The map of Astoria Kingdom hung on the wall of my chamber in Blackwood Manor, covered with red pins, strings, and notes. Each detail was meticulously laid out, ensuring no information was overlooked.
'These are the Night Auction's known places of activity,' Adrian's mind already working through the next steps of the investigation. There were names to be cross-referenced, ledgers to be examined, and informants to be contacted.
A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. "Enter," I called out.
The door opened to reveal Dorian Hale, the Blackwood Manor's right hand. Dorian had served my family for decades, his loyalty unwavering. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man in his late forties, with graying hair and a stern but kind expression. His lineage was one of devoted service to the Blackwoods, a tradition passed down through generations.
"Good morning, Marquess," Dorian greeted, his voice steady and reassuring. "I see you're already deep in thought about the investigation."
Adrian simply nodded, appreciating his presence. "Indeed, Dorian. There is much to do, and little time."
Dorian stepped closer, examining the map. "I trust you have a plan?"
"Yes," he pauses as he looks carefully at his wall before looking at Dorian and continuing, "But it will require careful coordination. I need to cross-reference these locations with my existing information and gather more intel."
Dorian nodded, just listening to the man he had watched himself grew, from the Young Master of the Blackwood's Household to the Marquess that he is. A sense of Paternal Love and kin grew from his affection to this child who is now twice his size.
"I, uh, I know its a bit of a mess but I'll appreciate it if no one else enters this room. Every bit of information, pin, notes, its important."
"I'll make sure of it."
Adrian often found himself so engrossed in his investigations that he hardly noticed the passing days or the people around him. His thoughts were a whirlwind of clues, suspects, and connections, leaving little room for anything else.
He finally acknowledge the steadfast presence of Dorian, for this man will simply not cause him any disturbance to his case, enter this room at all, just to listen to him talk relentlessly about his cases.
Dorian was a pillar of stability amidst the chaos. With his decades of experience, he managed the estate's affairs with an efficiency that was nothing short of remarkable. From overseeing the household staff to handling financial matters, Dorian's responsibilities were vast and demanding. His lineage, a proud tradition of service to the Blackwoods, lent him an air of authority and respect within the manor.
Adrian, who often failed to acknowledge the magnitude of Dorian's contributions, paused and took a moment to truly see the man before him. The recognition was long overdue.
"You may now speak, Dorian. Why are you here?" Adrian's voice was more curious than dismissive, a rare occurrence.
Dorian, ever composed, gave a slight nod. "Marquess, I've come to update you on a few matters concerning the manor. Firstly, the harvest from our western vineyard has exceeded expectations this year. The yield is particularly good, and I've already arranged for the surplus to be sold at a favorable price."
Adrian's eyebrows raised in mild surprise. "That's excellent news. You've managed it well."
"Thank you, Marquess. Additionally, there were some issues with the plumbing in the east wing. I've had the necessary repairs made, and everything is now functioning smoothly."
"Plumbing?" Adrian asked, almost sheepishly. "I wasn't even aware there was a problem."
"That's precisely why I'm here, Marquess," Dorian replied with a hint of a smile. "To ensure that these issues are handled swiftly and without troubling you."
Adrian nodded, appreciating the dedication. "And what of the staff? Any concerns I should be aware of?"
"The staff is well, though they are overworked at times due to your frequent absences. I've taken the liberty of hiring additional help to alleviate some of the burden."
Adrian felt a pang of guilt. He had been so absorbed in his work that he hadn't considered the strain it might be putting on those around him. "Thank you, Dorian. Your foresight is invaluable."
He wondered did he ever even thanked Dorian for his hardwork before? Even now, he has been too obsess with cases, he almost never handles anything in the manor, he did receive a proper training before the Former Marquess pass away, but, in the past he never really looked at the way of the ledgers piling up, the expenditure and whatever unravels that falls under a Marquess like him should be handling.
Dorian inclined his head, smiling underneath it all and feeling well-accomplished to how this man before him had been brought up. "It's my duty, Marquess. The estate must continue to run smoothly, especially during these challenging times."
Adrian finally allowed himself a rare smile. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Dorian. Your work here is indispensable."
Dorian's expression softened, a rare display of emotion. "It's an honor to serve the Blackwood family, Marquess. And I will continue to do so, no matter the challenges we face."
Adrian felt a renewed sense of gratitude and respect for the man who had been his family's backbone for so long.
"Thank you, Dorian," He said, grateful for his support. "Your help is invaluable, especially during these tough times."
"Always at your service, Marquess," he replied with a respectful bow before leaving the room to begin his tasks.
Dorian gently closes the door, making sure that Adrian wouldn't be disturbed to any extend more than what Dorian had already disturbance made.
With that, Adrian returned to his work with a newfound clarity, knowing that the estate—were in the capable hands of Dorian Hale.
...
Before the day ended, Adrian went to AEI, continuing his work at the office with fresh clothes but still without a hinch of sleep.
A young clerk stepped in, holding a stack of reports. "Marquess, these just came in from our field agents. They contain detailed accounts of the Night Auction's activities over the past year."
Adrian took the reports with a nod.
As the clerk left, he settled into his chair, his eyes scanning the first report. The Night Auction was more than just a criminal organization—it was a hydra, with each head representing a different facet of its illegal operations. Cutting one head off wouldn't be enough; they had to strike at the heart.
'But is this it? The Night Auction works alone with no external power?'
He do believes that the Night Auction belongs to a much more complex case. Something bigger than him, all of them.
'Another case that bothers me in the past is the Investigation of Night Auction lead by the second son of Baron Hawke, Cedric Hawke.'
Cedric presents himself as amicable and cooperative, always ready with a smile and a friendly word. However, Adrian finds his actions and motives deeply suspicious. Despite his outward friendliness, Cedric's methods and result at the Night Auction Case seem too convenient, leading Adrian to distrust him.
In the past, when Adrian originally received the tip about the Night Auction Case, he took charge of the investigation. The case was resolved almost too smoothly, which only heightened Adrian's suspicions about Cedric. Adrian has always believed that Cedric lacks the competence to handle such complex cases effectively, raising questions about his true capabilities and intentions within the AEI.
Luckily, despite Adrian's belief to Cedric's incompetence, the man who would brag and joke about his work all the time, with Adrian as his main targetted listener, he had accumulated many information that will allow him to carry on with rhe Night Case efficiently.
'This feels too easy. Almost as if I was cheating—'
Thorne burst into the room without knocking, carrying a tray of pastries. "Evening, Blackwood! Thought you could use some dinner. Brain food for all that detective work."
Adrian glanced up, a small smile playing at his lips. "Thanks, Thorne. Just don't get crumbs on the reports."
Thorne plopped down into a chair, taking a huge bite out of a croissant. "No promises. So, what's the plan?"
Blackwood pointed to the map. "We need to dismantle the Night Auction piece by piece. They're more than just a criminal enterprise—they're a network of corruption."
Thorne nodded, his mouth full. "Sounds like a job for the dynamic duo."
"Have you finish the mysteries of Mrs. Hagroves' Cat?"
"Ehh, of course! My charm works perfectly, its almost too easy."
Adrian smirked. "Let's hope your charm works on hardened criminals too."
Thorne grinned. "It always does, my friend. It always does."
As Adrian delved deeper into the reports, a plan began to form in his mind. The Night Auction had evaded justice for too long, but their time was running out. With the full resources of the AEI at his disposal and Lady Eveline's cautious support, he would see this case through to the end.
And perhaps, in doing so, he could finally lay the ghosts of the past to rest.