The Duke Murder Case

It was late spring now, nearly early summer, yet Backlund's nights were still cold.

On nights like this, a sudden downpour could take lives.

For the residents of the East Borough, they did not necessarily have enough cash every night, and even if they had a little spare money, they could not bear to spend it on lodging. These people often slept outdoors whenever they found the chance, while avoiding the police.

The rain would soak through their clothes, rapidly draining away their body heat and triggering all sorts of illnesses. Colds, pneumonia, infected wounds... Even if they were fortunate enough not to fall ill directly because of the rain, Catastrophes would still be waiting in quick succession.

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The East Borough's drainage system was poor, and the surrounding living conditions were equally dreadful. In an alley housing several hundred people, there was only one public toilet. Sewage overflowed everywhere, and after every rainstorm, the streets were covered in filth. Even the well water became contaminated by the germs and foul matter carried by the rain. Yet the people here had no choice but to drink that water, leading to diarrhea, cholera, and all manner of diseases.

Illness did not necessarily kill people, but the ensuing loss of labor and inability to earn money truly did.

To the rich, the rainy season might mean a few inconveniences in life. To the poor, however, it marked the beginning of Catastrophe.

Still, there was good news: the East Borough never lacked human lives. Even as people died batch after batch, bankrupt farmers from all over the country would come flooding in to fill this place, carrying hope as they exhausted the last traces of their vitality.

"Your Excellency Ishmael, I, I..."

Audrey's beautiful face flushed scarlet.

Had she been the