Title: Inside the Carriage
The guard gently opened the carriage door and gestured for Morven and Marcus to step inside. A mild breeze blew, and the sky was cloudy. Morven looked up at the gray sky, gave a soft smile, then climbed in and sat on the right side. Marcus followed, sitting on the left.
The guard closed the door, walked to the front, and sat beside the coachman, telling him to start moving.
The carriage began its journey toward the Minister of Finance's mansion.
Meanwhile: Inside the Carriage / Morven and Marcus's Conversation
Morven placed his cane beside him, took off his hat, held it in his hands, and looked outside.
Marcus watched Morven's movements, then took a deep breath.
Suddenly, Morven said,
"What do you think—who's the killer?"
Marcus was a bit surprised. He took a deep breath and stared at Morven's cane.
"Well… I really don't know, but maybe it was the servant. I mean, maybe he's just pretending!"
Morven smiled softly and looked at the hat in his hands.
"Oh… so, what do you say we do something about it?"
Marcus was shocked by Morven's words and stammered,
"What!? No, I mean… what do you mean by 'do something'!?"
Morven picked up his cane and tossed it gently toward Marcus. Marcus fumbled to catch it carefully, making sure it didn't get damaged. Morven grinned.
"I mean… when we get there, I can tell from the servant's behavior if he's the killer. If he is, I'll double your pay this month!"
Marcus was amazed and a little scared.
"And if you're wrong?"
Morven's smile widened.
"Nothing—I don't feel like cutting your pay!"
●Both fell silent.●
Entrance to the Minister of Finance's Mansion - The Carriage
The minister's guard, who had brought the news, called out as they neared,
"Mr. Blacktide, we're entering the minister's mansion."
Morven and Marcus both took deep breaths. Marcus looked at Morven quietly and said,
"So… do you think you can solve this in less than 10 days like the other cases?"
Morven smirked and replied,
"That's something… we'll find out in the coming days, Marcus, not now!"
Carriage Stops / Events of Chapter One
After the carriage stopped, the guard stepped down from the coachman's seat, opened the door for Morven and Marcus, and gestured for them to get out.
The minister rushed toward them and said to Morven… [Events of Chapter One continue]