In Bexland's Empress Borough, inside the manor at Number 59, Altair was still sleeping soundly in his warm bed, unaware that his actions in the East District had already attracted the attention of the official Beyonders.
Everything happening outside seemed to have nothing to do with the manor. That morning, Altair slept in as usual. After getting up, he went to the dining room, where the servants had laid out the breakfast they had prepared.
Altair liked to sleep in and get up late; it was common knowledge among the manor's staff. Even if the police followed the clues to the manor, no one would think Altair had any connection to the murderer.
At that moment, Altair was enjoying a sumptuous breakfast. This morning, he was having his favorite Dixie Pie.
Though there was no denying that Klein, the "Poor God," was poor, he still had excellent taste. The pie crust had been baked to just the right softness, and today's filling—a perfect combination of marinated beef and vegetables—was delicious. The only drawback was that there were no chopsticks. It would have been even better with some pickled radish...
After finishing the last sip of cream soup, Altair shook the little bell on the table to let the servants know that breakfast was over and they could come in to clean up.
He had just stood up when Hahn came in with several people in tow. Altair couldn't help asking, "Hahn, don't you have anything to do today? Usually, you'd be out by this time."
Hearing this, Hahn showed little reaction. As calm as ever, he replied, "There's no work that requires me to go out today. The factory has already been informed, and someone has been assigned to manage it."
Altair said nothing, simply nodding to show he understood before turning to leave.
Hahn followed behind him. He knew Altair had something to discuss, so he headed straight for the Second Floor Study.
After Hahn closed the study door, he asked, "Count Altair, is the outfit you wore yesterday still in the house?"
"This morning, the East District Police Department specifically investigated last night's murder. They haven't announced the results yet."
"You said there were Beyonders among the people from last night. I'm worried the Church might notice, so I thought we should get rid of all the clues first."
Perhaps successfully "assassinating" a Beyonder the day before had made Altair forget that unofficial Beyonders were investigated—especially since he had brazenly killed someone in the middle of the street.
Once he had calmed down, Altair replied, "Yesterday's outfit is still in the washroom. No one else knows about it."
After learning where the clothes were, Hahn left to take care of this "dangerous item."
He took the clothes from Altair's room and left the manor. He didn't return until noon.
As for how Hahn dealt with the clothes, Altair had no idea.
Altair had now completed most of his lessons on noble etiquette and the like, leaving him free time during the day.
For the past two days, he had mostly been taking books from the Library to study, learning whatever he could, from mechanical design to biotechnology.
As for Firearms Manufacturing, Altair planned to produce two models: the Kar98k and the MG42. They used the same standard ammunition, so there would be no need to design a separate production line for another type of bullet.
Both firearms were excellent models to begin with and needed no modifications. They could be used as they were.
As for New Gunpowder, he planned to pick one that was usable. He was worried that if he chose the wrong kind, it might end up being used on him later.
As for the other company, he planned to get ahead of everyone else and claim the bicycle for himself.
Knock, knock.
"Come in."
Hearing the door open, Altair looked up and saw that it wasn't Hahn who had entered, but the new housekeeper, Freya Quinn. She had come in without explaining what she wanted. Was she waiting for him to ask?
If she wasn't going to speak, he wasn't going to ask. Altair lowered his head and returned to the book in his hands. To be honest, he had never imagined he'd be studying this kind of thing after transmigrating. He'd always thought he would gain special abilities and live a carefree life...
When he noticed that his cup was empty, he picked up the teapot to pour himself another cup. Then he saw Freya Quinn still standing in front of the desk. He asked, puzzled, "Is something the matter?"
Freya Quinn seemed not to have heard him. She appeared to be thinking about something.
Altair didn't wait for Freya Quinn to answer. He shook the teapot and found it was empty, then got up and left.
Only after the door had closed did Freya Quinn snap out of it. She looked around and realized Altair had already left.
Since coming to this world, Altair hadn't gone out during the day like a normal person. He'd been too busy studying at home every day.
Now that he had some free time, he found himself unbearably bored and decided to go out for a proper look around, to experience life in another world.
He went downstairs and asked Hahn to arrange a carriage, explaining that he wanted to go out for a look around.
Altair returned to his room and changed into his underclothes. Then he rang the bell to have Vera and Irene help him change into something suitable for going out. One item of clothing after another was handed to him, and he couldn't help grumbling to himself repeatedly about how troublesome it was to get dressed in this era.
It took a full hour to get ready. Looking at himself in the mirror, he saw a white dress with leg-of-mutton sleeves and ruffles, lace trim at the chest, and a gauzy hat decorated with blue ribbons and silk flowers. He wore pale, sheer gloves.
Once he was ready, he led the two little maids out of the manor. After climbing into the carriage, he thought for a moment, then told Hahn, "Freya Quinn may have run into something she can't handle. Go ask her about it."
After giving his instructions, Altair told the coachman to set off and drew the curtains. The two maids asked curiously, "Count Altair, what happened to the housekeeper, Freya?"
Altair looked at the two adorable maids and pinched their cheeks. "How would I know? She didn't say anything after she came in. When I asked her, she still didn't say anything, so I could only leave it to Hahn."
The two little maids looked worried when they heard this.
Altair noticed their expressions. After living together for a while, he had come to understand that Freya Quinn was stubborn by nature. If she had come to him this time, it meant she really couldn't manage on her own.
But if she wouldn't tell him what was wrong, there was nothing he could do to help. All he could do was ask Hahn to take care of it. It wasn't as if he could beg her to speak.
Altair trusted Hahn's abilities. There was hardly anything he couldn't handle. Perhaps the problem would already be solved by the time they got back.
When Altair turned to look at the two little maids again, he flicked each of them on the forehead. "I've already sent Hahn to handle it. Don't look so glum. If you ruin my good mood today, just see how I punish you when we get back."
Hearing Altair's threat, the two little maids playfully stuck out their tongues and said, "Count Altair, you wouldn't punish us over something like this."
"Right. Count Altair is a good person."
Before you continue