The rest of the day passed peacefully. There wasn't much to do, and Devon and Alice separated, leaving me alone. Eventually, my exploration of the manor saw me stumbling upon the Ashton's library. Books and scrolls filled the shelves, which extended into what was probably the largest room in the house, aside from the dining room.

I traced my finger along the spines and inhaled the scent of paper. So different from the blood, meat, and sweat – I felt a wave of calm that had been sorely lacking for most of my current life.

A memory itched at the back of my mind, something pleasant but vague. It centered around the idea of books and reading, but I didn't know what exactly. It made me sad. I hadn't felt emotion regarding my lost memories in a long time. It was surprising.

I really didn't like that feeling. Without looking, I removed my hand from the shelves and turned the corner, where another scent drew me toward the back part of the room. By the window, with her hand on her chin and a faint smile on her face, Yadalee flipped the page of another tome.

Deep red spine, golden letters, leather skin, and all. That's a serious book. She looks happy like this, not so tense and stiff.

Considering Yadalee tended to scream when surprised, I lightly tapped a bookshelf and waited. She turned around with wide eyes and a blush coloring her cheeks.

"Cain! I didn't hear you come in; my apologies," she said with a bow.

"Woah there. We've hung out way too long for us to start bowing to each other. The one at the gate was bad enough." I saw her hesitate and I sighed. "Seriously, cut that out. I just got back from dealing with the nobles. I really don't need that from you."

She raised her head and smiled sympathetically. "How did it go?"

"The nobles hate us; Redmire is a hothead, Baathan is a grouch, and Vertus is shady as hell. We met the royal family, but beyond the king and a little bit of the queen, not much interaction there," I grumbled. "We'll be starting some investigations, though. Tomorrow, I believe we're investigating the murders near the Baathan's food district."

"That's… Wow. What's this about murders?"

I spent the next half hour explaining what the nobles discussed, including all the reactions in a play-by-play retelling. By the end, Yadalee had lost her smile and returned to her usual stiff, worried demeanor.

Didn't mean to take away your joy. Sorry.

"Are you okay? Sorry for bringing down the mood."

She shook her head. "It's a lot to process, but it's fine. I'm not surprised Lady Baathan and Lord Redmire did not bow to the king. It's a slight, a deliberate one. Like most big noble houses, they are unhappy with not being in control. And I always knew the Vertus house was involved in unlawful activities, and I guess it's not surprising that they are approved by the Crown. Still, it's a lot to take in."

"Exhausting?"

"Yes, very," she laughed. Her face grew serious, and she ran her hand along a book's cover. "The murders. You said they happened in Baathan's food and entertainment district?"

"I don't know about entertainment, but yeah. There were a few around the main restaurant, and in lots of random places as well. More than a few connected to underground tunnels, so the Vertis were scrutinized, but the murders are rather haphazard. Nothing linking them as far as they can tell."

Yadalee stood up and went to one of the shelves filled with scrolls. She mumbled something to herself and shook her head while moving on. By the third shelf, she stopped, grabbed a large scroll, and rushed back to the table.

"Was it in this area?" she asked as she unfurled the scroll and revealed a map of the city.

I moved her finger to the Baathan's area and traced the radius I had seen on the map inside the throne room.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

She frowned. "I think I'll study this. Would you like me to inform you if I find anything relevant? There's plenty of records here."

"Sure. Anything to help us complete the hunt."

We parted ways. I hadn't even left the room before Yadalee disappeared deeper into the library, muttering something to herself.

***

Morning came, and I bathed first, then sat down for breakfast with the Ashtons. Even with Alice and Devon in attendance, the tension wasn't as bad as yesterday. I still refused to look at Devon longer than necessary—my emotions undecided.

Marcus showed up halfway through and joined us. From the brief discussion, the day's plan was outlined. Surprisingly, Devon wouldn't be joining Alice and me to investigate Baathan's area. Garrett had started early and requested Devon's aid. Marcus didn't know what for.

"I'll show you the restaurant. From there, I am at your command," Marcus explained.

I checked my new clothes and slotted my axe into the new belt. Everything set and ready, Alice returned from her room and joined us at the entrance, where a carriage slowly made its way toward the gate. We piled in and spent the entire horse-ride in relative silence. Most of the details had been discussed in advance, so when the carriage came to a stop, we set out with Marcus leading the way.

Decently dressed folks, in clothes that were prim but not obnoxiously formal, filled the area. Varying scents and perfumes that I recognized—now that Renner had pointed them out—filled the air. Mixed in was the smell of food, every kind imaginable—meats, fried dough, and even a stall we passed that reeked of caramel and onions.

People made way for Marcus; the moment they saw the royal guard, they scurried to the side or pressed themselves against each other. By the time we reached the restaurant, a clear line of empty space marked our passage through the streets.

Seven people waited with bright smiles and stiff postures. Marcus stepped to the side and allowed Alice and me to walk forward. A lady dressed differently than the others, wearing a red shirt instead of blue, bowed at our approach.

"Welcome, sir and lady Grimm. We've been told to answer any questions you may have. I am Irene. And these are the members of our staff."

I sniffed around and smelled the vague hint of food, but something else overpowered the smell. Like cleaning supplies, a sharp, tangy citrus lingered.

The restaurant looked normal. It had several square tables with chairs neatly tucked in, and the floors were smooth and unblemished.

"Have there been any murders near the restaurant itself?"

We already knew there had been a few. At least three had been found at the doorstep, towards the alley connecting the restaurant, and a third had splatters of blood found on their window.

Irene's smile strained, but she maintained it. "Yes, unfortunately. It's not uncommon for riffraff to find their way towards the restaurant. People have often asked for food after hours, or occasionally a criminal searches for their next target to rob. We had two such incidents within our area, but that is all."

"Two? What about the window and the corpse in the street a few paces from your door?"

"I don't consider that our area. The Baathans may own most of the businesses in this part of the city, but the street is the kingdom's. We dare not claim such land."

While talking, Alice had sniffed around. She moved closer to the kitchen, and I subtly noticed the people in the back shift. They were tense, stiff and reeked of fear.

Something's off.

Alice sniffed the air and changed her stance. I casually reached for my axe and waited.

"You," she said, pointing at a terrified young man near the corner. "Pull down your collar."

"Miss Alice. I guarantee you that whatever the problem is, our staff can answer without issue."

I moved closer and stood in front of Irene. "Marcus, can you guard the door?"

Without a word, the knight moved to the doorway and crossed his arms.

The young man Alice pointed out refused to move, constantly looking to Irene for help.

"Nathaniel. Do as the lady says," she said, her voice terse.

Nathaniel slowly reached for his collar and undid the buttons. It flipped aside, revealing a clean, white undershirt.

"As you can see, we have nothing to hide. There is no further need to terrorize my staff."

Alice ignored her and pointed to the man. "Pull down your collar. Underneath the second shirt."

"Miss Alice! That is enou-"

Nathaniel bolted for the back door, and the two men beside him charged Alice. Irene shouted as Freki leapt out of my shadow and pinned the remaining staff to the wall. I didn't need to intervene. Alice dropped the first guy and pinned him with her boot, and the second she caught and strangled.

"Enough! Back down! Do not attack the Grimms!" Irene commanded.

She watched Freki with fear, but she balled her fists and banged them on the table. The staff who had looked about to try something stupid, froze.

"Freki. Catch him."

He dived into the ground, and I watched his view with half my attention. "Marcus, can you handle these guys?"

"Yes, sir!"

Alice kicked the first man away and tossed the second onto one of the tables before joining me.

"Did you get him?" Alice asked.

Through the shared vision, I saw the terrified face of the man screaming something at Freki, who singed his eyebrows off with a snort.

"Yeah. Ready for an interrogation?" I asked, heading for the back door.

She nodded, and we came upon the young man trapped in a side alley. Freki snapped at the air, and he screamed.

"I'll tell you everything! It wasn't me! They made me hide the body, I swear! Don't eat me!"

Well that was easy.