Vague But Enough

A rumor about the Hero?

The client quietly nodded as Serena started giving sharp glares, having dispelled her previously lovesick state.

Um What kind of rumor are you talking about regarding the Hero?

Serena asked, her voice lowered slightly after she cast a quick glance at the client.

Just a rumor about the Hero.

In response, the client also replied in a hushed tone.

Just the Hero So, excluding the Hero of Money and also

Upon hearing the answer, Serena widened her eyes and started examining the files in front of her one by one.

Oh, by the way, how do you know Miss Ferloche?

With her gaze fixed on the files, she asked casually.

Is it really necessary to know?

Ahaha, Im sorry. Its a professional habit.

The client stared at Serena with confidence and asked in a bold tone. Serena responded with a smile.

We met a few times at the hospital and the orphanage.

A few times? But if you received a recommendation letter, there must have been some significant reason for you two to become close, right?

As the client hesitated for a moment with a wary glance, her gaze then intensified.

Im sorry, but its related to the Saintess and my personal circumstances, so Id rather not disclose it.

I see.

However, the client remained firm, and because of that, Serena nodded though she wore a slightly disappointed expression.

[Recommended(?) Letter!]

[I, Ferloche! Guarantee this childs credibelity? And will introduce her to the detective agency]

Thats what it says

She glanced at Ferloches recommendation letter lying next to her and fell silent.

So, do you know about the rumor?

Ah, yes, of course.

When the client looked at Serena with a hint of disbelief and asked her questioningly, Serena rested her hand on her chin and started speaking..

Lately, theres a rumor spreading rapidly within the Imperial family and the church. Most high-ranking officials are already aware of it.

Hmm

And it seems like you know to some extent as well.

As Serena spoke in that manner, narrowing her eyes and fixing her gaze on the client, the client quietly tightened the robe she had been wearing inside out.

Youre using an interesting magic, arent you? I cant see inside the robe. This is the first time Ive encountered something like this

Hmm, ehem.

Serena looked at the client with a slightly fascinated expression, but then turned her gaze back to the files when she sensed the clients discomfort, clearing her throat as she did so.

Do you want me to share what I know about the rumors and information, or do you want further investigation?

After rummaging through the files for a while and then glancing beyond them to the client, Serena asked.

Both.

The client replied as such.

Hmm understood.

Hearing those words, Serena nodded and organized the scattered files on the table.

By the way, have you brought the commissioning fee?

Serena asked, tilting her head.

Investigation requests require a deposit, and information sharing falls into the realm of trade. So

You foolish human. Youre going to return it later anyway. So, why bother asking for it?

Shh.

Serena silenced Miho, who was grumbling from the side.

A certain amount of money is needed Oh.

As she turned her gaze back to speak, Serenas eyes widened when she saw the bags of gold coins on the desk.

This should be enough.

Serena said that as she quietly gathered the bags of gold coins. Then she started to speak on the topic at hand after opening the organized files.

First, do you know about the prophecy from a thousand years ago that predicted the appearance of the Hero and the official announcement of the Commoners Dormitory Raid Incident regarding the Demon Kings appearance?

Yes.

Then, you also know about the Slave Market Raid Incident to some extent. right?

Upon hearing that, the client frowned for a moment.

Yes, all of it.

The client answered briefly.

Hmm.

Serena stared at the client, her legs slightly crossed.

Why did a person of such importance like yourself come to the detective agency, and why did you purchase information?

She then showed a faint smile as she threw the question.

Why?

Then, once again, the client responded in a dull voice.

It was because I need to confirm with my own eyes whether you actually have the ability and whether you are trustworthy enough.

The reception room fell into a short silence.

You areinteresting.

Eventually, Serena commented in a whisper, her amusement growing more evident than ever.

Then, she gazed intently at the client, whose face remained obscured in the faintly emerging light, and spoke.

The first time the Hero revealed themself was during the Slave Market Raid Incident. The Hero infiltrated that place wearing armor known as the Heros Armament.

Yes.

The hero who appeared there engaged in a battle with the Demon Kings army that had appeared. For some reason, without revealing their identity, they fled and disappeared.

Upon hearing that, the client frowned, and Serena tapped the files while continuing to share information

Up to this point, its a well-known fact. Well, though ordinary people arent even aware that the person is the Hero.

So, you do have a rough idea about it.

Is this what you consider high-level information?

Hearing Serenas words, the client leaned forward and inquired.

Is that all there is?

No, theres a bit more. After that, the Hero, who had gone into hiding, somehow secretly contacted the Imperial family and the Church, revealing their identity as the Hero.

Hmmm.

I dont know what methods were used, but the current Hero is somewhat recognized by the upper class, and once the upcoming Verification Ceremony is over, they will officially be known as the Hero to the public.

When Serena finished her sentence, she stared directly at the client.

So, is that the end?

What?

Is that all the information you have?

The client asked with her arms crossed.

Well, it is but

Serena shrugged and replied, causing the client to briefly sigh and mutter with her head bowed.

Its not as much as I hoped for What should I do? I have to protect the Hero somehow

However, although it isnt credible information I have a personal guess.

A guess?

Serena whispered in a low voice to the client, who looked down after hearing that.

The Hero currently active is a fake.

Serena stated confidently, closely observing the clients reaction.

..!

As a result, Serena noticed a slight tremor in the clients body.

Hmph

Serena, who had expected such a reaction, let out a snort.

How did you know?

The client in front of her asked with a trembling voice.

D-did you deduce it? Were there other informants? If not, then

Fufu, maybe

Serena smiled calmly and mumbled to herself.

Among the people I know, there is one who will inevitably awaken and become the Hero, you see.

..?

Probably.

Excuse me?

Serena, who had her mind filled with the images of the man she loved even though all her memories were erased, regained her composure and opened her mouth when the client asked with a bewildered voice.

With this, is this enough proof for my ability to be considered sufficient?

Yes, yes.

Then, will you entrust me with the request?

Yes! Ill provide you with all the information I know, so please investigate everything about the Hero!

Upon hearing the clients eager voice, Serena smirked, put the files away, and asked a question.

Besides that, do you have any other requirements?

Oh, right.

The client started rummaging inside her inner chest pocket.

Th-this, I mean. I want to find the owner of this item Is it possible?

What the client handed to Serena were shattered buttons, glinting and attached to the white fabric.

This

Where did you get this? And why do you want to find the owner?

Uh its a bit complicated to explain Um

The shattered buttons, bearing the faint engraving of the Sunrise Academy emblem, felt all too familiar to Serena.

These are most likely from the academy uniform

Do you happen to know the Hero of Money?

Huh?

I secretly tore this off their clothes Um, how should I explain this?

As Serena gazed at her muttering quietly, she casted a more penetrating gaze upon the client, who began scratching their head awkwardly.

.

Because of that, the reception room fell into deep silence for a while.

.

.

.

.

.

As time passed and evening approached

Well then, Ill entrust it to you.

Very well, goodbye.

Serena bid farewell to the client, who had left the reception room after their conversation had ended.

Huwaa

She released a deep sigh, reclining on the couch while nibbling on a lollipop.

Human, cut it out with the candies. Your teeth will rot.

In order to get the brain working, I require sweets.

Eventually, with her eyes gently closed, Serena continued to savor the candy.

You seemed strange today.

Huh?

Why arent you showing off your usual deduction skills and laying out your analysis of the client like you always do?

When Miho tilted her head and asked, Serena fell silent, removing the lollipop from her mouth.

Perhaps you couldnt figure out the identity this time? Well, I felt the same way, human. That client, for some reason, concealed her appearance

Seeing Serena like this, Miho scratched her head and spoke.

Im just trying not to provoke anyone for no reason.

?

After answering like that, Serena muttered to herself while tapping her fingers on the desk.

I dont know about you, but it would be rather odd if I couldnt see through it as well, dont you think?

Again with the boasting, human.

I cant believe this. Even when I used the analysis magic created by Miss Irina and me, I still couldnt discern that persons identity Who on earth was that?

..

Ignoring Mihos words, Serena continued to mumble, prompting Miho to stare at her intently.

So, in the end, was it because you couldnt make deductions that you didnt showcase your skills this time?

She asked while tilting her head.

I failed at making deductions? Not at all.

At that moment, Serena, with a slight frown, replied while biting onto the lollipop again.

That client is a petite girl in her teens who has led a difficult life, likely an orphan. However, she probably has at least one family member to support. She may also have a fianc or someone who holds significance in her life. And most likely, that person is the Hero of Money.

H-How did you figure that out?

At first, Miho didnt believe such words, but as she continued to see the astonished reactions from clients, she came to believe Serenas words as an unwavering truth, so when Miho posed a question.

It was a clever move that she flipped the robe to conceal her body shape. However, she couldnt conceal the wrinkles and creases that had accumulated over time on the robe she had frequently worn.

As she nibbled on the lollipop, Serena began her explanation.

Based on the shape left in the robe, its safe to assume that shes a petite girl with a height that only reaches my chest and a slender build.

Oh

She tried to disguise her voice but didnt do it perfectly which gave it away. Even roughly listening to her tone and manner of speech would reveal that she had already passed through puberty, so shes at least a teenager, right?

Is that so? I couldnt tell even though I listened

As Miho listened to Serenas deduction with sparkling eyes, she soon showed a curious expression and asked a question.

So, how did you guess about her being an orphan

Simply put, she took all the candies I offered. Even though she had plenty of money, she took every one of them, which is a characteristic of street kids who instinctively seize everything when they have the chance.

But I sometimes take everything too

Theres a hint in the gold coin she gave us earlier. That gold coin pouch is identical to the one that the Hero of Money, whom Ive been investigating lately, distributed to the children in the market streets earlier this year.

As Miho tilted her head, Serena continued with her speculations.

Most likely, she was rescued by the Hero of Money. Thats why she managed to escape her life of poverty. And if she has parents, they probably wouldnt have allowed a child to carry such a large sum of money, so we can assume shes an orphan.

But you mentioned she had a family member to support

All the snacks that person consumed were not sweet, and even though I deliberately gave her quite bitter tea, she didnt add a single spoonful of sugar. But the fact that she took candy with her probably means she has a family to take care of.

Then, it can be a friend, too

Children from the streets often struggle to make friends, and even when they do, they instinctively shy away from sharing something. The kids around them are all competitive rivals when it comes to sharing food.

Serena paused for a moment and let out a sigh before continuing her story.

Of course, things might be better now, but gathering all the candy was definitely an unconscious act. If that thought is deeply ingrained in her, she is likely an older sister to someone, perhaps a sick younger sibling.

I I dont really understand. My head hurts.

If I were to choose one out of those three reasons, having a younger sibling would be a compelling motive to gather candy. But this is entirely within the realm of probability, so lets move on.

Serena continued her deductions while observing Miho, who was massaging her throbbing head, just as she always did when she had a headache.

And she wears a ring on her left ring finger, right? She might be young and not fully understand the significance, but judging from how well the ring is maintained, she likely knows its meaning.

Left ring finger? A ring? Is there significance in that?

When you consider the old coin purse shes been keeping, the trembling in her voice when talking about the Hero of Money, and, most importantly, the request she entrusted to me to find the Hero of Money

After speaking for a while, she finally broke the lollipop she had been holding in her mouth.

I have come to the conclusion that her fianc, or at the very least the person she wishes to meet, appears to be the Hero of Money.

Oh

Serena stared at Miho, who applauded with her mouth wide open when she heard the conclusion.

The reason I didnt show off, or rather, made deductions in front of that client today Well, its due to these reasons.

Huh?

Most of my deductions are related to sensitive personal matters, and

She spoke seriously.

she could be a dangerous person.

How come?

An orphaned girl in her mid-teens with such terrifying abilities, its only natural to assume she could be a significant threat, dont you think?

After uttering those words, Serena began to grasp the gravity of the situation and wore an anxious expression.

However she might not be a threat but rather a beacon of hope.

She muttered as her eyes sparkled .

What, what did you say?

Never mind. Anyway, lets prepare for the investigation now.

Immediately, Serena rose from her seat.

So, what should we investigate first?

Well

Just as she had been answering questions effortlessly until now, Serena was about to respond to Miho.

Um

But then, she froze.

D-Date I want to go on a date Ive been reading [101 Ways to Win a Mans Heart] all month long, and I need to put it to use, and um

Sigh

Miho glanced at Serena, who hesitated for a moment before reverting to her timid state.

Humans are indeed strange,

Miho mumbled as she let out a deep sigh.

.

.

.

.

.

At that moment.

Hmm

There stood Glare, the client who had just departed from the Detective Agency.

So, about these buttons

A few days ago, she had snatched away the robe of the Hero of Money, who had hurriedly left the orphanage where Ruby had collapsed, by using her abilities.

She mumbled while looking at the sparkling buttons.

Are these from Sunrise Academy uniforms?

At that moment, she emitted a faint light in the dim alley.

How do I get into the academy?

Although the light was faint, it was enough to drive away the darkness that had settled in the alley.

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