evangeline!!

"Of course, of course, go ahead."

"So, I am sure you and, well, everyone here must have known about—" her voice dropped to a low whisper. "—Hughie Bernard's death."

The nurse's furrowed his eyebrows and nodded his head. "From what I know, it's some nasty business."

"I know I know. It's so sad that someone of his reputation and skill like him met a horrible end. I wonder what kind of person he was…After all he was an employee here. Must have been a spectacular person."

"Honestly he wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed," the nurse commented. Then immediately grimaced as he caught his words. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to speak ill of the dead, I mean, he is a respected surgeon—"

"Oh sir do not worry!" Ronnette assured. "This exchange will totally be between us! So you need not feel the need to mince your words!"

"You won't…put my name in your article, would you?"

"Of course not! I promise total anonymity!" As if the article would actually exist.

"Well," the nurse began. "Dr. Bernard wasn't a bad surgeon. He just wasn't nearly as good as people thought. And he could act rather…entitled and arrogant at times…Of all the times I have worked with him, he did not like mistakes. Especially his own."

"So he couldn't take any accountability?" Ronnette observed that he was avoiding mentioning Hughie's scandal with Maeve.

"I suppose you could…say so. Besides we all tried to stay on his good side. He came from a wealthy family after all! And you don't want to be on the bad side of these rich people. I mean just look what happened to…" He paused.

"Maeve Laurent?" Ronnette finished for him. The nurse sighed. "Yes, Dr. Maeve.

"Truthfully, I am shocked that Dr. Maeve was the who finished him off," he shook his head. "She doesn't seem like the killing type at all. She was a sweet and diligent lady. But if anyone in the entirety of Teyvat wanted him dead, it'd probably be her. Dr. Bernard had killed her damn father, after all."

"Well, there is no official confirmation—"

"But it's obvious isn't it? Who else could it be?"

Ronnette hummed absentmindedly. "Who else could it be, indeed..."

"Anyways, if you're looking for more info, then you should ask Emilie from the forensic department," the nurse went on.

"Emilie?" Ronnette asked. She was the renowned perfumer that she had seen occasionally when she had been working under Palais Mermonia.

"Yeah, she was the who was friends with those folks. She'd probably know more."

"Oh, okay. Thank you so much for the information! You've been an enormous help!"

"No problem, young miss!" the nurse pleasantly replied back.

Ronnette hurriedly made her way to the forensic department to look for Emilie. But when she reached she was told that Emilie isn't in today.

"She is working for a case at the moment."

"Ah," Ronnette faltered. "May I ask which one?"

"Dr. Hughie Bernard's murder case."

"There you are," Ronnette smiled at Charlotte as she rapidly approached her.

"I ran here the moment you asked me to meet you at Cafe Lutece for the Bernard's murder case," Charlotte panted, pressing a hand to her chest.

"Safe to say, I definitely have something to share about it," she continued. "Oh wait. Is the secret recorder brooch that I gifted you working fine?"

"Oh this thing?" Ronnette pointed towards the top of her shirt. "Works like a charm. I am certain that I'll be using it a lot on this case! Glad you gave that to me. Now then, tell me everything you know about the case."

"Not so fast Ronnette!" Charlotte comically shook her head. "You told me that you would be going to the Fortress of Meropide right?"

"Once I get a permit, yes."

"Well, there is one thing that I always wanted from there!"

Ronnette raised her eyebrow.

"An interview with the Administrator of the Fortress of Meropide, the Lord Incognito, Duke Wriothesley!" Charlotte exclaimed triumphantly.

"Well I hope you get your interview soon, Lottie," Ronnette said elusively.

"Oh no, no, no. You know exactly why I'm telling you this!"

Ronnette blinked at her.

"Don't be coy! The Duke is infamous for not giving any interviews. And I have been trying so hard to secure one any time I spot him up here. But he refuses every time!" Charlotte sighed. "So you here will help me get one when you go down to the Fortress of Meropide, okay?"

"Lottie, I don't remember a detective's job coming with a side of getting interviews for journalist friends," Ronnette replied.

"Please, please, please!" Charlotte quipped. "Besides, you're pretty persuasive. I am sure you'll convince him! And if you can't then I'll give you a list of questions and you can ask him them subtly."

"Right, like that wouldn't be unethical," Ronnette retorted. "Okay fine, I'll try my best. But now, back to business."

Charlotte clapped her hands in delight. By that time they had taken their seats inside the cafe. Ronnette fidgeted with her brooch as she started, "Alright. So I was strolling around Poisson - around 3: 30 - to cater to my investigative curiosity and was snapping pictures. I mean – Poisson’s the base for the Spina Di Rosula – you never know what might happen there!

    “Anyways, as I was looking through my pictures, I noticed a shadowy figure in them, lurking around the trees. Look!" - Charlotte showed Ronnette the pictures in her kamera roll, and right there was the unmistakable silhouette of a mysterious person creeping in the foliage.

"You're right. But the outline's a bit blurry. Can't tell if that's a man or a woman. It can actually be Maeve herself," Ronnette commented.

"Mhm. And that's not all - I naturally followed the silhouette, but it disappeared instantly. But Ronnette…I-I swear, before it did, I saw their face. I am not joking, I really did see it. But it was in such a flash that I couldn't register it in my mind! They had blond hair though…”

"Hey Charlotte!" came a cheerful voice from behind. Turning around, both Ronnette and Charlotte saw Navia waving jovially. "Oh, and company! Fancy seeing you all here," she said, noticing Ronnette with Charlotte. Behind her was Bethany. Her eyes lit up upon seeing Ronnette.

"Mademoiselle Ronnette! How is the investigation going? I had been meaning to ask you about it," she asked.

"The investigation is still at it's early stages. But I'm getting a good start," Ronnette replied with a stiff smile. How wise would it be to talk about the Bernard case in front of Navia? The Mafia Princess wasn't someone she was acquainted enough with to be trusted and the murder did take place in Poisson…

"What case?" Navia asked.

"Hughie Bernard's murder case, the one I was about to tell you about," Bethany replied. "My best friend unfortunately is the one being convicted for it, but the good Demoiselle here is willing to run a parallel investigation to help uncover more clues."

"What? Hughie Bernard got murdered?" Navia exclaimed, incredulously. "The Bernard Jewelers' son? And of course, I am really sorry for your friend."

"Yeah, it's all over Fontaine!" Charlotte added.

"This is my first time hearing about this, though…"

"No way! Everyone and their mothers know about this case! It literally took place near your base. How do you not know this?"

"Ahh…well…." Navia sheepishly scratched her head. "I suppose, the paperwork lately has been so much, I have barely stepped out. In fact, this is my first walk in Fontaine city in the past three days."

"Oh I get it, paperwork's a bitch," Ronnette chimed in. She noticed Charlotte looking anxious and hesitant - likely because she must be debating whether to continue talking about the silhouette or not.

Should Ronnette continue her to speak? Bethany was her client so she was entitled to the information but Navia?

"Maybe Navia could tell me something about the unidentified figure?" Ronnette mused. "And besides, there is no time for me to waste, I must get intel as soon as possible."

"So what were you saying Lottie? Do you really not remember anything?”

    Charlotte frowned opening her kamera again, trying to recall. “I swear on the Hydro Archon, it's somewhere hidden in the back of my mind, but it feels so empty when I think about it.”

   "So a tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon?"

"Yep! Precisely!"

"Do you ladies recognize this figure?" Ronnette asked Navia and Bethany, and Charlotte angled the kamera towards them.

"That's just a shapeless blob," Bethany remarked, her expression changing ever-so-slightly.

"Yeah, I really have no idea who that is," Navia added.

"And well…couldn't that just be Maeve? How could this help her?" Bethany asked, perplexed.

    Thoughtful silence engulfed all the women for a moment and the smell of roasted coffee drifted between them.

Charlotte spoke up. “I’ll send you copies of the pictures, okay? And while I am at it, I'll try to remember…well, you know what, and maybe try drawing a composite sketch if the memory ever comes around!”

    “Alright!” Ronnette announced conclusively. “I can work with that. Mademoiselle Chavonne, I am sure you have seen for yourself what breakthroughs we've made so far."

Bethany demurely nodded. "Indeed. Though I am hoping the mysterious figure proves to be a useful clue and not a misdirection."

Ronnette stood up. "Well, ladies. I'm afraid I have to leave. I have other matters to tend to. Charlotte, Mademoiselle Chavonne, Navia, see you around."

Charlotte waved while Bethany smiled - and Navia, who had spent the entire conversation staring into her cup of tea, lifted her head up to bid goodbye.

"Oh and Ronnette. Please just call me Bethany," Bethany evenly added.

Neuvilette's brows furrowed ever so slightly. Though his posture remained as composed as always, a trace of weariness lingered in his expression.

"You are the first person in Teyvat to distrust their own Archon!" Furina yelled dramatically.

"Please, Lady Furina. I do not distrust you at all. But understand that I must know what you're doing about the—" he lowered his voice "—prophecy."

"I am telling you! I am running my own investigations on it! Why can't you just trust the process?!"

"Because I must know what exactly the investigations are. The Knave will soon be arriving here and she'll surely question the situation."

On hearing the Knave's name, Furina stiffened. For the briefest moment, the color drained from her face.

"W-Well, I am the highest authority in Fontaine, so I am not obligated to answer to anyone!" she stubbornly replied. "And you, Neuvillette, should also adopt this attitude."

Neuvillette looked as though he was about to say something, but Furina raised a hand before he could utter a single word.

"Now, we shall not discuss this matter again!"

With that declaration, she turned sharply and strode from the room with all the dignity she could muster.

The door slammed shut. Neuvillette closed his eyes for the briefest moment.

"…Very well."

Neuvillette resumed his chore of reviewing legal documents and court records of previous trials. The afternoon was occupied by legal petitions, public complaints, and an unfortunate dispute involving property damages caused by an experimental clockwork meka.

He heard the door creaking open.

"Hey…" said Ronnette softly, peeking her head out from the door. Neuvillette broke into a gentle smile. "Hello, dear."

"Everything alright? Lady Furina was looking pretty heated outside," Ronnette spoke, entering the office.

Neuvillette slowly shook his head. "Don't worry about it. Just a small dispute. We'll work through it. So, how can I help you?"

"I've just been assigned a rather significant case to investigate! The Bernard Case - a very big client asked me for it, you know." She handed her contract with Bethany to him. Neuvillette frowned.

"Mademoiselle Bethany of the Chavonne Family?" he said. "Ronnette—"

"I know," Ronnette interjected. " 'It's the Chavonnes!' 'Ronnette, don't obsess over the past', 'Don't interact with the Chavonnes!' But Neuvillette, this case has nothing to do with the Chavonnes but everything to do with the Bernards! And it's Bethany's friend who is being charged for the murder."

"I am aware. I was there when the lady got arrested."

"Oh, so you've met her? What's the verdict? Think she's innocent or…?"

Neuvillette gently shook his head again. "You know very well that I am morally and legally not allowed to have biases. As the Supreme Judge of Fontaine, it's my obligation to maintain a neutral stance until the Oractrice's decision. Thus, I have no opinions."

"Of course. Iudex Neuvillette, the fairest and the most just - albeit the only judge of Fontaine - can never allow to himself be influenced by otherworldly opinions!" Ronnette declared theatrically. Neuvillette sighed.

"Moving back to the topic, do you really think it's okay for you to accept this case? We both know what the Chavonnes mean to you and—"

"But I won't be dealing with the Chavonnes! And I really, truly have nothing against the Chavonne daughter, my conquest is only against Gabriel Chavonne—"

"I don't want you having any conquests against anyone," Neuvillette countered. "I instead want you to focus on your other goals."

"Which is only possible if you hear me out," Ronnette shot back. Neuvillette sighed once again and folded his arms in resignation. "I would like a notice that allows me access to all the facts and data collected by the Palais Mermonia regarding the current case—"

"Granted."

"—and a permit that allows me to visit and/or stay in the Fortress of Meropide till the trial."

The immediate answer died on Neuvillette's lips.

"Ronnette."

"Neuvillette."

He fixed her with a level stare.

"You're asking for too much."

"I am asking reasonably!"

"What on Teyvat do you need to go to the Fortress of Meropide for?"

"To interrogate the suspect, of course," Ronnette answered matter-of-factly as though her request were the most obvious thing in the world.

"We can always bring the suspect overland when necessary," Neuvillette suggested.

"But that would be inconvenient, no? It would be so much better if I stay in the Fortress and interrogate the suspect when needed instead of the whole back-and-forth nonsense."

"Do you think I don't understand what you're trying to do?"

"And what am I trying to do?" Ronnette asked innocently.

Neuvillette pinched the bridge of his nose.

"You are attempting to use the Bernard case as a pretext," he said.

"A pretext for what?"

"You know exactly what."

Ronnette's smile faltered ever so slightly and the Iudex regarded her quietly. "Your parents' case."

Silence settled between them.

"I," Ronnette began evenly. "am only investigating the Bernard case."

"I doubt that."

"Why?"

"Because" Neuvillette said patiently, "your interest towards the Fortress of Meropide is significantly more than an average investigator's."

Ronnette sighed.

"Neuvillette."

"Ronnette."

Ronnette rubbed the back of her neck and exhaled. "Neuvillette, you're reading far too deeply into this," she remarked.

The Chief Justice raised an eyebrow.

"I am serious," she continued. "I won't deny the Fortress thing but the Bernard case is my top priority right now."

She leaned forward slightly.

"And if the suspect is being held in the Fortress of Meropide, then naturally I'd want direct access to her. The sooner I solve this case, the better, right?"

A pause.

"That's all there is to it," she finished.

Neuvillette studied her for a long moment. Ronnette met his gaze without flinching. Finally, he exhaled. "...Alright, then. I shall grant you the permit."

Ronnette's eyes immediately lit up.

"Really?" she said.

"Yes." He reached for a document and signed it with a few practiced strokes of his pen.

"Neuvillette, you're wonderful!"

"Thank you."

The permit had barely done being signed before Ronnette snatched it up.

"No, thank you!" she beamed, her eyes never leaving the permit and turned for the door. "I can already feel myself being one step closer to the truth!"

A smile lingered on Neuvillette's face for only a moment before fading.

His gaze followed her as she made her way toward the door. A familiar unease settled in his chest.

He knew Ronnette had been trying to search answers for her parents' case, to prove them innocent because she knew they weren't guilty. He could hardly fault her for that.

Yet the deeper one went against the legal truth, the uglier it got. And since that was the path Ronnette was choosing…

Neuvillette glanced down at his desk. Some experiences don't let humans unchanged. Perhaps that was the cruelest aspect of humanity. Their lives were fleeting, yet the wounds they carried could follow them for decades.

Reopening a more than twenty year old case in hopes for a different outcome was such an ambitious objective.

That was why he had done his best, over the years, to keep her away from the matter whenever possible. It was not because he doubted her abilities, nor because he wished to deny her answers.

Rather, it was because she had already suffered enough. The burden of that case was not one she deserved to bear alone.

And he never ever would want a situation where he'd have to go against her.

"Ronnette," he said abruptly.

She paused at the doorway and glanced back.

"Please don't do anything reckless."

She responded with nothing more than a quiet chuckle - a chuckle that did nothing to reassure Neuvillette - and a bright smile before disappearing through the doorway.

Previous: Chapter 3!

“Do you know what anesthetic was used to attack?” Chevreuse started.

    Maeve did. “I’m afraid not.”

    “It’s propofol,” Chevreuse said. “A common anesthetic used for surgeries. What do you know about it?”

    “Well, it acts very quickly—I…I don’t understand what you’re getting at.”

    “Allow me to jog your memory then. Correct me if I’m wrong, but two years ago, your father died due to propofol overdose.”

     Maeve’s heart dropped to her stomach – her face paling. Taking this as green light, Chevreuse continued.

     “But that’s not it. That day your father was supposed to have a gallblader removal surgery. Which was supposed to be conducted by Hughie Bernard. However, before the surgery, due to Bernard’s negligence, he gave your father an increased dosage of propofol, which resulted in your father’s untimely death.”

    “Yes but—”

    “Please let me finish Dr. Laurent. However, to protect Bernard’s career and reputation, his parents bribed the hospital to not terminate him and even managed to take down newspapers that mentioned a speck of it. Is that what had happened?”

    Maeve bowed her head in misery. “Yes…exactly that. But I swear, I did not kill him! The only—”

    “Now Dr, Laurent, this leads to my question. Why exactly did you hide this from us?” Chevreuse asked.

    “I was just coming to that! I thought that if I would have mentioned this incident, it would have led to complications and would only increase suspicion towards me for no reason—”

    “So, you didn’t mention it because you didn’t want suspicion towards you?”

    “Yes!” Maeve replied.

    “I see so it was guilty conscience that led to this,” Chevreuse said.

    “What? No, no, no!” Maeve hurriedly explained. “I just didn’t want to bring up a complicated matter from the past, that’s it!”

    “Dr, Laurent, from your hesitant and anxious manner, it’s quite obvious you have some sort of guilt within you. Just think about it, your colleague just killed your father and instead of him going to jail or being fired, he was there – all fine like nothing happened. Would you not feel vengeful towards him? Would you not feel like wanting to kill him?” Chevreuse calmly inquired.

    “Ye— no! Killing someone is horrible! Immoral! Blasphemous! No matter what, I would never be provoked to kill anyone!” Maeve protested desperately. Her head was spinning with the incessant questions. She didn’t know what to answer and what not. All of this reminded her of her father’s death, Hughie’s uproar, the news being removed – everything. She was dizzy.

   “Do not lie to us. Not only did you have bad blood with Dr. Bernard, but also have expertise in medical science, and the drug used to kill Bernard was the same as the one that killed your father. Hence making you a perfect candidate for his murder, is it not? Your fingerprints are also found on him.”

    “But that was because I was trying to help! You can ask Officer Tristane if you want. But, please believe me!”

    “That won't help you, unfortunately. We have already encountered criminals that put up a ‘trying to help’ act in order to get away. Not only this, but you also kept away crucial evidence from us. So, Dr. Laurent, you have a chance to confess everything. It will lower your sentence,” said Chevreuse, her voice cruel.

    “There is nothing to confess!” Maeve protested.

     “Dr Bernard's autopsy results say that his cause of death is asphyxiation by a gas, most likely produced from combustion of propofol" Chevreuse said. "You see, we noticed burnt grass around the victim’s body. Our conclusion is that the perpetrator intended to overdose Bernards, but he might have retaliated which must've led to a physical encounter. The perpetrator must have had some source of fire which could have been triggered, which might have combusted the anesthetic. Do you know what happens when you burn propofol?

    “It releases toxic fumes. Bernard must have choked on the fumes – thus explaining the foaming at the mouth. Don’t you have a pyro vision, Dr. Laurent?”

    “Yes I do but —” Maeve broke. “Oh, I don’t know. I don’t know…” Maeve broke down, crying, while her head was buried in her hands. “Please, Officer Chevreuse, please I didn't do it…”

    Chevreuse only watched her cry, waiting for an answer. Soon enough, Maeve wiped her tears and tried to maintain a calm composure. Chevreuse beckoned Maeve to leave the interrogation. The Bernards had left and now only Neuvillette remained.

    “Dr. Maeve Laurent we would have to arrest you under the suspicion of Dr. Hughie Bernard’s murder,” Chevreuse declared.

    “What?! No, no! I did not kill him!” Maeve shouted. “I did not kill him. Please, believe me!”

    “It’s not for the charge of the murder – yet,” stated Chevreuse. “You’ll be in custody until your trial.”

    “No…no…” Maeve muttered, her head between her hands, her heart heavy. It felt as if someone had shot a bullet through her chest. Like the entire world had collapsed. She looked at Neuvillette in desperation if he could do something about it. “Monsieur Neuvillette – I…please understand, I didn’t do anything!”

    Neuvillette averted his gaze from her. “My apologies, I’m afraid I cannot help you with this,” he spoke. “I understand it must be a great ordeal for you, and this is why we have trials; it provides you the opportunity to prove yourself.”

Maeve stared at him in disbelief, her lips parting soundlessly as the last shred of hope drained from her expression.

    “Now Dr. Laurent I’d like to inform you, your trial has been scheduled for a month later at four in the evening, due to the Iudex’s busy schedule. Till then, you’d be residing in the Fortress of Meropide,” Chevreuse held a pair of handcuffs towards Maeve, gesturing to bring up her hands.

    “Can I…at least inform a friend? You know I have the right to do so,” said Maeve weakly.

    Chevreuse sighed. “Sure, alright then.” She provided a piece of paper and a pen. “Be fast,” she said.

    So, Maeve hurriedly grabbed the pen and started writing, her hands trembling as she did. Her life depended on that letter. She already knew what to write and who to write. Her long-time best friend, Bethany Chavonne.

    Dear Betty,

    I apologize for ruining your vacation with such news, but I have been arrested and am a prime suspect for a crime I didn’t commit.

     If you are curious as to what the crime was, it was Hughie’s murder by a lethal injection. Yes, that Hughie that killed my father. Apparently, they think I am the prime suspect because I didn’t tell them about my father’s murder. My trial is in a month, and I really, really don’t know what to do. I am so sorry for saying this but please come back from your vacation, I really need someone to help me cope. That’s all I ask for.

    I implore you to reply soon, Betty. I’ll probably see you on the day of the trial. So, until then, please see if you can do something about this. Maybe be a detective or an investigator? Please and thank you.

    In wait for your reply,

    Maeve

    Maeve hurriedly signed the paper, folded it, and put it on the table “I am done,” she said, her voice grave and held her hand out. Chevreuse only narrowed her eyes and put on the handcuffs. Chevreuse took the sheet of paper and handed out to be delivered and then, she with a few gardes departed with for the Fortress of Meropide.

Two days later…

Gently swaying her foot and humming away with the soft music playing in the back, Ronnette – in the comfort of her own office – was completing some paperwork. Soft and soothing beats were something that helped her complete meticulous tasks like these.

   "Wait this isn't supposed to be here…" she thought looking at the electrical bill that somehow ended up with the finished commissions file. She rose to her feet and stepped outside, only to be met with a sudden commotion

    “…let me meet her please. It’s important, my friend is in trouble and I’m—”

    “I can understand, Mademoiselle, but surely you have had scheduled an appointment with her?” the receptionist outside inquired.

“Excuse me?! Do you not know who I am?!” a lady demanded.

    “I am aware of who you are, Demoiselle. But it’s the protocol—”

    “I just came back from a vacation so I had no time scheduling!”

    “I can’t just let you in like that I’d have to first tell— ”

    “What’s going on here?” Ronnette inquired. “Oh, Mademoiselle Ronnette! This lady here says that she wanted to meet you due to some urgent business,” the receptionist replied with an air of duty. The lady’s eyes lit upon hearing Ronnette’s name. “Ah, Mademoiselle Ronnette! Please, I really need your help, and this woman won’t let me in!”

    Ronnette however, couldn’t help but secretly look at distaste towards the frantic lady. “Bethany Chavonne,” Ronnette recalled. “Blonde, coquettish, doe-eyed woman of twenty eight. Daughter of the one and only Gabriel Chavonne, owner of the Chavonne Tea Enterprise.” Of course, Gabriel or his daughter couldn’t identify her now.

    “No…snap out of it, Ronnette. It isn’t right to judge her because of her father.”

    The receptionist looked at Ronnette in surprise, “No, no, no I wasn’t trying to—”

    “It’s ok Manon, you were just doing your duty,” Ronnette affirmed. She then nodded towards Bethany to follow her.

    “Bethany Chavonne,” Ronnette said with a professional smile.

    “Mademoiselle Ronnette, I have a request to make,” Bethany began.

    “Of course. First let’s just go to my office.”

Bethany had expected someone a bit older. Instead, Ronette seemed few years younger than her and was much taller with long, white hair framing her sharp features and round glasses that evened them out.

She ran her eyes across the corridor. Not too polished but quite sterile - maybe because of the fact that it was quite empty, save for a little vase sitting in the corner outside her office. The place still carried the unmistakable newness of a freshly opened agency.

Arriving inside the office, she observed how impeccably clean Ronnette's office was. Dark wooden shelves lined the walls beside neatly arranged stacks of files and documents, a quaint little gramophone sitting elegantly on another shelf near her desk - playing soft, jazzy tunes. Yes, the place was strikingly immaculate save for one place. A pinboard cluttered with hurried annotations and loose notes with remarks written in Ronnette's small but neat handwriting.

Ronnette put the pin on the gramophone and it crackled to silence. Taking her seat at her desk, she motioned Bethany to sit across her.

“So,” Ronnette began pleasantly. “How can I help you?”

    Bethany, now calmer, said, “Yesterday, I received a letter from my friend, Maeve Laurent, saying that she has been arrested for murder.”

    “Maeve!” Ronnette remembered, recalling Chevreuse’s words.

    If Ronnette was amused by this information, she didn’t show it.

    “Is it the recent murder – that of Hughie Bernard?”

    “Yes! He was a surgeon – just like her. I, myself, don’t know much details about this whole situation, but she just asked me to get a detective for her, as her trial is in a month. And I can assure you; Maeve is innocent! She couldn’t have done this.”

    Ronnette raised an eyebrow, amused by her insistence. “That’s quite the assertion. Why do you think she’s innocent?”

    “Because I know her!” Bethany’s tone was defiant. “She’s been through so much already. She’s kind, compassionate... Sure, she was angry with Hughie for what he did to her father, but anger doesn’t equate to murder!”

“I see…”

“So I want you to clear Maeve's name. She is holed up in the Fortress of Meropide right now!”

    “I understand where you're coming from but, I’m not a lawyer.” Ronnette shrugged.

    “Well – a-alright allow me to reiterate! I want you to find facts that will acquit my friend, Maeve Laurent. I don’t know who else to turn to. Please, help me clear her name,” Bethany said beseechingly.

    “What you are asking for is some sort of biased investigation. There is no such thing as that. Again – I am not a lawyer, I have no legal qualifications in that field. I am afraid I cannot help.”

    “Then – then... Fine! Then do your own investigation on this case! But please, do something!”

    Ronnette tapped her fingers on the desk, her thoughts drifting to the complexity of the situation. Seriously what other outcome had Bethany expected? If Chevreuse had collected clues enough to charge Maeve then she was most likely guilty. That was just a fact.

But perhaps there might be a sliver of chance of a different angle for the case. Not that Ronnette discredited Chevreuse's skills - absolutely not. But a probability for a different outcome…seemed pretty low.

However - Fortress of Meropide!

The file she had 'borrowed' from Neuvillette barely had any specifications of her parents' case - a careful deliberance on Neuvillette's part. Ronnette didn't understand why Neuvillette was so insistent on not to elaborate on her parents' case. He had been like this ever since he took her under his care. Neuvillette must have predicted her trying to secretly pry the file away from him - which is why Ronnette suspects the larger file must be in the Fortress of Meropide.

“What a pain…” she thought. She would just have to repeat the same procedure that the Palais Mermonia officials did. Not only that but taking this case would mean stepping into the spotlight of Gabriel Chavonne’s influence – a place Ronnette had spent years avoiding. Still, taking this case could help her get into the Fortress of Meropide and something about Bethany’s desperation tugged at her heartstrings.

    “I’ll consider it,” Ronnette said carefully. “But understand, Mademoiselle Bethany, my investigation may uncover all the truths, which may even further prove your friend’s guilt – considering she is guilty. Are you prepared for that?”

    Bethany swallowed. “I know she is not guilty. But yes. I just want the truth. Whatever it is.”

    “Very well,” Ronnette said, standing. “I’ll take the case. And I’ll need you to tell me everything you know about her relationship with Hughie Bernard - everything, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.”

    “Of course. Whatever you need.”

    Ronnette nodded. “Good. I’d like you to be largely available till the trial.”

    “I will try to be.”

    “And I suggest you prepare yourself. If Maeve’s situation is as precarious as it seems, this won’t be easy for anyone involved. Until then, I’d like you to fill out this form to make this official.” Ronnette passed the paper to Bethany.

“Oh...um, sure,” Bethany said and hurriedly filled out the form. She then muttered a curt thank you and left.

    Ronnette stood up and went outside. “If anyone comes, tell them I am occupied and am not taking any clients at the moment,” she told Manon. Then she smiled to herself.

    “Time to pay Monsieur Neuvillette a visit.”

There was a bustling atmosphere at the Fortress of Meropide. People ran here and there, eager to complete their daily tasks so as not to miss out any credit coupons. But that was the least of Maeve’s worries. Two days had passed but still no news from Bethany. She was worried as to how she’d face the trial, if her own words had betrayed her during the interrogation. Ever since she had taken a step inside the Fortress of Meropide, whispers and gossips had been circulating about her.

    “Yo, have you heard, we have a temporary inmate in here!”

    “I know, right? I have heard that she is a prime suspect for killing some surgeon guy. She also lied to the authorities about some big stuff. Might as well just come clean and tell she killed him.”

    “Damn, that’s rough. I actually just saw her down here somewhere, and guess what? She has a vision! Whaddya think about that?”

    “Nahhh, man, really? I thought the good guys got the visions.”

    “Haha, I guess even the gods can make mistakes.”

    “Hah! Probably.”

    Not even two days in, and she already hated the life down there. “Hopefully Betty is back by now…” Maeve thought miserably while walking down the aisle. A migraine had settled in her head ever since her arrival to the fortress and it only worsened as she went to her dormitory to reside in it. As she laid down to cool her head, only one thought lingered stubbornly in her head: what if she didn't pass the trial?

Previous: Chapter 1!

Maeve nodded and hurried away. Her fingers curled into the fabric of her coat as she followed the melusine who trotted quickly down to a certain area and whistled a sharp, specific sound as an alert. In a span of a minute appeared several colourful heads of other Marachausee Phantom members. Tristane went over to them and in a rapid flow explained them the situation there. Like clockwork, the other melusine got to work, pulling out crime tapes, magnifying glasses and the like.

"Efficient! As all things must be," Tristane brooded with pride. "Come with me now, we are leaving."

"Yes, Officer," Maeve quipped. The way to the Palais Mermonia was a long one. Tristane informed her that this would be first reported to Captain Chevreuse and then the Iudex Neuvillette and the rest. But the way Tristane glanced at her often, made Maeve realize that she suspects her to be the murderer! That was the least of what she wanted! However, she stayed quiet and spoke only if spoken to.

Luckily for Tristane, they were able to find Chevreuse just on their way. Tristane relayed the entire situation to Chevreuse in great detail. Maeve grimaced internally. She couldn't help noticing the suspicious glances Chevreuse was giving her. Chevreuse then took the lead and escorted them to Palais Mermonia.

"We're here," Chevreuse spoke. "Now sit while you wait to get interrogated."

So, Maeve did, quite anxiously for the interrogation. She watched as a group of melusines scuttled out of the building with urgency, quite obviously to the crime scene. Maeve hoped they'd find some evidence that would clear her name, because getting roped up in a murder case was not even the last thing she wanted.

"It's okay, Maeve, it's okay," she thought. "All will be well, just answer confidently and don't speak too much…"

"Alright then, let's begin the interrogation," Chevreuse ordered.

They arrived at the interrogation room, which was a small, dark room, with a single lightbulb hanging from the roof – the sort of room designed purposefully to intimidate people. "Have a seat," Chevreuse offered. "Thank you," Maeve politely quipped.

"Let's get straight to the point, Dr. Laurent," Chevreuse began. "Do you know Dr. Hughie Bernard? And how are you associated with him?"

"Yes, I do know him. We both are surgeons at the same hospital," Maeve replied, confidently.

"I believe it's the Fontaine Forensic & Medical Hall? The one associated with the Fontaine's Institute of Research?"

"Yes, it is."

"I see. Why don't you walk me through your day, start to finish," Chevreuse inquired.

"Well…I woke up at 6 AM like usual, got ready by 7, and set out for my shift in the Medical Hall and reached at 8. I had two minor surgeries that were concluded by 2:15 PM. And then I…" Maeve hesitated. "I was supposed to have an important operation today at 3. However…"

"However?" Chevreuse echoed.

"The patient died before the surgery. I had a hard time comforting their relatives. The whole debacle was so upsetting," Maeve sighed. "I think I left the building by 3:30 PM."

"I see," Chevreuse nodded sympathetically. "You are saying that you left by 3:30 PM. Don't most surgeons have a longer shift than that? May I ask why or rather what made you leave so early?"

"I needed a break," Maeve defended herself. "After what happened, I wasn't thinking clearly. Even though I hadn't performed the surgery back then, I still felt like a failure! There could have been something I could have done to save the patient's life

"And also because I didn't have any surgeries left. That was my last of the day and I was looking forward to a relaxing evening. However, I was meaning to return after the break, just in case of any emergency appointments until…I saw the body."

Chevreuse did not respond right away. She flipped a page in her notes. The silence stretched thin and uncomfortably.

"Fair enough," she said eventually. "What's your relationship with the victim?"

Maeve drew a long breath at that.

Should she tell them about it?

No, that incident was a while back. Hughie's family had covered up all sorts of evidence against it and bringing it up now would only create more trouble than there already was. Yes, this was something that needed to be unpacked later. "We were…coworkers at best. Neither of us liked each other particularly but nothing too much."

Chevreuse's eyes narrowed. "Are you sure that's it?"

Maeve swallowed but maintained a calm composure. "Yes, yes. Indeed," said Maeve, her voice growing louder with each syllable. "We barely spoke!"

"I see then," Chevreuse studied her for a moment, then beckoned for Tristane towards her.

"Run a full analysis on the substance found at the scene."

She gave a curt smile to Maeve. "Your statement has been recorded, Dr. Laurent. You may leave."

"No problem, Officer," Maeve replied, almost relieved at that ordeal being over. However, something about the attitude in which Chevreuse thanked her made her realize that things were not over yet. "But I must not worry too much," Maeve thought. "Whatever I have said is not false, so yes, I'll be fine. Just. Fine."

The words did nothing to ease the tightness in her chest.

"There is such a lack of crime here in this nation!" Ronnette exclaimed exasperatingly to Chevreuse, who had stopped by Ronnette's Detective Agency for a short while. Chevreuse fidgeted with her rifle placidly. "It's a good thing. The lack of crime, that is. It means that the nation is peaceful, and the people are well-behaved citizens."

"Ah, but that is only on the surface level! What I mean is, there are millions of unnoticed crimes – even the bigger ones that are being committed. I am just waiting for them to be brought to our attention. And that is exactly what's not happening. That's how us folks earn our bread, y'know!" Ronnette replied.

Chevreuse chuckled lightly. "Please, it's not like we're all incredibly destitute. And anyways, you are wrong. There is indeed a murder that has taken place quite recently which I am working on."

Ronnette straightened herself up. "Oh? Tell me about this case, Chevvy."

"Well, you see. A surgeon named Maeve Laurent had allegedly stumbled upon the dead body of Hughie Bernard. He was convulsing and foaming at his mouth. Surely, you know who the Bernards are? I came here just to tell you about this, and to get your opinion, you see. Here look at the file," Chevreuse quipped.

"Very thoughtful of you. The Bernards, right?" said Ronnette, taking the files from Chevreuse, analysing them. "Those rich, stuck-up jewellers. Average aristocratic family. Their son was murdered?"

Case file: 68930

Investigator: Captain Chevreuse of Special Security and Surveillance Patrol

Status: Under investigation

Subject Info:

Full name – Dr. Hughie Bernard

Age – 45

Occupation – Doctor / Surgeon at the Fontaine Forensic & Medical Hall

Incident Summary:

· Subject found deceased around 3:45 – 3:50 PM. Body discovered by Dr. Maeve Laurent around the aforementioned time.

· Cause of death – Overdose by anaesthetic (propofol). Body has been sent for autopsy (speculation).

· Investigation under potential homicide.

"Yes. Conveniently, he had been working at the Fontaine Forensic & Medical Hall as the woman – Maeve – and was a surgeon just like her. He died of lethal injection – an overdose of anaesthetic that we have identified as propofol. Anyways, it was natural that Maeve was taken in to be interrogated, and well…"

"She is hiding something, isn't she?"

"Her body language definitely proves she is. I'll be running some background checks on her, just to see what her deal is. If she is clean then fair enough or else straight to Meropide."

Ronnette chuckled. "Good for you, Chevvy. My struggling business can only hope for yet another lost purse case. No chance of a big break for me.."

Chevreuse smiled a small but genuine grin and rose up. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get your big break of a case soon. In fact I'll be sure to inform you if my case proves to be any difficult – you can even charge me for it, if you want to. But now, I must leave. Good day to you."

Ronnette nodded and bid adieu. Once her companion had left, she left her table and went to a cabinet. Opening it, she took out a small bundle of files. Ronnette's fingers hesitated on the clasp.

"I'm sure Neuvillette wouldn't mind be 'borrowing' these for a while."

The first page of the file read as follows:

Case File: 22031

Classification: SEALED – Judicial Access Only

Issued by: Palais Mermonia of the Iudex

Subjects:

Mme. Eloise Beaumont

M. Clark Beaumont

Charges:

– Fraud – Financial Misconduct – Criminal Conspiracy – Unauthorized Custodial Transfers of Minors – Facilitation of Interregional Trafficking Operations

Her heart sank.

Mme. Eloise Beaumont.

M. Clark Beaumont.

Those were her parents. A fact that most didn't know. And they shouldn't either.

The charges were jarringly painful. Ronnette's eyes lingered at the date of the arrest. She knew that day. The day that had shaken the entire Fontaine with its cruelty. And she knew her parents were framed. It was easy to do so, they were the height of aristocracy. And associated with that man.

That man who was barely mentioned in the file but still got to walk scot-free. All she could do was thank Neuvillette for finding her — crying and writhing and take her under his wing.

"I'll make sure…" she thought bitterly. "I'll make sure to get you arrested, Gabriel Chavonne."

A/N: Tristane is a melusine who is part of the Marechausee Phantom! And Fontaine Forensic & Medical Hall is a fictitious place and not canon at all!

Previous: Prologue!