Detective Agency of the Bizarre
Chapter 387 - 387 Two hundred forty-four

387: Two hundred forty-four.

Story character 387: Two hundred forty-four.

Story character Petra’s deep-set eyes gave him an even more profound look in the flickering firelight, and he asked, “How are you planning to get us to join The Shadow of Puppetry?”

“The Baron’s bedroom,” the butler replied, looking at him.

“An unlucky maid, unaware of this because she had the previous day off, went to clean the room early the next morning and got pulled into the story.

We later inquired with someone who knew; they said that people nearby the place where the plot starts each day would automatically join the story until the number matches the original count.”

This was why the Baron had only recruited four people—the first day four innocent maids joined the story.

“How far along is the plot?” the short exorcist asked.

“Up to now, there have been three chapters.

‘The heroine Sara’ receives letters every day from a man she’s smitten with and never leaves the mansion.

The plot is developing slowly.

If one were to ignore reality and merely sort out the story itself, it might be a love story.”

“No love story would be called ‘Sara’s Book of Death,'” Petra interjected.

The butler looked at him and said, “That’s for you to discern in more detail.”

The drawing room flickered bright and dim in the firelight before falling silent for a moment.

The butler looked around and asked, “Do you have any other questions?”

Her gaze paused on Lu Lili, who had yet to speak.

“Have you considered the origin of the evil spirit?” Lu Li calmly voiced his speculation.

“The newspapers say there’s a mastermind behind the Baron’s legal troubles—isn’t the evil spirit’s appearance at this time too much of a coincidence?”

“What makes you think that?” the butler asked intently, eyes locked on him.

“Are you worried about me?” the Baron asked, his tone carrying a hint of excitement.

Petra and the short exorcist exchanged glances, realizing something.

“Baron…” the butler murmured in resignation and said to Lu Li, “We’ll investigate this matter later.

Let’s first address the current troubles.”

“I have no further questions.”

The butler then looked towards the other three exorcists.

When no further questions were raised, she continued, “Here is the information we have so far: First, do as the evil spirit arranges, whatever the command may be.

Second, when the evil spirit’s withered claw appears, there will be a certain amount of time.

If the withered claw appears because of your poor performance, there’s still a chance for it to vanish.

“This opportunity usually consists of some logical dialogue and behavior.

In other words, you must convince the evil spirit that your actions are reasonable—”

Being dragged into the Evil Spirit Ritual meant they would become characters in ‘Sara’s Book of Death,’ and they must act according to the most basic logic, no matter which being the evil spirit intended to show the work to.

If they acted in a manner inconsistent with the characters they were portraying, their fate would be like the four maids on the first day—who vanished from reality.

In the story, it might simply be an ordinary ‘They had urgent matters to attend to’ as a conclusion to their lives.

The butler also elaborated on some points Lu Li and the others needed to be mindful of, and finally said, “You can stay in guest rooms at the Baron’s Mansion tonight or leave freely, but please arrive at the Baron’s Mansion by seven a.m.

‘Sara’ usually wakes up at seven ten.”

The latter half of the statement was directed at Lu Li, being the only local from Belfast.

Ultimately, two exorcists chose to stay while Lu Li and Petra left the mansion.

The former was not used to resting in unfamiliar places, and the latter had a friend to visit.

The gathering in the garden had not yet dispersed, and the exorcists were enjoying this rare party—many of them intending to use this invitation from the great croc to raise their own status.

Lu Li and Petra parted at the main gate, taking a carriage back to the Detective Agency.

As the time approached eight o’clock, there was no broadcast from the Alliance radio tonight.

After washing up, Lu Li headed towards the sofa.

Anna had already drawn the curtains and lit two oil lamps.

“Good night,” he said.

After lying down, Anna’s gentle voice greeted him from the bedroom.

The night was silent and still.

…

Knock, knock, knock—

The knocking woke Lu Li, his eyes opening groggily, his still-confused gaze landing on the door.

Knock, knock, knock—

After a brief pause, the knocking on the door resumed.

Anna materialized in the living room and said, “It’s the landlord of the Long House.”

Getting up to open the door, a face greasy from sleep with a sycophantic smile appeared.

“Mr.

Luli, Baron Joseph’s carriage is waiting for you outside,” the landlord’s face creased like a daisy.

“Thank you,” Lu Li calmly said his thanks and closed the door.

The big shot actually said thank you to me!

Elated, the landlord’s foul mood due to the damp and gloomy weather cleared up considerably; he lingered by the door for quite a while, shooing away other tenants.

6:20

Lu Lili left the Detective Agency, got into the splendid carriage that had been waiting for a long time outside the Long House, and which had attracted a crowd of nosy neighbors, heading to the Baron’s Mansion by the shore of Agate Lake.

…

In the early morning, a thin mist hung over the lake, causing the water to ripple gently.

Clang—

The sound of the iron gate opening echoed over the lake, startling the fish near the shore.

A splendid carriage bearing the crest of Baron Joseph’s Family entered the estate.

The carriage circled the central fountain in the courtyard and stopped at the steps, a tall figure alighted from the carriage, and a maid bowed in greeting as she entered the mansion.

“The Baron and three Exorcists have been waiting in the bedroom,” the butler who came from the second floor informed Lu Li.

“What time is it?” Lu Li asked.

“Six forty.”

Lu Li nodded, “I haven’t eaten breakfast yet.”

After a brief silence, the butler turned to the Head Maid, “…First, take Mr.

Luli to the dining room for breakfast, then to the Baron’s bedroom to change clothes.”

The Baron’s Mansion’s breakfast wasn’t very lavish, but more than most families could afford: vegetable salad, fresh milk, and eggs.

After breakfast, Lu Li was led by the Head Maid to the Baron’s bedroom.

Lu Li saw the other three Exorcists who were waiting, the expansive brown-red bed draped with sheer curtains, and the maids holding clothes prepared for them.

“Maid outfits?” Lu Li looked at the butler.

Petra and the others frowned as well.

“It’s servant attire, men’s dress,” the butler corrected Lu Li’s misconception, adding, “Although we do not know if not changing will cause trouble, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so you should all change into the appropriate attire for your roles.”

The first to reach for the clothes was Lu Li; he picked up the servant attire and was led by a maid to the neighboring room to change.

The other three Exorcists exchanged glances, resigned to picking up their own outfits.

A few minutes later, the four returned to the bedroom, freshly starched, loose servant’s clothes and bow ties donned.

During this time, the Baron had arrived in the room, dressed in the same type of maid outfit as the maids, complete with a ponytail.

As the time drew near, the butler and the maids left the bedroom, leaving only the five, Lu Li included, waiting for the imminent arrival of—

A certain presence suddenly descended upon the room, an obscure and ancient voice arose within the minds of those present.

[Chapter Four: Intimate Lover]