Chapter_33: Interrogation

"Oh, Mr. Frostpyre, please forgive my slip of the tongue once again," Xavier said with a widening smirk and twinkling eyes. His demeanor seemed to shift from mischievous to devilish in a matter of moments, leaving Ragnar feeling bewildered by the sudden change in personality.

"Let's put a stop to the chit-chat and simply enjoy ourselves, shall we?" Xavier's tone shifted once more, leaving Ragnar feeling even more perplexed.

Does this man have any mental problems or something? Ragnar was left bewildered, deep in thought.

However, that was weird of him to ask that. Perhaps he truly suspects that I am not myself. Then, regardless of his apology, there must be an answer to this phenomenon! Although Ragnar was bewildered inside, he never unleashed his true emotions outside.

As Xavier approached the bar with a joyful expression, Ragnar spoke with a calm assurance: "There's no need to apologize. I understand my situation and who I am." He then nodded respectfully at Xavier.

Xavier's grin widened as he responded, "Really? I admire your self-awareness, Ragnar." "Now, let's head in and enjoy ourselves!" With that, Xavier made his way inside, with Ragnar following closely behind.

…

The interior of the bar exuded a sleek and modern vibe, suggesting recent renovations. The wooden chairs and tables gleamed with a pristine, shimmering polish.

Upon entering the cozy bar, the two men found only the bartender inside, engrossed in today's newspaper behind his glasses.

As the two men approached, the bartender acknowledged them and inquired in a deep voice, "What can I get for you gentlemen?" before returning to his reading with a sense of quiet authority.

Xavier's enthusiasm was palpable as he settled into the chair near the window. "I want my favorite cocktail! The martini with maraschino berry and a little bit of vodka!" he exclaimed.

"Ragnar, order yours, and let's have a chat here," he gestured towards the chair opposite him at the table.

Ragnar, deep in thought, pondered over a suitable beverage for himself.

A phenomenal beer would be great, just as usual. Ragnar smiled, realizing it had been such a long time since he had enjoyed a refreshing beer.

It has been a long time since I had a beer. Because we had a request from a wealthy nobleman, I would never have the opportunity to rest or drink. It was definitely busy at the time.

Ragnar paused for a moment before addressing the bartender in his warm, deep voice. "I'll have a beer, please."

The bartender, halting his reading, adjusted his glasses and inquired, "What kind of beer would you prefer?"

There's a variety of beers now? Ragnar glanced at the bartender with a confused look.

"Umm…" Ragnar said, feeling a bit embarrassed at his lack of knowledge about beers.

"I suppose you don't know the type of beers," the bartender sighed as he pulled out a menu and threw it to Ragnar.

Ragnar deftly caught the menu, and his eyes immediately locked onto the extensive list of beverages. As he perused the options, he diligently sought out the section dedicated to different types of beer. After a bit of searching, he finally found what he was looking for.

There are three types of beers; one of them is the one I had before. But what are the other ones?

Boosted Beer? Vegan Beer? He intently read through the beer sections.

I guess I'll try every type of beer someday.

"Hmm... I think I'll go for the boosted beer," Ragnar said as he placed his order and took a seat across from Xavier.

"You certainly took your time deciding on a drink, didn't you?" Xavier sighed, casting a glance out the window.

…

After a certain time, the bartender had finished making both men's drinks. He placed both on the tray and delivered it with elegance. Slowly, he said, "Gentlemen, here are your drinks."

He smiled and shook a small cup with ice in it, slowly placing the ice inside Ragnar's boosted beer. But, inside the ice, there was an unusual object. Ragnar, once again, glanced at his drink in confusion.

"Oh, I'm surprised you noticed that object in such a short time," the bartender complimented Ragnar before continuing. "That was a Soft Core, which contains a small amount of citric acid and unsaturated aliphatic acids that can enhance the flavor and elevate your drinking experience," the bartender explained with a grin.

The bartender went seated and quickly returned to his newspaper, engrossed in the latest headlines.

"Xavier, what do you want to talk about?" Ragnar's intense gaze locked onto Xavier's innocent eyes.

"To be honest, a mole only becomes visible once it emerges from the ground. Ragnar, have you heard about someone stealing advanced technological artifacts from the castle?" Xavier leisurely sipped his cocktail.

"Just so you know, it happened shortly after your return, and there's been one victim. Ms. Guinevere, the head of the maid staff, was the one targeted," he added, taking another sip from his drink.

"Don't worry, she's safe. She was just tied to a pole and kicked a few times, but I guess we can consider that safe. She mentioned that the perpetrator asked her to show him the way to the bathroom. But that was all part of his plan. He used that opportunity to steal the Grade A- technological artifacts, which are really valuable."

"Ragnar, do you see where I'm going with this now?" he said with a kind smile, taking a sip of his cocktail.

A man asked the redhead maid to use the bathroom… This happened after our return. Valuable technological artifacts... I understand now. We're the ones that caused this theft. Ragnar was speechless; he was left in thought.

Could Xavier have suspected me that I am a partner of that perpetrator? This is becoming worse day by day!

"Yes, I understand now. I understand that you suspect me, but I have no clue who the person was." Ragnar spoke with a change of demeanor as he sipped from his beer.

Xavier savored the taste of his cocktail before reaching for a booklet. As a detective, it was all part of the job. He methodically turned the pages until he found the one he was looking for. A satisfied smile played on his lips as he reached for his coalpen, ready to delve into the task at hand.

"Ragnar, after conducting thorough research, it appears that your uncle and father passed away five years ago, leaving only your mother in your family. I'm curious as to why you informed Lady Ana that you were entrusted by your uncle, considering his passing five years ago."

What is he talking about? Is he taking a gamble, believing that he will get lucky enough to nail a guess? All my family members are dead; none of them are alive! Ragnar's sorrowful gaze shifted to his drink, a pained expression crossing his face.

I need to be formal from now on. Resisting with anger and violence will only make this worse.

Ragnar took a slow sip of his beer before speaking. "I'm willing to cooperate with your job, Mr. Xavier. However, I must point out that everything you've said is incorrect."

"Incorrect? Or are you simply not telling the truth?" Mr. Xavier asked, jotting down notes in his booklet.

"Ragnar, it's imperative that you speak the truth. Lying will only result in being sent to Labyrinth 4, a treacherous maze filled with terrifying monsters."

I already messed up! Ragnar fixed his gaze on Xavier, who was busy jotting down notes.

"Mr. Frostpyre, I must apologize for my childish behavior earlier. However, at this moment, I am simply carrying out my duties as entrusted by my superiors."

"Before I proceed with the question that Mr. Albert, my senior, has tasked me with, I presume you were in search of Bane, am I correct?" He placed his notebook on the table and took a sip from his cocktail.

"Yes, I was wondering where he went. I assume he's with your co-worker, right?" Ragnar continued sipping his beer.

"He's with my senior, Mr. Albert. Don't worry, he's a generous man, but if he notices someone lying, then he won't go easy on them."

"Let's cut the small talk and get back to the interrogation. Ragnar, I need you to answer these three questions truthfully. Lying will only make things worse for you."

This man really takes his job seriously. Even changing his personalities when it comes to interrogating someone. He thought before nodding to Xavier.

"Also, rest assured, you are not our suspect. There's evidence that the person responsible for Damian's brother's death is also the one who stole the technological artifacts. I distinctly remember that you were with Mr. Arawn at that time, and there were no connections between you and Damian's brother."

Ragnar maintained his determined gaze at Xavier, then calmly took a sip of his beer.

I also heard from the Royal Knights earlier that his brother was killed, so it was really true.

"We've already spoken with Garnette, the maid who accompanied you at Lady Ana's request. She mentioned that it was your idea to take a public carriage to the property, but she was the one who selected the carriage, is that correct?" Mr. Xavier continued to take notes.

I really don't want her to get suspected too, but I have no choice.

"Yes, she chose the carriage because there were no other people on it," Ragnar asserted.

"I see," he remarked. "Did the driver communicate with you at all? Even just a little bit?" he inquired of Ragnar once more.

The driver did mention that the journey to the main property would take over an hour. That was the only time he spoke to us.

"Indeed, the driver did mention that it would take over an hour to reach the main castle," Ragnar confirmed.

"Did you notice anything unusual about the route he described?" Xavier inquired, focused on his booklet.

Weird? Wait, I remember a vague moment earlier. When he dropped us off, he immediately changed his personality. That's right! He was a suspicious individual at first, but then changed after we left!

"Mr. Xavier, I apologize for the interruption, but I couldn't help but recall that the man's tone changed after we departed. Initially, he spoke in a deep voice, but then it became more lively."

"Ah, I see. It's becoming clear to me now why the thief was after those technological artifacts." Xavier smiled, adjusting his detective suit.

Ragnar was taken aback by Xavier's unexpected words and asked, "What do you mean?" Ragnar stood up abruptly, causing the table to shake and Xavier's cocktail to teeter on the edge, but Xavier skillfully caught it with a sly grin. Meanwhile, his own drink remained undisturbed.

Ragnar looked into Xavier's eyes with a mixture of surprise and trepidation.

Maintaining his smirk, Xavier warned Ragnar, "Don't be so reckless, Ragnar. If you had dropped my cocktail, you would have experienced death for the first time."

"Shall we continue?" Xavier asked, taking a sip of his cocktail before setting it down gently on the table. "I'll share the details with you once the key players arrive tonight."

"Oh, I almost forgot to mention," Xavier continued. "Mr. Albert and Ms. Velvet, both esteemed seniors, will be joining us along with other witnesses like Garnette and Bane, and of course, Ms. Guinevere, who was injured."

"Let's wait here for them," he said with a smile. "But in the meantime, let's make the most of our time here before they arrive!"

"Excuse me, bartender! Do you have any special dishes that are simply outstanding?" Xavier called out, returning to his lively and enthusiastic demeanor.

The bartender, as cool as ever, glanced at the gentlemen and flicked the menu paper towards Xavier. In a display of finesse, Xavier deftly caught it with just a single finger.

…

"Mr. Loid, Mr. Lowille, that was truly an exceptional performance from both of you. I am proud," Mr. Sun, shrouded in mystery, smiled and praised them.

After the extensive explanation of their new project to the audience, both entrepreneurs expressed their emotions before Ms. Seraphine took the stage. It was at this moment that Mr. Glorious Sun approached them with a compliment.

"Mr. Glorious Sun, your words fill me with gratitude," Mr. Loid elegantly replied, maintaining a dignified posture.

…

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am excited to announce that the next event will be the highlight of this meeting... The Knight Promotion!" Ms. Seraphine exclaimed with firm enthusiasm.

As the event drew to a close, every knight being promoted was on the brink of a significant transformation. Through their determined dedication and hard work, they were about to ascend to the revered position of Royal Guardian.

Each of them would solemnly swear an oath, a pledge that symbolized their commitment to upholding respect and justice.