September 12, 1882
Antonio was quietly sitting in his office, reviewing the documents.
Until—
A knock came from the office door.
"Come in."
Austin walked in, holding a file in his hands.
"Sir, this is the information I managed to collect on Lucien Graves."
Austin handed the file to Antonio.
Antonio carefully opened it.
***
Name: Lucien Graves
Age: 53
Occupation: Head of the Graves Mercantile House
Region: Astrea, Capital of the Blackthorn Empire
Born on March 8, 1829. A graduate of the Ethereal Academy of Astrea with a degree in business.
Overview
Lucien Graves is one of the most influential figures within Astrea's merchantry, known for his calculated business strategies and expansive trade network. As the head of the Graves Mercantile House, he controls a significant portion of the empire's luxury goods distribution, particularly in the wine and spirits sector.
His name carries considerable weight not only in commercial circles but also within certain political spheres, where his influence is believed to extend beyond legitimate trade.
Criminal Record
He has been accused of tax evasion and of working with criminals, though these accusations were proven false. He is also reported to have had a hand in the downfall of several smaller merchant guilds.
Family Background
The Graves family rose to prominence three generations ago through maritime trade and strategic supply contracts with military outposts. Under Lucien's leadership, the family business expanded aggressively into high-value goods and secured exclusive distribution routes across multiple regions of the empire.
Lucien Graves has two sons and one daughter. Despite their wealth, the Graves family does not possess noble status, though they maintain close associations with several aristocratic houses.
Both of his sons have inherited parts of the Graves Mercantile House, while his daughter is pursuing a medical career.
Business Operations
• Primary Sector: Wine and luxury alcohol trade
• Secondary Interests: Textiles, imported goods, and logistics
• Trade Reach: Multiple continental routes within the empire
• Workforce: Extensive network of agents, brokers, and transport operators
Lucien is known for prioritizing efficiency, secrecy, and control, often restructuring trade routes to eliminate intermediaries and maximize profit.
Reputation
• Regarded as humble yet intelligent
• Known to exploit market instability to his advantage
• Rarely appears in public negotiations, preferring intermediaries
• Maintains a composed and refined public image
Within the merchantry, he is both respected and feared.
Recent Involvements
He recently had a feud with the Stuart merchant guild over the transportation of liquor to the imperial palace.
It has been reported that while competing for the contract, several shops associated with the Graves merchant guild were attacked.
In retaliation, Lucien Graves filed a suit against the Stuart merchant guild but lost the case due to a lack of evidence, thereby also losing the rights to transport liquor to the imperial palace.
***
Antonio closed the file and gently placed it on his desk, turning his attention toward Austin.
Austin immediately dragged a chair and sat down.
"So, you didn't find anything else in his criminal records or anything recent?" Antonio asked.
"No, sir. That is all we could find."
"Then were those smaller merchant guilds associated with the Stuarts in any way?"
"Not really. The most we found was that they conducted minor transactions with each other."
"Did Lucien make any move after losing the case against Cedric?"
"No. There were no reports of him taking any action against Cedric Stuart."
Antonio sighed heavily, turning his gaze toward the ceiling, deep in thought.
"Tell me, Austin… do you think Lucien has any involvement in this case at all?"
Austin was taken aback by the sudden question, but after thinking for a moment, he replied,
"Not really. There were no reports of Lucien and Cedric antagonizing each other before the recent feud."
"I see. Who was responsible for collecting most of this information?" Antonio asked with interest.
"Most of it was provided by the first department. I personally investigated and gathered some additional details."
"You're dismissed."
Austin nodded and returned to his desk.
Antonio leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes in thought.
'If Lucien didn't have enough evidence, then why did he file a suit against Cedric anyway?
He runs an entire trading company — he should be smarter than that.
Did old age dull his judgment? No… that's unlikely.
Something is missing here.'
***
September 13, 1882
Antonio and Austin arrived at the Stuart mansion for their investigation.
The guards greeted them at the main gate and escorted them inside the estate.
Antonio looked around the place with a faintly uneasy expression.
"Sir, is something wrong? You look a little pale," Austin asked with concern.
"It's… nothing. I'm just not very fond of mansions," Antonio replied with slight hesitation.
Austin nodded and stepped back.
Near the entrance, the newly appointed butler — also the son of Evan Brundestter — greeted them and led them inside.
Antonio decided to start a conversation as they headed toward the attic.
"Walter, right?" Antonio asked, already knowing the answer.
"Uh—yes, sir. That's me," Walter replied hesitantly.
"Then I'll be direct, since you already know why I'm here. What kind of man was your father?" Antonio asked, observing him closely.
Walter paused briefly before answering.
"He was a good man, respected by everyone. He was always diligent in whatever he did. He rarely even got into arguments with anyone. I don't know about others, but from my perspective, he was a very honest man… a good father and a good husband."
Antonio paused for a moment before continuing.
"Is there truly no one — family, relatives, friends — anyone who was on bad terms with your father?"
"No… I don't think so. As far as I can remember, he never really fought with anyone. Even if he did, it was just minor disagreements."
'Nothing here either…' Antonio thought.
They finally arrived at the attic.
"By the way, where is Lord Cedric?"
"Ah, he had to leave for work. He'll be back by the afternoon. You can meet him then."
"I understand," Antonio said, gesturing for him to leave.
Walter gave a slight bow and left them alone.
Both of them slowly made their way inside the attic.
"No one tampered with this place, right?" Antonio asked.
"Well, at least not after the BID arrived," Austin replied.
Antonio carefully observed his surroundings.
The spilled bloodstains.
The displaced objects.
Everything.
But nothing stood out to him.
Everything he saw had already been reported.
Antonio had hoped to find at least one overlooked clue.
"Austin, tell Walter to gather every servant currently present in the mansion."
Time passed.
Soon, every servant — along with Walter — stood before them.
'Interrogating them individually would take too long.'
"As all of you know, I am here to investigate the murder of Evan Brundestter. If you want to make this easier, report any suspicions or observations immediately," Antonio ordered.
They exchanged confused glances.
Antonio let out a deep sigh before continuing.
"Who was the maid who discovered the body?"
A trembling hand slowly rose from the group.
"I-It was m-me…" the maid said, her voice shaking.
"The report states you found the body while searching for kitchen supplies. Is that correct?"
"Y-Yes…"
"Is there anyone here who can confirm her statement?"
Two hands rose — the chefs from the kitchen.
"Sir, I was the one who asked her to bring a new pot since the old one was damaged."
"I see. Then I'll repeat myself — if anyone has any suspicions or information, report it immediately."
Silence fell once again.
'Shit… they really won't make this easy for me, will they?'
"Austin."
"Yes, sir?"
"Record individual statements from all of them by the day after tomorrow."
"Huh?... Sir, what do you mea—"
"A little overtime won't hurt."
A slow grin spread across Antonio's face as he raised his hand, forming a neat circle with his fingers.
"I'll also provide generous compensation. You might even be able to buy your dream car—carriage."
Austin looked at him as though betrayed.
Both of them then made their way to the reception room, with Walter guiding them.
"You may wait here until Lord Cedric arrives. It won't be long now," Walter said, opening the door.
"Understood," Antonio replied.
Walter bowed respectfully and left.
"Sir… is it really necessary for me to record statements from all the servants?"
Antonio glanced at him.
"Who's the detective here?" he asked dryly.
"You, sir…" Austin replied sluggishly.
"And who's the assistant?"
"Me…"
"Then who is supposed to follow their superior's orders while getting their salary doubled?"
"…Me, sir."
"Then?"
"…Can you at least give me one extra day?"
"Alright, fine."
A small grin formed on Austin's face, as if he were on the verge of tears of joy.
Then suddenly—
Click.
The door opened.
Antonio immediately turned toward it.
"Welcome, Lord Cedric. I believe we have quite a lot to discuss," Antonio said with a faint, knowing smile on his face.