Neirin was now left alone in her room. The solitude she was experiencing felt peaceful, as no one could affect her state of being and her emotions. She has been emotionally and mentally tired for the past few days.
The reality she was looking at right now was draining her. However, she can't rest.
Since she finished her breakfast and was already dressed, she dismissed her servant.
Neirin gave her permission to wander and explore the palace. At the same time, she stayed in her room thinking about the things she couldn't think for a while after the summon of the emperor and her talk with the crown prince last night.
She was on her bed feeling the relaxation the soft pillows and sheets offered her at the same time. Her mind was wondering about different paths and possibilities she could take now. Her mind was preoccupied with several matters as she grabbed a piece of paper and quill that was left on her dresser.
She sat straight. She then grabbed a book and placed it under the paper to write down the few things she knew about and how will the situation develop.
Since last night, her memories have been a mess. Neirin can't trust every piece of information she has as there seem to be missing pieces of her memories. No matter how she goes over these memories, it gives her nothing but only a blank state of mind. It was like a black blanket was there, incapable of reflecting light.
Like a void, it was nothing. Not even some glimpses.
Still, even though her memories were like that, there were a few points she remembered vividly. There was still doubt if she would use these memories. However, it's either she used these or nothing since these memories were the only thing she could trust right now.
Moving on, the serial killings. This was her priority right now.
There were six victims now. The first was Lady Isabella Havens, and the second was Lady Caroline Brown. The third was Johnson Elrod, the fourth was Alger Hartz and his friend, Albert Moretti, and lastly, Arthur Liden.
According to the reports, their corpses were dried and rotting when the knights found them. They were also chopped and desiccated like a lump of meat from a butcher shop. However, after those reports, nothing, in particular, had been seen or noticed to be added to the evidence they have.
Was it because there was nothing, or perhaps someone was telling them there was nothing? Both scenarios were different, and it left Neirin with more and more questions.
A mastermind. No doubt that there was someone behind all of these killings. But for what goal? Why? And why were they using a new kind of drug? A red pill?
Neirin was the head of the court of miracles. They ruled the underworld; however, after coming from the capital, she didn't hear any news about this.
Focusing on Arthur Liden, what Neirin knew was the statement of the courtesan only. There were only a few statements that caught her mind. One, Arthur was not in the right state of mind when he died.
According to the courtesan, he was given a red pill. The pill was still unknown, without any information. Still, it can be concluded that it can cause hallucinations and be linked to what Neirin knew about drugs.
Second, He was exiled by his family. According to Arthur, a prophecy was told by a man wearing a hood. A few days later, it happened. The hopelessness that the young man experience leads him to the guild of flesh to feel something he can consider a saving grace.
That was also perhaps the reason why he asked Aurelian to marry him and run away with him. Arthur Liden was desperate at that time.
Why? What are the scenarios that lead him to that point?
After writing down some notes about the case, Neirin felt exhausted again. She turned and lay in bed, looking at the ceiling. Her hair was sprawled on the sheets, and her feet rested on the bed's headboard. She doesn't look like a lady, but she doesn't care.
There were a few things on her mind. One was the red pill, the second was the man wearing a cloak, and lastly, the prophecy that that guy uttered before Arthur Liden's death.
A prophecy? It was absurd. There was no saint in any temple on this continent. No one can predict the future. If there was, that person could already be considered a god. War might even erupt for the sake of monopolizing that person.
Neirin paused for a moment. She frowned, entertaining one possibility.
Well, unless that person was like her. Someone who came back from the future and was utilizing every information she had for the sake of the Halsteads' safety.
If she considers that matter, why was that person killing people unrelated to each other? What is his goal, and why the red pill?
No. Neirin blinked as she heaved her breath. Another possibility, these six victims there must have a string connecting them to one another. She hasn't seen it yet, but perhaps, it exists. Even if it's small, Neirin cannot ignore that. If there is, then the person behind this was someone who was well-versed in the high society.
--
After much thought, Neirin scheduled an outing this afternoon. Since the ball would resume later at night, the nobles in the palace were free to do whatever they wanted. And since she doesn't like socializing, she scheduled a trip down to the capital. Neirin wanted to investigate the place where the killings happened. Since she couldn't just utter that reason, she just said that she wanted to explore the place and enjoy the capital of Devonshire.
The emperor granted her request without much thought. After a few minutes, dressed in her modest yet elegant dress, Neirin was now inside a carriage heading towards the capital again. The only difference was that she was with her servant and a knight tasked to protect her.
The servant, Elaine, was smiling. Her eyes seemed enthusiastic as she looked like she couldn't contain her excitement.
"I am really grateful that your grace invited me on this outing! I have never been outside the mansion. I was born and raised there, and my mother kept on blabbing about being a good servant and made me do many things that I could barely find time to have fun or even meet someone I would love! Of course, I am honored that I am her lady's servant, but I dreamed of being in love and want to explore the world! I believe this world has many to offer so! I really am excited, your grace!"
Eliane was comfortable around Neirin since she was unlike any other nobles who were strict about behaviors and etiquette.
"I am really grateful for your grace! I will serve you to the best of my ability! I will be loyal no matter what."
'What a naive child,' Neirin mumbled as she watched Eliane glue her eyes on the carriage windows. She chuckled and shook her head. And just like her servant, she looked outside, admiring the view.
Everything was exactly the same. The people look happy and busy. The road was familiar since she was outside with Adlen last night. However, when the carriage reached the street of East Stone, it turned left, entering the streets of Colmar.
As soon as they entered, the capital's bustling streets seemed to disappear as only a few people were walking around the streets. Their hands were clasped together as if they were trying to be respectful, acting like they were praying even though they were doing their daily chores.
No stores could be seen, only houses that were built differently from all the designs of the other house in the capital. The houses were made of marble stone walls and different colored glass windows. Their doors were woods with various carvings depicting the start of life and how a believer should behave and give honor.
Neirin observed much closer. She wasn't familiar with the term God and their graces. Still, the people living in this street seemed to be offering the highest praise a human could ever do, honoring a god in their daily activities.
The carriage rolled on the paved path. People were glancing in their direction. Some were curious others didn't have any reactions at all. Neirin did not care.
"Your grace,"
"Hmm?" Neirin looked back at Elaine.
She looked serious. Something must be troubling her mind. "Do you believe in gods?" She asked out of nowhere.
Neirin raised her brow. If It was a few days ago, she might have answered yes, but now, she smiled. "No."
Eliane seemed to be taken aback. At this time, people had religions as they believed and served different gods according to their beliefs. However, Neirin was different. She might seem ungrateful, but it is what it is.
--