Just as Miss Louisa had said, the carriage carrying maid Tifa was indeed one reserved for nobles. Its interior decor and furnishings were practically like a tiny reception room.
The Black-haired Maid sat there alone. She was still wearing the same long maid's dress from their last time meeting, even with the same hairband. Her hands were folded on her lap, and she gave Shade a slight nod when she saw him.
"Good evening, Detective Hamilton."
"Good evening. Am I late?"
After Shade sat down, he handed over the newspaper-wrapped item. But the Black-haired Maid did not take it. She examined Shade instead.
"Not very late. Try opening it."
Shade glanced at the maid but did not ask further questions. He unfastened the clasp again and tried to lift the lid of the lacquered wooden box, but still failed.
Only then did he hand the cosmetic case to Tifa. With a light pull in the maid's hands, the box opened. Shade leaned over curiously, and the maid adjusted the angle so that he could clearly see what was inside.
It was a very ordinary cosmetic case, its interior divided into small compartments holding different cosmetics, none of which the Outlander recognized.
The Black-haired Maid was certainly also a Ring Arcanist. Shade did not know what method she had used, but after a faint brass-colored spiritual glow flickered, she confirmed the item's authenticity and gave Shade a gentle smile.
"Detective, you did very well."
"There's something else I want to mention. I killed the deliveryman. Does that matter?"
"What does that have to do with me?"
The maid tilted her head slightly and asked Shade in confusion. She was probably around the same age as Shade's body, with unusually white skin. Not pallid white, but the color of milk. Her large