When we got back Iris was waiting to welcome us in. "Welcome back Your Highness. How was your day?"
We thanked the butler as he helped us out of our coats and then I answered her, "Greetings Lady Iris. We had a good day I'd say. What about you?"
"Oh it was fine. I was around the inspection area. I didn't see you anywhere though."
Stalker Alert!!!
"Oh really? Guess we missed each other."
"I guess so…" she muttered solemnly. "You! Servant!" she suddenly exclaimed. At first, I was confused who she was calling until she said, "Why are you still loitering here? Get to the servants area."
I was surprised she would order someone who is not working for her as such, before I could reel back and say something she added, "What are you waiting for?! Servants aren't supposed to be here unless they have something to do."
"Lady Iris, Lark is under me and will only obey my orders. You have no right to give hm orders."
"But Your Highness, he is a servant." She said like it had some special meaning to it.
"So?" I prompted.
"They are below us; you must send him away immediately. I detest standing before them longer than necessary."
Shocked. That would be one word to describe both me and Lark. This is not the 'Modern World' in any way, shape or form. But this sort of thinking had stopped long since. Everyone is treated equally in this world- Thank whatever God or Goddess is out there- While classes do still exist people are treated like humans and not something less.
"Lady Iris! This is highly improper. I did not expect this of a Lady. Your parents will hear about this." With that I stalked off.
"Your- Your Highness!!" she cried behind us but we ignored her and kept walking.
We were in my room as Lark helped me change my clothes when someone knocked at the door. Lark opened to check who it was, then opened it wider letting them in who I soon saw was Ares.
"How was it?" he questioned.
"It was pretty good. You did a really good job." I said seriously as looked at him through the mirror and continued changing. He nodded his head silently a tiny proud smile pulling at his lips. "Oh here!" I tossed the pouch to him, "Henry asked to give this to you."
Lark explained what he told us and Ares nodded. "I need to talk to him. More work." He groaned. I just laughed at him as I fixed the tie at my neck. We recounted the day as we sat for a bit before we had to go for dinner, we didn't have much time so we told the short version of it all.
During dinner we sat in the exact same spots like last time. Iris was trying to get my attention like before. "Your Highness would-"
"No, thank you."
"But Your Highness you didn't-"
"I'm fine Lady Iris."
"How was your day Your Highnesses?" Lady Hale asked.
"It was very good, My Lady." I replied with a smile.
"What about you Your Highness Ares? Were you able to get over with most of your work? I hope you haven't forgotten about the picnic." She ended with a chuckle.
Ares smiled at her as he said, "Not to worry My Lady. I finished more than I originally planned just so we could have time for the picnic without stress."
"Wonderful! The cooks have promised something special for it." Baroness Dellan added cheerfully.
"We're looking forward to it Baroness Dellan."
Dinner carried on nicely after that save for Lady Iris still not giving up. I never really planned on telling on her that was more so just to scare her, but from what I see I don't think she learnt anything or plans on it anytime soon.
Once dinner was over Ares and I excused ourselves so we could finish with our pending work. We retired to the study that Ares was using and I recounted the days as Justin and Lark came in too. From how Henry showed as around to the words of the tenants and the story Henry told us and what he said about the kidnappings happening.
"You might want to check on the old man a bit more. Something tells me there's more to this. I think someone might be trying to imitate the Black Ghost to cover their tracks in case they are seen." I thought about it on the way back.
"They might be running a slavery trade."
I turned around and Ares looked over my shoulder to see Lark and Justin entering. "What do you mean? How do you know that?" I asked Lark.
"Most of the victims are from the slums. It's hard to keep track of people living in slums, people are gone or missing nearly everyday and not many care or notice and even if someone does nobody can or will do anything of it."
I thought about it, sure it was one of the options on the table since the beginning but, we can't be sure still. "But we need to be sure. Keep the options open before we close what we have just because they don't seem as likely." That option that we set aside just because it doesn't seem to be the one just might be the one.
"Honestly, that worst option would be that the Baron is taking them for something psychotic."
I shivered as I felt chills run down my spine. Did Ares just raise a flag?
"Justin, get someone trustworthy within the Baron's household as soon as possible." I say as I hope I'm wrong…
"Ares keep your eyes on the Baron and his daughter- Iris."
He looks confused but nods anyway. The faster we work the better, it might take time to begin but still caution is of the upmost importance.
Just then there sounded two knocks at the door. Lark went to open the door. Johann walked in saying, "I apologize for coming here so late and when you are busy working Your Highnesses."
"Not at all. Is something the matter?" I inquired.
"Not so much as a problem but more of a parent being worried, Your Highness-"
"Please, speak freely." I interrupt him from going around in circles and wasting a lot more time than necessary.
"I was worried for my daughter. You two didn't seem very happy, was it something that she did?"
"I don't want to say anything Baron Johann. It isn't something to worry about." I said, nothing wanting to carry it further out.
"Please Your Highness. I insist."
"Lady Iris was rude to Lark and implied that the servants who work here or in order places are not deserving of equal rights."
"I apologize Your Highness. I have not taught my child properly. Please forgive her."
"Not to worry." I said dismissively. We spoke a bit more until he finally left.
"You didn't say." Ares said accusingly.
"It wasn't as important; I admit she didn't seem as regretful as I'd like her to be. But I was hoping she would come around after my treatment of her from here onwards." I replied. He nodded silently.
"Back to the main issue, you suspect the Baron Your Highness." Justn began, "Is there any particular reason? Or other suspects?"
"Hmmm, I might be just being paranoid but there would require large funding, a person of power: The Baron and his family, the Head of the Knights, people living in the new street and Henry. That's the list I got for you."
"Henry?" Justin asked surprised. I hummed.
"He's in the best position to commit a crime and not be noticed as easily." Lark shrugged, "He was odd too… I don't know how but he was."
"You didn't mention that before."
"It's just a feeling, and I don't even know why I'm having it" he explained, "He wasn't rude or anything, he was pretty friendly with us and the locals just that there might be more to this then we think."
We discussed it more until it was too late to be up and we were all noticeably tired. So we all agreed to stop for the day and continue tomorrow as Lark and I continue to try and gather more information. Ares and Justin would finish things on their side. We won't have much time tomorrow and we need to return the day after.
This trip would require more time which unfortunately we all don't have. Ares would have to rely on his network here to investigate and report back. Though I fear the delay in communication could cause more damage.