Ambush

"The great pirate Qilingos was shot dead in Backlund by the duke's bodyguard!"

"Supporting a chandelier weighing several hundred pounds alone, great detective Braine became a hero once again."

"Detective versus pirate: even an elaborate disguise could not fool the detective's keen eye."

Thursday morning, Fors and Xio, both wearing veiled hats, were walking along the street, preparing to head to the nearest Bavart Bank branch.

—Fors's latest royalties for "Stormy Manor," as well as Xio's bonus and reimbursement from her previous operation, had finally been issued.

Then they heard the clear cries of the newsboys.

Huh? What? Qilingos is dead? He even fought Abner? A chandelier weighing several hundred pounds... Abner doesn't seem to possess that kind of strength...

Xio and Fors exchanged bewildered looks.

Only when the newsboy drew nearer and repeated himself several times did they suddenly come to their senses.

They had moved before because they were afraid Qilingos would find them. Now that they had abruptly heard news of his death, they could not help but be surprised.

"Do you have any inside information?" Fors asked Xio.

Xio shook her head. "I haven't gone to see Abner these past few days... and I haven't received any missions from MI9 either..."

At the same time, a flash of understanding arose in her heart: no wonder the authorities had made such a big move last night. It had been because of Qilingos.

Seeing that her friend truly had no idea, Fors walked over to a newsboy and bought a copy of that morning's Tussock Newspaper.

It was one of the three highest-circulation newspapers in the Loen Kingdom.

"Hmm... Qilingos really is dead. He was shot by Duke Negan's bodyguard... Before attempting the assassination, he disguised himself as Baron Gramir, but Abner saw through his disguise, so the