The Second Life's

XLI - Abduction Cases

I got off the horse-drawn carriage and was greeted by Duchess Harriston in front of her House. Chloe and Holly did not accompany me at my own request who wanted to go alone.

Looks like Duchess Harriston is going to talk about something important. Remembering last night she just invited me in front of Idris and the Grand Duke couple.

“Welcome Miss Winston,” welcome Duchess Harriston. “Please enter.”

I smiled kindly. “Call me as usual, Duchess. No need for any formality distance between us.”

“Alright, Miss Charlotte.”

I followed Duchess Harriston along with her two servants behind us. Duchess Harriston invited me into the greenhouse. We sat down on the chairs and the servants treated us with tea and cakes.

Once done, Duchess Harriston then sent her servants out of the greenhouse to make room for us.

“Nona Charlotte, there is actually something I want to ask of you,” said the Duchess.

“What is it, Duchess Harriston?” manya curious.

“At first I didn't want to ask Miss Charlotte for help, but since Miss Charlotte's dinner looked reliable, I changed my mind.”

I nodded in understanding. “No need to mince words anymore, Duchess Harriston.”

“This is about some news from the people who circulated long enough,” said the Duchess. “There have been many complaints directed at the Empire about the disappearance of some people of Vanhoiren.”

“Lost?” I've never heard of such a case. “Please tell me more details about it, Duchess Harriston.”

“Miss Charlotte knows for herself if my husband's business is engaged in health. We have several small and large clinics spread for all people,” explained the Duchess. “The workers in my clinic often get complaints and stories from the people if their friends and family disappear.”

“This has all happened in recent years. His case had already been discussed with His Majesty the Emperor and even His Highness the Crown Prince. But, they have not followed up on this and instead look like a cover-up,” continued the Duchess.

Obviously this is a strange thing. If it's been reported but still ignored like that, it means there are things covered. What does this have to do with Consort Sienna? I remembered the death of the Emperor in the past. I should investigate it too. Did you wait for Hendery to come back first? Or ask the Emperor to have tea together? Idris also did not say much about the Emperor's health and his health. Bizarrely.

“Nona Charlotte?”

“Uhm, forgive me, Duchess. I was immersed in my own thoughts,” I confessed. “Has the Duchess tried to investigate the case herself?”

Duchess nodded. “My trusted people have tried to investigate this, but the Imperial soldiers have often interfered with the investigation process to the point of not being able to find any evidence. The complainants also immediately shut up and said not to worry about it.”

“Maybe bribed,” I said in a low tone. “And the one who bribed is a member of the Empire.”

“But for what?” ask Duchess.

“I'm not sure yet, Duchess Harriston. But leave this to me. I'll take my time and start investigating. Duchess Harriston take it easy,” I replied.

Duchess Harriston's. “Good. If Miss Charlotte needs my help, please just let me know. I will definitely help Miss Charlotte as much as I can.”

“I will remember it, Duchess Harriston.”

*

Chloe and Holly bowed as I arrived in a carriage after Duchess Harriston's House. I went inside the Bronze Palace and called Holly to come with me.

“There can I help you with?” ask Holly.

“Can I request a meeting with the Emperor as soon as possible?” ask directly.

“For a meeting with His Majesty the Emperor before the wedding, his schedule is next week,” Holly said. “It was scheduled the fastest than usual.”

“Hm, okay. You can go, Holly.”

I sat on the sofa after picking up the communication crystal. I wonder what Lucas is doing right now.

“Lucas?”

“Oh, Charlotte. Nice to hear your voice,” Lucas said. “How are you?”

“I'm fine. How're you? Are you in your office again?”

Lucas was tired. “I'm not okay because now I really want to hug you. And as for where I am, you're right. I'm still in my study, alone,” Lucas replied. “*Ugh, a*I want to meet you.”

“You should be able to hold it in and be excited,” said I who then smiled as I heard Lucas whining. “Oh yes, do not forget to eat regularly as well.”

“I want to be fed by you.”

“Since when have you been this sick, Lucas?”

Lucas laughs. “Since I can't relax and see you as often as I used to.”

“Oh, my goodness. Focus on working now. I'll call you back later. I have something to talk to Ava,”.

“Alright, Charlotte. See you,” said Lucas.

Lucas' voice was no longer heard.

“I think he will roar to ask you not to cut off communication,” said Ava who appeared suddenly. “Is there anything important you want to talk to me about?”

“Yes, Ava. That's right.” I'm asserting. “So I just went to a Duchess's residence and received a report that the people of Vanhoiren disappeared.”

Ava grunts as hell. “Isn't that a common thing in the Empire? Who knows there is illegal slavery which is invisible to the people of the Empire ...”

“Uhm, it could be. But the Empire covered this up.”

“Then, it should be suspect.”

“Is it related to the dark magic that sacrifices blood?” my many.

Ava laughs. “Can be. But you also can't investigate this carelessly. Be patient a little more.”

“Good.”

“Then I want to eat first. Bye!”

Ava cut off our communications without waiting for me to say anything. After that I put my communication crystal back in and took a break.

My schedule in the future will be even more crowded. On the sidelines of my break, my brain was unceasingly thinking about the problems occurring in the Vanhoiren Empire. Problems that I never had before even appeared in shifts in the present.

I sneered at my strained forehead and finally opted out of the room and looked for some fresh air in the backyard. Chloe quietly followed me without saying anything. I was also reluctant to say a word and looked at the roses planted in the backyard.

Reminds me of a woman I don't want to see. Rose Hindley's.

He's the one who confused me the most about everything he did. It's not unusual for Idris to give me a flower bucket if not for no reason. The attention? Or maybe a sign?

My gut tells me I should think about Rose more than just know. Moreover, the matter of his relationship with Concubine Sienna was still gray.

I hate complicated things. Makes my stomach hurt.