Requiem of Time Main Story

Requiem of Time

Prologue - Time Pavilion
Summary	A visit from "Dr. Witt".
Characters	Whisky Butler

Background Music
In a city in the south of Gloriville there stands a mansion known to all, called the "Time Pavilion". It is said that within its walls are stored the world's most precious clocks. It would be rare for the ordinary person to catch a single glimpse of one of these clocks in their entire lifetime. The day was [August 2nd], and the gate of the Time Pavilion was heavily guarded. At half past four in the afternoon, a carriage pulled up and stopped before the pavilion's entryway. The man who stepped down from the carriage was dressed as a doctor. Briefcase in hand, he exchanged a few words with the guard. His refined expression and elegant smile made people fond of him. Just then, an elderly butler rushed toward him.
Whisky	Butler.
Butler	Mr. Witt, what are you doing here?
Whisky	I received a letter from the Duke a few days past. He said the medicine I gave him last time was working well, and he asked me to come to Time Pavilion today to check up on his recovery.
Butler	Today? Check up? This...
The butler looked reluctant.
Whisky	Hm? You didn't know? Here's the letter. Look it over.

The butler opened the letter Whisky had handed him. As he read the letter, the butler's eyebrows stretched upward.
Butler	Oh, how discourteous indeed. This way, Mr. Witt. You must know that today is quite a special day, and that I must guarantee the security of the Time Pavilion...
Whisky	No matter. I heard that today is the Duke's birthday, and there will be spectacular performances this evening. Celebrities and distinguished individuals from all circles will be present. I assume he invited me here to ensure the banquet and dinner go off without a hitch.
Butler	...Eh, that's right. Master's health... We rely on you, Mr. Witt.
Whisky	Naturally. I'll do my best. Oh, right. I also heard the Duke will make an important announcement at tonight's banquet. Do you know what that might be?
Butler	Don't put me in a difficult position, Mr. Witt. I'm not free to speculate on Master's intentions.

Whisky	My apologies. I was too abrupt.
While speaking, the two had arrived inside the Time Pavilion.
Butler	Mr. Witt, the sitting room is here. Please wait a moment while I go to the study to fetch Master. He is usually reading at this time of day.
Keeping his composure, Whisky nodded and sat down to wait. The butler walked over to the closed door of the study. Knock knock The butler knocked lightly at the door. Knock knock knock There was no response from inside the study. The butler looked at Whisky apologetically.
Whisky	Has the Duke gone somewhere else?
Knock knock knock knock
Background Music
Butler	Master? Mr. Witt is here. Are you in the study?
Still no response from inside, the butler hesitated for a moment, then turned the doorknob and slowly pushed the door open.
Butler	Huh?!
A thick scent of rust wafted out from the room, and the scene inside made the butler's face go pale in an instant. He stumbled backward and fell to the ground.
Butler	...Mas—Master!

Whisky stood up from the sofa and rushed over. He helped the butler up and looked inside the room— The entire study was spattered with blood. The Duke of Gersett sat in a chair facing the door, his head lying on the desk and his arms drooping lifelessly from either side of his body. Sunshine poured in lavishly from the floor-to-ceiling windows behind him, and his tall chair cast a black shadow in the shape of an upside-down cross on the floor. His hands trembling, the butler rushed over to the Duke of Gersett, but he didn't know what to do. Whisky adjusted his eyeglasses and slowly followed the butler over. As he approached, he saw that the Duke's eyes were still open, but [his pupils had dilated completely].
Whisky	The Duke is gone, butler. Before we do anything else, we must inform [the Duchess].
• Main • Chapter 1 →

Chapter 1 - Eye of Horus
Summary	Independent Food Soul law enforcement agency—The Eye of Horus.
Characters	Sachertorte Marshmallow Baguette Turducken

Background Music
3 PM – Eye of Horus
Rapid footsteps sounded as Marshmallow collided with Sachertorte. Sitting to one side near the bookcase, Baguette—without looking up from his reading materials—reached out his hand to hold her steady.
Sachertorte	Is something wrong?
Marshmallow	Not good!! The Duke—something happened at the Duke's mansion!
Sachertorte	...Calm down. Have some water and tell me what happened.
Marshmallow gulped down a few mouthfuls before her breathing finally slowed down a bit.
Marshmallow	The Duke's servant came and said the Duke was murdered at the Time Pavilion!
Baguette	Time Pavilion? The [Duke of Gersett]?
Marshmallow	...Eh?!
Sachertorte Old\|Sachertorte\| and Marshmallow were surprised that Baguette—who was usually silent—had suddenly joined their conversation.
Baguette	It was the Duke of Gersett?
Marshmallow	Yes! Yes! Yes! It was the owner of Time Pavilion, the one with all the beautiful clocks, the Duke of Gersett!
Baguette	Let me take this case.
Baguette pulled out a stack of documents from the bookcase and handed it to Sachertorte. Looking over, Marshmallow saw that it was a stack of carefully-organized case files. She looked up, confused.
Marshmallow	Aren't those the files for the [Viscount's Mansion Arson Case]? Over a hundred people engulfed in a sea of flames... I remember, this case was handed over to the human courts because a human turned himself in.
Baguette	But there were many discrepancies between the criminal's testimony and the evidence at the scene. And then not long after turning himself in, the suspect suddenly died of some mysterious illness in his cell. If there wasn't a clear-cut chain of evidence, but they rammed the case through the courts, then that would be against the Code.
Marshmallow	So that's how it turned out... There's something fishy about this!
Baguette	Right. I calculated the directionality of all the evidence and found that there wasn't a clear-cut chain of evidence, but the probability that the arson case is related to the Duke of Gersett is as high as 70 percent. Today is exactly one year from that fire, to the day. I have a feeling that the death of the Duke of Gersett is tied to the truth behind that arson case.
Sachertorte	It's been a year, and the case was handed over... You've been following the case this whole time? Why didn't you tell me?
Sachertorte Old\|Sachertorte\| flipped through the case materials to find it was full of Baguette's analysis and reasoning, every page neatly organized.
Baguette	Was I supposed to report on what I do outside of working hours?
Seeing the sincere and confused look on Baguette's face, Sachertorte stopped, then waved his hand weakly.
Sachertorte	...No, no need. Okay, today's case is yours. Go. But remember what I taught you, and be careful.
Baguette	Mm-hm.

Baguette unfurled a smile, then carefully placed the documents into his Code book and walked off toward the antechamber. In the dark corridor, a red-haired young woman in a black dress walked past him, then turned and faintly called out to him.
Turducken	Baguette...
Baguette	Turducken? Is something wrong?
Turducken's crimson pupils were focused on the case folder in Baguette's hands—the folder containing the Viscount Mansion Arson case files.
Turducken	The not-yet-departed...
Baguette	...Huh?
Turducken	The dead who are not willing to move on to their next lives, they are here. They are begging you to bring them new life.
Baguette	...I won't let them down.
← Prologue • Main • Chapter 2 →

Chapter 2 - Dark Undercurrent
Summary	A Soul Song of Time sounds from the dark undercurrents of the Time Pavilion.
Characters	Butler Baguette The Duchess Steven Blue Cheese Opera Cake Whisky

Background Music
Half Past Five - Time Pavilion
Baguette followed the servant to Time Pavilion. As soon as he stepped into the first-floor lobby, countless bells sounded from all directions. DONG— Baguette cautiously retreated a step, and the butler—who had been waiting there the entire time—rushed over to him.
Butler	Don't worry, Master Inspector. Those are only the chimes of Master Duke's clock collection. They have all been precisely adjusted to [ring once every half-hour]. Don't let them startle you.
Lifting his head, Baguette looked carefully about the beautifully decorated mansion. Sure enough, there were clocks everywhere—elaborate clocks, ornate clocks... And it was already half past five in the afternoon.
Butler	Greetings, I am the Duke's butler.
Baguette	Hi, I'm Baguette, from the Eye of Horus. It was you who found the Duke? When? Where is the scene of the crime? What exactly happened? What are the current casualties?
Struck by the string of questions, the butler wiped the sweat from his forehead. He looked around at the servants surrounding them with curious looks on their faces, and then let out a soft sigh and spoke in a low voice.
Butler	In the study on the second floor... Inspector, most of the people present here only know that something happened, but they don't know exactly what it was. Let us continue our conversation upstairs.
Baguette followed the butler to the second floor, observing the surroundings the entire way.
Baguette	Mr. Butler, are there always so many servants present at the Time Pavilion?
Butler	No. Only the Duchess and her personal servant, [Souffle], reside at the Time Pavilion. The other servants live in the annex. There are only so many servants here today because the Duke had come to hold a birthday banquet.
Baguette	How many people could have entered the study today?
Butler	Hm? You want... You want me to summon everyone who might have entered the study today?
Baguette	That's correct.
Butler	Sure enough...

The butler brought Baguette before a wooden door.
Butler	Madam, the Inspector is here.
The Duchess	Come in.
An arrogant, female voice spoke from behind the door. The butler opened the door. Baguette immediately understood the meaning behind the butler's words. On the sofa of the sitting room sat a resplendently-dressed woman unhurriedly sipping from a cup of tea in her hand. Her expression couldn't be seen. At the other end of the sofa sat a young man, his expression indifferent, and his fingers tapping slowly on the sofa.
The Duchess	……
Steven	……
Butler	This is the Duchess and [Young Master Steven]. He is Master's nephew. And those people over by the window, they're the guests invited for tonight's celebration—the chief performers in the Fantasy Opera Troupe, [Blue Cheese] and [Opera Cake].
Baguette looked over at the two slim figures standing next to the floor-to-ceiling window, both exceedingly handsome, long-haired young men. They were quietly but energetically discussing something. Seeing someone coming, one of them immediately recovered an expressionless face, while the other smiled politely at Baguette.
Blue Cheese	(Smiling)
Opera Cake	(......)
Butler	These are the only people who could have entered the study today. It was [Mr. Witt's] suggestion to gather them here before you arrived. He said to bring everyone together to prevent innocent people from becoming suspects because they couldn't prove their whereabouts. Hm. I was worried it wasn't a good idea...
Baguette	No, it was the right thing to do, indeed. Who is Mr. Witt?
Butler	He's that one over there tending to Souffle's wounds. He's Master's personal healer. Today he had come to check up on Master's recovery, and that's when we found... the situation...
Baguette's gaze followed the direction in which the butler was pointing. As it turned out, through a doorway on one side of the sitting room, there was a young man covered in blood and unconscious. There was a man in a white coat who seemed to be inspecting his injuries.
Baguette	(Someone's wounded? Is it a survivor?!)
The survivors of a murder scene are always the best witness to help catch the killer. Baguette hurried over to the youth.
The Duchess	Not so fast.
The sudden words from the Duchess stopped Baguette in his tracks. He realized that he'd forgotten to introduce himself to parties involved. In the past, all these pre-investigation procedures were handled by Sachertorte.
Butler	Madam, this is the Inspector from the Eye of Horus.
The Duchess	He appears to be a child uneducated in basic etiquette. How am I supposed to feel at ease putting such an important matter in his hands?
Baguette scratched his nose awkwardly.
Steven	Oh, the Inspector has only just arrived. He hasn't even begun his investigation yet, and already the Duchess is in a hurry to find an excuse to drive him away. Might I ask what the Duchess is so afraid of?
The Duchess	Children should not interrupt when adults are speaking, Steven.
Steven	It's just that here today, we are all suspects. I have no qualms whatsoever about a thorough investigation, but that's not the case for the Duchess. After all, that special Food Soul butler of yours was [discovered holding the murder weapon at the scene of the crime].
Baguette	Murder weapon?
Steven	Yes. That guy passed out over there—he was found holding a knife, lying next to uncle's body. What does the Inspector make of that?
The Duchess	You sound like a snarling cur, Steven. Do you really have the self-possession to be a nobleman? Oh right, you don't hold a noble title at all—you only get by through flattery and riding the coattails of your dear uncle.
Steven	You--!
Steven's face suddenly changed. He jumped up, fists clenched tightly. The scene was getting out of control.
Baguette	Hold on, everyone... (Oh, what would Sachertorte do in this situation??)
Whisky	Okay, Madam Duchess. Young Master Steven is just eager to find the killer. He spoke carelessly, that's all. Everyone take a step back—back to the matter at hand. Let's cooperate with the Inspector to get to the bottom of this.
While Baguette struggled to handle the dispute among the noble family, Whisky eased the situation in no time, even while inspecting the wounds.
The Duchess	So you can be a good man after all, Dr. Witt.
As the Duchess emphasized the word [Doctor], she seemed to smile at Whisky. He smiled without replying, and seemed to calmly accept this "compliment". Baguette let out a sigh of relief. He couldn't help but cast a grateful glance at Whisky. Whisky saw it and smiled back at him.
Whisky	Inspector, Souffle isn't badly hurt, but his body is covered in blood. I don't think I should scrub it off until after you've had a look at it. Would you come and inspect it first?
Baguette nodded. He inwardly tried to pump himself up, and then turned to address the people in the room.
Baguette	Ladies and gentlemen, I am Inspector Baguette of the Eye of Horus. I swear in the name of the Code that I will find out the truth and make a fair ruling in accordance with such. No criminal will go unpunished. And now, this investigation has officially begun. I expect you all to cooperate.
← Chapter 1 • Main • Chapter 3 →

Chapter 3 - Awaken
Summary	The young man who fainted at the scene opens his eyes.
Characters	Whisky Baguette Souffle Steven

Background Music
Baguette walked over to the unconscious Souffle. Even while unconscious, Souffle was gripping the dagger tightly. Blood was caked between his fingers.
Whisky	When I found him, he was holding this long dagger in his right hand, and there were diamonds all over the dagger. I worry that his hand was hurt. If the Inspector thinks it's okay, I will remove the dagger to tend to the wound.
After carefully inspecting the youth's hands, Baguette nodded to Whisky. Whisky took his forceps and gauze and lightly pulled open Souffle's hand, then wiped the blood from the young man's palm.
Whisky	Eh? That's strange. There's [no wound] on his hand.
Baguette	……
Then where'd all this blood come from?
Whisky	Oh, right. Souffle is a [Food Soul], and Food Souls have a superior healing ability. Could it be that the wound has already healed?
Having thought of a reasonable explanation, Whisky shook the gauze pinched in his forceps, then began to pack up his briefcase.
Whisky	If that's the case, then there's nothing more for me to do here. Hm. It's all up to the Inspector, then.
He closed the briefcase and stood up, only to find that Baguette had also stood up and was clasping his wrist tightly.
Baguette	Wait! Your briefcase...
Whisky	What?
Baguette	This, what's this mark?
Whisky	Oh, you mean the [double-snake insignia on the briefcase]? The double-snake insignia represents early alchemy, which was the predecessor to modern medicine. The insignia is common in the medical field.
Baguette	……
Baguette reluctantly loosened his grip on Whisky's wrist. Whisky didn't appear to be lying, and after all, he had been very helpful this whole time...
Baguette	(But the same double-snake insignia made an appearance in the arson case at the Viscount's mansion. Is it just a coincidence?)
Whisky	If there are no more questions, Inspector, I think you should go to the study and have a look at the body. What do you think?
Baguette	....Right.

Background Music
Inside the study, the rusty smell of blood was thick in the air. Baguette was accustomed to it, but he still couldn't help but cover his nose. As he stepped carefully onto the carpet in the study, he felt a slight crunch under his foot.
Baguette	(!!)
Baguette quickly lifted his foot and saw a fine [yellow powder] stuck to the bottom of his shoe.
Baguette	(Crime scene contamination! This is the first time I've made this kind of basic mistake on a mission. If Sachertorte knew about this... Forget it. I've got to find a solution to the matter at hand and figure out what this stuff is. This texture...)
Butler	Inspector? Are you alright? What are you doing squatting at the door?
Baguette	I'm fine.
Baguette stood up as if nothing had happened, then smiled and went forward into the study. The Duke of Gersett was sprawled out face-down on the desk. His pale face showed [pathological edema]. His lifeless eyes no longer held the arrogance of the past. Instead, there was only the dispirited look of death and decay. There were [splashes of blood] everywhere—on the walls, on the floor, on the back of the chair, and on the desk. The room was in disarray. His black ink, quill, seal, and sealing wax were strewn about on the desk. There were splatters of blood and scratch marks on the desk as well—apparently, the Duke had put up quite a fight in the face of death. There were signs that he'd been chased all around the study before he finally succumbed. Baguette pulled open the clothes on the corpse.
Baguette	(The wounds are concentrated on the back, with the fatal wound under the left scapula. It seems that an artery was punctured... Viciously stabbed to death... Seems to have happened in the spur of the moment. Could Souffle really have done this? Could it be so simple?) (Wait, this wound...)
Baguette inspected the damage on the Duke's clothing at the wound. There seemed to be a [frayed edge] on the exquisite cloth, as if it had been hooked by something. He seemed to be about to make a connection in his mind when suddenly, a noise from the sitting room behind him interrupted his thoughts.

Background Music
Butler	Inspector, come quickly! Souffle is awake!
The young man who had been sitting against the wall unconscious was now awake and rubbing the back of his head, clearly upset. Staggering back and forth, he steadied himself against the wall, brushing off the hand Baguette extended to him. His irritated expression didn't match with his usual delicate and pretty appearance.
Souffle	Agh—! What are you all doing staring at me!
Baguette	Hello, Souffle. I am an Inspector from the Eye of Horus. The Duke of Gersett was murdered, and you fainted at the scene. Do you remember what happened?
Souffle	...Heh. So he's dead, what do you want me to say? Am I supposed to congratulate that guy for finally getting what he was after?
Steven	Souffle! You are a servant! How dare you speak such nonsense!
Souffle	Heh. Oh, who did I think I was, Steven? What are you even doing here? Shouldn't you be hiding in your room, memorizing the guest list so you can schmooze with everyone tonight?
Steven flashed a vicious look, but then stifled his rage in front of Baguette. He only snickered and took a step backward.
Steven	See, he looks crazy! Inspector, do you believe me now? This guy has had it out for humanity for a long time!
Baguette	……
Souffle	What, you think I killed our Master Duke, too?
Baguette	(Huh? Who is he talking to?)
Souffle	Hah, if I'd wanted him killed, would he have made it to today? —Enough! No more chattering!
Souffle rubbed his head, clearly distressed. He seemed to be talking to himself, but then seemed to be arguing with someone. He neurotically paced in place, muttering to himself, and then began laughing nervously.
Souffle	Since you want it to be me, I won't let you down. Kill someone, huh? Well... Who should I pick?
Baguette	Watch out, everyone!!
← Chapter 2 • Main • Chapter 4 →

Chapter 4 - Amnesia
Summary	An illness that sounds like nonsense—is it just a lie to escape blame?
Characters	Baguette The Duchess Blue Cheese Souffle Opera Cake Steven

Background Music
The investigation into the Time Pavilion murder had only just begun, and the scene had already descended into chaos. The suspected murderer, Souffle, had just awakened, covered in blood. The current situation seemed to have overwhelmed him...
Baguette	Souffle! Stop! You'll hurt someone if you keep on like this! Madam Duchess, can you calm him down?!
The Duchess	Apologies, Inspector. I am unable to control him.
Baguette	Isn't he your Food Soul?!
The Duchess	Inspector, when did I say he was my Food Soul? He is my servant, and he is a Food Soul, but that doesn't mean I'm his Attendant.
This was devastating news. Baguette tried to contain Souffle, but he showed no intention of calming down.
Baguette	Curses! This is not going well...
Background Music
All of a sudden, an ethereal singing voice sounded through the sitting room. In just that moment, it was like someone hit the "mute" button on Souffle. He instantly went quiet.
Baguette	...Opera Cake?
The singer was indeed Opera Cake, who hadn't made so much as a peep until then. Seeing that Baguette was surprised and wanted to say something, Blue Cheese put her index finger over her lips.
Blue Cheese	Ssshhh—
Blue Cheese pointed at Souffle.
Souffle	………………!
Souffle stood still and looked in Opera Cake's direction. His eyes seemed to be brimming with tears. He took a step toward Opera Cake, but then jerked back a step. —As if he were struggling against himself. For a long while, he lifted his eyes and his tears seemed to have vanished. Then he recovered his previous ferocious expression, but it seemed like he no longer had any intention to attack anyone.
Souffle	Your singing is as beautiful as ever—as beautiful as you, Opera Cake.
Opera Cake	……
Opera Cake stopped singing. He re-crossed his arms and walked back to the window. Looking out the window, it was like he hadn't heard Souffle's compliment at all.
The Duchess	Souffle.
Souffle	Hm? Did you need something, Madam?
The Duchess	Enough. Now answer the Inspector's questions.
Souffle	Of course. What did you want to ask, Inspector?
Baguette did his best to suppress his confusion and re-focus on the case.
Baguette	Why did you appear today in the Duke's study? And why did you fall unconscious there?
Souffle slowly and deliberately straightened up his clothes and hair.
Souffle	I brought the Duke some dessert in the afternoon. Someone knocked me out as I entered the room. That's all I know.
Baguette	...That's it?
Steven	Someone knocked you out? That's just a story you came up with after you murdered him. You would do anything for your dear Madam Duchess!
Souffle	Steven, is that head atop your neck just for decoration? As a Food Soul, if I wanted him dead, your uncle would be nothing more than a skeleton by now.
Steven	You!!!
The Duchess pinched the bridge of her nose, exasperated.
The Duchess	Enough! Inspector, I suspect that someone is using Souffle's [amnesia] to frame me.
Baguette	Amnesia?
The Duchess	Yes, Souffle has intermittent amnesia. When he has an attack, he becomes violent. And when he wakes up again, he doesn't remember what happened. As you saw for yourself, when Souffle gets violent, he won't listen to me—not to mention obeying an order to kill someone.
Baguette	Do you have any proof of this illness?
The Duchess	The butler and some servants know of it as well.
Baguette	Okay, I will gather evidence from the butler and servants later. Souffle, come with me to the scene of the crime. I need to collect your testimony.
Souffle	What a pain! Opera Cake, do you want to go and take a look with me? You might find some new inspiration!
Opera Cake	……
Blue Cheese	Souffle, if you ever want to hear him sing again, I suggest you try not to make him angry again.
Souffle	Ah~ It's a pity that Tina isn't here with me, she would certainly go along with me... Okay, okay. Let's go, Inspector.
← Chapter 3 • Main • Chapter 5 →

Chapter 5 - Afternoon Tea
Summary	A flaw appears at the Duke's afternoon tea.
Characters	Souffle Baguette Butler Blue Cheese

Background Music
Accompanied by the butler, Souffle and Baguette returned once again to the blood-spattered study.
Souffle	What a beautiful sight! Inspector, I'm a little regretful that I didn't take credit for the creation of such a spectacular scene.
Baguette	...Are you talking about the dessert you brought the Duke?
Baguette was slowly getting used to Souffle's incessant trouble-making. To deal with people like that, it's best not to let them get a rise out of you. Sure enough, seeing that his provocation hadn't paid off, Souffle stopped looking for trouble. He reluctantly moved over and squinted at the dessert on the desk. His gaze was confused for a moment, but then he nodded his head.
Souffle	I guess that's it.
Baguette	Why do you say "I guess"?
Souffle	Because I was knocked out as soon as I came in the door, but this is indeed the plate of dessert I brought. As to why it's sitting neatly here on the desk rather than scattered on the floor—your guess is as good as mine.
Baguette frowned. Souffle had spoken exactly what he was thinking. Could it be that he was telling the truth? From that moment, he began to feel that there was something strange about the plate of dessert placed to the side of the Duke's body. But why? He took a few steps backward and observed the area around the dessert. Finally, he understood— All the items arrayed on the desk were splattered with blood, but the plate of dessert near his hand was completely free of bloodstains. Baguette picked up the dessert, and the result was exactly as he suspected.
Baguette	(The spattered bloodstains, they're all under the plate.) (It looks like the plate was placed on the desk only after the Duke was killed. If Souffle isn't lying, then there must have been a third person at the scene.) Souffle, tell me again what happened when you came to the study—tell me every detail.
Souffle	So, the Duke is just like his wife. He has afternoon tea every day at four o'clock, so when he's at the Time Pavilion, I have to prepare two servings of dessert and tea before that time. So before four o'clock, I go to the kitchen to get the dessert. First I bring some to the Duchess, and then I bring some to the Duke.
Baguette	Did you notice anything strange at the time?
Souffle considered carefully for a moment, then tilted his head slightly. He looked unexpectedly childish and innocent, as if digging deeply into his memories.
Souffle	Oh, when I went to the kitchen, I saw Steven on the way there. The Duke has no male offspring, so Steven is the only [heir to the Duke]. In the past, this kind of high-and-mighty would never debase himself by visiting a place so greasy as the kitchen. So why was he there, especially on such a special day? Wasn't he afraid to soil his formal wear?
Baguette	The heir to the Duke?
Souffle	Yes. Ah~ It looks like the Inspector doesn't know... Tonight at the Duke's birthday banquet, he was expected to announce the successor to his title. This Master Duke of ours knew he didn't have much time left, and he wanted to have an extravagant celebration for what could be his last birthday. He also wanted Opera Cake to sing for him. Was he really worthy of that honor? So if you think about it, wasn't his death a good thing?
Baguette	(It looks like the situation here is more complicated than I thought...)
Seeing that Souffle looked to be on the brink of madness again at the mention of Opera Cake, Baguette pulled him away from the study.

Background Music
As they left the study, Baguette's gaze swept over the people in the sitting room. Who was this "third person" who knocked out Souffle and then meticulously restored the plate of dessert? Could it be Steven, from the kitchen? Is there any way to prove it? Baguette stroked the pages of the Code book and suddenly thought of something.
Baguette	The first people to discover the body were Mr. Butler and Dr. Witt, correct? And after that, no one else entered the study, is that right?
Butler	That's right. After that, Mr. Witt was guarding the study, and he didn't let anyone else in.
Baguette	Then Mr. Butler, I ask you to please inspect the bottoms of the shoes of everyone present. Perhaps we can crack this case.
With the help of the butler, everyone lifted up the bottoms of their expensive shoes—even the Duchess seated on the sofa. No one would have guessed who had [blood stains and yellow powder] on their shoes like when Baguette first stepped inside the study.
Butler	It... It was you?
Souffle	Hah, this guy! Hidden in plain sight! I wouldn't have thought that one of Opera Cake's friends would dare do such a thing!
Blue Cheese	Uh-oh... I've been discovered... Ahh... I thought I could keep it hidden forever...
← Chapter 4 • Main • Chapter 6 →

Chapter 6 - Solo
Summary	The clock in the study chimes, but whose death knell is it?
Characters	Blue Cheese Opera Cake Steven Archduke Baguette Whisky Souffle The Duchess

Background Music
Blue Cheese patted his shoes, stood up, and let out a sigh.
Blue Cheese	Discovered again... Ahh...
Primed by Souffle's previous aggressive behavior, Baguette watched Blue Cheese cautiously, prepared for a violent outburst. Unexpectedly, Blue Cheese simply bowed deeply before everyone.
Background Music
Blue Cheese	I apologize for my previous silence. I came here before the butler and Dr. Witt arrived on the scene, but the place was already like this when I came. I had nothing to do with his death.
Opera Cake	What Blue Cheese said is true. I can prove it.
Their words caused Steven to snicker.
Steven	You two were together the whole time, how does that stand as evidence? Right, Blue Cheese, you said that my uncle had been killed before you arrived, but what were you doing in the study?
Blue Cheese	The Duke asked us to come. We... Could not decline.
Blue Cheese glanced at Opera Cake. Opera Cake, previously expressionless, suddenly sighed, and a deep sorrow became evident on his brow.
Background Music
Opera Cake	Perhaps in your eyes, the Fantasy Opera Troupe has always been free. We can perform whatever we want, for whomever we want—it's all under our control. But how could the reality ever be so ideal? For the weak, survival or destruction is never truly within their grasp. We think we are free, but in the eyes of the nobility, we're just like these clocks—nothing more than elaborate "collectibles". In the past, they turned a blind eye and let us develop. But if there ever came a day when they would try to control us and we would resist, they would annihilate us without mercy... The Duke only invited us here to show off the fact that he'd finally acquired a new "treasure"—the Fantasy Opera Troupe.
The two "collectibles", Opera Cake and Blue Cheese, were brought to the Time Pavilion. They were treated like guests, but they were obliged to follow the Duke's orders. The Duke was not really an opera lover. His so-called love was nothing more than a pretext to show off his refined tastes. Yesterday, the Duke requested Opera Cake to sing a part he'd never studied before, making a fool of himself like some animal in a circus act. His words angered Opera Cake.
Opera Cake	You are unworthy of the opera!
Opera Cake angrily slammed the door behind himself, startling the busy servants. But Opera Cake's anger had no effect on the Duke. The Duke raised his voice when he gave orders to the butler, as if only to let Opera Cake hear them.
Archduke	Arrange for him to come at the same time tomorrow, butler. And make sure to arrange for them to perform for me at tea time. Rest assured, they'll come.
The Duke's confident smile was perhaps the greatest mockery of Opera Cake's angry exit.
Blue Cheese	The next day at four o'clock in the afternoon, Opera Cake was unwilling to show up, so I went to the Duke's study in his place. I intended to play a tune on the violin to improve the situation with the Duke. Instead I found him lying in a pool of blood.
As Blue Cheese had taken over for Opera Cake, Opera Cake recovered his usual blank expression.
Background Music
Baguette	(Although their story appears reasonable, and the butler can attest to it... When Opera Cake's expression changed, it seemed like he was acting a part...)
The entire room was silent. After a short while, Whisky finally spoke up.
Whisky	If what Blue Cheese said is true, then the killer not only picked up the pieces, but also carefully re-placed the biscuits and put them on the desk... Why take that risk of being discovered? Why not just kill Souffle outright?
Souffle	I can only say that you've gone to great lengths to [frame me], but you've revealed a flaw in your story... Opera Cake, you knew about this the whole time, but didn't tell me? I'm so hurt!
Baguette	Blue Cheese, what did you see at the scene?
Blue Cheese	The Duke was dead, and Souffle was unconscious off to the side.
Hearing this, Souffle's face revealed a hurt expression.
Souffle	You saw me unconscious, but didn't help me?
Blue Cheese	I didn't want to get into any trouble, and I didn't know if it was you who killed him.
Souffle	Hmph.
Steven	This is nonsense. You didn't help him because you were the one who did all this to begin with...
Background Music
Just as Steven's voice fell, a clock chime sounded from the study, surprising everyone present. But this time it wasn't like before—this time, it was the [solo] chime of a single clock, one that had long stood in the Duke's study.
Steven	...Huh?
Steven furrowed his brows and looked toward the room. The Duchess looked angrily at the tall floor clock in the sitting room.
The Duchess	How is the clock in the study so fast... Aren't you supposed to keep these clocks maintained, Souffle? You can't even get that right?
Souffle's face showed a puzzled expression. Not long after, all the clocks in the entire mansion sounded, just like when Baguette had first come in earlier that day. They all chimed six times.
Souffle	That's not right... That guy definitely—I mean... I definitely adjusted it just yesterday...
Thinking deeply, Baguette stared at the tall floor clock in the sitting room, trying his best to piece together the bits of information floating through his mind.
Baguette	(With the information currently available, I can only rule out a few suspicions, but I still can't determine the murderer... There's no way for me to search for clues while everyone is hanging around here.) I will have to trouble you once more, Mr. Butler. I need to visit other places in the mansion to search for any clues I might have missed. Please escort everyone to the dining hall to rest. I will brief everyone later.
← Chapter 5 • Main • Chapter 7 →

Chapter 7 - Taste of One's Own Medicine
Summary	In the surging, dark undercurrent, no one can be trusted.
Characters	The Duchess Butler Blue Cheese Steven Opera Cake Baguette

Background Music
Time Pavilion - Banquet Dining Hall
Waiting is always the most difficult thing. The delicious food and fragrant wine were not enough to sweep away the anxiety of everyone there. The dark undercurrent at the dinner table was enough to make anyone lose their appetite. Souffle didn't know why, but he was fearful. His current, panic-stricken expression formed a stark contrast with the aggressive look he wore just a short while ago. There was a spooky feeling hanging over the oddly-quiet dinner table as the butler and servants expertly served the delicacies of the evening. But the dessert was the same as the dessert on the plate next to the dead Duke's hand. No one showed any interest in eating it.
The Duchess	What is this? Is there nothing else we can have for dessert?!
Butler	My apologies, Madam. Because of the sudden situation with Master Duke, I had to send off some of the non-essential servants, and this is all we could prepare for the evening.
The Duchess	Forget it. Bring us some fruit, then.
Butler	Yes.
Blue Cheese and Opera Cake exchanged a glance, and then they stood up.
Blue Cheese	If that's all, we will retire to our rooms to rest. Staying up late would damage his voice and the sensitivity of the nerves in my hands.
Steven	Hm, it would be a pity to harm such a voice. Go ahead, then.
Blue Cheese and Opera Cake said goodbye and left the dining hall. The Duchess raised her eyebrows and looked at Steven.
The Duchess	You aren't afraid they might do something?
Steven gave a meaningful smile, stood up, and walked toward the gate—house guards in tow.
Steven	I'm afraid they might not do anything at all.

Background Music
A corridor in the mansion.
Opera Cake	You mean the entrance is in the study?
Blue Cheese	It's possible. The butler mentioned that the Duke was often alone in the study, and he would always lock the door. It's possible that he was afraid he'd be discovered.
Opera Cake	Alright, let's go find it.
The two cautiously returned to the sitting room. They were searching for something in the study when a subtle detail suddenly made their eyes go wide, and Blue Cheese hurriedly fished a key from his pocket.
Background Music
Steven	As I suspected, you two had ulterior motives! Guards, get them!
Steven and the guards surrounded the two just as they were searching the scene for clues. Go to the other side. When Baguette heard the commotion and rushed back to the dining hall, the only people left were the Duchess and Souffle. The Duchess sat elegantly drinking champagne, while Souffle had nervousness written all over his face. Whisky wasn't at the table, but was in a corner studying something. Just then, Steven rushed in. Behind him, the guards were dragging Blue Cheese and Opera Cake unceremoniously toward the dining hall.
Baguette	Calm down, Young Master Steven. What happened?
Steven	The Inspector couldn't catch the criminals, so I did it for him. Shouldn't you be thanking me?
Baguette	Let them go. Regarding whether or not they are guilty, I am quite clear.
Steven	Hah! They have been sneaking around from the beginning, Inspector, and yet you just keep investigating... Why are you covering for them???
← Chapter 6 • Main • Chapter 8 →

Chapter 8 - Lethal
Summary	The murderous intent hidden in that sweet dessert.
Characters	Baguette Blue Cheese Steven Whisky The Duchess Souffle

Background Music
Baguette's resolute countenance surprised the ever-silent Blue Cheese and Opera Cake.
Baguette	Opera Cake, Blue Cheese, you still don't trust me. You're not going to say anything? I already know all about you two. Are you really going to be scapegoats for the real killer, just because of "that thing"?
Baguette's words seemed to weaken Blue Cheese and Opera Cake's defenses. They glanced at each other, and then Blue Cheese stood up.
Blue Cheese	...I'll say it. We didn't tell any lies—we only withheld some facts. Actually, the reason we came here is because the Duke kidnapped our troupe leader and held him in a dungeon under Time Pavilion. Not only that, but the Duke stole our private information and threatened us. He said that if we didn't perform, he couldn't ensure the safety of our troupe leaders, and that he would reveal our secrets.
Baguette	So... Why didn't you tell anyone after you found the Duke's corpse?
Blue Cheese	After we found him dead, I went to the study to look for the dungeon key he'd flaunted at us... We only want to find our troupe leader and get that information back—then we'll leave. This dispute within the noble family has nothing to do with us.
Steven	What a story—it leaves you two clean as a whistle. Did you really think I'd believe it? A dungeon? How would I be unaware of such a place? Why don't we wait for the butler to get back and ask him personally?
As the two sides were at each other's throats, Whisky suddenly spoke up. He had long been busy fiddling with something or other.
Whisky	Ladies and gentlemen, rather than arguing endlessly, why don't you have a look at what is about to happen?
A caged black mouse was nibbling at a piece of dessert. Within moments, it convulsed and abruptly rolled over, dead.
Whisky	Ladies and gentlemen, the dessert is poisoned.
The Duchess	What?!
Whisky smiled at the Duchess.
Whisky	I took a piece of dessert from the Duchess's plate and had the servants find me some mice. There was no problem when the mice ate our desserts, but the mice that ate [the Duchess's dessert] all died of poisoning.
Hearing of Whisky's sudden discovery, everyone turned suspiciously toward Souffle, who had brought out the dessert.
Souffle	No... It wasn't me...
Steven	If not you, then who?
Baguette	...Young Master Steven, Souffle said that before afternoon tea, he passed you near the kitchen. What were you doing at that time?
Steven	Inspector, why are you questioning a nobleman like me rather than these duplicitous outsiders and servants?
Baguette	Answer my questions, Young Master Steven, and help me get to the bottom of this.
Steven	...Okay! How about that amnesia, Souffle? You remember everything! You were just faking it!
Souffle	I—I don't—I don't know—I... I, uh... —Haaahahaha! So what if I was faking it? You're the one being interrogated, Steven! Hahahaha, what fun!
For a moment, everyone was taken aback by Souffle's sudden mood swings. The Duchess was the first to break the silence.
The Duchess	Come, help the Inspector.
Steven	You— How dare you!
Two nearby servants seized Steven—one on either side.
Baguette	Please forgive my rudeness, Steven, but if you refuse to give a reasonable explanation, then I'll have to search you.
Steven resisted desperately, but with the help of the two servants, Baguette was able to find some things on Steven's person.
← Chapter 7 • Main • Chapter 9 →

Chapter 9 - Mirror Image
Summary	Truth and falsehood—falsehood and truth.
Characters	Baguette Butler Steven The Duchess Whisky

Background Music
He found a packet of fine powder and two versions of the Duke's will, each with a different person's name written on it.
Baguette	Steven and [Lilia]. We know who Steven is, but who's Lilia?
Butler	Madam. The Madam's name is Lilia.
Just then, the butler came in carrying fruit. He looked at Steven with great surprise, but Steven only turned his head away in shame.
Butler	...Young Master... It turns out that you... You stole the will that Master Duke gave me.
Steven	Hmph. Can you really call it "stealing" to take something that belongs to me?
Butler	But... But the will that Master gave me himself is the one with the Madam's name on it—the real will...
All the blood instantly drained from Steven's face.
The Duchess	I think things are clear enough here, Inspector. Steven was in possession of two wills, one of which was stolen from the butler, and the other was forged.
Butler	Young Master Steven... Is it true? You killed the Duke to keep him from announcing Madam Lilia as his true heir at the banquet tonight?
Steven	…… Haaahahaha! Madam Lilia... Hahahaha! You guys are all calling her Madam Lilia! You're all calling this [knock-off] faker Madam Lilia!!!!
Everyone gathered their eyes upon the Duchess. Her usual haughty demeanor seemed unperturbed. Even after Steven's earth-shattering proclamation, her face revealed only a slightly mocking smile.
Steven	Okay, I admit it! I put the poison in the dessert. Indeed, I wanted to kill my uncle before the banquet, and I forged his will. But my plan was preempted by someone else. Someone killed my uncle before he ever had a chance to eat my poisoned dessert. Hahahaha... You sent Souffle to kill him, didn't you, Madam Duchess?
Whisky	It's true... If you think about it, the Duke didn't eat those desserts on the desk, and he didn't die of poisoning. Madam Duchess, since you've been mentioned, why don't you explain what Steven is talking about.
The Duchess	The Duke's estate already belongs to me, why would I want to kill him?
Steven	Hm... You've been Madam Duchess for so long, you've convinced yourself that you're Lilia? In this Time Pavilion, you're just a collectible that exists to commemorate Lilia—nothing more!
The Duchess	......
Steven	Oh? Did I strike a nerve? Other than a slight resemblance, how could ever you compare to her? The Duke may have let you enjoy the wealth and privilege of being the Duchess for a time, but his estate will still go to Lilia—not you!
The Duchess	......
Steven	What, can't think of anything to say to refute me? You miserable, knock-off, imitation FAKE! Inspector, I'd like to ask you: To annihilate someone's entire existence in order to take on their identity, power, and wealth—is that a crime? Can you abide by such a heinous crime???
The Duchess	Enough!
← Chapter 8 • Main • Chapter 10 →

Chapter 10 – Scars
Summary	Scars in the heart are enough to cause massive wounds to the body.
Characters	Whisky The Duchess Baguette Butler

Background Music
Whisky	Hah! Steven, there's much more to the Duchess than what you think.
Whisky's sudden words left Steven's mind blank. Just as he was about to continue his questions, he was interrupted by the Duchess.
The Duchess	! You and I are alike in this regard. Doc—tor—Witt—
The rage present in the Duchess' eyes was enough to devour a man. Her eyes seemed to flash the color of blood, causing Blue Cheese and Opera Cake to instinctively step back in alarm. But Dr. Witt, looking directly at her, showed no sign of retreat. There was a fearless smile on his lips. Seeing the provocative smile on his face, the Duchess seemed to calm down. She recovered her usual elegant and dignified demeanor.
The Duchess	Starting from today, everything has become more and more complicated. You seem to have helped the Inspector uncover several suspicious points, but why?... You knew all along about the Duke's poisoning, so why didn't you tell him? Who are you trying to cover up for?
Most of the people present showed a surprised expression, but Baguette only sighed in exasperation.
Baguette	(Sure enough... Someone must have helped him cover up the truth.)

We return to the time when Baguette was still searching for clues. Baguette had been dwelling on the fact that the clock had chimed at the wrong time. He approached the massive antique timepiece. The pendulum of the simple yet elegant clock was swinging rhythmically. Baguette extended his hand to touch the minute hand, which seemed to be slightly stuck.
Baguette	Tsss—
Honed to a razor-sharp point, the minute hand easily pierced his finger. There was dried blood crusted onto the elaborate pattern of the pointer, and the shape of the barb matched the frayed clothing near the stab wound.
Baguette	(Looks like this was the real weapon. But the killer clearly wanted to frame Souffle, so why hide the real weapon? I won't mention this to anyone for now. First, I'll keep looking for more clues.)

The Duchess' menacing words had no effect on Whisky.
Whisky	It looks like my work is done here.
His cryptic words left everyone scratching their heads, but Baguette understood perfectly. Even after collecting enough evidence, Baguette still wanted the perpetrator—blinded by hatred—to have a chance give himself up.
Baguette	Ladies and gentleman, this investigation is drawing to a close. I have gathered enough evidence. Before my formal judgement, I now give the killer the chance to reveal himself and plead guilty to the crime. If you come forth voluntarily, my judgement will be less harsh.
Baguette's words found no reply. The person he was staring at avoided his gaze. Baguette sighed and took out the clock's minute hand, carefully wrapped in a handkerchief.
Baguette	Have it your way. Everyone, please take off your gloves.
Everyone followed his command and showed their bare hands. Some were delicate and pampered, while some showed thick callouses at the joints. But there was one pair of hands that showed fresh, deep cuts—nearly to the bone. Baguette placed the minute hand on that pair of hands to find that the shape of the cuts matched the shape of the cuts perfectly. There was nothing more to say. The butler's expression slowly revealed a slightly tired smile.
Butler	As I expected... I couldn't get away with it...
← Chapter 9 • Main • Final Chapter →

Final Chapter – The End
Summary	Everything is drawing to a close, while there's a snake eye peeping at the final chapter from behind.
Characters	Butler Archduke Whisky Baguette Souffle The Duchess

Background Music
Seeing that the truth had already been exposed, the butler finally told the truth that lay behind curtains of thick fog.
Butler	...After learning that the Duke was the criminal behind the death of Owen and my wife, I decided to kill him to avenge the deaths of my son, my wife, and the countless other innocents who died in the Viscount's mansion. And heaven help me, but I know one thing: someone had been poisoning the Duke for a long time! I wasn't the only one who wanted him dead! I don't know who it was, but if they wanted to torment him, I wasn't going to stop it.
The Duke of Gersett's health had been failing, but the butler did let anyone know of it. He only said that the Duke had contracted an incurable disease. Seeing himself grow weaker every day, the Duke had decided to write his will while he still had his wits about him.
Butler	Today is the anniversary of the deaths of Owen and my wife. I had no intention to allow the Duke to live to see tomorrow. I prepared a massive dose of poison for him, and I wanted to scapegoat that other unknown poisoner for his death. I planned for him to die at the banquet. It's just... I thought that the tortuous pain from his long-term poisoning would cause him to reflect on his actions...

The butler hid the poison and came to the Duke's study. That clock in the study was the Duke's favorite, but its minute hand had been a little stuck these days. That was the first day to entertain guests at the Time Pavilion. All of the clocks had to sound at the exact same time in front of all the guests.
Archduke	Ah, butler... Do you remember that fire at the Viscount's mansion?
Hearing these words while repairing the clock, the butler's fingers trembled. He stifled the anger surging in his chest and nodded.
Archduke	Such a big blaze, it must have turned the entire sky red! It must have been beautiful! It's a pity I couldn't see it for myself, hahaha. Otherwise, it would have been the perfect backdrop for my birthday!
Butler	...But many people died.
Archduke	Wasn't it just some riff-raff? They should be honored that they could celebrate my birthday. Normally, you know, they wouldn't be worthy to wish me well in person. Hahahaha—
The Duke's wanton laughter—as if laughing at a hilarious joke—battered against the butler's defenses. In the end, the chain that restrained him broke.

Butler	He didn't deserve a painless death!! He didn't deserve it! My wife!!! She died in agony!!! The despair they must have faced in that blaze! The pain! I had to give him a taste of that!
The butler's face was twisted in ghastly hatred.
Butler	My only regret is that I didn't make him hurt enough before he died!
Whisky	Death was too easy a punishment for the Duke.
Baguette	So that's why you helped the butler to hide the real murder weapon?
Whisky	This world obeys the law of balance. The Duke had to pay the price for what he'd done.
Baguette	But that doesn't mean that the butler should take justice into his own hands!
Butler	Haha... Justice... Hahaha... If I hadn't done it myself, how would he ever have faced punishment?!

The Duke's Study - At the Time of the Incident
The enraged butler grabbed the minute hand he was oiling and stabbed it forcefully into the Duke's back. The Duke's face seemed to beg for mercy, which pacified the butler's rage. By the time he had calmed down, the butler realized that the scene was a bloody mess.
Butler	I was thinking, now that I've gotten revenge, it wouldn't be so bad to give myself up. But then there was a knock at the door—
Knock knock
Souffle	Master Duke, your afternoon tea.
Butler	……………………

Butler	The criminal behind the murders is dead, but his pawn—the [true killer] who did the deed—has yet to be punished!
Baguette	So you take advantage of the situation and let Souffle take the blame for you.
Butler	That's right! I've known about his amnesia for a long time. I knocked him out to make it look like he'd killed the Duke during one of his blackouts. I just didn't expect for you all to sniff me out.

The butler had arranged everything. He had taken off his blood-soaked coat and left the scene. And then he tossed his coat into the incinerator.
Butler	Hahaha... Hahaha... Owen... My dear wife... I've finally avenged you... I've finally avenged you...

Baguette	Why didn't you come to us after you had enough evidence? The Code would certainly have brought you justice!
Butler	Code? Justice? How can common folk seek justice in the face of power? I reported the crime several times—I sent letter after letter, but did you ever respond?! Only after the Duke was dead did you come rushing over!
Baguette	Letters? I never received any letters from you!
Butler	That's an excuse! Just an excuse because you couldn't resist the Duke's wealth and power!
Baguette	If we had received any criminal report letter, we never would have pushed it aside!
The Duchess	Hmph.
Background Music
The Duchess' cold sneer made everyone turn around to look at her.
The Duchess	Why don't you ask "Dr. Witt" about those letters?
The smile on Whisky's face was undiminished. He obviously had no intention to refute her words, he only raised his index finger to his lips.
Whisky	Madam Duchess, there are some things that a lady just shouldn't say. You see, now everyone has gotten exactly what they wanted. Isn't that nice?
The Duchess	A "lady" like Lilia? Whisky.
Whisky	......
Concealed by Whisky's unchanging expression, no one noticed the shadow of the snake as it slithered along the ground. It caught the Duchess off guard as it leapt up and sank its venomous fangs into her skin. Almost instantly, the Duchess was unconscious on the floor, her breathing stopped.
Baguette	!!!!
Whisky	Huh?!
No one was paying attention to the slightly confused expression on Whisky's face, but when he looked over at the Duchess as she was held by Souffle, the corner of his mouth raised up in a faint, knowing grin. His face no longer showed the usual, feigned kind-heartedness, but now only revealed a cold mockery.
← Chapter 10 • Main • Epilogue →

Epilogue – Rebirth
Summary	The dead are given new life. Everything is all wrapped up, but a new chapter is about to begin.
Characters	Baguette Butler Male Servant Maid Sachertorte Turducken Marshmallow Souffle

Background Music

Besieged from all sides, Whisky was as skillful as ever. He even had time to take his briefcase.
Baguette	(Curses! He got away... I'll catch him! But first, I have to deal with the situation here.)
No longer thinking about the escaped Whisky, Baguette turned his attention to the people left behind. He froze immediately. During the struggle to catch Whisky, the Duchess, Souffle, Opera Cake, and Blue Cheese had all disappeared. Only Steven and the butler remained. Steven was clenching the wills tightly in his hands, while the butler slumped on the floor, dejected.
Baguette	(No one here has got a simple story...) Butler...
Butler	I know, you're taking me off to accept your verdict.
Baguette	Right. Follow me, sir.
The butler slowly stood up, his back—usually upright and straight—now hunched over.
Butler	I would like to go back to my room to get my wife's diary and some photos of Owen. May I, Inspector?
Baguette	I'll go with you...
Butler	I'd like to go alone.
Baguette	...Okay, then I'll wait for you outside the Time Pavilion.

Not wanting to disturb the old man's last farewell to his past, Baguette walked out of the Time Pavilion. But as he walked outside, he found nearly all the servants gathered in the garden outside the mansion. He looked at them all, confused.
Baguette	What are all of you doing here?
Male Servant	Master Butler told us to wait outside.
Maid	Yes, he told us all.
Baguette	...Curses!
At that moment, a wave of heat hit Baguette from behind. He turned around to find flames bursting forth from around the mansion's heavy copper door. Baguette was stunned for a moment. Before he could get the door open, someone suddenly tackled him to the ground.
Sachertorte	You trying to get yourself killed?!
The blistering flames were leaping forth from the mansion like the fangs and claws of a vicious beast. Deeply concerned, Baguette worked himself free of Sachertorte's grip.
Baguette	There are still people inside! And all the evidence is in there, too!

Despite Sachertorte's efforts to hold him back, Baguette charged determinedly into the mansion. Tongues of flame engulfed everything inside the Time Pavilion. Baguette could barely see anything through the scorching smoke.
Baguette	Butler—! Steven—! Blue Cheese—! Souffle—!
Black smoke obscured Baguette's vision. He could barely open his eyes. Suddenly, he bumped into the butler, who was carrying Steven's limp body. He had already lost consciousness.
Butler	Master Inspector, it was me who set this fire. Please do not blame anyone else for it.
Baguette	So it was you to took that canister of fuel from the backyard... Let's get out of here first—then we'll talk!
Butler	Mm-hm.
The butler's calm and cooperative attitude relieved some of Baguette's anxiety for a moment.

He escorted the two men to the doorway, Steven's arm slung over his shoulder. Baguette turned to look back at the butler.
Baguette	Hurry up, butler! I still have more people to save!
Butler	Blue Cheese and Opera Cake already saved the troupe leader from the dungeon, and Souffle took care of the Duchess. There's no one else left.
The butler's face showed a gentle smile. It was the softest expression Baguette had ever seen on his face. The old man's eyes were filled with a gentle warmth. He placed his badly cut hands on Baguette's back and gave a forceful push.
Butler	Goodbye, Master Inspector. At least now I know that there's someone out there investigating their deaths. Thank you.
With a stagger, Baguette tumbled out of the mansion and the door slammed shut once more. He heard the bolt engage, and no matter how hard he pushed, the door would not open... There was no hope to control the flames. The blaze eventually engulfed the entire mansion, and the darkening sky was stained a deep crimson.
Maid	Ah! It's... It's Mr. Butler!
Baguette looked in the direction the servant was pointing. He saw the butler standing near a second floor window, and in his hand was a notebook that was very familiar to Baguette. His vision was distorted through the blistering heat of the flames. Baguette felt a touch on his back, and turned his head to find Turducken standing there with her arm around his shoulders.
Turducken	Do not regret, Baguette. The dead have finally found their love—the love that was strong enough to destroy everything has now become the bond that will determine their rebirth. They will finally be together again.
The voice of the red-haired young woman chilled the hearts of the servants, and they moved away from her, but she didn't mind. She only looked at the window with gentle eyes. Perhaps it was an illusion from the heat of the fire, but in the window, it seemed that the silhouettes of three people appeared. They seemed to be embracing each other tightly. DONG—DONG——DONG———— Suddenly, the clocks in the mansion all sounded eight times. In the midst of the red-hot blaze, they were sending off the departed spirits in their own way.

Background Music
A Few Days Later - Time Pavilion Ruins
Marshmallow	Aw, it was such a nice Time Pavilion... So many pretty clocks... Now they're all burned up...
Sachertorte	We're lucky there were no casualties besides the butler. Turducken took his body and buried him together with his family.
Marshmallow	But Steven inhaled too much smoke and we don't know if he's gonna wake up. He's the only witness, and we don't even know if he's gonna make it... Please, please, don't let this become another one of those pending cases without enough evidence!
Sachertorte	Not this time.
As they were talking, a not-so-tall youth came walking up through the rubble, holding something that looked to be very heavy. His face was covered with black soot, but his smile was bright.
Baguette	Told you I'd find it, Sachertorte!
Sachertorte	Well, I guess you win.
Marshmallow	Awesome! The Duke's safe didn't burn! There should be some illegal transaction documents in there—that'll be enough to convict him! Since you found it, Sachertorte will treat you to dinner!
Sachertorte	You get so happy when anyone mentions eating... Why don't you grow up...
As the three were talking and laughing, a luxurious carriage quietly passed by. A familiar voice called out as the carriage meandered toward the setting sun. Souffle, we ought to attend the next banquet.
Souffle	Yes, Madam.
The carriage sped up, and a leaflet fluttered up from the draft of the carriage. New Fantasy Opera Troupe opera performance opens tonight—Requiem of Time
← Final Chapter • Main •

Requiem of Time Main Story

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