Siyue knew well what Pluvia used to be like.
She had inherited her old self's memories, though they were hazy, like scenes from a fleeting dream. In those memories, while Pluvia showed cunning beyond her years even as a child, she still retained some childish innocence and wildness. But now...
Her brother was truly accumulating sins. At this rate, he'd drive the emperor to develop psychological issues.
"What's your next move? Are you still investigating the case she assigned you?" Siyue asked.
The emperor had given Kenji authority to investigate the assassins who had threatened both him and her. While it appeared to be a sign of trust, it was really just an empty gesture.
"I have to investigate, and thoroughly. Even if I find nothing, I need to show I'm making an effort. Otherwise, she'll grow suspicious. Tch, young but more paranoid than any old geezer."
Kenji complained. Being responsible for military coordination while investigating internal matters meant they were trying to make him do the work of several people. This was the downside of centralization - everything had to go through the emperor and central ministers. While Kenji's high position meant he mostly dealt with broad strategy, the civil officials were working themselves to death.
"What did you expect? You're a threat to her. Be grateful she knows not to move against you. If you were in one of my games, looking at your stats and achievements, I'd immediately make you Earl of Glamorgan and let you retire in peace."
Siyue said gleefully.
"I know exactly what the Earl of Glamorgan means," Kenji tapped her head. "By the way, I can't paint with you tonight. Military matters need attention."
"Yeah, yeah, you talk like I can't function without you."
Siyue waved dismissively.
Kenji stared into her eyes with a knowing smile. "Isn't that the truth?"
"..." Siyue choked on her words before turning away. "That was before, not anymore!"
"Because now we have servants you can order around," Kenji saw right through her.
"..."
Seeing Siyue speechless, Kenji laughed heartily before patting her shoulder. "Don't worry, if you need anything, I'll be in my study. Probably pulling an all-nighter."
"Fine, now go away."
…
Lina was already waiting nearby.
"Young Master, the bodies are ready. I've checked them myself - it's safe to examine them."
"Let's see who dared plot something this big."
They headed to the Black Cellars where the bodies were stored. The place was sealed off - the duke's mansion had little use for such facilities now except as storage and a morgue.
Thanks to Lina's spiritual energy, the bodies showed no decay, just slightly bluish skin. Kenji examined their clothing.
"I investigated the nightwear - ordinary black cloth, untreated and cheap, available anywhere."
Materials could reveal origins - death squads were rare and valuable, so their handlers usually equipped them well, sometimes even with special spiritual energy-conducting patterns on their clothes.
Such details could narrow down their source - for instance, the craftsmanship of hidden armor might reveal their background.
But clearly, whoever was behind this didn't want to leave traces. The assassins carried only weapons and common black cloth garments. They wore no armor, sacrificing combat ability for secrecy.
Kenji removed the upper clothing and examined the torso. Nothing unusual except deep sword scars.
Unfortunately, without forensic training from his previous world, he couldn't determine what weapons had caused those scars or what battles they might have fought in.
"Here's the poison I found in his mouth."
Lina presented a paper-wrapped package.
"Fast-acting - death within seconds. From the traces, it was hidden in their mouths, to be bitten when necessary. Powerful stuff, seems to be from the Southern Barbarian regions."
"Southern Barbarians..."
Kenji studied the powder carefully. Surprisingly, it looked more like flour than poison - white and fine. He checked the corpse's mouth, finding powder residue that confirmed Lina's assessment.
Southern poison was interesting - the Empire usually used processed poisons from the Central Plains. These assassins had used natural Southern poisons instead.
Snake venom? Scorpion poison? Those were deadly but not this fast-acting.
Witchcraft poison - only magic-infused substances could work this quickly.
This suggested they had Southern witch doctors in their employ, explaining the rapid effect.
"Lina, when you can, investigate which court officials have had deep connections with the Southern regions. Our culprit might be among them."
"Understood, Young Master."