Chapter 106 – 10. Express Train to Partenope (6)
Do you know the wisdom of ignorance?
A truly wise man realizes that he is ignorant. It doesn’t just stop there, but faces reality and moves to the stage of knowing. Because the first step to solving a problem starts with recognizing that there is a problem.
That’s why Grass, a false leg, is never ashamed of the false leg she puts on. For his fame came from knowing ignorance. A riddle is like a magic square. What matters is assumptions and guesses.
“One of the crew members is dead.”
Bernharde Reichsbahn and the crew of the express train from Brullin to Partenope all gathered together. Thomas Lam, the manager, looked at the engineer he called earlier, the chef, and even the empty legs in turn, and then spat out with a firm expression.
“The body is in a serious state of disrepair, so we need to be careful in checking it.”
The scene was in room 9 of car no. 7, a sleeping car for crew only. Thomas grabbed the doorknob and then pulled it with all his might. Unlike first class, in the cramped room, the head of a terribly beheaded man was swinging danglingly from the ceiling light.
“Unbelievable!”
“That’s a lie!”
“Woo-wook…… !”
The crowd couldn’t help but be amazed. Some vomited and ran to the bathroom. Certainly, the sight of the vertebrae head moving along with the vibrations of the train was a repulsive sight that made one wonder if it would appear in a dream.
“It’s a murder case.”
Even so, Hutdari looked around the scene with a nonchalant expression and said, Likewise, he asked again, alternating between the manager who was relatively unsettled and the engineer who was still blunt even in this situation.
“What is the victim’s identity?”
“Kai Schoen, this is the 4th train conductor of the Schnellfahrt belonging to Bernharde Reichsbahn.”
Thomas answered right away. Heotdari, who grasped the general situation from the context of the front and back, stroked his beard and was lost in thought for a while. It was to find out the clues left all over the site only with the eyes and collect them in my head.
“Sir, how far do I have to travel to stop at the nearest station?”
“Even if I can’t, it will take half a day.”
This time the engineer, Theobald, responded. After hearing the answer, I entered the bloody room with an interesting expression. Even in a small space, I was careful not to damage the scene, but when I found a crude blood letter on the window, as if scrawled with my bare hands, I opened my mouth.
“Okay. It seems that arrangements have been made so that no matter how terrible things happen, outside help is not readily available.”
“What do you mean?”
“Before I answer that question, I have a question for you.”
“…… ?”
“Who was the first to discover the site?”
“That’s me.”
Thomas lightly raised his hand. Heotdari shook his head, saying he knew that, and showed everyone a blood letter of courtesy. It was a terrible hell-like space full of blood, so even the letters written in blood had to be searched for a needle in the sand.
“Read it.”
“I am Elfriede Eichmann. Yeongbu-gun Seo Jeong-woo, surrender yourself as soon as you check the text.”
The engineer and manager cautiously stepped inside. Among the other attendants, the relatively tall and bold stood around the entrance. It was a demonic scene that could be more appropriately described as disintegration than murder, but there were certainly people who showed courage.
“If he does not come forward to reveal his identity, I will slaughter one random person on this train every day. It is also notified to the train driver and all railway crew members. If the Schnelfahrt moves at a speed not befitting its reputation, or if it does not arrive at its destination by the scheduled time…….”
“…… I will blow up the train.”
Thomas grabbed the back of his neck. After receiving the words of the blood letter he was reading, Huangdari pushed his face as if to take a closer look at it.
‘It’s not just blood.’
The red letters decorating the transparent window did not end there. As if sensing the vibration caused by the two men’s voices, a few more letters that had not been seen before appeared before an ominous hum.
‘Magic power?’
Hungry was lost in thought for a moment. Soon after reaching a certain thought, he hesitated and opened his mouth. Unfortunately, however, the letters floating in the air had already been read by someone from the crew.
“It is a start. It is written that way.”
“…… !”
I couldn’t stop it. Sensing the pulsating magical response around them, the stilts pushed Theobald and Thomas into the hallway and shouted.
“It’s an explosion! Back off everyone!”
Their bodies stiffened in shock. Well, he wasn’t a soldier who was used to things like this, and there was no other person trained enough to quickly duck at the word explosion.
Bang!
Before long, the magic power flowing from the blood letter exploded. It was an overwhelming explosive force. Not only were the windows smashed to pieces, but even those standing in the hallway were crushed by the floor and walls.
“Kyaaaaagh!”
Hannah, who watched this unbelievable scene from the relatively front row, let out a scream. When her roar subsided and I belatedly came to my senses, someone was supporting my head with a hand.
“Mi, driver Michaelis?”
“It could be a concussion, so be careful.”
It wasn’t just me. Theobald, the engineer who took it with his body so as not to injure other nearby crew members, met eyes with Thomas across from him. It was to ask an unspoken question if anyone was particularly injured.
Fortunately, there were no casualties thanks to the spirit of self-sacrifice of the two chairs.
“You ate one.”
Whiiing, wind leaked from the broken window and the wall where one side was completely blown off. The empty leg, which had been blown shapelessly along with the corpse due to the explosion, somehow managed to grab onto the ceiling and return to the hallway.
“It is a magic bomb that is supposed to work through voice.”
Spitting out a grave sentiment, he reached out his hand to those who were prostrate. It was a moment where he could lose his life if he did it wrong, but he looked at Theobald and asked if he thought that further drinking would only waste time.
“Sir, what is the speed worthy of the reputation of the Schnellfart?”
“Perhaps it refers to the speed of expression. In the case of our train, it refers to 275 kilometers per hour.”
“What is the current speed of the train?”
“Last time I checked it was 288 km/h.”
Since the high-speed rail is a product of the technology of that era and the country, thorough care is taken in management and operation. In addition, expression speed is a value calculated by calculating the average value of the so-called travel distance and required time, so the higher it is, the more it proves the stability and value of the train.
“If you arrive early, you will arrive, so there is no way you will be late. Can you keep the minimum speed of 288 km/h until we reach our destination?”
“No problem.”
“Then please.”
Theobald nodded. Soon after, he left to put those words into practice.
“Manager?”
However, the lost legs were not satisfied with that and called Thomas one after another.
“Tell me.”
“There must have been a passenger on this train who made a reservation under the name of Elfriede Eichmann.”
“Yes, this is room 6 in car 3.”
According to the reasoning of the wrong bridge, Elfriede Eichmann, who is now on the train, was a fake. Although impersonating the head of the Eradication Bureau of the SS is a serious crime, his theory is that there is nothing impossible to find who has the guts and reason to do so.
But the blood letter, then what about the existence of that loud warning note?
The gap between impersonation and murder is great. It is more likely that Elfriede Eichmann, who murdered the 4th train conductor on the second day of operation, refers to the real thing rather than a fake. And in the same context, not only Seo Jung-woo of the First Division, as she said, but also myself would be on board this train.
“Then, please call all first-class passengers except Mr. Elfriede Eichmann to the dining car. I will go to her and share her words. Also, I ask the other crew members to keep their composure so that no passengers are disturbed by this murder and explosion.”
“Are you really okay?”
“The fame and pride that depend on my name have not been made in vain.”
If what is written in blood is true anyway, the train cannot and should not stop. In addition, the first thing that Thomas came to mind when facing the scene of the massacre must have been desperate help.
“Furthermore, the site was destroyed by an explosion. There may be some bloodstains on the aft train, but it’s the freight car. So as soon as you close and lock this door, forget what you saw here. Forget about it and act normally.”
Of course, that won’t be that easy. It was a sight that was hard to see even in a job that always faced death like a seasoned soldier. Even if it flew away with the explosion, the moment imprinted in my mind will not be erased.
“It will be a tough time. Still, you have to do it.”
Because that’s what the railroad crew’s code of professional ethics is.
“…… I will too.”
A dead leg closed the door to room 9 of car 7. It was without forgetting to seal it tightly both physically and magically. Since the room itself had almost disappeared, it was absolutely necessary to isolate it for safety.
“Everyone follow Mr. Grass’s words. The duties of the deceased Deputy Schoen will be taken over by Deputy Fichte. There is no reason for regular passengers to come this way, so you can take turns guarding the corridor of car 7 with another employee and send them all back.”
“Yes, I will.”
“We are also reorganizing our work territories. Deputy Fichte’s duties will be shared with everyone. Deputy Director Scharnhorst and Deputy Director Enke, please focus only on second and third class service.”
“All right.”
“Please leave it to me.”
“Common dining cars are changing their operating hours. Breakfast is from 7 to 8, lunch is from 11 to 12, and dinner is from 5 to 6. At other times, please deal with side dishes and sweets sold in the store, and Chef Orff will be in charge with the first-class dining car.”
“It must be pretty busy. I need to go get ready.”
Contrary to the expectation that it would be quite confusing, the crew were very quick. It was thanks to the manager, who was trusted by everyone, personally taking the lead.
So, the false legs followed those who started to move in unison, and moved their feet to fulfill their role. Passengers who were agitated by the previous explosion and the vibration, and even the crew who calmed them down passed by and reached the third car.
The room of a woman who calls herself Elfrie de Eichmann is room 6 of her 3 cars.
After straightening his suit and straightening his cane, he immediately knocked on the door to Room 6. He felt a presence coming from within and listened to him, but he never opened his mouth first. That’s how he fought a nervous battle that didn’t make sense for about a minute.
Smart.
And rattle.
It was two minutes later when the door opened. A brown-haired woman emerges from her room and pulls on her doorknob, thrusting forward the dagger she was holding in her hand opposite her. She aimed for the scruff of her neck.
Wedge liquid!
It happened so quickly, and that’s why it was a difficult attack to respond to because there was no rush. Even so, she lightly slashed her blade at me, and then grabbed her woman’s wrist and squeezed her hard.
Percussion!
The two people, each with one hand sealed, engaged in a strange battle. Like children’s hand clapping game, they grabbed their wrists and grabbed them again and again, and only after a while did they look at each other’s faces and stop fighting.
“Did the Major send it?”
Long, flowing brown hair, chestnut eyes, and various types of insignia lined up on the angular SS uniform. Elfriede Eichmann of Car No. 3, Room 6, who was suspected of being a fake, spoke first.
“Can I take that to mean that you are a fake?”
“I was the one who asked the question first.”
“That’s why I hit the reverse and asked to enter.”
It was a tense conversation like a tug of war. It was all the more so because neither side had any intention of easily handing over the upper hand. Even so, they couldn’t spend such a waste of time indefinitely, so the two of them came to an agreement.
“Knock on the door means you have business, right?”
“Let’s assume that.”
“According to common sense and reason, tell me first who you are and why you have come to this room.”
“What if?”
“I will also give you the answer you want.”
The sharp and ferocious gazes crossed each other. And in a short amount of time, Huangdari completed a not-so-long contemplation. Whatever it was, I decided that it was pointless to take more time, and I opened my mouth.
“Weren’t you looking for Seo Jeong-woo?”
“…… !”
Surprised, the self-proclaimed Elfriede asked back.
“Then what are you?”
“It is my turn.”
Concession is only one step. She urged her to answer as if to wait for the next turn to come back, reminding her that she had given her faith first.
“If she is not trying to claim to be Elfrie de Eichmann, she should stop revealing her identity.”
“…….”
Then, surprisingly, the brown-haired woman let him into her room. Perhaps when she thought it would be uneasy to have a conversation in a hallway where people might pass by, she invited the opponent who had been engaged in a fierce battle a while ago.
A handsome middle-aged gentleman, an unidentified uninvited guest with a stylish beard.
Depending on the point of view, this misleading remark could have been a bombshell saying that I am Seo Jeong-woo, the First Lady. Therefore, the woman decided to strike back by boldly uttering unknown words unless the person concerned or the person concerned.
“The Shadow Lady sent it.”
“…… !”
He paused, and the slanted leg armed with a friendly expression was visibly shaken.
“I am Lieutenant Teresa Canaris of the SS Extermination Bureau. She’s an agent with the Defense Intelligence Agency of the Department of Defense of the United States of America Atlantic. Would that have been a sufficient answer?”
Soon after she heard the introduction added by the woman, a brief recollection of her flashed through her mind.
― If that’s the case, that’s fine. See you there, where you swore for the first time. Let’s send someone who’s willing to meet us.
The true identity of the fake Elfride Eichmann was none other than Theresa Canaris. She was the concubine and assistant of the Director of Extermination, and was an intriguer who led to the shadow wife, the real power in the United States.
“Are you His Excellency Youngbugun?”
“That too, let’s assume that.”
“Anyway, that’s good. Whether you are Seo Jeong-woo or someone related to him, that is not the important thing right now.”
Tereza took her letter from the table in her room and handed it to her in the envelope. The letter she had released from the seal had words written in blood, just like the one she had seen at the previous scene.
She was bloody
She tried to respond to her mana, hoping that there would be another accidental explosion like before, but this time there was no special reaction. She was written in what appears to be the dead train conductor’s blood, terrifying in tone but plain warning in the contents itself.
“The Major is targeting you.”
“Tereza, to her dear my Kanaris…….”
“…… Find the male prostitute Seo Jeong-woo hidden on the train and announce it. If he doesn’t find him by the time he gets to Parthenope, he’ll kill everyone on board.”
Everything is for you There was also such a postscript attached to the warning. Indeed, it was Gwanghwi who was famous for his friendly madness. There was a part where the creepy obsession sent chills down the spine of the viewer. Even to a third party who was in a completely unrelated position.
“The mission my wife gave me was to meet her. It was to bring First Lady Seo Jeong-woo and his party safely to Partenope. However, once the major smelled it, it became very difficult to carry out that mission.”
“Therefore?”
“You hide. Hold your breath and pretend you don’t know until the train arrives at its destination. Until then, I will somehow find the Major who has infiltrated among the passengers.”
“Will finding it solve the problem?”
Teresa Canaris is an operative, not a combatant. If there is no chance of winning even in a fair one-on-one battle, if the stronger side hides in the crowd like an assassin and aims for a key factor, the result is obvious.
“Kay Schoen is dead.”
“…… ?”
“I was the terminal conductor of this train. He is the person who became the material for the blood note that Mr. Kanaris received. It was pulled straight from his head down to the vertebrae and hung dangly from the lampshade.”
“…… !”
He conveyed the blood letter he had seen right before the explosion in Room 8 of Car 7 without making a mistake.
“Unless Yeongbu Army Seo Jeong-woo reveals his identity and turns himself in, he will kill one random person every day. And in the letter Mr. Canaris received, too, if you don’t find him by the time this train arrives at its destination, I will kill them all.”
Clues are necessary for reasoning, and multiple clues enable many assumptions and guesses.
“What do you think this means?”
Elfriede Eichmann tries to find Seo Jeong-woo even if it means killing everyone on the train. Her motivation is probably Tereza Canaris, who is here. In addition, the blood of the blood letter sent in the letter seems to have been procured after killing Kai Schon, which can significantly narrow the estimated time of his death.
Room 9 of car 7 exploded without leaving even a trace after confirming the devastation and reading the blood written on the window. What is the reason for a person who cared enough about arriving at his destination to the extent of warning him to observe the facial expression speed, that he took the risk that the otherwise fine train might overturn?
‘Iron Cross Gwanghwi isn’t just an idiot pleasure killer who likes to kill people. That wrong woman’s notoriety is because she’s the kind of person who knows how to use murder as a means of terror and oppression.’
Experts are so called because they know the value of what they do. Even if it means torturing and killing people, that fact never changes.
‘The previous murder was overly ostentatious. Destroying a corpse in a confined space where no one might come is impossible with a reasonable mind. It must have been a great purpose to make his presence known clearly from such clues.’
But the question still remains. Why would the target have to be the victim of Kai Schön? It could be a coincidence or it could be inevitable, but for now, solving the mystery was the most urgent thing.
“Eichmann never stops. Even if I could stop, I wouldn’t. Hostages are only valid when they are alive. If he is the head of the Royal Guards Extermination Bureau and the brilliance of the Iron Cross, he is a person who could kill everyone on this train.”
“So you’re saying you’re going to open your eyes like this?”
“No, I’m just going to assume that her First Lady, whom she wants, doesn’t show up. Then one of the members of this train will die every day until the day it arrives at the Partenope.”
“Absolutely! The Major will remain like that!”
“But that also means that, in other words, only one person dies every day until they reach their destination.”
“Wait, what?”
Tereza asked with an expression that seemed to have misunderstood. Oddly enough, she heard it right. Because he was talking about utilitarianism risking his life right now.
“In the morning of the second day of operation, the death of Mr. Kai Schoen, the 4th train conductor, was suddenly confirmed. After putting off various clues, the estimated time of his death is expected to be around 10 to 11 o’clock last night. If so, even if he catches a little generously, he will have at most six dead by the time he gets to Partenope.”
“How! What do you think of human life?”
“I think of it as life. Nothing more, nothing less. That’s why we don’t have time to waste arguing about ethics, pretending to be noble at the crossroads of these choices. Elfriede Eichmann forced us to choose between the two. And her ex is just trying to fight back through the options she gave her.”
“A counterattack?”
“The deadline is until six people die and reach their destination. Until then, I’ll be looking for Kwang-hwi and Youngbu-kun hiding on this train. Whether we find it, negotiate it or fight it out, we will save everyone on board by any means necessary.”
Extreme decisions always lead to extreme backlash. Even Thereza, who worked in the most vicious department of the SS, could not agree with the idea of giving up six lives. The reason why she risked her life with her imaginary enemy country, who was on her way to success as an assistant to her director, was because of her rebellion against her thought of disrespecting human life.
“I am against it! You protect people, but you can’t take other people’s lives as collateral!”
“Are there other alternatives?”
“Let’s put our heads together and think about it. If you do, you will surely find it.”
“I’m not saying there isn’t.”
Either way, the method was the same. There was only a difference between whether or not a person was thinking about dying.
“That is not justice or anything. Do you think that saving everyone will stand up to those who died without knowing why?”
“I’ve never heard the word justice…….”
“I heard that Jeong-woo Seo was the backbone of vested interests and gave up a comfortable life on the cutting edge and devoted himself to the revolution. Were all the expressions used to refer to your people a misrepresentation and misrepresentation of the public?”
The stray legs were playing with my beard without fail. He looked like he was contemplating something for a while, then shook his head and smiled. And again, with that devilish smile, he spat it straight out.
“Sepyeong is not responsible for anything. Morality and ethics are just another name for cause. It’s just a pretext for a greater benefit. Even if everyone in the world criticizes my choice now, I will not hesitate if it is the best that has been given to me.”
“Is there really no other way?”
“If there is, Mr. Kanaris must have stopped me a long time ago.”
“I still can’t agree with that idea!”
“I never asked for consent. This is something that has already been discussed with the person in charge. No matter how much you are an assistant or aide-de-camp to the Elimination Bureau of the SS, this place is inside a running train. In a running train, you probably don’t know that the driver’s words are the law.”
Thereza kept her mouth shut. It was as the slug said. Every means of transportation is a kind of extraterritorial right from the moment it leaves its starting point. Therefore, the authority of those in charge, such as captain, captain, and engineer, is absolute until the moment they reach their destination.
“By now, all first-class passengers must have gathered in the dining car of Car No. 1. It’s probably the most likely one of them. I can’t ignore the possibility that I was disguised as a flight attendant or second or third class passenger, but…….”
“I am a person who can see reality. So I’m going to help you find the Major. The authority of the uniform I’m wearing is enough, but it might be helpful. But don’t be mistaken. That I would never agree to this kind of means and methods.”
“I will write it down. If so, would you like to move without delay?”
Tereza nodded after tidying up her outfit in the mirror hanging in one corner of the room. Like a gentleman waiting on a lady, he went ahead and opened the door.
“By the way, I haven’t heard the teacher’s name yet.”
“What’s the point of a name while we’re talking to each other?”
“Even if it’s not your real name, it’s natural to have a title to call you.”
It made sense. The two of them closed the door of room 6 in car 3 and headed for car 1. Even so, they spent a long time silently and humbly, and only after holding on to the doorknob that led from the end of the hallway in car 2 to the dining room, did they exchange a word.
“You will find out soon.”
“We’ll see.”
After a while, I looked around the room with Tereza, who entered the dining room. Coincidentally, long after the meal time, car number 1 was full. It was thanks to the existence of those who were not there until morning.
Theobald, the engineer, Tereza, the guide, and Thomas, the manager, who never had a seat.
“Manager? Why did you gather us here?”
“I came here reluctantly, even mentioning the Railroad Act, and forcibly pushing it…….”
“Please explain why you can understand it right away.”
As expected, the backlash from passengers was fierce. It was also because they were wealthy enough to reserve a first-class seat on an expensive train. For such miscarriages, it would have been an unfamiliar and unpleasant experience to have to move by their own will.
But it didn’t matter. I didn’t even know
After taking a quick look around the crowd with Tereza by her side, the stilted leg thumped the floor with her cane. Calling everyone’s attention, he opened his mouth in a serious voice.
“Bernhard Reichsbahn BR-001 Schnellfahrt.”
“…… ?”
“Express train from Brulin to Partenope.”
As soon as I said the specifications out of the blue, unknown questions popped up here and there. Meanwhile, Étienne, who had been chatting happily with him until just now, was astonished by her serious voice, doubting whether the person had changed.
“A person died in Room 9 of Car 7 at 10:17 am on the second day of operation.”
“What?”
“People die, what is that!”
Passengers in the dining car groaned. Among them, someone with an impatient personality raised their voice or stood up from their seats. They were the musician Étienne and the businessman Bastien.
Thud!
Once again, the footsteps that rang the floor with a cane, and in one fell swoop, the turmoil was settled. It was a charisma that was not found before. Even though they were all people who did one thing, I could get a glimpse of their skill in this kind of work in the way they didn’t feel any particular difficulties.
“The victim was Kai Schoen, the 4th train conductor.
“…… !”
“Funny enough, the culprit sent a notice. Kindly even teach me your name. Knowing that the Führer’s male prostitute was hiding among us, he said he would kill one of the people on this train every day until he revealed his identity and showed up.”
“Nonsense! Who is that?”
“Bernhard’s Iron Cross’s last stone brilliance, SS Extermination Bureau Director Elfriede Eichmann.”
Etienne sighed and opened his mouth. Even Bastian couldn’t contain his embarrassment. And soon, the two of them looked at the woman standing by the side of the false bridge like the others. She recalled that her name must have been Elfri de Eichmann in her SS uniform.
“Ah, I know some of you have heard of it before, but the one here is fake.”
“Wait! So, what does that have to do with the murder and why we were summoned?”
“Because the murderer is hiding among us.”
Bomb-like remarks exploded one after another. It was truly a concentrated fire. Due to force majeure, some of the passengers could not hide their agitation, and Yonezawa, an oni from the east, a rare species in the vicinity of Geari, questioned them as their representative.
“How am I supposed to believe you when no one knows you?”
“Certainly so. Then, let’s introduce ourselves.”
“Even if you reveal your name, the unbelievable will be the same.”
“That’s what the name would be.”
Thud! Having reached the floor for the third time already, I cleared my throat. This method of calling attention inevitably wears off the more you use it, but that was the end anyway.
“You are truly confident.”
“It has to be.”
“Because who the hell are you?”
“Psychologist, sociologist, humanist. Also a well-known author and Chair Professor of Forensic Science at the National University of Brullin.”
From now on, the reputation of my name built over a lifetime would help keep them under control.
“But there is definitely one title that makes me proud more than any other position.”
“…… ?”
“My name is Helmut Grass.”
With his loud voice, a moment of silence came in the dining room. And as the moment of time passed, a thunderous exclamation burst out as if it had been promised.
“What?”
“Heh, if it’s Helmut…… !”
Someone shouted in disbelief. Someone else spat out swear words to represent my embarrassing feeling. And Helmut, who did not lose his composure even in the midst of this, finally finished his words by revealing his identity.
“Yes, Bernhardt’s number one detective.”
The world’s best detective will solve this case.
* * *
Nouns also have degrees. Due to the habits of those who like to classify superiority and inferiority, everyone is constantly classified even at this moment. And in such a process, the concepts of classes such as Musan, Jungsan, and Yusan were born. Among them, the high and low are divided again to create sacred bones such as King Wangjung and Cheonoecheon.
― This is the engineer, Theobald Michaelis. As the train’s chief officer, he formally entrusts Mr. Helmut Grass with the investigation into the courtesy murder.
― This is Thomas Lam, the manager. A one-on-one face-to-face consultation with Mr. Grass is scheduled to take place shortly afterward for a smooth arrest. Since this is an issue, we ask for your active cooperation even if you experience some inconvenience.
Helmut Grass was the noun corresponding to that sacred bone. Not only did he earn six doctoral degrees at an unbelievable age, he was a best-selling author in three countries, Bernhard, Gaul, and Atlantic, and was a famous detective in the Western world.
― Then, please start with Madame Henrietta de la Roche-Jacqueline.
Is that why? From the moment he revealed his identity, there was no further resistance. Because he was the one who solved the US case that even the SS couldn’t do anything about. Helmut Grass was a man with a reputation that pierced the sky to the point of being regarded as a person from another world.
On top of that, with the full support of Theobald and Thomas, the justification and authority had been reinforced, so all that was left was to focus entirely on the investigation.
“Mr. Grass? Madame Roche-Jacqueline is here.”
“Come in.”
The order of interrogation under the guise of counseling followed the number of first-class sleepers. Tereza, who offered to take care of her chores, greeted Henrietta who had crossed over from the dining room and opened the door for her.
“Madam? I will take you inside.”
A hand fan that clings to her hand. A feather hat that feels bigger and more glamorous because it’s inside the narrow train. Elegance imbued with grace that can be felt just by gestures and steps. So, a corset dress that is sensual yet does not lose its dignity.
Henrietta de la Roche Jacqueline.
A noble lady from a great noble family in Gaul stepped into room 4 of car 3. After closing the door behind her, Tereza pulled out the chair prepared earlier and held her back.
‘Helmut Grass, I don’t care if that’s your real name or not. After all, you are the subject of this interrogation. But don’t forget The deadline is until this train arrives at its destination. If you can’t identify Elfriede Eichmann and Seo Jeong-woo by then, you’re done.’
‘…… You must be thinking, this woman.’
A total of 11 first-class passengers aboard this trip. Nine people minus two. However, they were not the only ones to be interrogated. To Helmut, everyone, including the crew, was a suspect, and to Tereza, Helmut was also a person of interest.
‘But I also don’t care what you think. The important thing is that I’m trying to catch the culprit at the cost of up to six victims. Not because I admire stupid ideas like utilitarianism, but because there really is no other answer.’
On the table was the passenger list Thomas had provided. Since it was a VIP who reserved first class, the personal information written on the document was very detailed and perfect so that there was nothing to be neglected in the hospitality. To the point where I thought it would be better to read this document thoroughly if I wanted to ask a simple question about my personal life.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Helmut Grass.”
“Madame Henrietta de la Roche-Jacqueline.”
“I recently read The Last Call, which I wrote very impressively. To think that the isolated building and the deaths of unknown people were actually a struggle between the Gallic Resistance and Bernhardt’s Guards.”
Spreading her fan and covering the corners of her mouth, she showed her aristocratic features. She showed extravagant interest in meeting the celebrity in front of her eyes rather than the fact that a person had died. Even though she was a woman of great aristocratic background, she could not easily meet a famous person like Helmut.
“I heard that Mr. Grass always writes stories based on true stories, but I wonder if that was the case with Last Call, too.”
“They say reality is more law than fiction. She was asked by an acquaintance to dig into a massacre in a closed mansion. It happened in Ithaca, Greece. But after putting all the clues together, a completely unexpected country emerged.”
“That was the Resistance from Gaul and the SS overseas stationed by Bernhard?”
“I can’t go into details, but it was kind of a revenge play. A resistance with a grudge against the Japanese Government-General entrapped everyone in a trap they created.”
Henrietta lowered her head slightly. She seemed to be hiding her expression somehow.
‘It must have been acting to pretend to be interesting.’
From that attitude, Helmut, who built a certain hypothesis, recalled the memories of that time. The true story of the book called The Last Call was, as the saying goes, someone’s meticulously planned revenge play. I don’t know why I was more interested in the story in the novel after reading about the murder on the train, but it was certain that I had a reason to pay attention to the lady.
“Did you get an answer?”
“Yes, enough.”
“Then let’s stop chatting and get to the point.”
Henrietta nodded calmly. She meant to ask freely. Helmut stood behind her and glanced at Tereza for a moment before raising her question.
“Your name?”
“It’s Henrietta de la Roche Jacqueline.”
“What are you doing?”
“Let’s just call it a professional celebrity.”
The reason I asked for a name and occupation that I knew clearly was to get a sample. It was to distinguish between true and false hostages by synthesizing the movement of pupils, heartbeat, and breathing cycle with the five senses sharpened to the fullest through mana.
“Why did you get on the train?”
“To reach the destination.”
“What are you doing at Partenope?”
“I have someone to meet.”
“Shadow Madame?”
“…… !”
Henrietta and Teresa’s eyes shook at the same time. That apparent agitated response told me that in some way she had some connection to her shadow wife.
‘I see, it’s an amazing insight.’
Tereza, who had lost sight of Helmut, murmured to herself. Certainly, this great detective was very keen. He was a man who knew how to punch the so-called role. After turning the interrogation into counseling, calming my guard with trivial chatter, and following my breath, I asked sharp questions.
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
Henrietta replied in a low voice. For someone who really didn’t know anything, the reaction right before was really dramatic. However, it was unreasonable to expect further harvest from her, who had already started preparing for her next questioning.
“Is that so.”
Helmut stroked his beard. She wanted to remain silent for a while, but when it was not strange to show a sign of discomfort in such silence, she finally spoke again.
“If you do, Madame Roche-Jacqueline.”
“What is it?”
“I’m asking just in case, but aren’t you one of the listeners too?”
It was reverse. She narrowed her eyebrows, unlike a noble lady with an elegant yet voluptuous charm. Eventually, he got up from the table and spat out as if scolding each and every item. The emotional response made so many assumptions and speculations possible.
“Mr. Helmut Grass.”
“…….”
“I warn you, don’t try to test me. Don’t even try to meddle in what we do. Thank you for the foregoing, but you are clearly crossing the line. Originally, it would be rude to start a skill event right away.”
It was a sharp threat. But Helmut didn’t blink an eye. It’s just that Tereza couldn’t keep up with her context, and she wasn’t the type to be embarrassed by such blackmail. For a detective who has gone through all sorts of battles and a double agent belonging to the SS, it was a threat that was no different from child’s play.
Henrietta, of course, knew that my warning could be taken lightly. Still, the reason she kept it in her mouth was because it was the right procedure. Those who are called truly strong know the fear of the power they wield.
“There was no malice, but…….”
“Your kind of detectives are always like that. I want you to know that I am trying to get over it at this point because I know that.”
“I will listen.”
“Can I get up if I don’t have any business?”
Helmut nodded. Henrietta turned her back and left her seat without the slightest hesitation. Tereza, who was watching the scene, did not know what had angered her lady so much, but she asked questions in order to be faithful to her role.
“Mr. Grass, shall we call the next passenger?”
“Come to think of it.”
“…… ?”
“The lady from a great noble family didn’t wear a single accessory today for some reason.”
That in and of itself wasn’t a great clue. All I can infer from that is the assumption that there might have been something that bothered me so much that I couldn’t concentrate on dressing up.
‘This is a novel.’
However, the true value of a detective stands out when he pays attention to such trivial things.
‘It’s not a true story yet.’
Macroscopic reasoning based on assumptions and conjectures, that is, insufficient clues.
‘Why did Henrietta de la Roche-Jacqueline board the train?’
To reach your destination.
‘Why go to Partenope?’
I have someone to meet.
‘The two questions have the same meaning, but the answers are different.’
In other words, it suggests that the reason for boarding the train is not just to head to Partenope.
‘Of course, this is a novel. However, according to my opinion, Gaul’s lady is a variable, not a constant.’
The Schnellpart, the express train from Brullin to Partenope, is definitely a great way to get around. But what kind of country is Campania? It is the birthplace of a blossoming ancient civilization and a central country that served as the leader of the Western world in generations before Bernhard.
Although it has fallen now, it cannot be said that it has completely lost its past glory.
Above all, there is a tombstone there. Many people still visit and worship the boulder that consoles the souls of the victims who announced the prophecy. As such, there are not only land and sea routes, but also easy and convenient means of transportation such as airships.
‘According to Thomas’ papers, Roche-Jacquelin visits Brullin on the Schnellfart every year at this time. This year, for some reason, it was written that they were leaving earlier than usual.’
Those who have enough to carry out their own will seldom want the rules of everyday life to be broken. Routines are called routines because they are superstitions.
‘Looking at the post-war context, there is a special reason for Henrietta de la Roche-Jacqueline heading to Partenope.’
Such is the reasoning of Helmut Grass. According to his theory, the world is a complex system, and coincidence was another name for necessity. Not all the clues had anything to do with the murder on this train, but there was a need to point them out.
“It seems that the passengers on this train have some kind of connection.”
“Which link?”
“Life and Death.”
The pieces of the puzzle are just starting to fit.
