8 a.m.
In the dining room.
After finishing breakfast.
The sound of scissors cutting hair could be heard calmly and unhurriedly. Jeanne sat on a chair in her nightgown, staring at her reflection in the mirror, while Anna focused on cutting Jeanne's hair with precision and care.
"Anna… do you still intend to open a hair salon?" Jeanne asked casually.
"You still remember that…" Anna sighed softly. Her lips pressed together. "I have to continue my father's stock business. Even though it's a bit heavy, I still have to try."
"So I can't continue my intention of opening a salon," Anna touched Jeanne's hair and continued cutting it.
"Anna is an only child… just like me," Jeanne thought. "No wonder she has to sacrifice her dream." Her eyes looked at her beautiful silvery-white hair falling onto the floor. Her fingers tapped the dining table softly.
Several minutes passed. Jeanne stared at her reflection in the mirror. From the look in her eyes, she seemed slightly unable to believe what she was seeing.
"It's finished, Jeanne," Anna placed the scissors and comb on the table. She seemed to be holding her breath while waiting for Jeanne's answer.
Jeanne fell silent for a moment, staring at her face and her new hairstyle in the mirror. "Anna… I like this haircut," she touched several strands of her silvery-white hair. Her silvery-white hair now fell to her shoulders—thin, light, slightly messy as if always blown by a gentle breeze. Long bangs hung in the front, partially covering her forehead and almost touching her eyelids.
"Really?" Her eyes sparkled widely. Her mouth opened without a sound, as if her brain had stopped working for a moment from surprise.
"Yes… I really like it," Jeanne nodded enthusiastically and smiled.
"Thank you, Anna."
Anna's eyes sparkled as she smiled enthusiastically. "I'm glad to hear that."
"I haven't gone to church in a long time…"Jeanne thought, then glanced at her friend and said, "Anna, would you like to accompany me to church?"
Anna nodded without hesitation. "Of course."
…
After taking a shower and changing clothes in her room.
She wore a black pinafore dress that fell loosely to her knees. Beneath it was a gray long-sleeved blouse, the cuffs slightly puffed and covering her wrists. A soft fur scarf wrapped around her neck, and a black mini clutch bag with intricate patterns added a warm impression to her appearance.
"I didn't expect the weather to be quite cold today… it seems autumn will end soon." As Jeanne was about to step outside, her attention was drawn to the paper bag given by Leo Tolstoy that she had not opened yet.
"I'm a little curious… I think I should open it."
Curiously, Jeanne approached her dressing table and opened the paper bag. She saw sheets of money.
"Compensation money."
She then glanced at a small dark-red box with striking ornaments. On top of the box was a letter. She read it slowly.
"If you have found this box and opened it, you must enter the Special Detectives."
—Eugene Vidocq. The greatest detective.
Jeanne frowned, confused yet curious about the contents of the box.
"Should I open it?" Jeanne asked herself. Her curiosity made her turn the small handle on the box.
TWINGG
Jeanne almost bit her tongue in surprise when the box opened. Inside, a spring shot out with a doll's head wearing a clown hat and clown makeup while sticking out its tongue as if mocking her.
Jeanne's fingers squeezed the jack-in-the-box, annoyed and angry at Eugene. She could imagine Eugene's silly laughing expression in her mind.
"I want to slap him," Jeanne grumbled. Jeanne placed the box on her dressing table, she let out a soft sigh, then her gaze fell on something shiny inside the paper bag.
Jeanne put her hand inside and took out the last object in the paper bag.
She frowned once again. "A necklace?" Her beautiful blue eyes observed the necklace with a pendant shaped like a snake eating its own tail.
"For some reason it feels like déjà vu…" she closed her eyes as if trying to remember something, but it was useless. Jeanne decided not to think about it any further. She wore the necklace and hid it beneath her clothes.
As she was about to step outside, she stopped. "My stomach feels hot," she touched her stomach for a moment, the heat that was not too painful slowly disappeared.
She walked out of her room toward Anna who was waiting in the living room.
"Sorry for making you wait so long. Let's go," Jeanne invited as she approached her friend.
She looked at Anna who was wearing a long white dress that fell to her calves. A short cape covered her shoulders, decorated with a ribbon at the neck, while a small black bag was held in both of her hands.
Anna nodded casually, then stood up from her chair and turned off the TV. "Alright."
…
Outside her apartment.
Jeanne and Anna walked toward Église Saint-Aurèle church which was near her residence.
"It's been a long time since we walked together in the morning… this reminds me of when we were still in university," Anna said, her ruby-red eyes looking at the leaves from the trees that had fallen along the sidewalk.
"Before this we also walked together, Anna. We watched movies, had picnics, and helped a little girl named Mica Cattlyn who was separated from her mother." Jeanne swallowed her saliva for a moment.
"But in the end I died at the train station because of my own foolish decision," she thought quietly. She smiled bitterly, her fingers trembling slightly when she remembered it. Anna's screams, the sound of the train rails, and her brain experiencing overload were still clearly engraved in her memory.
"You're right," Jeanne replied softly, trying to escape from that disturbing memory.
As Jeanne was about to stop a passing taxi, she heard a phone ringing. However she did not feel her phone vibrating inside her bag, so she looked at Anna.
"Someone is calling me," Anna took her phone from her bag. "Wait a moment, Jeanne," she stepped slightly away.
Jeanne nodded casually. A moment later Anna approached Jeanne again.
"Jeanne, I'm sorry… there is work that I have to do. My father's assistant called me to handle my father's stock business in another company…" Anna closed her eyes, her expression clearly pouting and reluctant to say it.
Jeanne smiled. "I see… it's alright. I can go alone. Besides, it's an important job, isn't it?"
Anna hugged Jeanne and smiled. "You're the best, Jeanne. Sorry that I can't accompany you."
Jeanne's expression became stiff—her eyes widened, her cheeks slightly reddened, and her face showed genuine confusion. "I-I already said it's okay, Anna. Do your job with spirit," Jeanne gently released her friend's hug and tried to smile enthusiastically.
Anna nodded. "I will try… see you later, Jeanne," she smiled, stopped a taxi, then got inside while waving her hand at Jeanne.
Jeanne returned the wave slowly and smiled faintly, glancing at the taxi that began to drive away.
"She has a tiring schedule…" Jeanne commented, then she froze slightly as if remembering something. "Crap… I've skipped work for two days…" Jeanne bit her lip softly and began taking her phone from her mini bag.
She slowly opened the phone, holding her breath as if she didn't want to see any new messages. After opening the phone and checking the messages she felt slightly relieved.
"The operations manager hasn't contacted me yet…" Jeanne took a slow breath once again. "Let it be…" she tried to forget it and returned to her intention of going to church.
She raised her hand and stopped a passing taxi.
…
Seven minutes later.
Jeanne arrived in front of Église Saint-Aurèle church.
A large stone church stood magnificently before her. Its main tower rose high with a sharp tip filled with carved ornaments. Around it, smaller towers stood like guardians. Tall windows and arched stained glass decorated its walls, while the entrance was adorned with intricate stone carvings like lace carved from stone.
Jeanne was still amazed by the design of the church which looked beautiful and magnificent with a harmonious gothic touch.
Jeanne walked into the church. She saw that the congregation was not too crowded going in and out.
When she entered the church, the quiet atmosphere yet calming feeling made Jeanne relax slightly. The familiar fragrance was still the same as when she first came to this church.
Jeanne walked toward a seat without rushing. Her eyes observed several worshippers who were praying seriously. After finding a suitable place, Jeanne slowly sat down and listened to a priest who was preaching in the front.
Jeanne took a slow breath and began closing her eyes. She lowered her head and started praying.
"Father, Mother… I don't know why my fate has become heavy. I rise from death and repeat time. Every death feels painful… and difficult to explain."
Jeanne tried to regulate her uneven breathing, her lips trembling slightly. She could still feel the horror and fear of the deaths she had experienced.
"I don't know the cause… but maybe I am cursed, yet I want to believe that this is a power from God as a revelation to protect humans from evil…"
"I met an organization called the Special Detectives that protects people from criminals and the cruelty of a dangerous organization. I think this is my destiny to join the Special Detectives, perhaps also by my own will."
Jeanne clasped her fingers together and pressed them to her chest. She smiled faintly and slowly opened her eyes.
"Amen."
She looked at the quiet church with dim lighting. After feeling that her prayer was enough, Jeanne slowly stood up from her seat and walked out of the church.
…
After leaving the church.
Jeanne walked leisurely along the roadside, enjoying the calm atmosphere of District Four.
Amid the sounds of passing vehicles, Jeanne smelled the fragrant aroma of cake and searched for its source.
"Le Louvre Bakery," Jeanne read the bakery sign that looked luxurious a few meters ahead.
"It's been a long time since I ate cake," she walked toward the bakery, the closer she got the stronger the tempting smell of bread became.
KRING
Jeanne pushed the entrance door and walked into the shop. The shop had a comfortable atmosphere with a medieval design that was elegant and luxurious.
Her eyes observed the cakes displayed in the showcase and other desserts.
When Jeanne turned toward the customer seats, she was slightly surprised and did not expect it.
"Miss Isabella Goodwin?" Jeanne thought as she observed Isabella who was wearing a black gothic dress with delicate lace and a small ribbon in the front. A black bonnet adorned her head, while a ribbon with a diamond pendant hung from her neck. A pair of high-heeled shoes with crossed straps completed her elegant aristocratic appearance.
"Why is she here?" Jeanne observed Isabella who was drinking tea gracefully.
"Miss Weels," called a girl about nineteen years old.
She had short brown hair with long bangs covering part of one eye. Her eyes were bright yellow with a gentle gaze. She wore a small brown checkered hat, a white shirt with a black tie, a short cape coat with a similar pattern, and shorts with suspenders. Her legs were covered in dark brown stockings and lace-up boots. She sat beside Isabella and waved at Jeanne.
"Heh?" For a moment Jeanne was confused and surprised. She looked around and realized that no other customers had entered the shop except her.
"M-Me?" Jeanne pointed at herself. "Who is that girl? A member of the Special Detectives? It seems so."
The girl nodded and smiled at her. Jeanne walked slightly hesitantly toward them.
"Why does she know me?"
When she reached Isabella's table—
"Good morning, Miss Goodwin," Jeanne greeted softly.
"It's already afternoon," Isabella replied casually while sipping tea from luxurious porcelain.
"Ah… G-Good afternoon," Jeanne glanced at the luxurious wall clock in the shop, then looked at the girl who had called her.
"My name is Elliot Ness. Nice to meet you, Miss Weels," Elliot introduced himself enthusiastically as he stood up and invited Jeanne to shake hands.
"Nice to meet you, Miss Ness," Jeanne responded.
"I'm a man," Elliot replied casually without being bothered.
"H-Hah?" Jeanne was shocked and couldn't believe it. She looked at Elliot's face which was rather beautiful and feminine.
Elliot laughed seeing Jeanne's expression. "Please sit, Miss Weels."
Jeanne nodded and sat down.
"I heard you saved Miss Selena during the attack," Elliot's eyes sparkled as he looked at Jeanne enthusiastically.
Jeanne, who felt awkward, tried to stay calm. She nodded while scratching her cheek softly. "Y-Yes… I was lucky to save her."
"Heh… I thought you were the clumsy type of girl, but my judgment was wrong," Isabella said mockingly.
Hearing that Jeanne forced a bitter smile and held back her annoyance. Jeanne ordered cake and ice cream when the waiter approached the table.
"Have you thought about your choice?" Isabella asked as she took a piece of soft cake and ate it with aristocratic etiquette.
Jeanne watched the waiter leave, then glanced at Isabella sitting in front of her. She fell silent for a moment before glancing at Elliot who was eating cake, his expression clearly enjoying its softness.
"Yes… I have thought about it."
"What is your choice?"
Jeanne looked into Isabella's beautiful golden eyes. She clasped her fingers together. "I will join," Jeanne answered.
"What is your reason?"
Jeanne lowered her head and bit her lip softly. "I still don't fully understand my reason for joining…" Jeanne calmed her breathing.
She smiled bitterly. "But I want to save people from criminals and dangerous organizations like the one I encountered while investigating the murder case at the restaurant."
Hearing Jeanne's answer, Isabella looked out the window. Jeanne could see Isabella smiling faintly on her beautiful face.
"I see," Isabella replied.
…
A few moments later the cake Jeanne ordered was delivered to the table by the shop waiter.
Jeanne ate it, the soft sensation of the cake and the creamy taste of the cream made her mind feel calm. After finishing her cake—
"Why are you here?" Jeanne asked curiously while looking at the two members of the Special Detectives.
"We're investigating a case," Elliot replied, his voice slightly muffled because a spoon and cake filled his mouth.
"What case?"
"You don't have the authority to know that yet," Isabella added while removing her dining gloves and putting on red gloves. On the palm of the gloves was a thin gold coin.
Jeanne couldn't refute Isabella's words, she remained silent.
Isabella stood up from her chair. "Let's go."
"Alright, Miss Isabella," Elliot replied hastily. He quickly wiped his lips with a handkerchief and stood up.
"Why are you just sitting there?" Isabella turned back and glanced at Jeanne.
Jeanne flinched, confused.
Isabella sighed. "You want to join, don't you?"
Jeanne, who realized it late, immediately stood up and nodded. "Y-Yes."
Jeanne followed Isabella and Elliot. When she reached the exit door, Jeanne stopped.
"Wait… I haven't paid yet," Jeanne was about to turn toward the cashier, but Isabella stopped her.
"No need to pay."
"Hah?"
Elliot smiled at Jeanne and said, "This bakery belongs to Miss Isabella."
"Her bakery?" Jeanne glanced at Isabella who had walked out of the shop, then looked at the shop employees who bowed respectfully to Isabella.
"Let's go to the Special Detectives office," Elliot beside her pulled Jeanne's hand while smiling enthusiastically.
"O-Okay."
After leaving the bakery, Jeanne saw a luxurious black car parked on the roadside. A driver wearing a formal black suit stepped out of the car and opened the car door for Isabella.
Jeanne then got in together with Elliot.
"Go to the Special Detectives office," Isabella ordered the driver.
Jeanne observed the luxurious interior of the car with its soft seats.
"She really is a wealthy aristocrat," she thought.
She glanced slightly at Isabella who sat beside her. "And elegant too…" Jeanne praised quietly as she smelled the fragrance of Isabella's perfume.
"Let's go!" Elliot, who sat in the front seat, cheered enthusiastically.
The car slowly moved at a normal speed and disappeared into the distance heading toward the Special Detectives office.