Mummy

Mummy

"That woman just now... was she Madam Annie?" Karl watched the departing carriage, looking thoughtful.

"Yes."

Kaili nodded.

"Annie Bolin. After the Count died, his considerable estate all became hers. She's a famous society lady in the city."

"Still..."

"She really has gotten more and more beautiful."

As he spoke, he subconsciously licked his lips, his gaze following the departing carriage with obvious reluctance.

Karl shook his head.

There was always trouble around a widow's door, especially one as beautiful and wealthy as her.

He had heard Madam Annie's story as well. Born into a wealthy merchant family, she had married into nobility and become a widow at a young age.

Her late husband's vast inheritance and her stunning beauty had made her the object of many men's desires.

No one called her Mrs. Bolin. They called her Madam Annie.

Yet this beautiful lady had never remarried, keeping both the title and wealth of a Countess for herself.

There were rumors that men had never stopped appearing at her side, especially young, handsome boys. Over time, some began calling her a slut.

There were those who envied her, those who resented her, and those who despised her.

It was said...

A Marquis was one of her lovers. Together with her late husband's status, that was why no one in the city dared provoke her.

That was also why, despite the resentment in her heart, Kaili had not stopped that young man from getting into the carriage.

Experience had taught her never to underestimate a woman's desire for revenge, especially a beautiful and powerful woman.

Of course, none of that had anything to do with Karl. What concerned him more was the sudden sense of danger he had felt earlier.

Killing intent!

Or something else.

Whatever it was, the aura leaking from that Miles had put him on guard.

He had never felt anything like it before.

"Could practicing the Poison Wolf Breathing Technique also improve my ability to sense danger?"

"Or was there something strange about that man named Miles himself?"

Karl stroked his chin, deep in thought.

"Ah!"

"Someone's dead!"

Just as he was lost in thought, cries of alarm came from behind him.

The two turned toward the sound and saw the crowd in chaos. Some craned their necks curiously, while others hurried away.

"What happened?"

"I think someone found a corpse!"

"Let's go."

Karl put aside his thoughts.

"Let's take a look."

As a city inspector, no matter how irresponsible he might be, he could not turn a blind eye to something like this.

The body had been found in a filthy ditch. It was little more than skin and bones, shriveled like a mummy that had been dead for decades, or like a strip of wood drained of all moisture.

The sight was horrifying, revolting, and bizarre.

"Judging by the clothes, she should have been a young woman, but in this condition, it's hard to tell anything."

Karl bent down and forced himself to inspect the body despite the stench.

"There are two red marks on her neck. Could she really have been drained dry by Vampires?"

"Vampires?" Kaili's eyes lit up.

"That young man named Miles was pale beyond belief. Could he have done it?"

Legend had it that Vampires had exceptionally pale skin.

"You really believe Vampires exist?" Karl glanced up at her.

"Even if they do, Vampires supposedly can't come out during the day. If you really suspect him, you can apply to have him arrested. I'm just afraid Madam Annie won't agree."

"Forget it."

Kaili promptly abandoned the idea.

"Let's investigate first. Come to think of it, this is already the fifth similar murder in the city."

"The victims were all young women."

"Oh?" Karl straightened up.

"Already five cases?"

When he had met Officer Dina at the church a few days ago, she had mentioned a similar case.

"Forget it."

He clapped his hands and looked at several figures hurrying over.

"Leave it to the Constables... There are even Night Watchmen?"

The city had inspectors and Constables to maintain public order. The Church had a similar position as well, known as Night Watchmen.

But few cases ever drew the attention of Night Watchmen.

Unless they involved worshipping evil gods, Fire Thieves, or some other strange and unusual matter.

Kaili looked equally puzzled. Clearly, she had only just learned of it as well.

To those who had never learned forensic examination, a corpse was just a corpse. It was difficult to find any clues.

After leaving it to the professional Constables and Night Watchmen, Karl no longer had any interest in drinking and went alone to Saffi Street.

This was where Signo City's most famous tailors and shoemakers gathered. It also had the largest clothing stores, watch shops, cane shops, and more.

His old clothes had already become worn out.

And after practicing the Poison Wolf Breathing Technique, his build seemed to have changed as well, so he needed new clothes.

"Sir."

A clerk with a measuring tape around his neck greeted him warmly.

"What can I do for you?"

"I'd like to have several outfits tailored." Karl stopped before a display case and examined several men's formal suits inside.

Then he added,

"Not too much silk."

Silk was probably too rare here, which was why the fashionable formalwear of the day, regardless of whether it was for men or women, incorporated it.

Baroque or Rococo styles could be called elegant and luxurious on women, but collars and sleeves covered in gaudy silk and gauze were simply too much for Karl to accept.

And then there was lace and white stockings, which pushed the limits of his aesthetic tolerance even further.

"No problem."

The clerk did not mind the customer's fussiness.

"Do you have a sample, or could you describe your specific requirements? We can tailor it to your preferences."

"Use velvet and brocade as the main materials. No layered cravats—the simpler, the better." Karl ran his fingers over the fabric and said,

"The coat should reach the knees. Do you have military uniform patterns here? I want to modify one based on a military uniform."

"We do."

The clerk nodded. The customer's requests seemed rather strange to him, but he did not question them.

"I'll bring them over for you."

"All right."

Karl nodded.

He preferred the three-piece suits of the modern era, though they would certainly look too unconventional here.

Still, there was a transition between Baroque clothing and suits. Blending the two could achieve what he wanted.

In his view, the clothing of the Kingdom of Gondo was currently developing in a more feminine direction, with excessive decoration.

That was perfectly normal.

An abundance of goods dazzled people, making them naturally pursue extravagance and pile on every kind of fabric they could find.

Only after becoming accustomed to such things would they begin to pursue simplicity and freshness, no longer placing so much importance on appearances.

"Take in the waist from the back seam or both sides, then flare the hem. That would make riding easier without affecting vigorous movement."

"The waist should fit properly. As for decoration..."

Karl considered it, then said,

"Add some gold-thread embroidery, but don't make it too complicated. Night Watchmen? No, I don't want that kind of style."

The clerk had never heard so many requirements before, so he simply called over the master tailor. The two of them gestured and discussed the design.

The tailor seemed very interested in Karl's suggestions, especially the details, and listened with great care.

At a glance, he looked more like an apprentice seeking instruction.

"Wait."

Karl suddenly stopped the discussion and looked toward the front hall, where two familiar figures came into view.

His landlady Mary and her daughter Jenny.

"Jenny."

Mary looked troubled as she gazed at the women's formal dress before her.

"Three pounds is far too expensive for us, and clothes like this can only be worn occasionally. They're not practical."

"I'm attending a banquet. Am I supposed to wear those old clothes you stitched for me?" Jenny stamped her foot.

"Mom, I finally passed the Barrow Troupe's audition. Doesn't that deserve a dress to celebrate?"

"But..." Mary lowered her head, her voice weak.

"It's just too expensive!"