The morning sunlight shone across BlackPearl Street. The atmosphere of the shabby street gradually became livelier. Ciel opened the door of his house, saw a newspaper vendor passing by, and bought one. As a university graduate majoring in politics, he could not stop his habit of reading to look for the latest political information. Even though it was only a newspaper, it was enough to satisfy his feelings.
Ciel sat at the dining table while eating a piece of bread and reading the newspaper. The front page displayed the face of a man with a long mustache, wearing a crown atop his white hair. His clothes looked high-quality and luxurious. At once, Ciel recognized him; he was the king of the Kingdom of Falheim, King Aubert Roses II.
The article contained a statement from King Aubert, saying that according to the kingdom's new legislative proposal, it would focus on expanding military authority in many areas, including the political sphere. This meant that members of the military would have the right to intervene in decisions and laws within the kingdom's political domain. This decision had sparked many opinions. Although most people disagreed with it, the bill was still under review.
Another page featured news about trade outside the Kingdom of Falheim, namely the Abraham Empire and the Shina Republic. The two nations were currently negotiating over import taxes that continued to rise from Abraham's side. This caused the Shina Republic to reject the terms and attempt further negotiations.
Although the world was currently in a period of peace, it did not rule out the possibility that this could trigger a new war.
"After thirty years of peace, isn't it a little too soon for another war to break out? The last time Grandfather participated, the result was Falheim's victory over the Shina Republic. That may also be why the Republic does not particularly mind Falheim's absence from this issue," Ciel thought while chewing the hard bread in his mouth.
The political and economic conditions of this world were slightly different from Earth and seemed somewhat more advanced. Other than those topics, the remaining news did not attract much of Ciel's attention. Some were merely advertisements from newly established companies in the capital.
After finishing his reading, Ciel hurried to bathe and prepare for work. Today was Monday, so Arianna had already left for the university earlier because of an appointment with a professor.
A few moments passed, and Ciel was neatly dressed. Wearing a suit and a tall hat, and carrying a cane with a round silver handle. With this, he looked more like a distinguished gentleman than before. He passed through the market area toward Houndog Street. Once again, he felt uncomfortable when he saw the homeless around this elite residential district.
A short while later, he arrived in front of the red-brick apartment building. Walking inside and climbing the stairs, he headed toward room number 007.
Inside the room, the voices of Jonathan and a woman could be heard. It seemed they were having a business discussion, likely Ciel's first client as a detective assistant.
Ciel knocked on the door three times and was greeted by Jonathan's question, "Ciel?"
"Yes," Ciel answered briefly before entering the room after receiving Nichole's approval.
"I thought I was late?" he asked, merely to ease the atmosphere.
Nichole replied with a faint laugh, "No, no, no... we just got a client earlier than usual."
At a glance, Ciel looked toward the client. Wearing a simple lace dress and a wide-brimmed hat, Ciel was certain she belonged to a noble family based on the quality of the fabric and the fact that a middle-aged woman, likely her servant, stood beside her. He did not pay much attention to her face, only her long blonde hair, which looked soft and voluminous beneath the knitted hat.
It appeared that the woman's purpose had already been fulfilled. She stood up to say goodbye and leave. Her face was still hidden behind a fan, so Ciel did not see her face and did not hear her voice, since it was the servant beside her who always spoke on her behalf.
Waiting until the sound of her footsteps gradually disappeared, Ciel looked toward Jonathan and asked, "Who was that woman?"
"A daughter of Duke Vermen Roses, Maria Roses."
Ciel thought twice before asking further. After all, she was a noble!
"What does she need here for? As King Aubert's relative, the Duke should have enough military power if it's only a trivial matter."
Even as a Duke, he can't solve his daughter's problem... Ciel merely mocked inwardly.
Jonathan simply smiled before picking up his jacket. "This will be your first job as my assistant. This matter seems a little more serious than expected. Princess Maria's husband, Marquis Herald, has been showing strange signs, as if he were possessed."
"Possessed? Wouldn't it be better to leave that to the church that the Marquis believes in?" Ciel could not help interrupting. Because logically speaking, matters of possession and purification were the expertise of religious churches, weren't they?
"It's not that simple. From what I can tell, the Marquis is probably a Sorcerer. More importantly, he's at quite a high circle, perhaps 5 or 6. And if you're wondering why the Princess came here instead of the church, it's because the Marquis is a wizard who isn't registered with the church."
Listening carefully, it perhaps made sense, but on the other hand, Ciel still did not understand. "What does possession have to do with being a sorcerer? And also, doesn't that mean I should register with the church?"
"Haven't I told you before? Sorcerers are the people who understand the word 'restriction' the most."
"This is merely one example. Sorcerers are always restrained by the madness that gnaws at them the higher they climb. Especially if you advance too quickly and don't understand the proper requirements for advancement."
"And besides, who would want to be a sorcerer bound to the church? We're illegal sorcerers! Hahaha!" Jonathan burst into laughter.
"Really? I think I chose the wrong boss." Ciel could only comment. The respect he had previously given Jonathan faded a little.
After spending some time preparing their equipment, they departed for Princess Maria's residence by horse carriage. The place was located on the outskirts of Goumn, closer to the upper reaches of the Flitch River. Although there were still many factories in the city, strangely enough, the river did not appear polluted. It was very clean. This was likely the result of factory regulations and weekly inspections.
During the journey, Ciel was still somewhat astonished. However, his amazement shifted when he saw the residence of Princess Maria and Marquis Herald. It did not look like a luxurious palace, merely an authentic mansion with rather beautiful carvings. It was not particularly large, yet for Ciel it was still enormous.
The horse carriage stopped right in front of the mansion gate. The two got down and paid the coachman 15 skotl. It was a relatively friendly price for a journey of around ten kilometers.
Entering the mansion, they were greeted by several servants. One of them was an elderly man who appeared to be in his sixties judging by the wrinkles on his face. His white hair still retained its dignified shine. Ciel could not help but guess that he was the head butler.
The man bowed slightly in greeting. "Good afternoon, gentlemen. I am Harry, the head butler of Marquis Herald's residence. Princess Maria is currently not in a condition to receive guests. I sincerely apologize."
Harry guided them toward the Marquis's study.
Ciel enjoyed observing the ornaments and structure of the mansion, which were remarkably elegant, almost reminding him of Earth. A sense of homesickness began to emerge once more, but before he could think further, his eyes briefly caught something interesting.
On the upper floor of the mansion, the corner of Ciel's eye met the gaze of a woman whose face was hidden beneath a hat. Clearly, Ciel recognized the woman as Maria. This time he saw her lips. They were bright red and slightly full, allowing her beauty to be felt even though only a portion of her face was visible.
Ciel felt that Maria was testing whether this detective duo was capable of handling the case. But in Ciel's opinion, with Mr. Jonathan's level and knowledge, this job was surely a piece of cake for him.
Although not entirely certain, Ciel felt that Mr. Jonathan was a Circle 7 Sorcerer, perhaps closer to Circle 6. That affected the number of spell reserves he could use; dozens, perhaps even hundreds more than those in lower circles.
Ciel merely smiled faintly, looked away, and followed Mr. Jonathan.
Jonathan entered the Marquis's study. It was a spacious place. Books were neatly arranged according to category. In the center of the room stood a wooden desk with someone writing there. The man appeared to be in his thirties. His black hair was neatly combed to one side. When he glanced toward the group, his sharp eyes seemed intimidating. However, no matter how Ciel looked at him, he did not seem like someone suffering from madness or possession. "How is he possessed exactly?"
"So you're the people my beloved Maria spoke of. I hope you can cure me. Especially you, Mr. Jonathan, your reputation in mystical matters is quite impressive." The Marquis stood up and immediately shook hands with Jonathan and Ciel. He appeared to be in slight pain.
"It is a pleasure to hear that from you, Marquis," Jonathan replied while narrowing his eyes. "I'll begin right here. Please, aside from the three of us, everyone else leave the room."
Although they exchanged glances briefly with the other servants, Harry still bowed and left the study. Leaving only the three of them inside.
To be honest, Ciel felt he was not particularly needed. However, perhaps this was one of the ways Mr. Jonathan intended to teach him. Taking a few steps back, Jonathan pulled his wand from inside his sleeve. He waved the wand in a mysterious rhythm and motion while muttering.
"Please allow my magic flow to enter, Marquis."
'Mana Flow.'
A bluish light spread from Jonathan's wand. Mana particles gathered and shattered at the same time before spreading to envelop the Marquis, whose eyes were closed. The moment the mana flow touched the Marquis's body, the blue color was gradually contaminated by a blackish hue from the Marquis's mana. The Marquis's calm expression slowly turned into one of pain, and amid that pain he screamed while clutching his head. He truly looked like a madman now.
As Ciel witnessed this, Jonathan's voice called out to him. "Use the Circle 9 spell, Sound Barrier!"
Without a second thought, Ciel drew his wand, which had once belonged to Michelle, and cast 'Sound Barrier' around them.