Watching Schick's retreating figure disappear in humiliation, Lucien Valois showed little sign of triumph.
He knew very well—this was only the beginning.
As the investigation dug deeper, the resistance and obstacles would only grow stronger.
This was no longer just a case. It was a life-and-death struggle.
At that moment, Chiori walked over with light steps and extended her fair, delicate hand.
"Return the money."
"Money I borrowed with skill—why should I repay it?" Lucien Valois replied casually, placing an exquisitely crafted perfume bottle into her palm.
Chiori rolled her eyes at him but uncapped the bottle and sprayed a little onto the back of her hand.
A rich fragrance bloomed instantly in the air.
A satisfied smile curved her lips. "At least you've got a bit of conscience."
Lucien Valois chuckled softly and strode towardFrederic.
His expression turned grave. "From today onward, you're not to interfere in this case. Leave everything to me."
Frederick's eyes reddened. "But… Captain… what about you?"
Lucien Valois patted his shoulder confidently. "Relax. I'll be fine."
Frederick nodded firmly. "Captain, I trust you."
With that, he tactfully excused himself, wisely choosing not to remain as an unnecessary third presence between Lucien Valois and Chiori.
AfterFrederic left, Lucien Valois and Chiori entered the boutique together.
The shop was filled with the unique scent of fine fabrics. Luxurious garments were arranged in orderly rows, and sunlight streamed through the glass windows, casting a soft glow over everything.
As soon as they stepped inside, Lucien Valois took out the button.
"Do you recognize this?"
Chiori examined it carefully.
"This button belongs to Olivier. The outfit was custom-made here."
A sharp glint flashed in Lucien Valois's eyes. "Then that garment will be crucial evidence."
Chiori replied calmly, "I hate to pour cold water on your plan, but the clothing has likely already been dealt with. Otherwise, his servant wouldn't have rushed me to make him another set."
Lucien Valois shook his head. "Olivier would certainly order the servant to destroy it. But that outfit was expensive. For an ordinary servant, it would be worth a small fortune."
"You're suggesting the servant might not have destroyed it, but hidden it instead?" Chiori asked uncertainly.
Lucien Valois nodded slightly. "There's a high probability. And for now, that's our only hope."
With the cooperation of certain enforcement departments, nearly all evidence had been erased.
Aside from Emilie and Chiori, no other witnesses were willing to step forward.
This button was almost their final thread of hope.
After exchanging a few more words, Lucien Valois took his leave.
He returned to the Palais Mermonia and headed for the Special Investigation Court on the second floor.
A cute Melusine receptionist greeted him.
Upon learning his purpose, she hurried off to consult her superiors.
The result was predictable—an outright refusal.
Lucien Valois hadn't expected much anyway, so he turned and left without lingering.
Not long after his departure, the Special Investigation Court welcomed a high-profile visitor—Furina.
With elegant posture, she entered the hall, spread her arms dramatically, and proclaimed in her signature flamboyant tone:
"I, the embodiment of justice and the great goddess herself, shall personally investigate a mysterious case shrouded in layers of fog!
Rejoice! Marvel! A grand spectacle unlike any before is about to unfold!"
The staff immediately rose to their feet and applauded enthusiastically.
When the applause subsided, a Melusine stepped forward excitedly, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
"Lady Furina, are you finally going to personally investigate the serial disappearance of young girls?"
Furina's smile froze awkwardly.
"Not that case."
"Ah? Then which one?" the Melusine asked, confusion written all over her small face.
Furina cleared her throat solemnly. "I will investigate the death of Flora."
At those words, several people present subtly changed expression.
The Melusine scratched her head. "But, my Lady, this case has already been classified as a suicide by drowning. It only awaits Lord Neuvillette's approval."
Hearing that, Furina felt a flicker of hesitation.
If Neuvillette approved the classification, her investigation might become nothing more than a farce.
Just as she considered backing out, Lucien Valois's handsome face surfaced unbidden in her mind.
After a brief struggle, she decided to trust him—just once.
"This case appears simple, but it is not. I shall pierce the fog and reveal the true truth!"
The Melusine's eyes shone again with devotion. "Lady Furina, I'll retrieve the case file immediately!"
Furina smiled gracefully. "Much appreciated."
Soon, the Melusine returned with the dossier.
Furina took it back to her suite, intending to examine it thoroughly.
…
Office of the Chief Justice.
"I have some doubts regarding your approval."
Chief Justice Audeman Kappe stood upright before Neuvillette's desk, calm and composed.
As the head of the Kappe family, he radiated innate nobility with every gesture.
Neuvillette slowly lifted his gaze, his deep eyes settling upon Audeman.
"Oh? What doubts?"
"Regarding Flora's death, it is clearly a suicide by drowning. There is no need for the Special Investigation Court to waste further resources investigating it," Audeman replied firmly.
Neuvillette calmly opened the approval file for Flora's case, his long fingers gliding across the pages.
"First, the record of the deceased's family.
In every similar case I have encountered, the family demands accountability from one or more parties.
Yet in this case, why does the family not seek to hold the Fontaine Research Institute responsible?"
Audeman hesitated briefly. "Perhaps the family is understanding and chose not to pursue blame."
Neuvillette did not respond directly.
"Second, the statements from her classmates and teachers are almost identical to a case I handled over two hundred years ago."
He paused, his tone turning cold.
"Chief Justice Audeman… do you believe this to be mere coincidence?"