He had a straight nose, sparse eyebrows, slightly drooping cheeks, and light blue eyes … Qilangos looked at himself in the mirror and scrutinized himself from head to toe. He was sure that he was no different from the unconscious man.
After mimicking a few of the man's habitual movements, he bent down and dragged the man to the side, stuffing him into the wardrobe.
Then, he reached out his right hand and snapped the man's neck.
Qilangos took out a handkerchief, wiped his palms, and closed the closet door.
He slowly walked back to the dressing mirror, put on a black double-breasted suit, and tied a bow tie. Then, he picked up a bottle of amber perfume and dripped a few drops on his wrist, then wiped it on different parts of his body.
After combing his hair in front of the mirror, Zillinges walked out of the room, closed the door behind him, and said to the butler waiting outside, "Do not let anyone enter my room.
"Don't let anyone enter my room. There are important items inside."
"Yes, Baron Gramir!" The mottled butler pressed his hand to his chest and bowed. "Your carriage and accompanying servants are waiting for you downstairs. The Duke Of Negan's invitation is there as well."
Zillinges maintained the bearing of a baron and nodded slightly. Accompanied by the butler, he walked arrogantly to the staircase.
Heh, a baron who is burdened with so much debt that he can't even afford to hire ordinary security personnel actually maintains a butler, a valet, two attendants, two first-rate maids, four second-rate maids, two laundry maids, a carriage driver, a horse feeder, a gardener, a chef, and a chef's assistant. To these foolish nobles, dignity is more important than anything else … I have no choice but to waste time learning their strange pronunciation of certain words and so-called aristocratic accent … Zillinges thought coldly and disdainfully.
…
Baekeland, Cherwood Borough, in a cramped apartment.
Xio Derecha sat cross-legged on the bed, looking at Fors Wall, who was reading a novel under the light from the window.
"How despairing. Zillinges didn't leave any clues behind. We can't figure out what he's trying to do in Baekeland."
They followed their plan and called the police, secretly sending a letter to the police station, describing in detail the strange situation at the crime scene and the suspect Zillinges.
The police department's response was within their expectations. To be cautious, they handed the matter over to the Mandated Punisher team.
After a day of preparation, the news of Rear Admiral Hurricane Zillinges infiltrating Baekeland spread to all the law enforcement teams. Xio and Fors also left the place they rented and went into hiding to conduct a covert investigation.
They didn't wish to be brought back to the police station to assist in the investigation. Be it the Mandated Punishers, the Nighthawks, or the members of the Machinery. They viewed Beyonders who didn't belong to the authorities with hostility, and viewed them as potential criminals.
Therefore, not only were Xio and Fors evading the possibility of Zillinges pursuing them, they were also evading the law enforcers.
"If it were that easy for us to figure out his motives, Zillinges would've long been buried in a cemetery. The tombstone would definitely be covered in lush weeds," Fors replied unhurriedly. "What we need to do is to wait patiently. As long as this intense investigation continues, Zillinges will definitely make a mistake. I have to say that a mystical item that can change a person's appearance is really enviable."
Xio hugged her knees and looked out the window.
"I'm just worried that Zillinges will take action in a short period of time and escape Baekeland before anyone can react."
"If that happens, I don't know when I'll be able to advance to Sequence 8, much less Sequence 6 or 5 …"
She paused for a few seconds and muttered in a daze,
"I don't even know when I'll be able to take back what belongs to our family … I haven't seen my brother for almost a year …"
Fors gave a comforting smile.
"When you fulfill your wish, please allow me to write your experiences into a story. It'll definitely be very exciting and interesting."
"Well, actually, I believe that with Miss Audrey's generosity, even if this matter ends like this, she'll still give us a generous reward. After all, we've been busy for so long. After all, we've made Zillinges take the initiative to appear."
"I hope so … Sigh, why can't I have a fortuitous encounter?" Xio scratched her shoulder-length blonde hair.
Fors frowned slightly.
"In the Beyonder World, fortuitous encounters are often accompanied by danger. To this day, I still don't know what the ravings that appear during the full moon represent, or if it will cause any negative changes. Heh heh, fortuitous encounters without danger do exist, but they're very, very rare. It's really difficult for your wish to be fulfilled, unless … unless we can obtain the blessings of an orthodox deity, or the attention of a friendly hidden existence. However, it's very difficult for us to tell if it's an evil god or devil in disguise."
Xio straightened her back and drew a crimson moon on her chest.
"May the Goddess bless me!"
…
In the Duke Of Negan's mansion in Baekeland's Empress Borough, a grand ball was being held.
It was split into two sections. One was the dance hall, which was located on the ground floor. It was paved with gorgeous stone slabs carved with complicated patterns. In the corner, there was an excellent band belonging to the duke. Going up the hall's stairs was a circular corridor on the second floor. The guests held their wine glasses and stood in front of the railing, looking down at the dance below. It was similar to watching a fencing event from the stands. From time to time, a gentleman would walk in front of a lady or a madam and invite them to dance. If they received permission, both parties would walk down the stairs while holding hands and enter the hall.
On the other side of the corridor that wasn't close to the hall, there were doors after doors. Behind them were rooms for guests.
However, behind one of the doors was a corridor. On both sides were different plaster statues that belonged to the ancestors of the Negan family.
At the end of the corridor, one could see the other section of the ball. It was also a hall with long tables and all sorts of delicacies and wine. Another band belonging to the duke was playing melodious and relaxing music for the guests.
In this hall, the guests gathered in groups of three to five, either sitting or standing as they discussed various matters. Those who wished to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle would enter the balconies attached to the hall to look at the scenery in the garden and the crimson moon in the sky.
Audrey Hall, who had just finished the opening dance, was originally standing on the second floor of the hall. She stared blankly at the huge crystal chandelier hanging down from the ceiling and the candles on it. However, when she realized that many people were itching to come over and invite her for a dance, she cleverly left and stepped onto the corridor that led to the "dining hall."
How boring, but I can't not participate … Sigh, can't they just let me observe in silence? I have to say, some people have really rich expressions when they dance. It reminds me of courting animals … Audrey looked down at her toes and began to pace in boredom.
At this moment, she saw a figure approaching from the corner of her eye. She hurriedly slowed down and straightened her back, instantly transforming back into the elegant and quiet Miss Hall.
"Hello, Baron Gramir." Audrey greeted him with a perfect smile and etiquette.
Baron Gramir, who had sparse eyebrows and light blue eyes, smiled and bowed.
"Hello, Miss Hall. You are the brightest and most dazzling jewel of this ball."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Baron Gramir walked towards the hall while Audrey continued to approach the "dining hall."
After taking a few steps, she suddenly frowned. Her green eyes were filled with puzzlement.
"Baron Gramir is a little different from usual …"
"In the past, whenever he saw a beautiful lady or madam of a higher status than him, he would shift his gaze to the side, not daring to look at them directly. Then, he would constantly steal glances … But today, he appears very confident …"
"Also, the smell of his perfume isn't right. In the past, when he attended all sorts of gatherings, his body would always emit the last note of Amber. It's pure and light, not ostentatious but noble. That is to say, he would spray the perfume a few hours in advance, allowing the front and middle notes to evaporate before the banquet. But just now, the fragrance on his body was the middle note of Amber, dense and elegant …"
Audrey's footsteps became slower and slower. As a Spectator who had completely digested the potion, her sensitivity to details was not something other Beyonders could compare with.
Suddenly, she thought of a possibility, and her bright green eyes froze.
"Could it be Zillinges in disguise?"
"Creeping Hunger has the ability to change a person's appearance!"
…
The more Audrey thought about it, the more she felt that it was possible. Her heart was in her mouth as she felt nervous and flustered.
If it's really Rear Admiral Hurricane, what does he want to do? It's a pity that I can't bring Susie to this ball. Otherwise, I could let her secretly observe Baron Gramir … No, I have to warn Father! Amidst her thoughts, Audrey quickened her pace and entered the dining hall. She found Earl Of Hall, who was conversing with the Cabinet's Chief Secretary and others.
She outlined an impeccable smile, walked over, and held Earl Of Hall's arm.
She said to the others, "Gentlemen, may I borrow Earl Of Hall for a few minutes?"
"Beautiful lady, that is your right," the gentlemen replied in a friendly manner.
Audrey pulled Earl Of Hall to the nearest balcony and found a secluded corner.
She said to her plump father, "Father, I have something to tell you."
Earl Of Hall originally had a doting smile on his face, but when he saw his daughter's serious expression, he turned serious as well.
"What is it?"
"I met Baron Gramir just now, but he's different from before in certain details. For example, the scent of his perfume is in the middle of 'amber.' It used to be at the end, such as …" Audrey spoke of the differences she had observed. This could be explained by his sensitivity and attentiveness.
After describing what had just happened, she deliberated and added,
"I heard Viscount Glaint mention that Rear Admiral Hurricane Zillinges has the ability to change into another person's appearance. Isn't he in Baekeland recently?"
Earl Of Hall listened quietly, and his expression became unusually solemn.
But he quickly smiled and comforted his slightly flustered daughter.
"I'll take care of it. Go find your mother and stay with her. She's in the lounge in this hall."
"Okay." Audrey nodded obediently.
On the way to the lounge, she looked back at her father and saw Earl Of Hall conversing softly with a noble. His expression was rather solemn.
Audrey's heart involuntarily tensed up again. She felt that she had to do something to prevent her father, mother, and brother from getting hurt.
After surveying her surroundings, she changed directions and left the dining hall. She entered a corridor and found the tiny prayer room in the Duke Of Negan's house with familiarity.
She pushed the door open and locked it behind her. Looking at the symbol of the Lord of Storms in front of her, she subconsciously found a secluded and dark corner.
Audrey sat down and leaned forward. She clasped her hands together in a praying gesture and pressed them against her forehead.
Then, she chanted softly in Hermes, "The Fool that doesn't belong to this era.
"The Fool that doesn't belong to this era. You are the mysterious ruler above the gray fog, the King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck."
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