guarded, but most of the time they lead into random chunks of wilderness between established cities,” Ralph said as they moved back to the mansion.

“So, this kingdom is built on the bones of something older? Neat.” Eve said.

“Everything is built on the shoulders of those that came before,” Ralph said turning to look in a particular direction.

“That looks like an assassin,” Eve said staring at the man who was clearly visible sneaking through the garden.

“Oh? You can see him? I can only hear the destruction his body is creating upon my well-tended garden.” Ralph said.

“Do I get a pay raise if I can see the invisible assassins?” Eve asked moving towards the intruder.

“No, but I will be sure to have the portions for the professors reduced, and yours increased,” Ralph said.

“Hey. Hey. Get up.” Eve said in a monotone as she moved to stand over the assassin. The man attempted to ignore her as if doing so would prevent her from seeing him.

“Up close there are too many gaps in this technique. You aren’t even fixing the grass you coast over. Your entire trail has bent and broken plants. Did your group of retards get the ability to bend light and think that was the only clue people could use to find you?” Eve said pulling her sword into her hand from the sheath with a flicker of will.

"We’ve never managed to capture one alive. They appear to have poison pills somewhere in their mouths.” Ralph said

Eve reacted instantly to the information using her foot to flip the crawling assassin over before thrusting her sword directly between his teeth knocking two specific ones out. There was a brief pause as the man realized she had been able to see him all along and hadn’t been pretending in order to get a reaction out of him.

Her blade flickered again ruthlessly removing embedded kill switches along with other unsavory items. Telekinesis ripped the freed piece out of the assassin’s body with ease. Once the final piece of flesh-anchored spell-work was carved out the assassin became completely visible.

A titanic bloodthirst flowed from Ralph who had moved next to Eve during the bloody work.

“Wonderful,” Ralph said through clenched teeth. “I cannot adequately express my happiness towards your abilities at this moment. Please, accept my deepest thanks.”

“Pay. Raise.” Eve said.

“I will request one from the young miss,” Ralph said a moment later. Eve smirked and the butler sighed in defeat.

“I have suffered a temporary setback and it isn’t even after lunch,” Ralph said looking at the half-dead man with a burning gaze. He reached down gripping the assassin’s neck before raising him up to eye level. “However, every misfortune is an opportunity. Come, dear fellow, let us talk about the meaning of life.” Eve watched the two men vanish in a burst of speed.

Ralph is interrogating an assassin right now. Who cooks lunch? Eve asked Charlotte.

Wait, you caught one of those guys alive? Charlotte said.

Duh. Eve said.

As long as you notify the house chef, the meal shouldn’t be delayed. It will be a slightly lower quality without Ralph’s personal Skills though. Charlotte said.

Eve looked out at the city wondering if she should just get a quick bite to eat somewhere else. Sighing she shook her head. It would be just her luck if the entire property was under surveillance right now.

“Ugh,” Eve said following her nose back to the mansion, and from there heading towards the kitchen. “Might as well make the meal myself.”