First Meeting

### 3 Days Later

"Are you sure you want to take on this project, son?" Duke Arturus asked Arthur, his voice filled with concern.

"I think this is a good start for me to learn about business and opportunity," Arthur replied, stuffing a mouthful of food.

"Alright, as you wish," Sofia, his mother, said with a warm smile.

Arthur had recently undertaken a project to restore a place in Hillston Borough. The area, once bustling with life, had become deserted due to a devastating disease and plague. Many had tried to solve the problem, but none had succeeded.

Sofia and David naturally didn't oppose Arthur's decision. They believed it was an excellent way for him to learn about business, even if failure seemed likely. They viewed it as a beneficial lesson regardless of the outcome.

"Just promise me to avoid going deeper into the residential areas," Arturus said, his voice tinged with worry.

"Don't worry, Mom and Dad, I won't do anything to endanger myself," Arthur reassured his parents, his tone confident.

Arturus and Emilia sighed in relief, and the family continued their breakfast before heading off to their respective duties.

---

### At 15 Minsk Street

Klein tore the bread and savored it with a cup of tea. His detective work seemed to be blooming. The rich fragrance of wheat and the sweet taste whetted his appetite. It was plain and simple, yet exceptionally delicious.

"My life is good if only I didn't offend the Intis Ambassador," Klein mused, feeling a mix of satisfaction and anxiety.

He had offended the Intis Ambassador after taking a job from a child named Ian. Now, a Sequence 5 Beyonder was chasing him. He was already planning to hire someone to guard his life. Just as he finished his bread, there was a knock on the door.

Is the assassin here already? No, it can't be. An assassin wouldn't knock so politely. But I should divine first. It's good to remain cautious.

He took a coin from his pocket and flipped it.

No danger, Klein mused.

Klein opened the door to find a middle-aged man in a neat suit waiting for him.

"I have heard of your abilities. Despite only arriving in Backlund a month ago, your talent for solving cases has become widely known among detectives," the man said with a smile.

"My name is Isengard Stanton, a detective like you," Isengard introduced himself.

Klein nodded, recognizing Isengard as one of the most sought-after detectives in the city. He wondered what this prominent man wanted.

"Please come inside, sir," Klein said, inviting Isengard in.

"Tea or coffee?" Klein asked.

"Tea would do," Isengard replied.

With two cups of tea on the table, Klein finally asked, "May I ask why you are here, Mr. Isengard?"

Isengard sipped his tea and stared calmly at Klein for a few moments. After swallowing his tea, he spoke, "I have been entrusted with a commission to identify the source of the disease in Hillston Borough. I have heard of your outstanding ability to track problems. I wonder if you would be interested in cooperating on this case with me."

A tracking mission... I am in dire need of money, but I must ensure this case is safe before agreeing, Klein pondered.

"I need to use the bathroom first," Klein said, rising from his chair and heading towards the bathroom.

In the privacy of the bathroom, he came above the gray fog and did a divination.

Is this commission dangerous?

The compass moved slightly to the right.

There are certain dangers, but not too severe.

Is this a trap set by the Intis Ambassador?

The compass moved to the left.

So, it's not a trap.

Klein exited the bathroom and walked towards Isengard.

"I accept this commission," Klein said.

"I hope we have a happy cooperation. Tomorrow, a carriage will come to your house in the morning to pick you up and meet our client," Isengard informed him.

A carriage? This client must be a noble, Klein speculated.

---

### The Next Morning

Klein saw an exquisite carriage outside his door. Inside, Isengard waved, gesturing for him to get in. Klein's neighbors looked on in surprise. They had never seen such a beautifully crafted carriage in their neighborhood. Each one harbored their speculations.

A horse this strong should amount to 450 pounds, and this carriage will be worth around 900 to 1,000 pounds. This client must be very wealthy, Klein evaluated his mind.

He got in the carriage and sat across from Isengard. Their journey was calm and quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling streets of Backlund.

Thud.

The horse stopped running, and the carriage came to a halt. Klein opened the curtain and saw the most luxurious mansion he had ever laid eyes on.

The mansion was an absolute marvel, with towering columns, an ascending staircase, and multiple balconies overlooking rolling hills. It was so vast that guests needed carts to get from one side to the other.

From the corner of his eye, Klein saw a guard verifying the coachman's credentials.

"Amazing, right?" Isengard smiled teasingly at Klein, enjoying his surprised expression.

Klein realized why Isengard had been so quiet during the ride. He wanted to see Klein's reaction upon arrival.

"Our client's name is Arthur Pendragon, the son of Duke Arturus Pendragon. He is one of the richest people in Leon," Isengard said, seeing Klein's silent awe.

The guard finished the verification process, and the carriage continued towards the residence. Klein savored the mansion's scenery in silence.

Isengard and Klein were escorted by a maid to the study room on the second floor. There, Klein saw Maric, whom he knew from the Braveheart Bar, and a blonde lady sitting beside him on the couch.

Across from them stood the most handsome man Klein had ever seen. His long blue hair was as silky as butter. His tall, slender frame complemented his well-balanced physique. His golden eyes scanned Klein and Isengard with a discerning gaze.

The man stood and greeted them politely, extending his hand.

"Please sit down on the couch. These are the two other people I hired for this job. The four of you will work together to solve this commission," Arthur said, gesturing to Maric and the blonde lady.

"My name is Arthur Pendragon. It's a pleasure to see two of the most outstanding detectives in my presence."

Klein and Isengard accepted the handshake and introduced themselves.

Arthur's eyes sparkled with curiosity and determination as he spoke, "The situation in Hillston Borough is dire, and I have high hopes for this team. Together, we will uncover the source of the disease and restore the area to its former glory."

Klein's resolve strengthened as he looked around the room. This was a significant opportunity, not just for the money, but to prove his capabilities and uncover more about the enigmatic world he found himself in.