Detective Agency of the Bizarre
Chapter 399 - 399 256

399: 256.

Don’t walk on unknown paths 399: 256.

Don’t walk on unknown paths Lu Li did not sleep soundly that night.

Not for any other reason, but from midnight onwards, the shouts of neighbors resounded continuously outside the Detective Agency.

Some had leaking rooms, while others had rainwater flooding the corridors.

The landlord’s shouting echoed throughout the night in the corridor outside the door.

Lu Li’s unique status meant the slightly overweight landlord took deliberate care of him, such as ensuring the Detective Agency was damp but not leaking, and not calling anyone out to fix the leaks.

He was the honored guest on this leaking “Long House” ship.

Early morning, 5:30.

Anna woke him up as per Lu Li’s request, then leaned against the window, continuing to gaze at the blurred rain-draped streets and pedestrians.

The torrential rain seemed to pour down from the sky like seawater, dark and showing only the outlines in a cyan-gray color.

The gloomy streets and the hurried passersby in the rain gave her a déjà vu feeling of fantasies coming true—it was just like a scene from the novel she was currently reading.

The shouting and chaotic footsteps outside the door never ceased, Lu Li opened his room door and stepped into the corridor.

Sandbags were piled in front of the Detective Agency’s door, the swollen wet floor reflected the oil lamp’s light on the walls, looking as if it were waxed.

Buckets and iron basins were stacked in the room opposite, capturing the rainwater leaking into the house.

A male resident was wiping the accumulated water on the floor and, noticing Lu Li leaving his room, respectfully greeted, “Good morning, Mr.

Lu Li.

Did you rest well?”

Lu Li nodded, “Thank you for the help.”

The resident waved his hand nonchalantly, “It’s what we should do.

You protect us from the ghosts.”

The carriage of nobles picking up and dropping off these days did not escape the Long House residents’ notice; in their understanding, Lu Li was a Great Exorcist who could help the nobility, and by staying here, he was protecting them for free.

Even though Lu Li had never really done anything for these residents.

After fetching a pot of boiling water from the water room, Lu Li returned to the Detective Agency to put back the kettle and picked up the telephone to call the exchange, asking if there had been any calls yesterday.

Receiving a negative response, Lu Li went to the corridor and stood under the eaves, opening a small wooden box containing rotting meat.

The sandbags piled up to the height of a small leg in front of the door blocked the seeping water and splashing rain.

Even in this terrible weather, messengers were relentless.

A few minutes later, a dark silhouette descended from the sky, landing on Lu Li’s outstretched arm.

A clap of thunder suddenly roared, continuous and slowly fading into the mist.

“Call the merchant.”

In the black crow’s dark eyes, Lu Li’s calm face reflected back.

The crow shook the water droplets off its feathers, pecked at the rotting meat in the wooden box to eat it, then spread its wings and flew into the rain curtain.

Walking back to the Detective Agency, Lu Li received several more greetings while he waited for the merchant to arrive.

During that time, Anna tentatively asked, “Don’t you want to go to the refuge?”

[Sizzle…

Residents pay attention to protection…

Sizzle…

from the Love Association…

Sizzle…

broadcasting for you]

As Lu Li adjusted the radio frequency, he looked up, “Why would you say that?”

“The residents here…

they are good to us…

to you,” Anna said.

Lu Li continued adjusting the frequency, simply answering, “Do not stand by dangerous walls, do not walk strange paths.”

Anna nodded, seemingly enlightened.

As it neared 5:50, heavy footsteps transmitted from the corridor and stopped behind the door.

Knock knock knock—

The knocking sounded.

Anna opened the door and floated back behind Lu Li.

The merchant was still not one Lu Li recognized; a brown-red scarf swathed most of his face, leaving only a pair of eyes visible in the shadows.

Lu Li cut to the chase, “How much for the Deep Sea Stone now?”

“13,777 shillings.”

It was nearly double the previous price, but fortunately, Lu Li, who was to be rewarded with fifty thousand shillings, could just afford it.

“Can you round down the change?” Lu Li asked meaninglessly.

“13,775 shillings,” the merchant replied.

“Four pieces of Deep Sea Stone.” Lu Li pushed the leather pouch containing the reward towards the merchant and took out 5,200 shillings from his savings for him.

“Buy two pieces of rotting flesh, cut them properly, and deliver the stones to 120 Elm Street.

Leave the key under the doormat at the door.”

Two small wooden boxes were placed on the desk, and Lu Li stored them, watching the merchant leave the Detective Agency with all his savings.

By now, Lu Li could barely afford meals—he was fortunate that there was free food available for the time being.

After tending to the affairs of the Detective Agency, Lu Li got into the carriage that had been waiting on the street for the past several minutes and headed to Baron Manor.

…

“She hasn’t awakened early, still deep in sleep,” the butler simply briefed Lu Li while having breakfast with the Baron.

“The story is moving into its main plot, and if nothing goes wrong, the real danger will start now, be careful.”

“Hmm,” Lu Li responded.

After breakfast, they changed their clothes and gathered in the bedroom by almost 7 a.m., waiting in anticipation.

The five of them exchanged a few words and quietly awaited the obscure and ancient sounds to begin.

The torrential rain outside carried a destructive force, only slightly brighter than when Lu Li had awoken.

The occasional flashes of lightning did little to offer a sense of security.

At 7:10 a.m., the obscure and ancient sounds started on time.

[Chapter Eight: The Ritual of Resurrection]

[Sara woke up from the soft bed in pain, still dressed in the torn dress from the night before.

“Miss, did you not rest well?” Maid Irene said, noticing Sara’s puzzled look, “Your eyes are red.”]

“Miss, did you not rest well?

Your eyes are red,” the Baron repeated.

[“Hmm…” Sara responded vaguely, asking whether Francis had left.

Maid Irene, with a hint of adoration in her eyes, said: “He was sent away by the Viscount early this morning.

He really cares about you; the Viscount wanted to see him off, but he refused.”]

[“Is that so…” Sara murmured, thinking of the contents recorded in the Book of Death, wanting to give it a try.]

[“Irene, I’m not feeling well, can you ask for leave on my behalf from the teachers?

Don’t tell my father.” Sara told Maid Irene.

“Unwell?

Should I call a doctor…” “I’m fine, I just want to rest a little… please.” Sara interrupted Maid Irene.]

[“Alright…” Maid Irene said, aside from differing opinions about Francis, she was still Sara’s good friend and of course would keep a secret for her friend.]

The Baron left the bedroom.

[Sara waited for Irene to leave, stepped out of bed to the door, and peeked outside—she saw the servants right in the hallway, as though guarding her.

“What are you doing here?” Sara asked.]

“Cleaning,” Lu Li still wasn’t giving The Shadow of Puppetry a chance to manipulate him.

[“Cleaning.” Servant Lu Li replied.

Sara suspected they were assigned by her father to watch over her, but could not find a suitable excuse to send them away, so she pretended to ask casually, closed the door again, and locked it from the inside.]