Standing before Cordelia's lifeless body, a sense of detachment overcomes me. Though emotions such as sadness and anger should have consumed me, my mind remains eerily clear, while my heart turns cold witnessing the evidence of her demise. Her face bears the marks of bruises and traces of blood, unmistakable signs of a violent end. It becomes painfully evident that Cordelia was murdered.
The elf examiner, holding the examination report provided by the gnome scribe officer, begins to share the findings. His voice carries a solemn tone as he reads from the report.
"Her body was discovered by a patrolling guard early in the morning two days ago on an alley not far from her abode, indicating that she was likely murdered the previous night," he relays, opening his statement with this critical information.
"There is no evidence of robbery, as her gold ring remains securely on her finger, untouched by the perpetrator," the examiner explains, highlighting the lack of a theft motive. "Furthermore, the torn upper garments suggest a violent struggle, indicating an attempted assault. Multiple injuries to her head indicate that she was struck repeatedly, most likely with a blunt weapon, possibly a stick."
"Her lower garments were also torn. However, there are no signs of rape happened. It is possible that the perpetrator followed her from her workplace, pulling her into an alley with intentions of assault. However, for reasons unknown, they were unable to carry out the act, possibly due to the presence of a sudden witness."
The scribe keeps writing on the side of the room. The guild officer was holding his mouth as if he tried to hold himself not to vomit. I stare at her cold body, trying to accept the reality in front of me.
"We are presently in search of any potential onlooker, yet thus far, our endeavors have yielded no fruit. We have collected tidings from her associates, seeking signs of any possible ill intentions aimed at her. However, thus far, no one has arisen as a conspicuously suspicious figure, as the overall camaraderie amongst her peers appears to be amiable."
No one is suspicious? No, there is one who is undeniably suspicious: Sir Geoffrey! He is the very individual with whom Cordelia had a conflict. Why does the examiner not perceive this? Ah, I remember now. Cordelia and Sir Geoffrey's previous association remained concealed, known only to the two of them until Cordelia herself revealed it to me.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
"Sir examiner, there is one individual who stands out as the most likely perpetrator of this heinous crime.' In my cold, resolute voice, I addressed the examiner directly.
Surprised by my assertiveness, the examiner's curiosity was piqued, encouraging me to divulge further. The scribe, too, stood ready, quill in hand, eager to transcribe the words that were about to unfold. And the guild officer, a stalwart presence by my side, attentively absorbed every detail.
I began recounting the tale of Cordelia, unearthing the depths of her tragic past and the intricate web of events that led to our fateful encounter.
From a tender age, Cordelia was subjected to the abhorrent confines of a brothel, her innocence robbed from her. Determined to break free from this wretched existence, she employed her captivating charm to extract gratuity from the patrons who succumbed to her allure. It was during this period that Sir Geoffrey entered her life as one of those patrons, ensnared by her irresistible presence. In a surprising turn of events, Sir Geoffrey intervened, liberating Cordelia from her predicament by providing a substantial sum of money. However, it would be misguided to perceive Sir Geoffrey as a benevolent figure, for beneath his facade lurked a deep-seated affliction. I proceeded to recount the sequence of events, starting from the initial encounter with Sir Geoffrey and extending to the moment when Cordelia revealed her tumultuous past and disclosed Sir Geoffrey's struggle with his manhood.
"If the story you've presented is indeed true, then it would be a scandalous affair for the Gemheart family. It could also provide an explanation for why Miss Cordelia was murdered. However, I must emphasize that without solid proof, your account remains unsubstantiated, Sir Takahiko," the examiner explained cautiously, considering the information I had shared.
Indeed, it is true. Presently, the knight guards lack sufficient evidence to apprehend Sir Geoffrey. Should I resort to employing the underworld to exact my vengeance? No, that would be a swift and easy way out for him, merely resulting in his death. I want him to suffer, to experience despair and agony that would make him long for his own demise.
I understand the risk of the Gemheart family filing a lawsuit against me for tarnishing their esteemed reputation if I were to report my mere speculation. So I need to do something to procure a certain item that can be used as proof. I gathered all my knowledge and inner strength, preparing myself to confront Sir Geoffrey head-on.