As Jiantai, Rentaro, and the others passed the intersection, they suddenly felt a chill wash over them, sending an icy dread through their hearts.
Fortunately, the chill vanished as quickly as it had come.
Officer Jiantai and Rentaro exchanged a glance. It was noon in the middle of summer, with the sun blazing overhead. That inexplicable chill made the place feel deeply strange.
"Who are you?" A Holy Light Cleric guarding the gate hurried over, eyeing Jiantai and the others in confusion.
"We're from the Police General Headquarters. We're here to ask about the murder that just happened nearby." Jiantai coldly produced his identification.
The cleric examined it carefully and nodded only after confirming everything was in order.
"Would you like to look around the Manor, or ask your questions here?"
"Of course we want to look around the Manor! The incident happened right nearby, after all. We have the right to enter and investigate," Jiantai said as though it were only natural.
The clerics said little else. "Then please come in. I'll show you the way." One of them stepped forward and gestured for them to enter.
Jiantai wasted no time, striding toward the Manor with his assistant and Rentaro.
Meanwhile, Enju winked at the cleric guarding the gate.
Seeing the familiar girl, the cleric reached out to pat her little head. But realizing that this was hardly the appropriate moment, he settled for giving Enju a faint smile.
As soon as they pushed open the Manor's gate, they saw girls playing happily like little fairies in a small, dreamlike playground built on a broad, level lawn.
From time to time, girls leaped down from the tall slide, while the giggles of those clutching stuffed toys on the merry-go-round filled the Manor.
The sight made Jiantai feel as though