Sylvie left 58 Elysee Garden Street, wanting to say something to her boss but decided to keep it a secret. Charlotte didn't want anyone to know they were once engaged, and neither did she. In society, a once-engaged girl faced discrimination, which was unfortunate but unavoidable. She wondered, "How did Charlotte suddenly change? Is it love that inspires him? It's annoying that such a scoundrel can meet a good girl like Anne."
"If I hadn't broken off the engagement..."
Sylvie shuddered at the thought. She had witnessed Charlotte, her former fiancé, being chased naked by a woman's husband, a sight that still disgusted her.
Vinnie Arseno suddenly commented, "It's a pity I didn't know about this earlier. I could have recruited a good detective. But his superior, that formidable lady, has already resolved the issue, and he's likely to rise in rank, never to be a detective."
Sylvie Martin realized her boss had considered recruiting Charlotte.
After sending off the three ladies, Charlotte hired a carriage to visit Machu Picchu, feeling responsible for the adventurers he had left there. They had limited food and would starve if they couldn't find a way out.
On the carriage, Charlotte tried the "Dark Breathing Method" again but tasted failure once more. He sighed and gave up. Sheffield University, under Lady Black Moon's protection, taught the "Dark Breathing Method" and the advanced "Black Moon Meditation Technique," with Menielman being a top practitioner.
He wasn't too disappointed, having failed before. He detoured to Maun District and returned to Kilmainham Jail. Despite having three days off, he wanted to visit the prison.
"Glory not brought home is like wearing fine clothes in the dark."
He was curious about Warden Magruder Teller's situation.
"Just a quick look, then I'll leave."
At the prison entrance, the guards treated him with unusual respect. Inside, he visited Reception Secretary Pascal's wife, who bore scars but was in high spirits. They chatted briefly before he went to the warden's office, finding it empty. Magruder Teller had been dismissed, and the new warden hadn't arrived.
He intended to visit his old office but encountered a bearded middle-aged guard who discreetly handed him a heavy purse, saying, "Mr. McClaren, these are your belongings left in the office. I'm glad to personally return them."
Charlotte was puzzled, having left nothing of value in the office.
The guard whispered, "Magruder Teller angered many by selling confiscated supernatural weapons, prompting a 'spit-clean' action. Although Menielman wants you to handle this case, I suggest you stay out of it."
With that, the guard saluted and left.
Charlotte realized the truth: Magruder Teller's weapon sales had upset many. As a first-level secretary, Charlotte had some power and had taken three supernatural weapons, assuming responsibility for their disappearance. The black market profits would be shared among many, with the guard being a minor player. The system's rules meant anyone breaking them faced backlash.
Menielman's rise also elevated Charlotte, making him the fall guy for the missing weapons. Magruder Teller, now imprisoned, would have to "spit out" much of his wealth.
As a participant in upholding the system, Charlotte receiving "dirty money" was expected. Without his testimony, the case against Magruder Teller would be incomplete.
He pocketed the purse without checking its contents, suddenly uninterested in his old office, preferring to count his gold coins at 58 Elysee Garden Street.
Just as he was about to leave, the prison buzzed with activity as the guards lined up to welcome a new warden.
Charlotte's "luck" had him witnessing another warden's arrival. Last time, he'd missed Magruder Teller's arrival while truant with Anne.
Now, reinstated as a first-level secretary, he couldn't hide and joined the prison's middle and senior ranks to greet the new warden.