After Charles left, it was finally time for the last person to enter—someone who could change the fate of the case, or perhaps become the main suspect himself.
Tap! Tap!
The door slowly opened, and a man in his thirties stepped into the room. He had blond hair, black eyes, and an imperial-style mustache. A black cloak with blue patterns draped over his strong, muscular frame—the kind one would expect from a master of martial arts and swordsmanship.
Youtab sat behind the desk, while, as usual, Vantias was seated on the couch.
Youtab gestured gently with her hand. "Please, have a seat, Mr. Kyle."
Kyle, looking tired and worried, quietly sat down on the couch.
Vantias smiled.
"Thank you for coming."
Kyle did not return the smile and replied softly:
"You're welcome. It's my duty to help you find the killer as soon as possible."
Youtab blinked slowly and then said:
"You are the last person we will question. So please, answer carefully. Your words could help us greatly."
"Of course " Kyle nodded.
Vantias leaned forward slightly.
"What do you think about Elizabeth's murder? Any information you have would be most helpful."
Kyle's face remained tense, his worried expression only making Youtab more intent on analyzing his words. He spoke softly:
"Well, to be honest, Elizabeth's death was a huge blow to the Academy's reputation... and with the other students who died this week... everything has fallen into chaos. Fear and disorder are spreading through the Academy."
He took a deep breath.
"Elizabeth was a good student. Hardworking, persistent, confident... Everything happened so fast. That's why it makes me suspicious of everything."
Vantias's tone grew sharper:
"We saved you for last because you are our most important witness. On the night Elizabeth was killed, she asked you for permission to enter the greenhouse. As you know, it's locked after sunset, and no one is allowed inside. You granted her entry."
"She had an exam the next day and wanted to study medicinal plants. So she stayed late in the greenhouse. Nobody else entered, and only you knew." His voice carried a hint of accusation.
Youtab added coldly:
"You know what that means, don't you?"
Kyle's face glistened with sweat. He clenched his fists, struggling within himself, before blurting out:
"Yes, I know... it makes me a suspect. But I didn't kill her! I had no reason to do it, I swear!"
Youtab raised her brow, her tone sharp:
"But it was your duty to go at 11 o'clock and tell Elizabeth to leave the greenhouse. Did you see her then? Because the next morning, her body was found inside."
Kyle shouted anxiously:
"I did go! I went there to tell her it was time to leave and to lock up the greenhouse, but..."
"But what?" Vantias pressed.
Kyle lowered his head.
"When I went inside, nobody was there. I swear, no one was inside. I thought Elizabeth had already left, so I locked the door and went away. That's the truth. Please believe me."
Youtab narrowed her eyes, analyzing his behavior carefully. She then glanced at
Vantias. Calm, but his look showed doubt and concern. Closing her eyes briefly, she said:
"Did you see anyone else go into the greenhouse? Any detail could help us. Think carefully—it might shift suspicion onto someone else."
Kyle wiped the sweat from his forehead, clenching his fists tighter. He thought hard.
"That night... when I went to tell Elizabeth to leave... I saw someone enter the greenhouse. Was it Charles? Or maybe Marcus? I'm not sure—I couldn't see clearly. Both of them are noble-born... Choosing one wrongly could mean death for me." He glanced nervously at Youtab and Wantias.
"I can't tell the investigators... That would make me the prime suspect. But if I stay silent, I'll still remain one. What should I do?" Kyle thought.
Youtab tilted her head slightly.
"Did something come to mind? Anything that might help us?"
Kyle looked at her, still nervous.
"I need to find the real killer before all the blame falls on me... But I must speak..."he thought.
"I saw that night—" Kyle began, when suddenly—
Tap! Tap!
The door opened. Marcus entered, nodding apologetically.
"Sorry for interrupting, Inspector Youtab. May I have a word with you?"
Youtab was startled for a moment, then rose and walked toward the door. Before leaving, she bent slightly and whispered into Wantias's ear:
"Keep questioning him, and tell me the results later. I'll see if I can gather more information."
Vantias nodded in agreement.
As the door closed behind her, silence filled the room. Kyle clenched his fists on his knees, his head lowered, still torn about whether to speak or not.
After several minutes, he finally made up his mind. With hesitation, he said:
"That night, I did see someone enter the greenhouse... I'm not completely sure who it was, but I have doubts about two people..."
Vantias leaned forward.
"Please, tell me. Anything you say could help us find the killer."
Kyle glanced around nervously, then spoke in a low voice:
"I think... I think I saw Charles enter the greenhouse."
Wantias froze, his expression shifting from neutrality to a crooked smile, as though he had been waiting for this very moment.
Satisfaction spread across his face. He thought quickly.
"This is exactly what I wanted to hear... But should I tell Youtab?"
Then, a voice deep within whispered: Wait...—an all too familiar voice.
Vantias's expression changed instantly. He realized an opportunity had presented itself. He thought:
"Wait a moment... I can use this. Yes... I just need to play this carefully."
Crossing his legs and folding his hands, he leaned forward and said with deliberate calm:
"Would you like a piece of friendly advice?"