"Is that so?"
The young girl with long brown hair seemed to be observing herself through Shade's eyes as well, rubbing the golden ring on her finger.
Shade had already mastered the technique of speaking with Miss Bayes:
"Yes, and we need each other. You seem to be a newcomer among the so-called Ring Arcanists of the Orthodox Church. You want to prove yourself, so you need additional sources of information beyond the Church, as well as reliable helpers and connections in a city like this."
Shade pointed at himself, realizing for the first time that he was actually such a good speaker:
"As for me, I'm active as a Detective in Tobesk City. Sooner or later, I'll encounter dangers like today's again, and I need someone who can help me at moments like that."
He instead took a step toward Miss Bayes. She instinctively stepped back, then seemed slightly annoyed at herself for being frightened by an ordinary person.
Shade held out his hand:
"Though today is only our first meeting, I'm a lousy Detective from Saint Derain Square, and you're a Low-Ring Arcanist of the Sun Church. We both need each other's strength. This is a very good partnership. And the beginning of a partnership is keeping today's secret for one another."
Iluna Bayes stared at Shade. Just when Shade nearly thought she would refuse, she reached out and shook the Outlander's hand:
"You'll definitely become a remarkable Detective, not because of your social circle, but because of your Wisdom."
"Thank you, but actually, about the profession of Detective... Miss Bayes, if possible, please make sure you find the person who killed Mrs. Lawrence."
As he spoke, he looked towards the carriage and the Corpses lying in the alley:
"So what do we do now?"
"Leave the Corpses