Detective Agency of the Bizarre
Chapter 491 - 491 10

491: 10.

The Eve of Farewell 491: 10.

The Eve of Farewell “`

Belfast today is as noisy as a festival.

Even though the stone-paved streets blanketed with thin mist are filled with carriages and pedestrians, and the air, which can’t be cleansed of the stifling scent of burning wood by a light rain, still allows one to faintly glimpse the bustling seaport packed with ships in the bay.

Both Belfast and Himfast are “Faust” class cities, but in terms of population or scenery, Himfast can hardly compare with it.

Just flipping over the mountain’s back, standing at the summit to look down, the orderly descending houses and streets, the crescent-shaped bay, and the vast sea further afield are enough to inspire awe.

The carriages in front began to lift their curtains one by one, gazing at the scenery and marveling at Belfast’s prosperity.

The last of the prosperity.

Upon entering Belfast, the carriages with various destinations dispersed, but many were still part of the fleet, heading towards the common destination of Rhodest Port.

The two carriages in front of Lu Li turned towards Agate Lake.

The wind lifted the curtains, revealing the noblewoman inside who covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief, showing a look of disgust.

She was indeed heading to Baron Joseph’s manor.

Half an hour later, Lu Li returned to the familiar Sailor Street.

The storm had dissipated the afternoon before.

After the newspaper published the forecast that the next storm would come in two to three days, residents living in wooden houses couldn’t wait to dismantle the wooden bars blocking their windows, pushing them open to try and air out the damp, decaying wood smell from their homes.

The carriage stopped in front of the Long House.

Lu Li, Aunt Mary, and the concealed Anna got out of the carriage, nodding in greeting to the familiar faces who eagerly saluted them, and they walked into the dim corridor behind the door.

Two days had passed, and aside from the removed sandbags at the door, the Long House seemed unchanged.

The severe rotting smell from the wooden corpse made Aunt Mary a bit uncomfortable.

Most doors along the corridor were closed tight, seemingly unoccupied.

She followed Lu Li to a wooden door and said, “You live in this kind of environment?”

“And in the forests on the mountain.” Anna’s low whisper came from the empty space.

Squatting in front of a carpet, reaching for a brass key, Lu Li suddenly tilted his head slightly.

A plush toy was leaning against the door, its eyes made of buttons, body patched up but still showing a corner of black cotton stuffing.

Next to the plush toy stood an envelope.

Picking up the envelope, Lu Li stood up, inserted the brass key, and answered Aunt Mary’s amazed question, “We’ve always been short on money.”

Squeak—Whir—

The damp, swollen wooden door scraped against the floor, etching rainbow-like marks.

Unexpectedly, the anticipated strong stench of decay didn’t flood the hallway.

The statue, which originally was behind the door next to the coat rack and now sat behind the desk in a wooden chair, explained who was responsible.

Aunt Mary also noticed the female statue sitting in a conspicuous location but thought it was deliberately placed there by Lu Li, so she didn’t give it much thought.

That was until Anna, who was materializing, softly said, “Shall we take the statue with us?”

Lu Li didn’t answer; instead, he walked to the desk, staring at the exquisite and beautiful but colorless statue sitting on the wooden chair, “We are leaving here for the Lennon Islands.

What is your choice?”

After a long pause without a response, Lu Li turned back and told Anna and Aunt Mary not to look at the statue.

He circled the desk and took out two sheets of paper from a drawer.

One read “stay,” the other “leave.”

Briefly closing his eyes, and upon opening them, the pale, colorless arm that was reattached pointed towards “stay.”

“Alright.

It does not wish to leave with us.”

Lu Li crumpled the two papers and tossed them into the clean trash can.

He opened the envelope, quickly read through the letter inside, and turned back to Anna and Aunt Mary, “Anna, we’re going to Elm Forest.

Raimy and Jimmy have already arrived.

After returning, we’ll say our goodbyes at Tesla’s mansion, then deal with some trivial matters and head to the port.”

Like selling the Detective Agency and going to the investigator’s base to pick up a new container for the Spirit-Calling Gun.

“`

Lu Li didn’t know many people, so he didn’t need to spend much time on farewells.

“The Tesla Residence…

Do I have to go too?” Anna was still not accustomed to showing herself in front of others.

Lu Li looked at Anna and said, “Mrs.

Tesla has been wanting to see you for a long time, just like you, it would be best to see her before leaving.”

And he had to find out the progress on the matter of the “door” and “Richard.”

If possible, it would be best to resolve it before leaving Belfast in the evening.

“Mm,” Anna agreed.

Lu Li then said to Aunt Mary, “The boat tickets will be sent over soon.

Please stay here to sign for them and wait for us to return.”

Aunt Mary nodded but then asked somewhat awkwardly, “Do I have to stay with…

the statue…

Miss?”

After all, she was just an ordinary person.

“The statue is harmless, don’t worry.”

Lu Li replied, but her words reminded him.

They were leaving Belfast, and he had to figure out what to do with the reluctant sculpture.

Lu Li bent down to retrieve two crumpled papers from the waste basket, unfolded the wrinkled sheets, and placed them back on the table, “We’re leaving, and you can choose to live at the refuge, Anna’s sister is there too.

Or I can contact the United Organization and have you sent back to Benjamin’s.”

“Send a representative to the refuge,” was the reply.

After opening its eyes and closing them again, the statue chose the refuge.

Lu Li turned back to Anna and said, “Take it with us, let’s depart.”

Taking the sculpture with them, they left the Detective Agency and went back to the carriage.

Lu Li, draped in a rain cloak, picked up the reins.

Just as he was about to leave, an urgent shout arose amidst the clatter of horseshoes.

“Mr.

Luli!

Please wait…

Please wait a moment!”

A grand carriage approached, and a woman leaning out from the carriage called out to him.

Lu Li recognized her, the Head Maid from Baron Joseph’s household.

Waiting silently until the carriage pulled up alongside, the Head Maid leaned forward slightly and informed Lu Li, “I’ve been waiting for your return.

Baron Joseph will be leaving Belfast soon, and today is the last day of his farewell banquet.

The Baron instructed me to make sure to invite you, saying it is very important.”

“Is she going to the Lennon Islands?” Lu Li asked.

The Head Maid, aware of the man’s relationship with the Baron, did not hide the truth, “The Baron is going to the refuge established by the Exorcists.”

Unexpectedly, Lu Li had thought Baron Joseph would go to the Lennon Islands—compared to the sunless underground refuge, the Lennon Islands would seem a more suitable choice for nobles and wealthy individuals,

even if it was just awaiting the end with a bit more dignity.

“When does it start?” Lu Li inquired.

“To your lordship, the banquet starts at 12 o’clock noon,” she replied.

“Tell the Baron I will be there.”

There was enough time, and since both Baron Manor and Tesla Mansion were on the Shore of Agate Lake, it was convenient to stop by on the way.

“Then I will go inform the Baron, and she will surely be pleased with your coming,” the Head Maid said.

The Head Maid took her leave from Lu Li, turning her carriage to depart.

Lu Li withdrew his gaze, pulled the reins, and drove in the opposite direction from where the Head Maid had left, his carriage gradually disappearing into the morning mist.