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That one was narrow! Much thanks, benefactor!

Ow—ow, ow...

But what could possibly be happening? Could there possibly even be more scoundrels working against us?

I've got this feeling I've seen these things somewhere before...

Erk, you're right! They practically seem an homage to Miss Dusk's Ink Spirits!

Fphhh...

Wargh! Were there still leftovers?

They're all coming at the charm Nian gave to Lava. That settles it—

—They have to be pretty much like Ink Spirits!

Liang Xun...!

Lee.

The cup got stolen?

I was careless. It seemed to be a beastmaster's tame beast that did it...

Wasteland long-snouted slumberfoots have a special organ in them. There's some kind of hypnotic substance they can secrete.

But none of the sort live in Shangshu. Someone skilled, strong, and in command of beasts that put people to sleep? A fine accomplice if you're out to steal a cup.

And the thief's not even with the inn people.

You ascertain that much?

You're not surprised at all. You figured it out long before I could, I'm guessing?

...Hm.

The look on your face tells me this one was definitely unexpected.

Any immediate suspicions?

I didn't tell anyone at all where the cup was hidden.

I think you told someone else I had it on me.

I did indeed say that.

That's good, then.

But look at this study. Completely neat and tidy, just missing that case you hid the cup in.

So who can get into your study, and who could send someone to sticky-finger the cup on such short notice?

—Don't—Don't tell me too much. I'm scared I'll get my feet caught in your bureaucratic vines.

Do you need my help to bring the one behind that thief to light?

Reclaiming the goblet should come first.

Moreover, hunting that one down... would be too hasty.

Hey, little girl.

I have a name!

You're so slow about everything... What did Mr. Liang say to you?

Some quite perplexing things, but absolutely not to do with your old dad this time.

Tch...

Seems our Miss Du Yaoye does like her father after all.

You said how you were all for young against old, and how you didn't even want to take this job, but you've got other ideas too, don't you?

N-No talking about me for now! You know what's happening, so think how we can haul her back in, quick!

Easy enough.

That Blacknight had real freak skills. You think it's so simple to get her?

We're just in luck. The better the skills, the easier they take the bait.

But what's important is, as a Rim Billitonian, how she chased her way into Shangshu. And who it is controlling her behind the scenes.

She's not from Lungmen?

I didn't hurry too fast from Lungmen to Shangshu. If she really was out tracking me down, she could've pulled things off at any Messenger station. Why wait to move until I'm on the Liang estate?

Not to mention, a Rim Billitonian wantonly raiding a Yan magistrate? Either she's an idiot, or someone's using her.

Hah. Doesn't that make her an idiot either way?

Not necessarily. People do act naive at times.

When?

When they want something from someone very badly.

Are you trying to tell me something?

You're imagining things.

Will Rhodes Island really do something just because you left that letter in your room?

We have a level of trust.

Do you know them that well?

Good people always know each other well.

His door's open... but where's Mr. Lee?

Benefactor, there's two letters here. It seems one's meant for us.

Let's see...

Benefactor, I admit I've been holding in my curiosity. Just what kind of person is this Brother Lee?

...Err.

He's a detective. Had dealings with Rhodes Island since a while ago now... well, mainly the kids from his agency have.

But little by little, him and us have gotten familiar.

I see, a detective... no wonder he's so meticulously minded. By his wardrobe, I would've guessed him to be some manner of tianshi with a mild hand for Originium Arts.

What did Brother Lee write, then?

Says...

Read it for yourself.

'Cup was taken. Find Master Shen at ferry crossing,' and...

W... Well, he really hasn't taken us for outsiders. Master Shen would be that boatman of some admittedly suspicious intrigue, no?

If we don't get this sorted properly, Rhodes Island can kiss goodbye to not getting involved. Better we listen to Mr. Lee for now.

He predicted this situation'd get more complex, so that's why he didn't want us involved at the beginning... Does this really mean he saw all this coming?

How come you're out of things to say now? Really? We haven't run that far yet.

And can you tell me how you know they're gonna listen to your letter at all?

If I start telling a youngster like you, Miss Du, it'll be your fault when you get bored.

You love pretending you're so mature... That's why I hate all you kung fu nutjobs.

You've got the wrong idea there. I run a licensed detective agency.

Does being the boss of one guarantee you're a detective?

Er...

What, you're wasting all this effort just to find this goblet's owner and nothing else? You swear?

Of course there's more. I want my own answers, too.

Y-You know, if what you say is true, couldn't that Blacknight bandit seriously just leave Shangshu?

A thief with knowledge of how Magistrate Liang's study is laid out? She must be somewhere nearby, off to meet her puppet master.

And on the off chance she scrams?

If a Rim Billitonian can get out safely after stealing the magistrate's property, then someone wants her leaving—or to put it the other way around, she's going absolutely nowhere.

Guaranteed?

Not that guaranteed, actually. It'll just be a gamble.

Then we're too late then, aren't we?!

If worst comes to worst and she did scarper on us, then with your help, we'll just get her back.

Easy for you to say! How am I meant to know which way she went?

Well, if they've come prepared, then how do you find a single person in a Shangshu-sized haystack? Is one pair of eyes and one pair of legs going to do the trick for you, Miss Du?

Then what can... wait...

It's not me who wants that lousy goblet, either.

Someone's stolen it? Brilliant. We'll go see just what fins those anglers are trying to fish up with it.

Do you already have guesses for who they are...?

All I'll do is ask is that you all take your seats.

Very rare you should call for me so early in the morning, my Lord.

Miss Ning...

The camellias in the roadside garden have bloomed. Have you seen them?

You were the one who planted them.

Yes, much thanks to your tender care for them.