Detective Agency of the Bizarre
Chapter 612 - 612 One hundred thirty-one

612: One hundred thirty-one.

The beautiful flower of Roland 612: One hundred thirty-one.

The beautiful flower of Roland “Please come in.

It’s been a while since a student has visited, so it’s a bit messy…”

Gawain York kicked away the newspapers by the door, apologetically cleared a space for the wheelchair to enter the office, and pulled back the curtains to lighten up the dark and stifling room.

Although he was a history professor at Xiusi University, interest in history had dwindled after the disaster, especially a few months ago when all the history books were ordered to be destroyed.

Compared to history, students were much more interested in the newly introduced “Abnormal” major.

The only things this university professor had left were the memories in his mind, and the knowledge he had transcribed onto papers scattered around him.

Gawain York hadn’t tidied his room in a while, and now with a guest who was an investigator, he could only eagerly straighten up the place, all the while anxiously wondering what Lu Li’s purpose for coming was—could it be those history books he had copied…

Just as Gawain York was about to boil water for coffee, Lu Li stopped him: “Just a few simple questions, and we’ll leave after that.”

“Uh…

of course.”

Gawain York reluctantly put down the mug and sat on the old sofa with his legs tightly closed, like a citizen being questioned by the police.

This angle allowed him to see the agate bracelet just peeking from beneath the sleeve on Lu Li’s wrist resting on the arm of the wheelchair.

“That is…”

Gawain York froze, the purpose of Lu Li’s visit and the glimpse of the bracelet’s edge made him seem to grasp something, deep in thought.

It seemed he indeed knew many things.

Lu Li thought, and extended his arm, fully exposing the fiery red agate bracelet given by the Mother of the Marsh.

“I remember now!” Gawain York exclaimed, rising from the sofa, his gaze burning with intensity as he fixed his eyes on Lu Li’s wrist, no longer showing his previous restraint: “That’s Princess Roland’s bracelet!

It should have vanished with the princess…

Have you found her!?”

Princess Roland…

Was that once a title of the Mother of the Marsh?

Not mentioning anything about the Mother of the Marsh because of the Main Affinity Continent’s view on the Abnormal, Lu Li only told the eagerly waiting Gawain York that he saw it on the wrist of a skeleton while exploring an ancient ruin on the Ailen Peninsula.

“So it is…” Gawain York sighed deeply and sank back into the sofa: “The disappearance of Duke Adela’s most beloved little princess eventually ignited the war between the Old Duchy of Saint Mark and Arlen Kingdom.

What a pity the truth was revealed too late—if it had been discovered earlier, maybe…”

Gawain York was filled with excitement and relief at the thought of solving the mystery of a historical crisis.

Lu Li asked, “Can you tell me about her?”

“Oh, sorry.” Gawain York, startled from his historical reverie, quickly apologized, remembering the purpose of Lu Li’s visit.

Lu Li indicated it was not important, and Gawain York slowly began to relay the history of the Old Duchy of Saint Mark—revolving around Princess Roland.

However, this history found in books couldn’t let Lu Li understand the story of the Mother of the Marsh’s life; it consisted more of Princess Roland’s identity, her betrothals, and her disappearance.

It was certain, though, that Princess Roland was deeply loved by the people of the Old Duchy of Saint Mark.

There were rumors that whenever she traveled, the crowd escorting Princess Roland’s carriage would fill the streets she passed, cheering and praising the most beautiful Roland flower of the Duchy of Saint Mark.

Until that Roland flower wilted in the dank and filthy muddy marsh, never to see the light of day again.

“Do you have her portrait?” asked Lu Li.

Bringing back a portrait could help the Mother of the Marsh recall more of her past memories.

“Those oil paintings disappeared with the war long ago, and the books were burned a few months ago,” Gawain York said in a low voice, his regret tinged with resentment.

He couldn’t understand why the Elders’ Council would do such a thing.

“If you’re lucky enough or skillful enough, you may find a book called ‘The Shocking History of the Duchy of Saint Mark.’ It contains some portraits derived from descriptions of Princess Roland.

But they may not be accurate.”

Lu Li thought of something, “Has Duke Adela’s bloodline continued down the line?”

“I don’t remember his descendants being slaughtered…” Gawain York furrowed his brow in thought.

“Perhaps some descendants are still alive, but maybe they have already lost their former glory.”

After all, nowadays when people speak of the Duchy of Saint Mark, they can only find it in history, and add the word ‘Old’ in front of it.

Centuries are enough to erase many significant things.

“Where should I go to inquire about the whereabouts of the descendants?”

“The city hall there, they should have the information on the descendants of Duke Adela.”

“Thank you for the information.”

Lu Li nodded slightly, ready to leave for the city hall.

At that moment, a clear knocking sound came from the door.

“Do I get visitors here as well…” Gawain York muttered as he opened the door, revealing the figure behind it.

Anna’s black robe swayed slightly, but it wasn’t an Uninvited Guest outside.

“Exorcist Your Excellency, what brings you here?” Gawain York called out the identity of the figure at the door.

“I just heard that Investigator Lu Li was visiting you.” The Exorcist, around thirty years old, entered the office, his smile blossoming as he said, “Senior Investigator Lu Li, good day.

I am Keg Fla from the Foray Family of Exorcists.”

This introduction signified he was from the so-called “Exorcist Family” mentioned by the strange goods store’s old man.

“You know me?” Lu Li replied with a question.

“The one who rang the Evil God’s Death Knell.” Keg Fla recited Lu Li’s title.

“Despite the Ailen Peninsula being relatively distant from us, your great deeds are enough to be sung by Bards.”

As a member of the Exorcist Family, Keg Fla was more aware than those without heritage of how terrifying Evil Gods could be—he had long passed the age of unyielding defiance to power, or to put it another way, Exorcists with such a character trait usually do not live very long.

Therefore, he was very respectful towards Lu Li.

Gawain York watched the scene blankly, unable to join the conversation, only barely guessing that Lu Li seemed to be a very formidable figure.

“Do you need me for something?” Lu Li asked.

Keg Fla, knowing the Investigators’ peculiar natures, was not annoyed by Lu Li’s directness.

He glanced at Anna in her black robe and said, “I teach students about the supernatural at Xiusi University.

Having heard of your arrival, I’d like to invite you to give a lecture to the children.”

The phantom figure beneath the black robe gradually relaxed.

He did not notice Anna’s abnormality.

Lu Li said calmly, “I can’t.”

“You just need to share some knowledge that you’re willing to impart,” Keg Fla coaxed.

After a brief consideration, Lu Li nodded and said, “Alright, when?”

“Anytime is good.”

“Let’s do it now.”

After saying goodbye to Gawain York, Anna pushed Lu Li as they followed Keg Fla to the classroom.

“What do you teach them?” Lu Li asked.

“Just the most basic things, such as Sanity Value, staying in well-lit places, avoiding darkness and the unknown, not to rashly touch strange old things like odd artifacts, peculiar parchment, and dusty ancient books…”