Chapter 288

Nice to meet you, Mr. Siede. Zich shook Condels hand a couple of times. Yes, Mr. Zich. What did you want to see me for?

Nothing much. We just needed to ask you some things about the kidnapping incidents.

I dont know what you want to ask about, but I will cooperate to the best of my abilities since you are working for the city. Condel spoke politely, but because of his scary face, it sounded like he was talking sarcastically or trying to intimidate his addressee. It was to the point that Elena, who didnt have much worldly experience, gulped.

Yet, Zich continued calmly. I know that you have a deep connection with the underworld.

Maybe it was a sensitive question, but Condel stared at Zich with his wide eyes. Zich didnt turn away though.

In the end, Condel said after hesitating, Yes, it is as you say.

You are admitting it so easily.

Its an open secret. Also, I know how important the city is considering these kidnapping cases. It wont do me any good by lying carelessly. Then, Condel smiledor at least, that was what he looked to be doing. His canine teeth shone brightly between the small gap of his opened mouth. If he smiled just two more times, he could have killed a couple of children with that smile.

Good judgement, sir. Then, let me continue my question. Zich checked each of the descriptions on Condels profile with him.

When he was done, Zich thought, Theres no problem with the profile.

Zich pushed the content of the profile into the back corner of his mind.

Then, can I ask where you were at the time of this incident?

Condels eyes shot from Zich to his companion. Then, after it made a full circle, his gaze returned to Zich.

I know its a bit late to ask this, but can I ask if I am being interrogated as a possible suspect?

Dont worry, Mr. Siede. You are not the most likely suspect.

I dont think you mentioned that to assure me.

However, Condel maintained his composure. The greatness of the boss of an underworld organization came to light at this moment.

He continued, Could you tell me the date and time of this incident?

Zich told him the details.

Unfortunately, I was home alone at the time.

Fortunately for you, Mr. Siede, and to our misfortune, many people dont have an alibi for that time. You wont have to worry about that.

Is that so? Unlike what you said before, it does lessen my worries a bit.

Then, this is the final question. Mr. Siede, do you have someone you can call a lover or someone who you used to? It doesnt matter if you were married to that person either.

No. Condels voice sounded firm.

Was there not even one person who could possibly become your lover?

No. Even if you ask the people around me, you will get the same answer. What I want is not useless things like playing love gamesonly money. Condel made his chilling smile again.

So, is it alright for me to think that youve never loved anyone before?

I dont think therell be any problems if you do that. Condel was firm in his reply again. His cold eyes didnt even hold an ounce of warmth.

Zich nodded. He had asked everything he needed to ask. Thank you for your collaboration, Mr. Siede.

Then, please catch the criminal as fast as possible. These incidents have been negatively impacting our casino.

I will do my best. After their farewells, Zich and his companions came out of the room. The guard who guided Zich and his companions to the room was waiting for them in front of the door and led them outside of the casino.

Have a safe trip back, ladies and gentlemen, the guard sent them off politely and closed the door. Still, unlike how he behaved, the guard probably hoped that Zich and his companions would never come back again. They were sure of this.

Lyla asked Zich, Did you get anything from that?

No.

Okay, lets find the next person then.

She was used to their endeavors ending up fruitless by now, so Lyla immediately turned her attention to the next person. Zich also took out the papers of the different profiles, but then he turned around. He saw the casinos display of its fancy and big exterior.

I should back off for now.

Zich still had his suspicions. If something happened later on, he was prepared to tear his suspects apart immediately. However, without evidence, none of them were the culprits yet.

If it was like before the regression, I would have tortured each of them to find out who it was. Besides, it wouldnt have even mattered if they failed to catch the culprit. After all, he would have killed all the suspects, and there was a high chance that the culprit was among them. Since Zich was no longer walking the path of the Demon Lord, this was all impossible to do. Thus, Zich took his companions and left the casinos vicinity.

* * *

From the window, Condel watched as Zich and his companions went far away. When he could no longer see them, Condel turned around. He went across the empty room and approached a desk.

Drr!

He opened its drawers. Inside, there was a small frame flipped upside down. Condel took it out carefully. In the frame, there was a portrait of a pretty woman smiling.

.Lola.

Condel swiped his fingers down the frame as if he adored it. Right now, there wasnt a trace of the cold appearance he had shown to Zich just a moment before. As if he had forgotten the passage of time, he swiped his hands across the frame for a long time.

Some indefinite time later, Condel finally took his eyes off the picture. His eyes which had showered the portrait with love turned back to their usual, cold state.

I heard that I was taken off the list of the most likely suspects, so I didnt expect them to come so soon. Condel recalled the encounter with Zich. Now that I think about it, I heard that the lord from another estate formed his own, separate team. Those guys must have been them.

This wasnt good. Although it seemed like they hadnt begun officially suspecting him, it was bound to happen any time now.

As I thought, I have to rush the plan a bit faster from now on. And Condels eyes turned dark. I should gift a small present to those people for working