Lilian the intelligent school prefect chapter 8

Lilian the Intelligent School Prefect - Chapter 8

The crisp autumn air swirled fallen leaves around Lilian's polished shoes as she surveyed the scene. The school mascot, a fluffy, oversized badger named Barnaby, was missing. Panic rippled through the student body; Barnaby's disappearance was a tragedy of epic proportions, especially with the annual Founders' Day celebrations looming.

Headmaster Thompson, a portly man with perpetually worried eyebrows, wrung his hands. "Lilian, my dear girl, you're our only hope! The police are baffled, and the Founders' Day parade is only three days away!"

Lilian, ever the pragmatist, took a deep breath. She had already interviewed several key witnesses: young Timmy, who claimed to have last seen Barnaby near the old oak tree; Mrs. Periwinkle, the caretaker, who swore Barnaby was in his cage just an hour before; and even grumpy old Mr. Fitzwilliam, the groundskeeper, who mumbled something about "furry creatures" and "midnight snacks." The clues were scant, scattered like the fallen leaves underfoot.

She began her investigation systematically. First, the oak tree. There were no paw prints, no signs of a struggle, only a single, oddly shiny button lying near the base. It was a pearly white, with a tiny, almost invisible "B" engraved on its surface.

Next, Barnaby's cage. It was unlocked, but seemingly undisturbed. However, Lilian noticed a faint, sweet scent lingering – the smell of honey.

Finally, she approached Mr. Fitzwilliam again, showing him the button. He peered at it through his thick spectacles, his eyes widening. "That… that's from Beatrice's best cardigan! She's always leaving it lying around…"

Beatrice, the school's star baker, known for her delicious honey cakes. Lilian's mind clicked into place. The honey scent, the button, Barnaby's fondness for sweets… it all pointed to one conclusion.

She found Beatrice in the baking room, surrounded by flour and sugar, humming a cheerful tune. Barnaby was nestled in a corner, contentedly munching on a honey-glazed biscuit.

"Beatrice," Lilian said calmly, "I believe you may have inadvertently borrowed Barnaby for a taste test."

Beatrice gasped, her face turning as red as a ripe tomato. "Oh, Lilian! I'm so sorry! He looked so lonely, and I just wanted to share my new honey biscuits. I swear, I'll never do it again!"

Lilian smiled. "I understand. But next time, perhaps a little less… clandestine borrowing?"

Beatrice nodded sheepishly. With Barnaby safely returned to his cage and the Founders' Day parade secured, Lilian felt a sense of satisfaction. Another mystery solved, another day saved for the school, thanks to her keen observation and sharp intellect. The incident served as a lighthearted reminder that even the most intelligent prefect couldn't solve every mystery without a touch of intuition and a sprinkle of understanding.