612. Rainstorm Villa

The man wore a deerstalker hat, a double-breasted coat, and a long cape. His leather shoes gleamed, and he held a briarwood pipe in his hand. He was dressed just like Trist.

But he was not Trist.

Lu Ban recognized him at a glance. It was Stone, the young man who had once stirred up a bloody storm among the gangs of Ruined City.

Only now, he was nearly as old as Trist had been, and looked more mature and capable—just like Trist back then.

Stone's gaze swept across the room and quickly settled on Lu Ban and Xiya. His expression did not change. He merely entered the room, lit the tobacco in his pipe, took a deep drag, and then spoke.

"Everyone, I was commissioned by Mr. Browning to investigate after his death."

At Stone's words, the flamboyantly dressed noblewoman was the first to speak.

"Investigate? Investigate what? Father died of heart disease. His attending physician, Roger, emphasized that as well. I don't think there was any need to invite a detective to investigate this."

She seemed displeased by the appearance of Stone, the detective.

"I haven't said what I'm investigating yet, Mrs. Emma."

Stone chuckled softly, causing the noblewoman's expression to stiffen and her eyes to dart about uneasily.

"Don't worry. I'm investigating the legacy Mr. Browning left behind in this house."

"Legacy?"

At that word, Rum, the eldest son holding a pocket watch, brightened.

"That's right. Do you know the history of this mansion?"

Seeing the others turn their attention to him, Stone drew in smoke from his pipe. Only after it moistened his lungs and brought him a feeling of pleasure did he exhale slowly, enveloping himself in smoke.

After leaving them hanging for a moment, Stone finally spoke.

"This is currently Mr. Browning's private property,