Part 27: Heh! My graceful conversational skills finally have their time in the spotlight.

-Seaport City of Ruan-



Anyone have anything else they want to do before we go?
Nah, don't think so. Unless you can think of anything, let's book.
I can think of one piece of business...where did Miss Dorothy go? She disappeared quite suddenly, and I'm curious as to where she could have gone...
I think she went to go see Nial in the hotel. That's a good point. I think we should go say hi, and thanks, before we leave Ruan.
Haha. Yes, I think so, too. We owe Dorothy our lives, really.
I wanted to say goodbye to Matron Theresa and the children before we left, as well, but...I tried calling them from the guild a minute ago and I think they're out...
They are? Aww...
I wanted to say goodbye, too...
Hey, we can write 'em a letter when we get to Zeiss. They'll get a kick out of it. Worst comes to worst, ain't too hard to get back here.
Yes, that's true. I'll write them, then.
Hey, hey! WE'LL write them! I want in, too!
Heh...Well, come, my friends. Let us away.
To the pulsing heart of the Orbal Revolution, and the seat of geniuses!
Hahaha! Getting to Zeiss this year! Good jokes!





Hello! Er...
Ah, you guys.
I heard from Dorothy that you guys solved our little ghost problem.
Yeah, we did, but...Is...Dorothy okay?
She was yammerin' on drowsily about what happened...Once she was finished, she conked right out, so I had to put her to bed.
Heh, well. A hell of a lot happened last night, and she saved our skins. I can't blame her for being kinda tired. Let her rest, okay?
Hmph. A real reporter can go a good week without sleep when he's got a scoop.
Oh, yeah, some of the stuff she was talking about sounded wild, but she didn't really explain it all...Mind if I ask you guys a few questions?
Sure, go ahead.

All right, I think I get it now.
Son of a...Phantom Thief B himself is in Liberl AND he's one of those 'Ouroboros' people? Kinda wish I HADN'T heard that...
What?!
Nial, you know abut that masked weirdo?!
Oh, yeah. He's a famous thief who's caused a stir in every major city on the continent. If he wants something, he'll get it. And he always steals things with a big ol' show...For a 'phantom,' he's got a love of drama, that's for sure.
Mmph...Yeah, that sounds like our weirdo, all right.
He even admitted he's 'Phantom Thief B' from those cards, so...
Like I said, though. Thievery is one thing, but he's also a lackey of the society? Wouldn't think Ouroboros would have use for someone like him, but at the same time, if they DO, it's...terrifying.
Nial, I'm curious. Do you intend to write an article about what happened?
Nah, the guild and the Royal Army asked me not to report on anything to do with the society. I'll probably end up writing about someone's 'ill-intended crime of pleasure'...or something.
With the coup d'etat foiled, the kingdom is beginning to settle.
I do see the wisdom in this. There is little sense in terrifying the populace with news of a dangerous secret society just yet.
Yeah, I ain't happy about it as a reporter, but I guess I see where the government is comin' from.
Still, if anything else happens, tell me about it, yeah?
Of course! Anyway, we're off for Zeiss.
Ah, right. I've got a draft I need to write up, so I can't see you off, but...Want me to wake Dorothy?
No, it's okay. She's fast asleep and I'd hate to disturb her.
Give her our best when she gets up, okay?
Will do! Be careful, guys. If anything else crops up, let me know. Later.
...Hmm...So cuu...te...*sNOOOOOORE*...Hnnn...Zzzzz...





Herio: Y-You're bracers, right?
Yeah. Is something wrong? You look kinda frazzled.
Herio: Th-There's something I'd like you to investigate urgently...Could you come right now?
Yeah, no problem.
Herio: Thanks! I owe you.
So, where should we go?
Herio: Head to Norman's election office. It's on the top floor of the hotel. Here, I'll show you the way.



Kuper: Hurry up and lemme go home! I've got work to do!
Norman: Now, now, calm down. Just bear with us until the bracers arrive. Once their investigation's done, you can leave. Speak of the devil! See? Here they are.

My God...It's like an abattoir in here! I've never seen such carnage in all my weeks on the force! Who could have done this?!



Herio: Yeah, I lucked out and ran into some bracers right away. This is Norman. I'm sure you've seen him on posters around the city.
One of the guys running for mayor, I think?
I'm Estelle Bright, of the Bracer Guild.
Agate Crosner, also a bracer. Let's get to business. What happened?
Norman: One of our campaigners, Dels, was injured by someone. In other words, it's an assault case.
An assault? Well, that's never a nice thing to hear...Is the victim okay?
Norman: Yes, he's still here. He was unconscious for a bit, but it was, thankfully, nothing serious.
You're awfully nonchalant about horrible murder, Norman. I've got my eye on you.
*phew* Good to hear it!
Dels: There's nothin' 'good' about it! The back of my head still hurts like you wouldn't believe...
And poor Dels...cut down so viciously in the prime of his youth. I can still almost hear his little voice...
The back of your head, huh? Were you attacked from behind?
Dels: Yes, ma'am. Right out of the blue, too. I was taking a breather on the balcony, and all of a sudden from behind...THUD.
That's pretty foul...
Ouch. Sounds nasty.
When did the attack happen? Give us whatever you can remember about the events before and after.
Herio: Sure. It happened today, just after lunch. Norman and I were checking out a potential location for a speech by the bridge. Kuper here had just turned up then. When I talked to him, he said he had some important business with Norman.
What kind of business?
Perhaps the business...of MURDER?!
Kuper: Portos told me to come apologize for that mess on the bridge. It's not like it's all my fault, but I did sort of make it worse...
I see. So you came to say sorry for the scuffle.
Herio:Yes, but Norman was still very busy at the time. We'd asked Kuper to wait in the office area. That's when I showed him to this room.
Norman: I returned to the hotel not too long afterward. I entered the room with Herio, who had been waiting outside the office, and...There was Dels, unconscious on the balcony.
Herio: And Kuper was right there. Standing over him.
Kuper: I'm tryin' to tell you, why does that make ME the criminal?! He was already out cold when I'd reached the balcony!
Norman: I understand what Kuper's saying, but it's only natural to suspect him, given the circumstances. There was no one in this room except Kuper and Dels.
Is that true?
Herio: After I brought Kuper, I was on watch outside the door. No one entered until Norman got here. No matter how you look at it, that means these two were alone.
You're sure?
Kuper: Y-Yeah, it's true, but...it's like I said. When I went out to the balcony, Dels was already on the ground.
So you're saying the crime was committed before you got there. Am I gettin' that right?
Kuper: YEAH, exactly! Ahh, thank Aidios! Finally, there's someone who gets it!
In that case, it'd have to be someone who entered the room before Kuper.
Dels, do you remember anything?
Dels: It's possible that someone came in...People go in and out of this office all the time, though. Even if someone had, I wouldn't have thought much of it.
Fair enough. It's an election office, so that makes sense.
Hmm. Sounds simple enough, at least. The criminal's gotta be one of two people:
This guy here, or someone who came into the room before him.
We should be able to narrow it down if we get enough proof. Think we oughtta start questioning?
If there's no other useful information, yeah. If you guys noticed anythin' else or are thinking of somethin', tell us now. Even if it seems like nothing important.
Norman: All right, then I have one more thing I'd like to add. There was something that occurred to me as I was looking through the room after the incident.
Were there signs it'd been rummaged around in?
Norman: Not at all. Just the opposite, in fact. It actually felt like it was cleaner than before.
Huh? Is a serial cleaner on the loose?
Hmm...One way to interpret it would be as a disguise to hide the fact that the room had been searched. Of course, it appears they went too far, inadvertently arousing suspicion in the process.
Norman: That's not a bad train of thought...Incidentally, who are you?



I am a traveling bard, a poetic soul wandering the wilds, a genius mu--
Sure, but if nothing's been stolen, then isn't the idea that it's a disguise pretty weak? At this stage, I don't think there's any point in worrying about motive.
Only a psychotic madman could commit such violence as we see here, anyway.
I agree.
H-Heh...You've grown even bolder since our last rendezvous, Estelle. Your training at Le Locle was most fruitful! You're simply stunning.
O-Olivier...
Just ignore him.
Now, if there's nothing else here you can tell us, we should get to questioning.
Y-Yeah...
(Well, seems she knows when to shorten the leash now...)
Norman: Good luck with the investigation.
We'll come report once we have an answer.
Norman: Good. We're counting on you to get to the bottom of this.
I only pray we can find the murderer before they strike again.



We should probably split into two groups. You and the princess make some rounds, while I keep an eye on this dumbass. These two are our assistants, yeah? Let's make 'em assist.
Good point. Ready to kick some investigation butt, Kloe?
Haha, of course.
Heh, assisting companions is only natural for a hunter of love.
You sure don't miss a beat, do you?
All right, listen up. We need to gather information on the suspect first. If you go around asking about Kuper, somethin' should turn up. If you end up getting a picture on who our guy is, come tell me.
So once we've found the criminal, go report to you?
No problem! Let's go see what we can find out.



If you find some new material, follow that next.
Heh! My graceful conversational skills finally have their time in the spotlight.

We will avenge you, Dels.



Dels: Even catching a glance would've been better than nothing at all.
Herio: [Kuper] Kuper's face went white as a sheet the moment he saw us. He was surely dismayed at having been witnessed at the crime scene.
Norman: [Kuper] Kuper was standing next to Dels, who was lying on the ground. He looked at me, and seemed very surprised. He wasn't excited or worked up, but he did appear tremendously shocked.
Alright, Kuper. Describe for us, in your own words, what happened when you MURDERED DELS.
Kuper: [Kuper] I'll say it as many times as you like! I only found Dels. If we'd been fightin', someone would've heard a sound, but no one said anything, did they? Of course they didn't, because I was politely seated on the sofa.
Dels: [Sounds] A sound, you say? That would probably be the sound of me getting hit. Heard a hell of a bang IN my head, that's for sure.
Herio: [Sounds] W-Well, yes, Kuper's right. I was standing in front of the door, but it was quiet the whole time in the room. If there had been some kind of argument, I'm sure I would have noticed.
Norman: [Sounds] As Kuper said, I didn't hear any loud noise, either. I was in the lobby at the time, but if grown men were fighting, I'm sure I would have heard something.
Kuper: [Sounds] If I'd fought with Dels, someone would have heard somethin'.
This is getting us nowhere. I need an inside source. Someone who's practiced at ferreting out the truth, and not afraid to get their hands dirty.



Yeah, actually a case suddenly popped up.
Mm? Whaddaya mean?
Well...

Ah, I see.
Huh? You don't seem too interested.
Yeah, I doubt it's big enough to make an article out of. Well, just in case, once you solve it tell me what ya got.
Yeah, will do.
My god...somebody's gotten to Nial. The killer must be pretty connected.



Ernest: [Kuper] Mostly, we have his patronage for work-related gatherings.
[Sounds] A sound, you say? Unfortunately, I heard no such thing.



Belden: [Kuper] I dunno. He looked angry, I guess. I thought somethin' might happen. And then, just like I thought, somethin' happened.
[Sounds] A sound? I didn't really hear anything.
[Anger] Yeah, he looked pretty pissed off to me. But, it was right after that big mess on the bridge. It's only natural he'd be angry.



Ernest: [Anger] Mister Kuper seemed generally normal.
They always do, Ernest. They always do.



Agate hasn't paid me any attention at all! Not a flutter of those heavy lashes has gone my way.
Hm, perhaps I will blow in his ear.
Well, I won't stop you.
Just know that we're gonna go from an assault case to a murder case if you do.
The suspect remains unclear. Think it's about time we widened our investigative net.
Dels: [Anger] Hmm, is that so? I'm not sure I can really help with that.
Herio: [Anger] Was Kuper angry? It didn't really look that way, but...
Norman: [Anger] He didn't seem particularly angry when I met him at the bridge. Well, perhaps something happened while he was being led to the hotel.
Kuper: [Anger] I was angry? Pfft! That's crazy. If you're gonna say that, Herio's attitude was way worse than mine, I think. The moment he saw me, he made this real nasty face. Try asking around about Herio. I bet you'll turn up some dirt. Him and Dels are rivals competing to be the No. 2 in Norman's camp. I'm sure they couldn't come to terms and ended up in a tussle.
Is that so.
Norman: [Herio] It's unbelievable that you would suspect Herio...In the first place, you're suggesting that he would hurt his coworker? And what could possibly motivate him to do such a thing?
Dels: [Herio] There's no way Herio did it. I'd testify to it myself! There's no bad blood between us whatsoever. We even work together! Owww...S-Sorry, I got excited and it made my head hurt...
Herio: [Herio] I had an unpleasant expression, you say? Well, of course! After a fuss like that, who wouldn't? What does that have to do with the case?



Ernest: [Herio] He isn't the kind of person to resort to violence. Herio is a most loyal man. He would never commit such a criminal act!



Yeah, we're done. How's it goin' on your end?
It's going okay, I guess.
I'm still checking out stuff.
Just don't slack off.
Leave it to me!



If you push them with questions, you might uncover something new.
Seems like we've found a new lead to investigate. I'd like some reliable testimony here, but...
Ernest: [Herio] Y-You still doubt Herio? Herio is a most loyal man. He would never commit such a criminal act! It's impossible for him to be the criminal...
??? Wh-What is it? What's on your mind?
If you're hiding something, you should spit it out. Trying to hide things only bites you in the ass most of the time.
I'm done being patient with this joker. Kloe? Break his goddamn thumbs.
Ernest: ...I'm sorry...
Feel like talking?
Ernest: Yes, actually...I saw him. I saw Herio on the second floor.
...When was that?
Ernest: Right after lunch. Herio went out with Norman, but...However, shortly after that, Herio came back and ran up to the second floor.
Whoa, that's kinda important to know.
Estelle, you go after this lead. We're gonna check around here for a bit longer.
Got it.
Ernest: [Lunch] Lunch was ordered from the Lavantar. Everyone had their lunch where they saw fit.
I thought it was odd, but it was precisely as I saw. I am truly a sinful soul to read the hearts of men so well.



Kuper: [Lunch] So they ordered from the Lavantar? That sure is nice. Maybe I'll try asking Portos if we can do something like that.
Norman: [Lunch] Yes, we ordered lunch today from the Lavantar. I don't want my campaigners getting sick of eating the same food again and again, so I thought we'd try something different.
Wow. It's nice of you to do that.
That's as much a part of politics as the campaign itself.
Norman: Haha, indeed, it is. I'll admit, my nerves have been on edge for some time now. It hasn't been easy to keep my eyes on everything day in and day out.
I'm...sorry to hear that...
Yikes...That does sound pretty tough.
Putting that aside, sir...What did you do after lunch?
Norman: After lunch, Herio and I immediately went to examine the place my speech is being held at. Herio had some other business to attend to first and met up with me at the site.
So you left right after lunch and met up with Herio outside? All right, that's all I need to hear.
Norman: I'm happy to have helped. Keep up the good work, you two.
Dels: [Lunch] Yeah, we ordered food from the Lavantar. Man, it was GOOD!
Herio: [Lunch] After lunch, Norman went to have a look at the site where he was going to give a speech. I had some stuff I had to do, so I met up with him later. The rest is as I explained before.
...But, Herio. You went to the second floor, didn't you?
Herio: Excuse me?!
There's no point in hiding it. We have witnesses.
Herio: I-I'm not hiding anything! I just...I just realized I forgot something and went back to the office to pick it up!
Was there anyone in the office at that time?
Herio: Dels was there doing work. I didn't see anyone else.
Great! That's plenty, thanks.
Herio: U-Um...Don't misunderstand, please. I wasn't trying to hide that I'd gone to the second floor.
Don't worry. We haven't decided that you're the criminal or anything.
Just don't forget that this kind of thing only makes you look worse. I look forward to your future assistance, sir.
I've got my eye on you, you son of a bitch. If that is your real name.



Belden: [Herio] He did kinda look unhappy when he got to the hotel. That's probably 'cause he was with Kuper, though.
[Lunch] Yeah, we had paella for lunch. I ate on my own in the lobby. It's kind of suffocating to eat in the same room as my dad...Still, you know what? My dad's pretty unfair. He feeds us normal, boring stuff, then gets a special paella just for himself!
Ahaha, is that so? Was it that different?
Belden: Yeah, it was WAY better. The special one's got, like, a mountain of shrimp. Guess he didn't have much of an appetite, though. He left a lot behind. What a waste!
Paella. I might have known. Everything in this town comes back to those filthy designer drugs...just like pond scum circling the drain.



How are you, sir? You remember us, right? You lent us your boat when the bridge was up.
You really saved us then.
Murray: Naw, it was no skin off my back. So, come back to ride again?
Wish I could, but I've got some work to do. We're investigating the case that happened at the hotel.
Murray: Oh, sounds rough. If I can be of any help, feel free to ask me what you like.
Will do, sir!
Murray: [Kuper] Yeah, I know him. He's that young fella workin' at the harbor. Like everyone else these days, he's been involved with the election.
[Sounds] Oh, a sound? Hmm...Thinking about it, I did hear a loud noise from above.
Above from here? You mean the balcony?
Murray: Probably around there, yeah. It was an impressive sound, like something had run into something else with a smack. Can't recall exactly when I'd heard it, though...
That's too bad...
Still, this is good stuff to know. Thanks, sir.
Murray: [Anger] Oh, was Kuper that angry? Well, youngsters get worked up so easily these days.
[Herio] Herio's that young merchant fella, yeah? If he wants to be a merchant, I think he needs to have a bit more 'oomph!' to him, ya hear me? He's got 'gullible' written all over him. He'll get people rippin' him off at every turn if he doesn't shape up.
[Lunch] About lunch? I went to eat at the Lavantar today. Always been in the habit of going out to lunch as soon as I hear the bell toll.
The 'bell toll'?
The bell on the Langland Bridge. Remember? It rang when the bridge went up.
Oh, yeah! Yeah, yeah, it did ring.
Murray: It always rings at certain times, see. I use it in place of a clock.
That's sure convenient. Kinda big to use in place of a clock, though.
Hey, Estelle? It might be good to ask some people about the bell toll.
Ask not for whom the bell tolls...it tolls for Dels.
Huh? Why?
They should be able to clearly remember the sound of a bell ringing. It might act as a guidepost for their memory, like with Mr. Murray.
Ahhhh, I get it.
Nice, Kloe. Very intellectual advice.
Heehee, you flatter me.
Murray: Not sure what you two are gigglin' about, but glad I was able to help.
You sure were! Okay, let's go ask around!
Right!



I remember reading about that before...somewhere...Ah, yes! It was in a guide book.
The sound of a bell? Sounds like it could be a clue. I don't mind. Do it as you like.
Ernest: [The Bell Toll] The noon bridge bell? Yes, at that time I was preparing the guest rooms. Once that was finished, I next organized the utensils. Someone had cleaned the plates in the office, so I was able to finish work quickly.
The office plates were cleaned...?
So that means...There was someone who went into the office after lunch?!
Ernest: Indeed. While I was preparing the guest rooms, they cleaned up, it seems...The plates were stacked at the front. Of course, exactly which kind guest it was...I couldn't say, unfortunately.
Aww, too bad. Guess we'll have to ask around ourselves.
It feels like we're finally closing in. Let's hope we're not too late. We can't let there be any more victims.



Dels: [The Bell Toll] The sound of the bridge bell...Now that you mention it, I do think I heard that before I got hit...Hmmm, I'm sorry. My head feels like a wreck right now. Nothing's too clear.
[Cleaning Up] Now that you mention it, who DID clean up? I'm sorry...I don't remember.
But you were in the office, weren't you? You'd normally notice if someone came to clean.
Dels: You're right, I would. Even I think it's odd.
Herio: [The Bell Toll] I heard the bell toll, yes. I think it was when I was meeting with Norman by the bridge. Then Kuper showed up, and I showed him the way to here.
[Cleaning Up] Who cleaned up? No idea. Someone must have done it while I was out.
Were the plates and such cleaned by the time you got back to the office?
Herio: Hmmm...I don't know. I wasn't exactly paying attention, so I can't say for sure.
Kuper: [The Bell Toll] The bridge toll? Yeah, I was running across the bridge in a real hurry! I met Norman right about the same time by the bridge.
[Cleaning Up] You're looking for the person who cleaned up the plates? Look, who cares?! Just hurry up and prove me innocent.
Norman: [Cleaning Up] Who could have done it...? All I know is that they were cleaned while I was away.
So...you don't know either, sir?
Norman: I'm afraid not. I don't know who it was, but...I worry that I may have left them a terrible impression.
Pardon?
What do you mean?
Norman: In truth, I haven't had much of an appetite lately. I left quite a lot of the paella I got for lunch uneaten. I'd requested that Ernest get me one of the special paellas in secret yet left it virtually untouched. It's embarrassing to think back on how wasteful that was.
I see...It must be really stressful to be running in an election.



Murray: [The Bell Toll] We citizens of Ruan hear it on a daily basis, I'll have you know. Speaking of the sound of a bell...
Did you remember something?
Murray: No, you...You asked about it a second ago, didn't you? That big sound.
Ah, the sound? Like something smacking into something, right?
Murray: Yeah, that thing. Well, I remember something now! That sound happened as if it were timed to the bell, at least to my ears.
Timed to the bell...? So basically, you heard the sound of the bell at roughly the same time as that big sound?
Murray: Well, if you wanna make it sound all boring, yeah.
If...If that sound was something caused by the criminal...
Then someone without an alibi when the bell rang is the criminal. Yeah, we should check out people we suspect.
Murray: [Cleaning Up] Someone cleaned up the plates for Ernest? Ho ho ho! It's a rare thing to find someone so considerate of others nowadays.
[Lunch] I went to the Lavantar for lunch today. Always been in the habit of going out to lunch as soon as I hear the bell toll.
Sounds like a nice enough routine.
You have to go through the hotel to get there, though, right?
Murray: Yep, that I do. I can't fly across the sea, now, can I?
Ahaha, good point.
...So did you see anyone in the hotel at the time?
Murray: Well, Ernest was on the first floor, of course, but...The rest was real quiet.
Huh...? There was no one there?
Murray: Yeah, I'd say so. The basement and first floor were both pretty quiet when I'd passed through. Norman's son was there when I came back, though.
Norman's son...? Norman's...Oh! You mean Belden.
Yeah, that's more than enough.
Murray: No, no, it was nothing.



Belden: Still, you know what? My dad's pretty unfair. He feeds us normal, boring stuff, then gets a special paella just for himself!
Huh? Wait a sec...
Belden: Wh-What's with that weird face? Did I say somethin' weird?
No, it's just...
...Hey, Belden. You said you ate lunch on the first floor, right?
Belden: Y-Yeah...That's right. What about it?
Norman ate on the second floor. How did you know what Norman ate when you were on the first floor?
Belden: O-Oh! Uh, that. I saw it afterwards, obvi...uh...
...
...
Belden: Er, sorry...My bad. Yeah, actually I heard from someone else. I don't remember who said it, though. M-Maybe you should i-investigate that next?
(That's so obviously suspicious.)
Belden: [The Bell Toll] C-C'mon, why would I lie about something like that? I was in the hotel basement, so I didn't notice at all.
...Were you really in the basement the whole time?
Belden: What?! Wh-Why?
There's someone who passed through the basement right after the bell rang. According to their testimony, no one was there.
Belden: Th-That can't be right! I was right here the whole time!
(So he can't establish an alibi...)
(Just in case, we should probably ask around about Belden, too.)
Belden: [Belden] S-So when the bell rang, I was underground. I was in the basement the whole time after lunch.





Let's hurry and solve this so we can enjoy a cup in celebration.
Looks like we're not far off from pointing out the criminal. Once you get your mark, come report.
Ernest: [Belden] Young Belden...? I'm afraid I didn't see him around when the bell rang. I was preparing the guest rooms at the time, you see.

The case of Dels' murder was a rabbit hole that went deeper than I could have ever imagined...but I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.



Norman: [The Bell Toll] When did the bridge bell ring? It went off when Herio and I were checking out the speech site together.
Herio was there, too?
Norman: Yes, he was already there. Just as the bell was ringing, Kuper showed up. I'd then asked Herio to show him to the hotel.
I see, then it's sure.
So, then, Estelle...There's no connection between the sound Murray heard and Herio.
Yeah, not just Herio but Kuper seems in the clear too. The sound Murray heard was just after the bell finished ringing, but...Both men can prove they were with Norman at the time.
In other words, whoever made that sound was neither Herio nor Kuper. This virtually eliminates any chance of them being the criminal.
Norman: [Belden] My son's location when the bell rang could pose a problem, you say? If you have real cause for suspicion, you needn't hesitate on my part. You're welcome to confront Belden and question him.
Don't act like we're pals, you degenerate. Your taste for the 'lla probably set off this whole sorry affair. You may not be the murderer, but you're no innocent.
Dels: [Belden] Where was Belden when the bell rang? I don't know, but...is he a suspect?
Kuper: [Belden] Where was Belden when the bell rang? How the hell am I supposed to know?
Herio: [Belden] Where was Belden when the bell rang? Couldn't tell you, unfortunately. I was out at the time.
I'd say we finally have enough evidence for a conviction. Hopefully, Dels' family can have a little closure.



So, who's your suspect?



The Raven kid, huh? You got some proof, right? First, explain the reason you discounted the original suspect.



Kuper was outside when the sound was heard. Norman's testimony corroborates this, so we can say for sure it's accurate. If that was the sound of the crime being committed, then there's a very small chance Kuper is the criminal.
Hm, I see...And at the same time, we can also throw out any suspicion of Herio.
Yeah, it does. Herio met up with Norman, so we're sure.
Next, you need to explain this suspect's crime. What kind of proof do you have?



The proof is his alibi. I have valuable testimony that refutes his alibi.
Kuper and Herio have already been cleared as the culprits, so...This person remains as the final possibility.
Yeah, by process of elimination it does turn out that way.
Ultimately, though, that's nothin' but circumstantial evidence. Do you have any more decisive proof?
Belden is a natural-born killer, but he couldn't escape one fatal flaw: he shares his old man's weakness for the finer things in life. Like the mariscos.



I don't know if it's decisive, but...Something did bother me, and that's the testimony about the special paella.
Oh, and what's that?
Yeah, so Belden testified that he ate lunch on the first floor, but...Somehow, he saw the paella Norman ate. He even knew that Norman barely ate it.
In other words, he went to the second floor. That what you're sayin'?
Yeah...
...All right, I get it. Let's call Belden in and hear what he's got to say. We can't go straight to an arrest with the proof we have on hand.
O-Okay...Got it.
God damn this red tape! If it were up to me, murderers would get an immediate court date with the Hon. Judge Reinford .44 Stinger. No appeals.



Belden: I didn't do anything!
Now, calm down. Nothing's been decided here.
If you help us with the investigation, you can go home right away.
Belden: H-Help...?
Yeah, we just want you to be frank with us. Where did you go after lunch?
Belden: L-Like I said, I was in the basement...
Bull. As long as you keep lyin', you're not gettin' out of here.
Belden: Uh...
You weren't in the basement the whole time. We already know that.
Belden: ...
If you didn't do anything wrong, then just be honest and tell the truth.
Or is the truth too scary to admit?
Belden: Guh...F-Fine...I'll talk. Today...after lunch...I...I went to the office. I went to go clean up.
Clean up...? So the person who returned the plates to the front was...
Belden: Yeah, it was me. Everyone seemed busy, so I figured I'd clean up. While I was cleaning up, I thought I'd tidy the office, but...*sigh* I didn't think that'd happen...
Huh...? H-Hold on, you're not making sense.
You just cleaned up after, right? Why does that have anything to do with the case?
...I've got an idea.
Belden: Y-Yeah...Actually...



Norman: I understand Belden came to this room to clean, but...I'm not sure how that correlates. What does that have to do with the assault on Dels?
It has a lot to do with it.
Well, let's hear him say it himself.
...Hey, go tell 'em.
Belden: Y-Yeah...Well, once I finished cleaning the room, I thought I'd head back. But since I'd tidied up a lot of stuff, the room was real dusty. I thought I'd open the balcony door to air it out, but...My hands were full of plates...I...I didn't have any choice! So I, um, kicked the door as hard as I could.
Dels: Wait, you mean the door...?
Yep, it's exactly what you think. That door is the criminal that knocked out Dels.
The door flying open slammed right into the back of your head.
In other words, the truth of the case is 'an unlucky accident.'
Kuper: What?! So then...I'm innocent, right?
Herio: Seems like it.
Kuper: *pheeew* Man, oh, man. Finally free and clear.
Norman: Still, what a mess. Why didn't you volunteer this information at the beginning? If you'd just told us the truth, things wouldn't have gone nearly this far.
Belden: I-I'm sorry...
C'mon, he's telling the truth now. Give him a break, okay? He had the courage to talk about it in the end, so everything worked out.
All the wishy-washy hand-wringing in the world won't bring Dels back.
Dels: As the victim here, I'd just like to forgive and forget. It's already clear that this was all a misunderstanding. Of course, I'd like him to be a bit more careful opening doors in the future, if he could...
Belden: Dels, I'm really sorry. And you too, Kuper. You almost got turned into a criminal.
Kuper: You don't need to worry about me. I'm in the clear, and that's good enough for me.
Well! That settles things.
Thank goodness.
Also, Belden...Whatever you decide to do in life, know that the decision is yours and yours alone. I know you can do it.
Belden: R-Really...?
Yeah, make sure you keep it up.
...Well, that's our report.
Norman: Bracers...I'm sorry for today. It seems we've taken up a great deal of your time over just a big mistake.
No, don't worry about it. This is part of the job, too.
Well, then, we're off.
Belden: Thank you, guys...so much.
Norman: Really, I'm very sorry.
Kuper: Take care!



I wouldn't have dreamed it would end like that, though.
Truth is always stranger than fiction.
However, as your valued assistant, I take great pride in our completion of this most puzzling assignment.
You didn't do a damn thing.
Oh, but I really appreciate your help, Kloe! You gave a ton of good advice. It was a big help during the investigation.
I'm always happy to help. There's no need to thank me, though, Estelle.
Right. I guess you two are our support staff already, aren't you?
Yep. We'll have you do what needs to be done. Okay, let's get going.
Next up is the Zeiss region!

And that was the end of that. Something had been done that might pass for justice, if viewed through a tall glass of bourbon underneath the dim glow of a grimy streetlamp. Belden's testimony gave us the final pieces of the puzzle. It was the same old story...one I see play out every day in this goddess-forsaken town. An argument, fueled by the demon paella, grew into a fight...which grew into a tragedy when a carelessly-kept, loaded door was discharged by accident.

Just another...



...open-and-shut case.





_{okay I'm done. I swear I won't do that again, please forgive me}