The dungeon door closed.
The westering sunlight fell upon it, bringing out its distinctive metallic sheen.
Cold, but sturdy.
Arthur headed straight for Oak Manor's hall, while Maltz hurried after him. Only after they had gone a dozen yards and the Shire District Chief had confirmed it was safe did he seize Arthur's arm, as though he could no longer contain himself.
"You should have left it to me!"
"Albers may be a detective, but he's young and inexperienced!"
Maltz spoke loudly, the frustration on his face almost palpable.
"I trust him!"
"I can see his potential-
He needs to be tested!
Only after enough trials will he become a true 'detective'!"
With that, Arthur resumed walking toward the hall.
This time, Maltz did not follow.
The Shire District Chief watched Arthur's retreating back, his face filled with dejection.
People nearby witnessed the scene.
The manor servants who had been summoned were all curious about what they saw.
Arthur noticed their curious gazes and remained composed-even though, deep down, he knew this was exactly what he wanted.
If you're putting on an act, see it through!
He needed Albers to believe that he needed him.
Of course, his greater concern was the person Albers had come to South Los to meet, or the recipient of his letter-someone even the Count of South Los had to take seriously.
As for worrying that something might happen to Albers?
Arthur believed that, under normal circumstances, Albers would be perfectly safe.
After all, the person he was meeting, or delivering the letter to, was someone even the Count of South Los took seriously. How could anything happen to him so easily?
Arthur suspected that Albers carried something capable of protecting him.
But it would only work while he was clearheaded.
If he was drunk