The Freeman family now lived on the second floor of a street-facing apartment. Though the place was smaller than their old home, it was at least clean, tidy, and safe, making it perfectly suitable as a temporary residence. But with the Master of the household dead, their lives would likely become even harder from now on.
The two children attended a public middle school in the city. The Steam Epoch had summer vacation as well, so they were at home with Mrs. Freeman. Mrs. Freeman told the children not to disturb them, then received the two men in the living room. After returning the key, Priest Augustus introduced Shade to the somewhat haggard, blonde woman with a high nose bridge:
"This is Detective Shade Hamilton of Saint Derain Square, a friend of mine. He heard about Mister Freeman from me and went to Hangerton Garden Street with me today."
"Good afternoon, lady. This investigation is merely out of personal curiosity, so there will be no charge. My writer friend happens to be working on a detective novel, and I wanted to help her gather some material."
As Shade spoke, he handed over his business card. The title of "detective from Saint Derain Square" was quite intimidating, and since he was a friend brought by Priest Augustus, Mrs. Freeman naturally did not mind his presence.
After quietly thanking Shade, Priest Augustus recounted what they had experienced that morning. When asked about the attic, Mrs. Freeman recalled those oil paintings as well:
"They were my husband's discarded drafts. Such works were usually burned to prevent them from reaching the market. He died so suddenly that he did not have time to destroy the last batch. I had originally intended to take them with us, but I must have forgotten them in the