The Old Woman

The four of them entered the records room, where Garrick produced the note left at the crime scene—a hand-drawn capital letter 'E.' After passing it around, Elyon was the first to speak.

"The letter E is quite clear, isn't it? The victim's name was Eorl, and the first letter of his name corresponds to the clue left at the scene. It seems that this 'k' organization plans to kill four people over the next four days, and the initials of their names will spell out the meaning of this operation." Elyon suspected that this group might be wealthy, powerful nobility youth seeking a thrill.

The medical examiner, Dr. Kraisinger, shook his head and said, "It's not that simple. The name and letter, sure, but why the missing thigh at the scene? And the state of the victim's death doesn't look like something a normal person could inflict. This isn't the work of a regular gang or society. I suggest handing it over to the Special Actions Division; let them worry about it."

"We can't involve them without clear evidence of secret society activity. At best, they'll send a rookie to assist. Besides, investigate if this man has recently encountered any strange individuals. The killer must have had contact to know the victim's name in advance," Captain Kappa naturally delegated the matter to Elyon.

Elyon forced a smile and said, "Well, Captain, I'm still injured. It's also possible that among the upcoming victims, only one is the actual target, and the others are just a cover for the real motive."

"No worries, you've got a sharp mind. You don't need to go to the scene; I'll have the victim's relatives brought to the station. Any eyewitnesses will be brought in as well."

After Captain Kappa finished speaking, Elyon wished he could slap himself for showing off.

"Sorry to interrupt, Captain, Ms. Ford has arrived," announced patrolman Lum, opening the door.

"Let the lady in, we have a few questions for her as well."

An elderly woman in her fifties, with streaks of white in her hair and a lifeless look in her swollen eyes, came in. Regaining some vitality upon seeing the four police officers, she spoke up.

"Good morning, officers. I'm here to identify the body and answer any questions."

"Good morning, ma'am, please accept our condolences. Before you identify the body, we have some questions for you," Captain Kappa said, motioning for Ms. Ford to sit on a bench, where she settled shakily. Garrick quickly fetched a cup of tea, and Elyon prepared to take notes for the inquiry which Captain Kappa began.

"Ma'am, did you hear this morning that your son might have been a victim?"

Ms. Ford's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, as if reluctant to revisit the topic. After a moment of silence, she spoke, "My poor son didn't come home last night. I thought perhaps he had gone out with his workmates, but then a neighbor brought the news this morning."

"Do you have any leads? Did Eorl have any conflicts with anyone?"

"He was a quiet and decent man, never argued or fought with anyone."

"Recently, have you encountered any strangers asking for your name, surname, home address, that sort of personal information?" Captain Kappa decided to get to the core of the matter.

"No, nobody comes to our rundown place, not even insurance salesmen. It's just that we recently decided to move. A colleague's family had a daughter of suitable age, so we planned to matchmake and prepare for their wedding. Eorl also decided to find a seaman's job after the wedding," Ms. Ford said, becoming more distressed.

"Is the rental agency reliable? Where did Eorl find the seaman job?"

"A government welfare housing rental center provided the house, and Eorl found a new job through a new career agency, which promised payment after starting work."

The four exchanged glances, sensing a lead.

"Ma'am, do you know where this career agency is located? What's its name?"

"It's called 'Go-Answer Career Services,' located at 88 Valen Street."

Elyon paused his writing—so close to home, there was someone bold enough to provoke them. Perhaps it was time to consider moving when the lease was up, but where could he find another affordable place?

"Alright, ma'am, we might have a lead. There's another matter that requires your signature—for a thorough investigation into Eorl's death, we need to perform an autopsy after you identify the body. This could speed up the apprehension of the killer," the forensic doctor spoke, indicating this was his domain.

"An autopsy? Does it cost money? We've only got a little over nine pounds saved. We also need to find a plot for Eorl, so keep the funeral simple, perhaps on credit? Next month I might be able to get an advance from the employer."

Seeing the poor woman before him, the only man in the house gone, yet she remained strong and resolute, Elyon wanted to say something supportive. Dr. Kraisinger spoke up, "Madam, autopsies for criminal cases are covered by government finance, no personal payment is needed."

"Oh, thank you then. How long should I notify the crematorium?"

"We have an annual allocation for free services. I think, ma'am, you could come and collect the ashes on the 3rd."

Elyon pulled out a five-pound note and handed it over.

"Because the crime involved an attack against the government and your son was unfortunately involved, this is a condolence payment from the police station."

The old woman accepted the note with a hesitant gratitude, murmuring her thanks. Dr. Kraisinger then led her to the morgue to identify the body, and Captain Kappa glanced at Elyon.

"If things don't go well, you might have to fork over 25 pounds of your own money. Sometimes, being a good person isn't that simple."

"I just felt sorry for the old woman. Since when did we run out of condolence money at the precinct? By the way, Bell, you need to complete the victim's information. His full name was Eorl Ford."

"Got it, I'll go make the change."

"Elyon, let's go outside. I think the reporters should be arriving by now."

In the Brugel Kingdom, the press was highly developed, especially in a capital region like Aegisburg, where over a dozen daily and postal newspapers operated, many affiliated with the government or owned by nobles and tycoons, with little concern for profit. Many avoided reporters or fled outright, so Elyon found it strange that Captain Kappa was so willing to meet them.

In the second-floor captain's office, Kappa opened the door to find a girl in her twenties rummaging through something. With golden curly short hair, glasses with a golden chain, and a petite figure, Elyon wondered if she was even old enough to be out of middle school.

"Rita, haven't I told you not to mess with my things when I'm not around? Do this again, and I'll take back the key."

The girl inside hurriedly put down the documents, turning with a sweet, forced smile.