Chapter 108 – 10. Express Train to Partenope (8)
Heil Adler! Aribert Grawitz, director of the Institute for Annenherbe Lebensborn and Bernhard 1st Forbidden Training Center, condescends to the great Führer Her Excellency Beatrix Adler. The results of the 13th large-scale bloodstone transplant experiment you ordered earlier were successful, and the subject Elfriede Eichmann was reborn as a new human with a total of six bloodstones in his body.
Considering that her body measurements are only 16 years old, this is a remarkable achievement. Although it was impossible to achieve with our research team’s ability alone, the theory that His Excellency reinforced was effective, and we were able to build a complete body on two occasions.
Below is a detailed report. Please also check the accompanying diagrams, blueprints, and subject data.
Conventional bloodstone transplants were incomplete halves. Regardless of race, the stone implanted into the body soon radiated magical energy similar to radiation, driving the implantor to death. You will remember that 139 main subjects from the 7th and 8th were also disposed of for the same reason.
However, the new theories and new technologies presented by His Excellency have perfectly compensated for the above-mentioned shortcomings. It was particularly groundbreaking that the surplus of magical energy in the bloodstone could be periodically consumed to suppress the release, and the power could be used to maximize regeneration and healing abilities.
Now, the subject, Elfrie de Eichmann, maintains her near-immortal regenerative abilities until her body’s bloodstone capacity is exhausted. In addition, extreme experiences of the mind and body, shock caused by them, and immoral acts will be effective means to fill the power of bloodstone besides cannibalism and bloodsucking.
It has yet to be used in practice, but as a result of creating an emergency situation in the clinical stage, it was observed that mana in the body increased exponentially by killing other subjects, cannibalism, and vampirism. Unfortunately, however, as the slaughter continues, the activation of magical power due to mental shock has resistance, so it is considered to be an area to be improved.
In addition, it is a report on the location of each bloodstone.
The bloodstone of the subject Elfriede Eichmann adopts the so-called orbiting method and cycles through the body periodically. This can be changed by controlling the cardiovascular system and respiratory system, and it is believed that it is also possible to consciously control it if the training of the person concerned is accompanied.
Of course, there are also bloodstones that require you to hold a fixed position to keep your idle center or permanently activate your regenerative abilities. We named the blood stones as heart stones and cerebral stones, respectively, and as the names suggest, we transplanted them into the heart and frontal lobes of the brain, respectively.
Through this, the subject showed the splendid feat of completely recovering even with about 87% of the body damaged in the physical attack test. In the case of magic, the threshold tends to decrease by about 11% compared to physical damage, but it is insignificant.
In short, the subject prototype for the 13th large-scale bloodstone transplant trial is complete.
In terms of strength, stamina, and endurance, statistically, 157% of the previous goal was achieved, and this corresponds to the top 0.01% even in the Bernhard Defense Force physical fitness test, which is known for being strict. Not only that, but magic is at a level comparable to that of a normal 6th class wizard, and given the same grace as your Excellency’s teachings, it will achieve certain achievements like Jurgen, the 11th subject last time.
* * *
It was late at night, around midnight.
After a tumultuous day, Helmut sat down in front of the table in room 4 of car 3, to which I had been assigned. In one hand, he held the bottled beer he had taken out of the refrigerator earlier, and blew on, recalling the items he had found with Tereza Canaris a few hours ago in room 2 of car 3.
‘Annenerbe Lebensborn.’
The letter with the seal wax torn came from a group of monsters who claimed to be the ghosts of Partenope. The fake passports had different names and appearances, but the most important one was Seo Jeong-woo’s, as it was the real one.
Above all, the report.
Forbidden training camps, which are said to be everywhere throughout the mainland and colonies, are top-secret, with no doubt of their existence. Moreover, Aribert Gravitz, who was used as the author, was a dear student directly educated by Maximilian Hesse in the past.
‘Yes, that must have been a report that showed how the brilliance of the Iron Cross was born.’
Six bloodstones. Two heart stones and a cerebral stone. Near-immortality regeneration ability.
‘Thanks to you, I found out. That even those formidable special musters are not absolutely invincible.’
Beatrix Adler, who appeared after overturning the inferiority of the civil war, was truly unrivaled. As if a heavenly god had descended, in a short period of time, all the main powers of the kingdom were defeated and destroyed.
Those who have seen her inaction know her transcendent majesty. That’s why the Thirteen Apostles of the Iron Cross also feared that it was reversed.
― There is a high probability that Elfriede’s next target will be me.
– Why is that?
― Pleasure killers are ostentatious. They don’t want their rants to appear servile or mean. As a predator, in order to stand out, the so-called face is important.
But strangely enough, there was a natural side to the world as much as it was unreasonable.
― Until the day we arrive at Partenope, the murders will continue. And most of the victims will end up being flight attendants. But if I were to recite my reasoning today in front of everyone, she would label me dangerous and try to get rid of me.
First-generation detective Helmut Grass was a fierce realist. He has always dismissed as nonsense any claim that the world is fair or equal. Even now, that thought has not changed, so I was willing to give the lives of those on the train if there was no other alternative at this moment.
– Nonsense! It’s not that it’s likely to be the next target, it’s that it’s meant to be bait!
―Because I don’t have a ruthless personality enough to risk the lives of others I don’t even know.
― It’s too dangerous!
― There are already people waiting for an explanation in the dining room. What they need is a detective like me who is trembling in fear without knowing why.
But that doesn’t mean he’s a cowardly hypocrite.
– Ha, but!
― I will not accept objections without alternatives.
Nor is he a lowly utilitarian.
― Passengers and crew members of the Schnellpart, the express train bound for Partenope.
Just like I said, I’m just a realist.
―I will tell you the results of today’s investigation.
After the interrogation and interrogation under the guise of an interview, Helmut searched all rooms except for the couple of diplomats and went straight to the dining room. He shared everything he found out with those who had a lot of complaints because he was detained for half a day, and took measures to prevent further murders.
―Since the scene and the victim’s body have been lost, we have not been able to find anyone who is particularly suspicious among those present.
Truth.
― Of course, this is due to the lack of clues and control groups. I still have no doubt that this daring criminal is among us. That’s why the investigation is still ongoing, and I promise to catch the real culprit even at the risk of my honor.
Authority.
― Also, with the help of Mr. Canaris here, I found out that the passenger who did not show up after making a reservation for room 2 in car 3 was Seo Jeong-woo from Yeongbu County. He is currently being pursued by Elfriede Eichmann, the director of the Extinction Bureau, due to some kind of incident, and the whole story of the murder that happened this time also happened while trying to find him hidden in the train.
Firearms.
―So I assert here that the criminal’s next target is more likely to be a flight attendant than a passenger. This is because the real culprit Elfriede Eichmann’s purpose is to capture First Lady Seo Jeong-woo alive, not to kill him.
Eloquence.
― I will also make a suggestion in the same context.
Using all of that.
― As of the current time, the aisle between cars 3 and 4 is closed, and passengers in first class are asked to take turns monitoring the aisle in pairs.
No one objected. Even on an unprecedented murder train, there was no way that there would be a passenger who was an honored guest and was stupid enough to flinch.
So, the first guards were the lady and the diplomat.
Henrietta de la Roche Jacqueline and Yegor Mikhailovich Bukharin.
The schedule was quickly set up with the example of the two people with the highest status. Shifts were made every couple of hours, and Helmut and Tereza, who had to continue the investigation, were given the last number for convenience.
Widely.
After taking a breath, Helmut put the bottle down and went to bed. He opened the small chest of drawers next to his bedside, took out a hidden walkie-talkie, skillfully checked the frequency, and started communicating with unknown people.
“Is there anything wrong?”
Prevention against eavesdropping was perfect. Either physically or magically. It was contrived that he drank alcohol after losing his wife in the first place.
“Yeah, how about the inside?”
“It is under repair. Coincidentally, it seems that the radiance has followed closely behind.”
“According to reports from members dispatched to various places, the current movement of the SS is unusual. They say that Heinrich, who will be busy filling in for the Führer’s vacancy, has not appeared at official events for the second day.”
“The border area of the Three Kingdoms?”
“It is completely unobservable. Judging from the complete separation of space and time in the area, a three-way battle between Beatrix Adler, Kyiv Kalinin, and Bella Baker is certain.”
“It puts an end to this precarious peace.”
“You must be tired, but get some sleep. We will contact you if someone intrudes or if we detect any other trend.”
“Done. Low altitude is dangerous. Chasing a train that runs at this speed without stopping is not an easy task.”
“Are you okay?”
“You won’t die if you don’t sleep for a few days.”
“All right. Then…….」
The brief and bold communication ended. Helmut, who inadvertently retrieved the disturbing magic scattered around, stroked my beard. If someone were monitoring me remotely, all he could see and hear was me falling asleep after drinking.
But sleeping is a trick to the eye.
He did not fall asleep even with his eyes closed and reviewed the incident during the day, and he once again identified the suspect. He would be lying if he said he didn’t feel tired, but all the training he received while serving on active duty was to prepare for these extreme situations.
‘Five if you catch a lot, three if you catch a few.’
However, if you simply list the first class passengers, nine.
‘Henrietta de la Roche Jacqueline, a Gallic social magnate whose name I have heard many times. But I never thought you’d be a so-called listener. I don’t think she’s the kind of person who would jump into this kind of strife, judging from her position or status.’
First suspect, dame.
‘Perhaps the trigger was the revenge play the man had in Ithaca, Hellas. If that’s what moved you, that explains everything. Then, paradoxically, the probability of being Elfriede Eichmann is low, even if it is the most powerful and has the best disguise conditions.’
The second suspect, a businessman.
‘Bastien Richard, you were the most suspicious and easy-to-understand author. If all of that was advanced acting, I would have no choice but to raise both hands and feet. But our chieftain is too honest. As long as your unspoilt innocence proves your ideals and passion, you are like a noble lady in every way.’
The third suspect, the artist.
‘Etienne Duris, to be honest, I was a bit stumped. I won’t deny it. But thanks to the previous two, I’ve managed to infer your true identity. Of course, so far it’s just heartbreak and circumstantial evidence. So I will not give up my suspicions that you could be Elfriede Eichmann.’
The fourth suspect, the tutor.
‘Ines Dupin, you’re quite singular. It was very interesting to see the skill of confronting with subtle truth rather than meaningless lies. For now, you’re the prime candidate for the culprit. Of course, this cannot be determined as much as it is based on the elimination method. I’ll still watch.’
The fifth suspect, a diplomat.
‘Yegor Bukharin, a vampire from the Commonwealth. He had something that came to mind only when he heard the nickname Mikhailovich. Your existence, which appeared like a comet, was an unexpected variable. However…….’
The sixth suspect, the diplomat’s wife.
‘Oksana Kirilova, her eyes were opened thanks to you, who claimed to be her benevolent mother and her good wife. It’s ridiculous for a woman with that much power in herself to remain in the old-fashioned image of a woman, as they say. So, she decided to believe it once in a while. It’s your innocence.’
Seventh Suspect, Pilgrim.
‘Yes, Vitaly Soldatova. I felt so many ups and downs of life in you. I also felt innocence. We have surprisingly many similarities. I thought it was just an old man who couldn’t understand why, but it was a mistake. Admit it. All the evaluations towards you were misjudgments.’
The eighth suspect, the stranger.
‘Yonezawa Hasato, what you said about coming from the east probably isn’t a lie. However, there are a few things that catch my eye to pass on pretending to be an ignorant special envoy. I don’t know at this point why he made up such a statement even though he’s not the culprit. You’re a person of interest in a different way.’
The ninth suspect, the stenographer.
‘Gennady Yagoda, it’s true that it was an honor to meet you. I never thought I would be able to meet Yongin again in my whole life. Those who survived the downfall have their own reasons. In that context, the claws you hid are indeed an outrage.’
All possibilities are open. Anyone can be the culprit. Of course, there will be differences depending on the severity of the charges. However, the prime suspect is, ironically, not the culprit.
‘Doubt is a dark place.’
At least not yet.
‘It’s a demon that shouldn’t be buried.’
Neither induction nor deduction are mere delusions if they are reasoning without evidence.
‘When you start to suspect someone as the culprit, your family becomes a certain one.’
Therefore, thinking must be flexible, and conviction must be prudent.
‘Most mistakes come from such moments…….’
So Helmut Grass decided to concede.
‘I’ll wait and see first.’
Even the bitter taste is swallowed willingly, that the time is not yet.
* * *
Day 3 of operation, 6:00 am sharp.
The time to change has come. Bastien Richard and Étienne Duris, who had been standing guard until just before the moment, looked at the two who appeared just on time.
“Is there anything wrong?”
“None.”
Helmut Grass, a bearded gentleman in a black suit and red tie, held out his staff. After giving a brief nod to Bastien, who was still brusque because of his history, he took his seat at the end of the aisle.
“Both of you have worked hard.”
“Not much to say, madam.”
Theresa Canaris, well-dressed in her bodyguard uniform, apparently her douche, greeted Étienne warmly and sat down next to Helmut. This is because the simple seat for the crew at the rear of Car No. 2 was the perfect place to monitor the aisle.
“Did you get some sleep?”
“Oh no, don’t talk. Last night, I thought I would die because I was worried about what to do if the major hurt Mr. Grass.”
Tereza, who brushed her chest with her deliberately exaggerated gestures, made her laugh. However, unlike yesterday, having succeeded in narrowing the line of suspicion to some extent, even Elfriede Eichmann would not be able to move easily.
“You wouldn’t have to worry too much about it.”
“Aren’t you afraid of the Major, Mr. Grass?”
“Anyway, my name string is a bit tough.”
Last night’s vigilance was a very good idea. The only places where first-class passengers stayed were car 1, which was a dining car, and car 2 and 3, which were sleepers.
“Put, are you saying he isn’t a great man who will die so easily?”
Thanks to that, the two men who stood guard from early morning were able to have a conversation with a relatively light mindset. The fact that there is no news means that no murder happened fortunately, which means that, as Helmut reasoned, there is a brilliance hiding among the first class passengers.
“Cool. Well, the life of a detective is a story from a different world that is far from a boring person like me.”
“Not necessarily.”
“I think a life that is not bound by anything is admirable enough.”
Helmut laughed. It was exactly as Tereza said. Because such a free life is something that should be pursued beyond longing. However, unlike her illusion, she was a person who lived a life that was more tied to something than anyone else.
It could be called destiny or task.
“No one lives life the way they want it to. I didn’t even know in my dreams that I would live a life like this just a few years ago.”
“The future doesn’t come to us. It’s just that we are moving into the future.”
“Mister Kanaris, how did you end up moving into the future like this?”
“I didn’t know when I was immature. I thought I could just eat well and live well on my own. What would a girl who has no family or a place to depend on worry about besides an iron rice bowl? I thought joining the SS was a wise choice.”
Even in the early days of the Adler regime, the SS was not accepted as a place of great weight. Even back then, people were still unfamiliar with the concept of an armed group separate from the National Defense Forces.
That’s why Teresa Canaris, who joined the SS at an early age, could be proud of her decision later.
“It was like that when I first met Major Eichmann. One day, a paratrooper who suddenly came to my post suddenly came looking for me. And pointing to himself, he said, he is the new director, and he is worried that he will be territorial because he is such an unconventional person. He politely asked me to give him some guidance if it was okay.”
Sentimental eyes, Tereza continued her words in a rather wet voice.
“He was a wonderful person. Even though he was younger than me, he seemed like an adult who had gone through all the ups and downs of the world. As I said, even the territorial subordinates subdued in just a few days. I don’t think I really needed it, but when I asked him why he did that, he confessed.”
“What?”
“He said he was also a war orphan. Looking at my bio, they said they felt a sense of kinship. I don’t know if you know, but he has to write an award book with himself in order to become a member of the SS. When I read it, it didn’t seem like anyone else’s work.”
“So, is she made her lieutenant?”
“When I went to work the next day, my position suddenly changed like that. It was an instant to get closer after that. Even though he’s young, he’s an attractive person, so I fell for him too. I thought it would be nice if we could be close to each other for the rest of our lives, so we started dating.”
“Mmm.”
“Then I encountered something unexpected. The real work of the Extinct Nation, which was ignored under the pretext of office work. How did a newcomer with no experience end up in the important position of director with the rank of major?”
It was a painful day.
“I just couldn’t stand it. I was obsessed with the need to do something and went crazy for a while. And I was able to hold the hand of the shadow wife who had been contacting me just in time.”
“Did you love the brilliance?”
“I do not know…….”
Tereza paused for a moment.
“I don’t remember ever having a conversation that was serious enough to bring that word to it. But we had something in common.”
There is no if in human affairs. The brilliance of the stone at the end of the Iron Cross is a murderer. Her war crime, which she has committed, is massacre.
A mortal sin that cannot be forgiven!
Elfriede considers the sin karma weighed down like a yoke like a medal. And Tereza was confused by seeing her distorted like that all the time.
“If the Major hadn’t been a person who committed these evil deeds, I’d rather be a bit messy. I might have been able to introduce her because she is a person I love with confidence.”
“Is that so.”
“How did Mr. Grass end up moving into the future like this?”
Helmut suddenly looked into the distance. With both hands resting on the cane on the floor, he cautiously opened his mouth at an old thought that came to mind. For the detective man here, the past was synonymous with pain.
“It was a floating cloud life.”
“…… ?”
“At some point, I realized that my destiny was like that. He lost his wife because he thought that he had to do his best until the end even though there was only responsibility left. I had to watch helplessly as the person I deserved to protect died horribly.”
He was a servant In other words, he was a wandering soldier without a foothold.
“He went on like that without any will to live any longer.”
To put it bluntly, he had no ties to an unfamiliar profession like a detective.
“By the way, I was driven by a storm and was driving around here and there. Isn’t there an overflow of innocents who can’t stand it without reaching out this helping hand?”
“You mean you chose the path of a detective to help the weak?”
“Just as the strong are not unconditionally evil, the weak are not always good. What I was trying to help was just those who were unfair, and I was just trying to let them know that I had fun with my lousy writing skills. There is a man somewhere in the world who will be your strength.”
Tereza nodded his head as if he knew. There was a stern spirit in his quiet and calm speech. One criminal had a spirit that could never be fathomed. Perhaps it has something to do with the birth of Bernhard’s best detective.
“Unhappiness is a stepping stone to happiness. So, I guess they are all different.”
“That is a good word. All the more so in that it promises a later date.”
“Later…….”
“Mr. Kanaris, have you ever thought about your next move?”
“Hey, it’s the same. I’ll keep an eye out for a while and if I don’t think I’ve been caught, I’ll go back to headquarters. Or you can seek asylum in the United States with the help of your wife.”
Helmut showed a slightly puzzled look. It was her fault that she seemed still intent on returning to her bodyguard after leaving her post and impersonating a high-ranking official.
“Isn’t there already no other way than exile?”
“Not necessarily. Of course, impersonating the major is a big sin. Still, my identity is on a business trip abroad. In the name of investigating anti-government forces that have recently emerged.”
“As for the anti-government forces…….”
“The secret society black orchestra, the red society, the blue society, and the oath of liberty. A group that is not even well known. I also found out about its existence thanks to my wife. I pretended to have a clue and got permission from the superiors.”
“It’s a place I’ve heard of at least once.”
Tereza had an inexplicable smile. It meant that it had no choice but to do so. In fact, the Black Orchestra was the most prosperous of the societies she mentioned. Since they were born in the cabinet of Bernhardt’s ruling party, their power was beyond imagination.
To the point where I could seriously aim for that Beatrix Adler’s head.
“If they unite under the banner of unity, the revolution really wouldn’t be a dream.”
“Like water and oil, there is a price to pay if you try to mix the incompatible.”
“Maybe. But I can’t help but feel sad sometimes. If you add the forces led by your wife to those united like that, I think we can bring down that cruel Führer.”
“Hmm…….”
Helmut fiddled with his beard for no reason. From the series of conversations, it seemed that there was some sentiment that came to mind, and I was immersed in deep thought. And Tereza, accepting his sudden change of attitude as unfamiliarity, quietly looked at his eyes and asked,
Bang!
No, he wasn’t exactly asking.
“…… !”
“What, what?”
The two people who were on the alert at the sudden roar quickly stood up. Unlike Tereza, who seemed perplexed, Helmut, who was relatively calm, identified the source of the vibration he felt from the tip of his staff and shouted.
“This is Car No. 7!”
Around that time, people who had just woken up after realizing the commotion all over the room began to open the door and reveal themselves. First class seats were relatively spacious, but it was obvious that the second and third class seats would soon be so crowded that it would be difficult for even one person to enter or leave.
“Mister Kanaris, get the key from the engine room!”
“Then it’s late!”
The two quickly turned their heads and immediately went into action. Helmut ran to the rear of Car No. 3 and gave way to Tereza, who was chasing him to outrun him. I don’t know what he intends to do, but it’s because he’s in a hurry, and he doesn’t have time for brawling.
“Stay back!”
“…… ?”
“Haa!”
Kwajik! The steel gate was distorted by the impact with the shoulder in front. It was so great that it made my eyes go wide.
“Go first! Just in case, I’ll call the engineer and the other passengers!”
After clearing the wreckage aside, Thereza turned to lead. Helmut shook his head and went straight to the other side as if he didn’t even have time to answer.
The cluttered car number 4, the scattered car number 5, the complicated car number 6, and the ominous car number 7.
Car No. 7, worse than the previous visit, was literally on the verge of being scrapped. For some reason, the hallway was all black with traces of fire, and room 8 opposite room 9 and room 7 located diagonally from it were completely burnt down with even the doors blown off.
Above all, the seat on the side of the gate leading to Car No. 8!
The sight unfolding there, where the frightened flight attendants gathered, was the realization of malice, so manager Thomas Lam, who belatedly found me, moved away and opened his mouth.
“Are you here, Mr. Grass?”
“How did this happen?”
“As you see…….”
Two small bodies were found, burnt to the point where only the shape was barely recognizable.
“I am Elfriede Eichmann.”
Along with a warning scrawled on one side of the wall with the ribs of the corpse!
* * *
Everyone gathered in Car No. 1, the dining car exclusively for first-class passengers on the Schnellfahrt.
“Day 3 of the run, 6:19 am. Two small bodies were found near the gate at the end of Car No. 7. Upon identification, it turned out that one was Patrick Fichte, the third train conductor, and the other was the second train conductor, Claudia Enke.”
The famous detective holding a cane showed off his displeasure even in front of famous celebrities. It was also a move to calm their dissatisfaction with the recurring murder case, but more than that, I felt guilty for not being able to stop it despite the situation I had stepped forward.
“The estimated time of death is unknown. This is because the condition of the body is serious and it is impossible to conduct an autopsy even forensically, so it can only be inferred through eyewitness accounts.”
Three crew members have already died. Two of them were killed at the same time, breaking the expectation that there would only be one in one night. Murder itself is a shocking thing, but the weight when one person dies and when two people die are distinctly different.
“Eichmann’s warning was always written on the site.”
Helmut held up the manuscript and read it.
“…… Do you know exponential numbers? Four people will die next. Yeongbu Army Seo Jeong-woo surrender immediately.”
The crowd sighed. A geometric series is a series in which the ratio of adjacent terms is constant. In other words, Gwanghui was saying that he would kill one after two, two after four, and four after eight.
“How unpleasant! Why do we have to go through the trouble of interfering in matters that have nothing to do with the mainland?”
Eventually, as expected, dissatisfaction erupted. Bastien Richard, who had a fiery personality in contrast to the calm appearance of his blonde hair, stood up. As he said, as he belonged to the Gallic colony, it would have been distasteful to be involved in such an incident.
“Monsieur Richard, calm down.”
Thomas, the manager, quietly tried to calm him down by the side.
“No, he has a point.”
But it backfired. On the contrary, it resulted in other passengers joining in.
“It’s not that he doesn’t know the reputation of Bernhard’s best detective, but three people have already died. Moreover, we are not stakeholders in what is happening. It’s just embarrassing.”
I couldn’t help the fuse that was already on fire. Starting with Henrietta’s words, he started helping out with a word here and there.
“As Mr. Grass reasoned, if a man named Seo Jeong-woo was really in here, wouldn’t you rather come out and reveal his identity and devise a countermeasure together?”
“Mr. Yagoda, he is the Führer’s male prostitute. If there was such a thing, it would have appeared a long time ago.”
“I don’t know if we’re going to die like this. The death of a crew member is not something to be taken lightly…….”
“Whatever it is, it’s definitely not the trip you’ve been looking forward to paying a hefty price for.”
And it was mostly of the character of resentment. There were complaints about the culprit, Elfriede, and Seo Jeong-woo, whom she claimed to be targeting, but more often, they raised questions about Helmut’s abilities. A detective’s reputation is like a double-edged sword.
If you are an incompetent detective, you don’t know, but if you are a detective who is evaluated as Bernhard’s best, you must show an appearance worthy of him. Otherwise, he would have had enough to dispute the current state of affairs from the point of view of a passenger who had managed to obey the controls.
“I fully understand your complaints. However, I did not create this place to cause any discomfort or to make an emotional appeal to cooperate more in resolving the case.”
“Then what do you mean?”
“Manager Ram!”
At Helmut’s name, Thomas glanced at the two crew members standing near the gate. It was a kind of signal to bring something prepared earlier.
“Do you know about indulgences?”
Everyone put on a puzzled expression. It was because the unexpected detective’s question reminded me of a madman who went mad in front of some kind of pressure. Even Tereza Canaris, the bodyguard who was with him, looked even more confused.
“Three crew members died. They were all young people with bright futures. We take this opportunity to pray for them. And to comfort that soul, this Helmut Grass will announce the beginning of the finale.”
“…… ?”
“What I can tell from this case is that my reasoning was not wrong. That brilliance of the Iron Cross, Elfriede Eichmann’s target is undoubtedly Seo Jeong-woo of the First Lady. Therefore, the victims were limited to crew members only.”
Certainly all the victims who have died so far have been flight attendants. And last night, in the preceding reasoning, Helmut pointed out that fact and persuaded the crowd. The problem is that there was a crucial error in claiming that all reasoning was not wrong.
“I also told you that they are hiding in us.”
The reasoning that Elfriede Eichmann is hiding among the 11 first class passengers!
“Wait a minute, the victims, Claudia Enke and Patrick Fichte, were still alive last night before closing the gate between cars 3 and 4. After that, we took turns standing guard as Mr. Grass ordered. Then the culprit would not be physically able to be in here.”
Unsurprisingly, a rebuttal immediately came out. It was Ines Dupin, a tutor who had a meticulous personality befitting her profession and was a formidable opponent during interviews.
“That’s right. However, in reasoning, the results derived from clues or situations at the time are flexible. Conversely, I came to the conclusion that I would, so I was able to find out that an accomplice exists and who the real culprit is.”
“What? You found out the real culprit?”
“Besides, being an accomplice, is that true?”
Bastien and Étienne spat out in disbelief. And just in time, two crew members who had left around that time returned with a large chest. The box, shaped like a half-cylinder placed on a cube, was so large that at least one strong adult could fit inside it without difficulty.
“I will point out the victim first.”
Thud! Helmut, who had reached the floor with his cane, diverted everyone’s attention away from the chest for a moment.
“The 4th train conductor Kai Schoen, who was the first to be killed, was so badly damaged that it was hard to see. The culprit, Elfriede Eichmann, willingly revealed his identity and declared that he would randomly kill one person every day unless Seo Jeong-woo, the First Lady, reveals his identity.”
Several crew members, including engineer Theobald and manager Thomas, nodded beside them. It was to guarantee that his words were the truth as he was in the position to check the scene together.
“But there were not one victim in the second murder, but two.”
“I can’t figure out the reason at all. What is that about?”
“According to the long history of criminology, pleasure killers are often analyzed as ostentatious groups. They are extremely sadistic, for whom the act of killing is their pleasure and climax, and they pursue a certain charisma through such acts and other actions.”
“Charisma?”
Bastian, who had been criticizing and protesting at every detail, tilted his head.
“It is the psychology of wanting to be seen as a mighty villain, even if it is cruel, rather than being seen as a weak good man. For greater pleasure and later repetition, they want to keep the edge they have. The expression of such a psychology leads to the tendency to show off.”
There is no other group of petty criminals like those who kill for pleasure. The only reason they hurt others is because of their base sexual pleasure and addiction to climax. In the same context, there is also an aspect of consolidating a superior position by being aware of one’s own shabbiness and suppressing the opponent while hiding it.
“Even so, Elfriede Eichmann went against his word and killed two people. What a strange thing. So, I’ve been thinking about the reason for that all along. In the meantime, after hearing some rumors from the manager, Mr. Ram, my eyes widened.”
Thomas stepped in for a moment to help him.
“Miss Enke and Mr. Fichte have recently been rumored to be dating in the company. In fact, I’ve been caught a few times going to and from each other’s rooms. I kept quiet because there was no reason to touch it as long as it didn’t interfere with my work…….”
Several of the crew also supplemented that testimony.
“Oh, I’ve seen it too!”
“I’ve heard it all over the place, but everyone who knows will know.”
Helmut gave a short thank you and went on.
“That’s right. The two were lovers. It also seems to have been a pretty serious relationship. Well, even if it’s not, it wouldn’t be strange to help each other out in the hopes of spending time together as quickly as possible.”
“Are you helping each other with work?”
“The first victim, Kai Schoen, was the 4th train conductor. The moment he died, the duties he was carrying on the train were naturally shared with other crew members. Among them, the one who took over the main job was one of the second victims, Mr. Patrick Fichte, the 3rd train conductor.”
“…… !”
“Why was Kai Schoen murdered as the first victim in the first place?”
At first I thought it was a mere coincidence. I guessed that he must have been sacrificed after unluckily caught by the culprit. But it wasn’t. Elfriede Eichmann had no choice but to murder Kai Schoen.
“Through past interviews and reasoning, I have narrowed down a significant part of the suspects from the existing line of suspects. And what is clearly revealed through this murder is that there was a reason why Elfriede Eichmann had no choice but to kill the conductors of this train one after another.”
And now, Helmut Grass knows why.
“Because they were the crew in charge of the cargo hold of Car No. 8, the rear end of the Schnellfart!”
The crowd was taken aback. In that fleeting moment, Helmut, who had skimmed over all the areas to pay attention to, did not stop there, and continued his deduction as if possessed.
“That’s right. There was one flaw in my original reasoning due to insufficient clues. It was the conclusion that among us, Elfriede Eichmann was hiding. Strictly speaking, it was a misjudgment.”
“Then there is another culprit…… ?”
“No, she is definitely the culprit who murdered the three train masters. However, there was someone else who hid among us and helped the wicked woman. That person was not Elfriede himself, but an accomplice.”
Unfortunately, due to the lost scene and lack of clues, the accomplice has yet to be identified.
“As well as the destruction of evidence through bombs, there must have been a practical aspect to hide the existence of an accomplice in the background of a brutal and ostentatious murder. It was definitely an outright deception. Thanks to that, I still haven’t been able to pinpoint who the accomplice is.”
“Wait a minute, detective sir.”
“Miss Hasato.”
“If you do, is it still not in the realm of heart disease? As far as I know, the cargo bay is not a comfortable environment for the average person to survive for several days barefoot. But now that I hear it, you seem to be trying to say that Elfriede Eichmann committed the murder by hiding there.”
“You know me well.”
“Indulgences would mean surrendering and seeking light under the premise that there are accomplices. Overall, the anglerfish fits perfectly. However, the biggest blind spot in that reasoning is that it is only a story after identifying the real culprit, Elfriede Eichmann. Unless, as you said, you managed to find her in her cargo bay…….”
After hesitating, Yonezawa, who had been speaking calmly, suddenly shut his mouth. She opened her eyes wide at a thought passing through her mind, then looked away.
“No way?”
And then, a few of them, who had their heads spinning, followed his gaze and started looking at the chest the two crew members in front had brought with them.
“Yes, Mr. Hasato is very kind. The cargo hold of the Schnellfahrt is not a comfortable environment for an average person to survive for days on end. So, Elfriede Eichmann had to seal himself in some magic box.”
Helmut pointed the tip of his staff at the ark. Like the magic engraved on the scroll, it was an object that reacted when magical energy was injected into it.
“Since I am a skilled person who is in charge of a department of the SS, it must not have been that difficult to create magic to protect myself. But it would have been necessary to kill every member of the crew checking the cargo hold here, even in order to make periodic contact with accomplices.”
Suddenly, the ark opened. The naked body of a woman soundly asleep with her innocent and innocent face was revealed in the midst of cold air blowing out like steam.
“Eh, Elfriede Eichmann!”
“Oh My God! Major?”
“Then this woman killed the conductors, that one?”
With short cherry-colored hair and pure white skin, she shines!
“That’s right. The real culprit, Elfriede Eichmann, found in the cargo hold with the help of all the crew members.”
“…… !”
“Her records were loaded with items that were not on her record. When I checked, she was asleep.”
The detective who finally revealed the culprit hiding inside the train added confidently.
“They used the frozen sleep magic. In addition to concealment, it is a shape chosen to endure extreme situations. You can rest assured that I’ve tweaked things a bit to make them come out on time. Now she won’t wake up until the train arrives at Partenope.”
Most of those present let out a gasp. It was because they were in awe of Helmut, who solved the case so quickly despite their criticism. However, unlike the optimism of such people, Bernhardt’s first detective continued to spit out as if trying to solve even the unsolved riddle.
“And, as I said, indulgences remain in force. Although the gendarmerie in Partenope, Campania, the destination, is under the puppet regime, it is a strict investigative agency. I wouldn’t take things lightly in a murder case with such clear evidence.”
Some of the first class passengers.
“Elfriede Eichmann is a member of the Iron Cross, which is directly subordinate to President Adler. There is no way that she will just watch her being punished in her home country, and she will naturally be blamed for all her sins on you, an accomplice.”
An unknown accomplice.
“In that sense, I will give you a lifeline. I will seal her up and wait to see if her murder takes place within her today, in order to prove that her Elfrie de Eichmann, whom I have found, is her true culprit.”
A warning to those who may be trembling in fear.
“After midnight, everything will be clear. If you come to me by then and tell me the truth, I will hand you over to the Bernhardt Guards rather than to the Campania Military Police.”
I also informed everyone else.
“Remember.”
Please be at ease.
“Until midnight today, I will be waiting for you in room 4 of car 3, where I am staying.”
The case was solved by me, the detective.
“…… That is all.”
The train will arrive safely at its destination!
