Chapter 26 Investigation begins
{TL: By Creed}
First, receive the information known at the moment in the guild.
The identity of the culprit is unknown.
Zero clues.
Zero eyewitnesses.
Before we knew it, victims were found in a situation where they had been killed.
Noises were not heard, and there were no sounds of a struggle.
No commonalities among the victims.
No other information linking to the culprit.
"This is again..."
"Searching for the culprit might be like trying to grasp a cloud."
In the inn's dining hall, Sofia and I, after organizing information, wore troubled expressions together.
"With this little information, it's hard to know where to start... At this point, it almost seems doubtful whether there's really a murderer. If someone said it was the work of a death god, I might believe it."
"But the culprit must be there. We absolutely have to catch them."
"Yes, you're right. As expected of Fate. I thought you would say that with your strong sense of justice."
"Well, I have no idea how to search, though. There are zero eyewitnesses, and the events are happening without anyone noticing. Plus, no commonalities among the victims... huh?"
Although I thought there were no commonalities, there was.
By taking a closer look, I noticed it.
"What's wrong?"
"I might have found a commonality."
"Huh!? What do you mean?"
"It might just be a coincidence, but the victims... all of them are acquaintances of mine."
"Huh?"
"The first victim, the adventurer, and I exchanged information several times when I was a slave. The second victim, a guild staff member, had a similar connection; we talked a few times. The third victim, a constable, also the same; we talked. Sigurd and the others often caused trouble while drunk, so I mediated and talked to them..."
Although they were only acquaintances, all the victims had some connection to me.
If it were just one person, it could have been dismissed as a coincidence, but with three...
"This could be a clue."
"Yeah. But..."
"If things go wrong, Fate might be suspected."
In a state with zero suspects, what would happen if such information surfaced?
Certainly, being treated as the culprit would be unlikely, but being questioned by the constables as a person of interest might happen.
Then, being under surveillance...
"Ugh... it seems like things are taking a strange turn."
It was hard to put into words, but I had a bad feeling about it.
――――――――――
The investigation into the serial murder case has entered its third day.
Progress is not promising.
On the other hand, rumors have surfaced from somewhere about a connection between me and the victims.
Who spread such rumors?
I tried to investigate, but couldn't find any leads.
Finally, I found myself being interrogated by the constables.
"Alright, the interrogation is over. I'm sorry for making you come all this way."
"No, don't worry about it. I also want to solve the case, so if there's anything I can do, I'll cooperate."
"Honestly, at first, I was a bit suspicious... but the idea of you being the culprit is impossible. You're not the kind of person who could commit such crimes. I guarantee it. I'll let my comrades know the same."
"Thank you. But, can you really believe me so easily? Well, it might sound strange coming from me..."
"I've been in the constables for ten years. I've dealt with various people, so I can distinguish between good and bad. I have a discerning eye. You're... an exceptionally good person."
"It's nice to hear you say that. Thank you for believing in me."
"We'll do our best, so your help is appreciated."
"Yes, of course. Let's definitely catch the culprit."
After a friendly farewell with the constable, I left the interrogation room.
"Fate!"
Sofia, who seemed to be waiting outside, quickly ran towards me.
"Are you okay? Have they done anything terrible to you? Are you tired? How about mentally? Are you hungry? Have you had enough sleep?"
"No, I'm fine."
Sofia is incredibly caring. Somehow, it reminded me of my mother back home.
Mom, I wonder if you're doing well. I should go back home soon and show you that I'm doing fine.
"I'm glad... When I heard that the constables were interrogating Fate, and you willingly cooperated, I was so worried, my heart felt like it was going to collapse."
"Thank you for worrying, and sorry. But I'm really okay."
"Really?"
"Really."
In fact, all the constables, including the one from earlier, were very courteous. Despite questioning based on rumors, they didn't seem to suspect me as the culprit. It was probably just to hear my side of the story.
"To get some clues, they interviewed me just in case. There were a few others who went through similar interviews."
"I see... I'm relieved that nothing happened."
"Yeah. Also, was it worth cooperating with the interrogation?"
"What do you mean?"
"I managed to get some interesting information."
According to the constables...
It seems they found another common point, not related to me.
That common point is the time of the crime.
All the crimes were committed during the day.
It might be a trivial point, but a clue is a clue.
With this clue, the constables were determined to gather more precise information.
"The time of the crime... that's certainly important. I'm curious about it being during the day. Normally, one wouldn't boldly commit a crime during the day, I think."
"Yeah. So, there might be a reason why it has to be during the day."
"A reason for it to be during the day..."
After thinking for a moment...
"...I can't think of any. I can't come up with a reason."
Without reaching an answer, Sofia looked troubled.
"Fate, did you find out anything?"
"Yeah, probably. I think I figured out how the crimes were committed."
"Really!? I still don't know anything, though..."
"It's because I happen to know about that thing."
"That thing?"
"A little magical tool."
I can't reveal this information publicly yet. Without solid evidence, speaking carelessly could put us at a disadvantage.
"If my guess is correct, I might know the culprit too."
"Impressive... Fate, you're not only physically capable but also quick-witted."
"Well, I wonder about that. But during my time as a slave, I was given various tasks and handled negotiations, so maybe I'm good at thinking?"
Is it because of my experiences as a slave?
"However, there's no evidence. Also, we don't know who the next target is. Moreover, we don't know the motive."
"There are so many unknowns. How can we solve all of them at once?"
"There's a way."
"Attend the actual crime scene, right?"
"Correct. Sofia, your thinking is fast too."
"Find the crime scene and catch the criminal. It's the most certain method, but... how to pinpoint the next event. Also, we can't afford to increase the number of victims, so we need to take the initiative... set traps or something."
"That's the problem. I think setting traps or something is doable, but how do we figure out the next target?"
"It's challenging."
"Hmm," the two of them pondered.
The first victim was an adventurer, the second a guild staff member, and the third a constable. Although it's gradual, victims with higher social status are being chosen.
If this pattern continues...
The ultimate target might be a noble?
"If that's the case, by skipping certain steps, can we narrow down the target and make it easier?"
"Did you think of something?"
"Yeah, a little."
TL Note: Reader Alucard was right they seem sus.....
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