The Bizarre Detective Agency

Chapter 333: The Change

A fine drizzle dampened the cold, deserted streets, slicking the bluestone cobblestones.

Four pairs of eyes watched as a dark silhouette entered the café across the street.

David sighed in relief, glad he wasn't near the two ghostly creatures.

Laura fell into thought, imagining what was about to unfold in the café.

Petra gazed into the café window. A few patrons were leaving, and through the veil of rain, she could make out several indistinct figures who had just taken a seat at a table.

Lu Li raised his head, catching the aroma of food wafting from the kitchen.

Their combat skills were useless against an evil spirit. Aside from their specialized knowledge, they were no different from ordinary people.

....

[— Just as I expected. You've come, Sara, — an ancient voice echoed in their minds. — I’ve been waiting for you.]

[— Forgive me for keeping you waiting, — the baroness replied, doing her best to sound like Sara. — I... was held up a little.][— It's quite all right, — the voice replied. — I’m just glad you could make it.]

[A smile as gentle as a spring breeze swept away Sara's awkwardness. She took her maid, Eileen, by the hand and sat down, offering the elegant smile her etiquette tutor had taught her. — This is my... good friend, Eileen, — Sara said, introducing her maid. — Hello.]

— Hello, — the baroness nodded, her voice devoid of emotion.

Aside from the table by the window where the baroness sat, the café was empty. Her butler had already seen to that, instructing the owner to stay out of sight.

[The maid Eileen responded timidly. Adam quietly asked what the ladies would like to drink and gestured for a waiter. — You’ve changed so much, — Sara said with a laugh. His current appearance and attire were a far cry from the cheerful young man she knew from his letters and their first meeting.]

[— I... I was afraid you wouldn't like my old look, — he scratched the back of his neck, flustered, realizing he may have made a mistake. Seeing him once again resemble the boy she knew, Sara felt a wave of relief. She was surrounded by far too many stern and somber faces already...]

[The meeting went better than either of them had expected. They discovered that they found each other far more fascinating in person than in writing. Laughter echoed frequently through the bustling café, and whenever their eyes met, a clear mutual affection passed between them. But...]

In the now-empty café, the baroness pursed her lips.

The word "but" always heralded some unforeseen turn.

[The maid Eileen watched them, feeling out of place. Her anxiety grew: why hadn’t the master of the house appeared yet? She feared this penniless young man would capture her mistress’s heart, though she had to admit he was rather handsome.]

[She glanced nervously at the bustling street. Suddenly, her eyes landed on the window of the restaurant opposite, where Sara’s servants were seated. Had the master sent them to fetch her? Eileen wondered, and immediately began searching for an excuse to leave.]

[— Mistress... — the maid Eileen gently tugged on Sara’s sleeve, her expression troubled. Sara turned, took one look at Eileen’s face, and understood. She nodded with a smile. — Go on.]

The baroness was acting according to the script.

[Eileen felt a surge of relief, but it was immediately followed by a pang of guilt. Her mistress seemed quite taken with this young man... But she quickly hardened her resolve. In her eyes, he was unworthy of her lady. Sara’s suitor should be a handsome, highborn nobleman, not the son of a minor merchant.]

[She stood and left the café. As she pushed through the crowd, she couldn’t help but glance back at the genuinely smiling couple in the window. She hesitated for a second, then stepped into the restaurant across the street.]

The three exorcists watched with growing anxiety as the baroness walked into the restaurant. The moment "the maid Eileen" saw them, the ancient voice resounded in their minds.

They had thought they could remain observers by keeping their distance, but they had been dragged into the performance all the same.

[The maid Eileen demanded to know why they were there, and they explained that the Count had ordered them to follow their lady and investigate the young man. Eileen told them everything she knew, then urged them frantically, — There’s no time! You have to separate the mistress from Adam! If she falls for him, it will be too late!]

[The servants exchanged glances. They decided they would take Sara home first and investigate this Adam character later. They quickly left the restaurant and, with Eileen in tow, headed toward the café.]

— Let's go, — Petra said, getting to her feet first.

The others followed her lead. Lu Li grabbed two hard-boiled eggs, slipped them into the pockets of his livery, and walked out of the restaurant.

[A shadow fell across the bright sunlight streaming through the window. Sara glanced instinctively toward the street and froze. Wham! The café door burst open. Adam stared in astonishment at the approaching servants and the dumbstruck Sara.]

[— What are you doing here? — Sara immediately understood. — Eileen? — she asked, her voice faltering.]

[— What’s happening? — Adam asked as he stood. He received no reply. Sara got no answer either, and her heart sank. She already knew. — Was it you, Eileen?]

[The maid Eileen lowered her head, unable to meet Sara’s eyes. She kept telling herself that this was for her mistress’s own good. Betrayed by someone she trusted, Sara felt a sharp pang of hurt. — You told my father everything, didn’t you?]

The baroness kept her head bowed, remaining silent.

The story was deviating from the script, spiraling out of control.

Things usually didn't end well for characters who stood in the way of the protagonists...

— The guard at the gate spotted us, — a calm voice suddenly interjected. — He reported everything to the master, who ordered us to bring you back. — Ignoring the others' stares, Lu Li continued, speaking directly to "Sara." — We had no idea you were meeting someone in secret.

His gaze landed on "Adam".

Lu Li’s tone was entirely improper for a servant addressing his mistress, but the evil spirit’s ritual cared little for method acting.

What worried the other three exorcists wasn’t his tone, but the fact that Lu Li was unilaterally altering the story.

The baroness, who had been silent, snapped her head up and stared in surprise at Lu Li. He had just rescued her from a very tight spot.

[Hearing this explanation, Sara was momentarily taken aback. She thought of her strict father. If he learned she had snuck out for a secret meeting... — Will you... will you keep this a secret? — she asked, her voice pleading.]

— I saw nothing, — Lu Li answered.

The other exorcists quickly followed his lead, helping both the baroness and Lu Li move the scene along.

— My lady, you merely stepped out for a walk, and we were following you the entire time.

— That’s right.

— I saw nothing either.

[The servants all chimed in, and Sara was touched by their loyalty. She gave the maid Eileen’s hand a gentle squeeze in apology, then turned to Adam with regret. — I’m so sorry, but I must get back immediately.]

[— N-not at all... It’s my fault. I should have paid you a proper visit, — Adam replied, abashed. Then, his expression turning serious, he added, — I will call on your estate tomorrow with gifts.]