The Board Member

"Who's the university board member I'm meeting?"

Sulu strolled across campus with Donald and suddenly asked.

"Lem Winch! A well-known factory owner in Nia City, a university board member, and an influential figure among the city's upper class! Of course... he's also a devout follower of the Goddess of Light!"

Donald replied.

In other words, through him, we could connect with senior figures in both the Church and the police.

And someone in such a high position would surely know something about the supernatural world. He wouldn't think I was joking.

Sulu nodded. "Good. We..."

He suddenly stopped speaking when he saw two uniformed police officers approaching.

"Sulu Portley!"

The woman at the front was sharp and capable. She was none other than Officer Marilyn!

"Hello, Officer. Is there anything I can help you with?" Sulu responded with a smile.

"Regarding Beatrice's case from last time, we need you to come to the station and assist with our investigation!" Marilyn said gravely.

"Her again?"

Sulu felt a chill run down his spine.

But Donald stepped forward the next moment. "Sorry... Officer, I have to ask: you can't just summon someone to the station for questioning whenever you please. At the very least, you need to arrange a time with their lawyer present! We have an appointment with a university board member this afternoon!"

"And you are?"

Marilyn frowned.

"Donald! Donald Wesley!" Donald flashed a polished smile, revealing eight bright white teeth.

"Hmph!"

Behind Marilyn, a male officer glared at Donald.

Sulu asked in confusion, "Could you tell me specifically what this is about? I already told you everything I knew last time."

"It's just a few follow-up questions..." Marilyn hesitated before answering.

Something's wrong!

Sulu and Donald exchanged a glance. "In that case, ask me whatever you need to know now, or get in touch with my lawyer!"

"No need!"

Marilyn's expression darkened. She shot Donald a furious look, then turned and left.

"I don't actually have a lawyer!"

After waiting a moment, Sulu suddenly spoke.

"That's fine. I can recommend one for you! Don't you think something's off here?"

Donald said, "They showed up at exactly this moment—not earlier, not later... Obviously, something I let slip when I made contact earlier leaked some information and set off a struggle?"

Is it an internal power struggle at the police station, or a clash among Nia City's upper class? Don't drag me into a contest at that level...

A nobody caught up in a tide like that was bound to meet a bad end.

Sulu fell silent for a moment, then asked, "Let's go see that board member, Winch, right away and hand over the information!"

He was just a tiny ant. Once he was no longer useful, no one would care about him.

"Good decision!"

Donald hailed a carriage, and the two climbed in together, watching the scenery fly past outside the window.

Half an hour later, the carriage stopped in front of a classical villa.

The grounds were so extensive that the place could almost be called an estate.

Looks like being an entrepreneur really does pay well in the White Eagle Federation. What a shame...

Sulu felt a pang of regret as he followed Donald through the gate. A footman led them to the living room.

The spacious hall was supported by marble columns all around. A soft crimson carpet covered the floor, and the curtains were made of high-quality wool in a rich, elegant shade of purple. They had been drawn open, allowing the brilliant sunlight to pour through the windows and scatter into dazzling spots across the enormous crystal chandelier at the center of the ceiling.

"The master is taking an afternoon nap. Please wait a moment!"

After hearing why they had come, a butler appeared to receive Donald and Sulu. He wore a tailcoat, and though his hair was white, it had been combed to perfection. He apologized for the wait.

"No problem. We can wait!"

Donald sat down on the sofa.

Two maids brought over a silver teapot and black tea, along with an elegant three-tiered silver stand. Each tier held brightly colored, fragrant pastries.

"It may be a little early, but I doubt either of you would object to enjoying afternoon tea, would you?"

The butler was a charming conversationalist. He delayed them without making it obvious, ensuring that waiting did not feel so dull.

Sulu was even surprised to discover that the butler had a university degree. He knew a little about history, science, and steam machinery, and could smoothly handle any topic they brought up. Sulu couldn't help sighing inwardly.

So an ordinary university graduate might not even be as capable as a butler?

Ding! Ding!

As they chatted pleasantly, time flew by. Suddenly, a bell rang.

"Excuse me!"

The old butler apologized and left. When he returned a moment later, a gentleman was following behind him.

Sulu studied Lem Winch. He looked to be in his forties, with curly hair, brown eyes, and a hint of mixed ancestry. He also had a large beer belly.

Honestly, in terms of looks, he might not have measured up to the butler.

But the casual manner on his face and the unhurried composure of a host made it perfectly clear who owned this place.

"Good afternoon, Board Member Winch!"

Donald stood first and shook his hand, introducing Sulu. "This is Sulu Portley!"

"Hello, young man!"

Lem reached out to shake Sulu's hand and nodded. "Please sit. I think... we can have a good talk!"

The butler and the other servants discreetly withdrew behind him and closed the door.

Only the three of them remained in the hall.

"Ahem... where should I begin?"

Sulu cleared his throat and gathered his thoughts. "Mr. Winch, how much do you know about... that sort of thing?"

"Heh..."

Lem took a sip of tea and replied lazily, "A lot. More than you can imagine... For instance, your Portley Family is a supernatural family!"

Sulu's expression shifted.

"Don't worry. Don't be afraid!" Lem saw his reaction and smiled, making a prayer gesture. "We're all followers of the Goddess of Light, and the Portley Family has faithfully served the Goddess for generations! Otherwise, do you think your entrance exam would have gone so smoothly?"

Heh... He's trying to act clever. By revealing what he knows, he wants to undermine my confidence and take control of the situation, doesn't he?

Sulu sneered inwardly, but on the surface he put on a delighted expression. "Then there's a lot I can tell you. I discovered the secret of a supernatural being hidden inside the school, and she attacked me because of it!"

This was a classic case of reversing cause and effect, but Sulu had no intention of telling the whole truth.