The Extra's Rise

Chapter 258: Reika Solienne (1)

Chapter 258: Reika Solienne (1)

The investigation, if you could even call it that, had been about as useful as a waterproof teabag. Millia had done her best to guide me through it, but really, what was the point? Redknot was the ultimate force behind everything. Of course, they wouldn't be dumb enough to leave any obvious trails. It was like trying to prove a ghost committed a crime when said ghost was also the chief of police.

Still, while that particular endeavor had been a waste of time, the rest of my plans were ticking along nicely.

My phone buzzed. A single message.

I glanced at it, and a slow smile curled my lips.

Time to go visit Baron Aldric Faulkner, the noble in charge of this city.

Barons were the sort of people who pretended to have power while being very careful not to do anything with it. This one, however, was different. Baron Faulkner was well-liked. Competent. Pragmatic. Which meant that if he hadn't already stepped in regarding Redknot, it was either because he didn't see the problem… or because he couldn't.

That made him worth talking to.

The Baron's office was a picture of efficiency—neat, practical, and lacking in unnecessary decoration. The man himself matched the room. Aldric Faulkner was in his late forties, built like someone who had once been a warrior but had since traded battlefields for paperwork. He looked up as I entered, expression neutral but sharp.

"Arthur Nightingale," he said, more of an observation than a greeting. "I've heard about you."

"All good things, I hope," I said, stepping inside and taking the seat across from him.

"Some," he said dryly, folding his hands together on the desk. "You requested a private meeting. What is it you need?"

Straight to the point. Good.

"I'm concerned about certain… disruptions in the city," I said, keeping my tone casual. "Crimes happening under everyone's noses. People disappearing. Forces moving in the background. I assume you've noticed?"

His gaze flickered, just for a second. Not much, but enough to confirm that yes, he had noticed.