Requiem of Time Side Story

Interlude - I

Interlude 1-1
Summary	Fantasy Opera Troupe

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 an ordinary person to catch a single glimpse of one of these clocks in their entire lifetime. The day was August second. The newspaper boy had been hanging around the Time Pavilion for nearly the entire day. From the early morning, he had been watching the front door of the mansion, peeking his head up to try to catch a glimpse of “them”—the [Fantasy Opera Troupe] The “Fantasy Opera Troupe” was Gloriville's most famous traveling opera group. According to legend, the reason for the “fantasy” in their name is that, in their performances, people can enjoy otherworldly dramas. Audiences can experience unforgettably beautiful scenes in their imagination. And some even say that they can make audiences have visions of their deepest desires. Tickets for their performances are always sold out. Only a select few have the fortune to receive invitations from the troupe to attend and enjoy one of their fantastical performances. But tonight, would be different. The owner of the Time Pavilion, the “Duke of Gersett” announced that he had successfully invited two the Fantasy Opera Troupe's chief performers, and that they would provide a spectacular performance at his evening birthday banquet. Of course, the paper boy had no way to attend such a banquet to see the performance first-hand, but if he could catch a photo of the chief members of the group as they entered the mansion, he could sell it to the newspapers for a pretty penny. The paper boy waited for a long time, from morning to afternoon. When a carriage finally pulled up, the boy was surprised to see a man carrying a briefcase step out of the carriage. He was wearing the white lab coat of a doctor, which was quite different from what he'd imagined. The paper boy thought for a moment, and then decided to go ahead and take the photo anyway...
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Interlude 1-2
Summary	Mysterious Basement
Characters	Baguette

Background Music
Several Months Before – Viscount's Mansion Ruins
Baguette	Oof...! Cough, cough, cough... Cough, cough...
Baguette covered his mouth and nose, but was still choking on the ash and dust. Still, he was determined to keep looking. Because this room in the Viscount's mansion “didn't exist”. On the night of the fire, not even the firemen with the building's blueprints in their hands had any record of it . If that fire hadn't burned through the floor of the Viscount's mansion, and if he hadn't dwelled on the fact that the case hadn't been wrapped up properly, he wouldn't have entered the crime scene again, and he wouldn't have accidentally stepped through the burned-out floor to discover this place. It was a spacious room filled with test tubes, syringes, and bottles of medicine...
Baguette	(The Viscount's materials didn't mention anything about him having an interest in medicine. So what's he doing with all this medical equipment?) (Hiding underground to conduct experiments without anyone knowing... What kind of experiments was he doing that required such secrecy? Could the fire have started with some kind of flammable experimental materials?)
Baguette carefully inspected the items strewn across the floor. In the piles of ash, dust, and broken glass, he spotted a glittering metallic object. It was a snake's head. To be more precise, it was a realistically sculpted [metal snake head]. It looked to be about the size of the cork from a wine bottle.
Baguette	(Is this some kind of decoration for something?)
Baguette picked it up carefully. Its surface was not level. It seemed to have been broken by an extremely strong force.
Baguette	Hm... Where's the rest of it...
Unfortunately, no matter how hard Baguette searched the room, he could not find any other fragments of the object.
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Interlude 1-3
Summary	Dr. Witt
Characters	Butler Whisky Archduke

Background Music
One Year Before - The Duke's Mansion
Butler	Master, this is the man the Viscount recommended, Mr. Witt.
Whisky	Pleased to finally meet you, Duke. I am Witt, at your service.
Whisky smiled and bowed elegantly before the Duke.
Archduke	Dr. Witt...At least your manners seem to be in order. The Viscount may have recommended you, but I hope your medical expertise does not disappoint me. Alright, I will summon you if I have any needs. You may go. I must rest.

Two months later.
Archduke	Butler...Butler!
Butler	Yes, Master. Did you need something?
Archduke	Where's that Dr. Witt? Summon him at once!
Butler	You're feeling ill again? Dr. Witt is still unwilling to stay with us here in the mansion. I can summon him but it will take an hour for him to arrive. Do you want the other doctor to have a look...
Archduke	The others are worthless! Why would I call for them? Do I look like a fool?!--And you as well, worthless! You can't even retain a doctor! How much money does he want? Give him whatever he asks for, what's the problem?
Butler	It's just...Dr. Witt says he doesn't want any money...
Archduke	Well then give him whatever he DOES want, what are you doing standing there?! Do you want me to die?!!
Butler	...Of course, Master. I understand.
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Interlude 1-4
Summary	Clocks
Characters	Baguette Butler

Background Music
Baguette	Mr. Butler, does the Duke have any special reason for collecting so many clocks?
Butler	Well, there's not a particular special reason. For him, clocks represent the virtue of keeping time scrupulously. Time is the most valuable resource we have.
Baguette	So the Duke values time?
Butler	You could say that. The Duke's commitment to time is precise to the second. Because of his failing health, he has recently become quite irritable about his schedule.
Baguette	The Duke is in poor health lately?
Butler	He [has had frequent headaches for the last two years]. He has seen countless doctors, but only Dr. Witt's medicines have been effective.
Baguette	I see...
Butler	Oh, right. I just remembered that one of the reasons for the Duke's interest in clocks might be because the Duchess also takes time very seriously. The Duchess takes her tea every day at precisely four o' clock in the afternoon. The Duke lets the Duchess stay here in the Time Pavilion, that way she will never miss her afternoon tea time.
Baguette	(Seems like the Duke takes these clocks pretty seriously...)
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Interlude 1-5
Summary	A Fan
Characters	Opera Cake Whisky Blue Cheese

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - The Sitting Room
When Baguette left to inspect the Duke's corpse in the study, the atmosphere in the spacious sitting room was so imposing that it felt tiny and cramped. Opera Cake was leaning against the window, eyes lowered and looking outside. His hand was unconsciously massaging his neck.
Whisky	You've got a bandage on your neck...Did you hurt yourself?
Hearing the extremely gentle male voice, he froze for a moment and then dropped his hand and turned around to find a pair of smiling eyes.
Whisky	Hello, Opera Cake. I'm Witt. I have the honor of being a fan of yours.
Opera Cake	.....
Whisky	I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything with the question. I just thought you didn't look so good. Are you sure you're okay?
Opera Cake	I'm fine.
Opera Cake dropped the two words in a flat tone while looking inscrutably at Blue Cheese, who also seemed lost in thought. Seeming to feel his gaze, Blue Cheese looked over.
Blue Cheese	Hm...Opera Cake, will you come over here? Apologies, Mr. Witt. We have something to discuss.
Whisky	It's okay.
Whisky smiled and stepped back, motioning politely to them. Opera Cake walked toward Blue Cheese, and the two of them went to a corner to one side.
Blue Cheese	Aren't you usually a bit more patient with your fans?
Opera Cake	He's lying.
Blue Cheese	...Okay. At a time like this, there might be people with ulterior motives trying to get close to us, so we'd better be careful. At least, let's try to not make things more complicated until this ''issue'' is resolved.
Opera Cake	Mm-hm.
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Interlude 1-6
Summary	Butterfly
Characters	Baguette The Duchess

Background Music
The Duchess was undoubtedly a proud and intelligent person. She has just faced Steven's attack, but she was calm and composed in her response. However, as the wife of the Duke, why was she so calm when her husband had just been savagely murdered? Surveying the scene, Baguette's mind flashed. He looked suspiciously at the brilliant yet strange woman in the sitting room. His instincts seemed to be shouting at him: The Duchess is a dangerous woman.
Baguette	(Huh?!)
The Duchess seemed to feel his gaze. She turned to look at him, a forced smile on her lips. Something suddenly glittered on her head.
Baguette	(What was that? It looks like a gem-crusted butterfly on her head just moved...)
He blinked his eyes, unsure of whether or not he was just seeing things. He tried to maintain his gaze on the Duchess without batting an eyelid. Her eyes lowered slightly, and her attitude suddenly softened, unlike when she first met Baguette.
The Duchess	If there is anything I can do to assist you, Inspector, do not hesitate to ask.
Baguette	(It always feels like she's making a sarcastic remark..Anyway, I shouldn't provoke her for the time being.)
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Interlude 1-7
Summary	The Inspector
Characters	Male Servant Maid Butler Baguette

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - The Duke's Mansion
Baguette followed the butler up to the second floor. The servants were gathered on the first floor, talking amongst themselves.
Male Servant	You said to gather on the first floor. What happened? Don't we need to be preparing for the banquet? Has it been canceled?
Maid	It can't be canceled. After all, the Duke announced it to the entire city. He said the Fantasy Opera Troupe would come and perform...And they really arrived a few days ago. I thought tonight would be a feast for the ears.
Male Servant	The Fantasy Opera Troupe arrived a few days ago? Then who was that new guy the butler brought in? He's quite short, and he doesn't look much like an opera performer.
The butler cleared his throat and glared severely at the chatting servants.
Butler	What did I say? I told you all to write down your work duties for the day. Did I tell you to stand around gossiping?
The butler motioned apologetically to Baguette.
Butler	Please excuse me.
Baguette	No worries. Let's head to the scene.
Baguette followed the butler toward the second floor, as the servants were apologizing repeatedly.
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Interlude 1-8
Summary	Dr. Witt & “Lilia”
Characters	Butler The Duchess Whisky

Background Music
One Year Before – Time Pavilion
The clocks chimed four times. Whisky followed the butler into the Time Pavilion. In the verdant courtyard, the Duchess was having her afternoon tea, unhurried. The butler brought Whisky before the Duchess and made a formal introduction.
Butler	Madam, this is Dr. Witt. From today, he will be Master Duke's personal physician. He might require your assistance frequently.
The Duchess	Caring for the Duke, yet you come to stay at my Time Pavilion, Dr. Witt?
The Duchess' voice seemed to contain some unspoken meaning, but she was smiling.
Butler	Ah, of course not. It's just that Mr. Witt likes clocks very much, so he wants to be able to come and go freely. Master Duke has agreed...
The Duchess	If the Duke has agreed, then what else can I say? I guess we'll be seeing a lot of each other, then--Dr. Witt.
Whisky	At your service, Madam Duchess.
He didn't know why, but something about Whisky's formal manner and the faint smile at the corner of his mouth made the butler somewhat confused.
Butler	{The Duchess and Mr. Witt...Know each other from before?)
The Duchess	Away now. Do not disturb my tea time.
Butler	Um...
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Interlude 1-9
Summary	Eye of Horus
Characters	The Duchess Butler

Background Music
The Day of the Crime – Time Pavilion
The Duchess was in her room trying on her formalwear for the banquet that evening. Suddenly, a servant burst into the room to report that the Duke's butler needed her urgently.
The Duchess	What is it? Why don't you go to the Duke, then? He's your master, not me.
Butler	Madam...Master Duke...Someone...Someone has killed Master Duke.
The Duchess' hands were steady. She continued looking in the mirror, sizing up her gown.
The Duchess	Where is he?
The butler had not expected such a response. He froze for a moment.
Butler	He's--He's in the--the study, Madam...
The Duchess	Who else knows of this?
Butler	I haven't told anyone...The upstairs servants have been called down to the first floor and prohibited from returning upstairs. Oh, right. Mr. Witt knows. We were together when we...When we found him...
Fruit Tart's hand finally dropped, but a strange expression flashed in her eyes.
The Duchess	I see. Butler, do you know of the ''Eye of Horus''?
Butler	Eye of Horus...You mean that Food Soul private investigation group? Madam, do you think a Food Soul had something to do with this? But, the only Food Souls in the Time Pavilion would be...
The Duchess	Souffle? He doesn't have the guts. But I don't know about the others. And how many could there be, hidden in the Time Pavilion? Some things need to be cleared up. Isn't that right, butler? Why don't you check that out? Alright, you go up to the second floor. I will make an appearance after I change my clothes.
Butler	Yes, but...
The Duchess	Don't worry, isn't Mr. Witt here? Don't underestimate him, he is more than just a doctor. Before the ''Eye of Horus'' people arrive, just listen to his instructions.
Butler	Um...
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Interlude - II

Interlude 2-1
Summary	The Shape of the Cookies
Characters	Baguette

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - The Study
The desk was a total mess. Wine glasses, books, pillboxes, and all manner of papers and documents were scattered about the desk. Baguette spotted what Souffle had called ''dessert''.
Baguette	(Souffle said he came to bring the dessert, and when he came through the door, someone knocked him out...But then why is the dessert on the desk? Was Souffle lying? Could he have been using the dessert as an excuse to get close to the Duke, and then...)
Baguette walked over to the desk and silently observed the plate of dessert. This plate of crunchy butter cookies...They were quite different from the run-of-the-mill cookies sold on the street. Every cookie was exactly the same, down to the finest detail. The delicate pattern on its surface looks like it was carefully sculpted by a craftsman. Even the arrangement on the plate was impressive. The cookies were stacked up like a flower blossom.
Baguette	(However...)
The cookies themselves were imperfect. There were fine crumbs lying on the plate, and one cookie even had a tiny crack running through it.
Baguette	(That's not quite right. The cookies are stacked up carefully, so they certainly weren't damaged when the Duke was attacked. But then the cookies themselves are damaged.) (Could the cookies have already been damaged when they were delivered? Souffle is the Duke's personal servant--would he make a mistake like that?)
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Interlude 2-2
Summary	Something's Wrong
Characters	Maid Butler Souffle Fruit Tart

Background Music
One Year Before - Time Pavilion
Maid	Butler! Butler! Something's wrong!
Butler	What's got you in such a panic?
Maid	It's Souffle! He, he, he's fighting with us!
Butler	Haha, is it April Fool's Day? Souffle will start hitting people when the sun comes up in the west. Stop fooling around. Have you finished polishing the clocks? The Duke will arrive soon.
Maid	It's true, Master Butler! In the dining hall, we were joking about how he looks like a child when he eats, and he just knocked a guy's teeth out!
Butler	What...Let's go take a look. Today, the Duke is coming to stay overnight. We can't have any trouble that might disturb him. Souffle? What happened?
As the butler arrived in the dining hall, he saw blood on the floor. The injured servant had already been taken to the hospital, and Souffle was slumped in a corner, his head buried. People were standing all around him, gawking.
Butler	Everyone, get back! What are you doing standing around like this?!
The servants cleared away immediately.
Butler	...Souffle? Are you alright?
Souffle slowly lifted his head, but he looked dazed.
Souffle	Butler? I...What am I doing here?
Butler	...Do you remember what just happened?
Souffle	I just remember I was eating...What happened? Agh--
Butler	..... (Is he just pretending in order to escape punishment?)
Just as the butler was about to continue his line of questioning, a glittering, gem-studded butterfly flew into the dining hall, followed by the sound of high heels approaching the doorway.
The Duchess	Souffle, it's time for you to prepare my afternoon tea. If you can't even remember to do this simple thing, then you should resign immediately.
Souffle	Madam! Agh! I, I, I'll do it now!
Seeing the Duchess, Souffle climbed up in a panic and ran to the kitchen in a frenzy. The Duchess flashed a glance at the obedient and docile butler.
The Duchess	It isn't meal time, Mr. Butler, but we must still maintain sanitary conditions. Correct?
Butler	Yes, Madam. I'll have someone clean this up immediately.
The Duchess made no further comment, but only turned away coldly and left.
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Interlude 2-3
Summary	Vanished
Characters	Butler Male Servant

Background Music
One Year Before - The Duke's Mansion
Butler	Have you seen Souffle?
The butler had been looking for Souffle for some time, but couldn't find him. He stopped a servant to question them.
Male Servant	No, I haven't seen him.
Butler	...The Duke's birthday is the busiest day of the year. Where could he be? Alright, if you see him, tell him to come and help out in the sitting room.
Male Servant	Okay, I will.
The butler frowned and walked toward the sitting room to continue his work. But up until the banquet that night, Souffle had vanished without a trace. The butler had to find other servants to help him. It wasn't until the banquet was nearly finished that the butler found Souffle in the corridor.
Butler	Souffle! Where have you been?
But it was like Souffle hadn't heard him at all. He just kept walking forward, a cold expression on his face.
Butler	...? Souffle, I'm talking to you. Answer me! Where have you been?!
The butler shouted angrily at Souffle's back, but there was no response. Souffle just kept walking directly back to his room.
Butler	(...What's wrong with Souffle today?)
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Interlude 2-4
Summary	Key
Characters	Opera Cake Blue Cheese Butler

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - Time Pavilion
Blue Cheese burst into the room and locked the door behind himself. Opera Cake was leaning against the headboard of the bed and flipping through some sheet music. He lifted his eyes and noticed that something was wrong with Blue Cheese. The young man was usually placid and gentle, but now he had deep furrows in his brow.
Opera Cake	Is he making things difficult for you?
Opera Cake looked at Blue Cheese, concerned. He felt some guilt, as Blue Cheese went to see the Duke for him.
Blue Cheese	No... I don't think he can make things difficult for us ever again.
Opera Cake	…?
Blue Cheese was silent for a moment, then he opened his hand. Inside it was lying a brass key.
Blue Cheese	This is the key to the dungeon... The Duke, he... He's dead...
Opera Cake paused, and then he put down the sheet music.
Blue Cheese	Don't worry, I didn't encounter anyone on the way back. But that guy who came to give you that doll yesterday, he's passed out next to the Duke's body. That might be a problem.
Opera Cake	...Souffle?
Blue Cheese	Right. I'll tell you the details later, but the priority right now is to locate that place before anyone find out about this. I think...
Opera Cake	……
Opera Cake took out the floor plan for the Time Pavilion and looked at it, while Blue Cheese stared at the doll on the desk near the bed.
Opera Cake	Souffle, he...
Blue Cheese	I think the entrance is most likely to be in the study— Huh? What did you say?
Knock knock knock
Opera Cake	...Nothing.
A sudden knock at the door interrupted Opera Cake. Blue Cheese put the key back into his pocket. The two men exchanged a glance, and by the time the door opened, their faces showed only harmless smiles.
Blue Cheese	Mr. Butler, do you need something?
Butler	Gentlemen, the Duke... Something happened to him. The Duchess has instructed me to summon the Inspector from the Eye of Horus, and he will arrive shortly. Please cooperate with the investigation by following me to the sitting room immediately.
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Interlude 2-5
Summary	The Blaze
Characters	Archduke Butler

Background Music
Every year on August second, the Duke holds a magnificent birthday banquet. That year was no exception. An array of celebrities were present at the banquet, so the butler worked late making sure everything went off without a hitch. The next morning, he woke up early to prepare breakfast for the Duke.
Archduke	Oh? Hehehe—
As the Duke was eating breakfast, it seemed that the newspaper in his hand contained something he found funny. The butler was a little confused.
Butler	Master?
Archduke	Look, the newspaper says that the Viscount's mansion caught fire last night. It burned to the ground!
Hearing this, the butler's eyes widened in disbelief. He opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came out.
Butler	It... It can't be! The Viscount's mansion is so big... How is that possible?
Archduke	Right, it should be a real sight to see. Why don't you go and take a look, butler?
Butler	...Yes, Master.
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Interlude 2-6
Summary	Steven's Memory
Characters	Steven Maid Lilia

Background Music
Several Years Before - The Duke's Mansion
It was a sunny afternoon when Steven first met Lilia. He was just a boy, playing games with the servants on the lawn. He suddenly noticed a figure that stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the sky, grass, and sun. Lilia was holding a parasol, standing silently under its small shadow and squinting into the distance as the summer breeze swept through her blonde hair.
Steven	(What a pretty lady...)
She felt Steven's gaze, and turned to give him a gentle bow, smiling.
Steven	! Who's that lady? I've never seen her before.
Little Steven pulled at the servant woman's sleeve, looking up at her.
Maid	Young Master, that's Lilia. She's Master Duke's wife.
Steven	Lilia... Okay, her name is Lilia.
Steven walked right up to Lilia. He stood straight and upright like a noble gentleman.
Steven	Madam Lilia... Er... Pleased to meet you. My name is Steven.
Lilia	The pleasure is mine, Young Master Steven.
Steven	It's a sunny afternoon, isn't it? The sky is clear and the sun is bright...
Lilia	Yes! It's great for photography.
Seeing the photographer rushing over carrying his camera, Lilia lowered her eyes.
Steven	So... Uh...
Lilia	...Hehe~ Would the young master like to take a photo with me?
Steven	Real— Really?
Lilia laughed and covered her mouth. It was like she was looking at a harmless baby animal. Her delicate eyebrows curved in a graceful arc.
Lilia	As you wish, of course!
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Interlude 2-7
Summary	Poison
Characters	Butler Whisky

Background Music
Several Months Before - The Duke's Mansion
Whisky	Are you free now, Mr. Butler?
Butler	Is there something I can do for you, Mr. Witt?
Whisky	There is, indeed. Come with me for a moment.
Confused but with a polite smile, the butler followed Whisky down the corridor.
Butler	Mr. Witt... What is it?
Whisky	I suspect... Someone is poisoning the Duke.
Butler	...What?! ...Well then shouldn't we...
Whisky	I know, it would be best if we informed the Duke first. But at the moment, it's only a suspicion. I have no tangible evidence, and I'm not sure who is behind it. I don't think we should tell the Duke for the time being. You know how the Duke is... With his personality, if we told him, I fear that all the servants in the house would be...
The butler gave a long, knowing sigh.
Butler	...That's true. Mr. Witt has certainly thought this through. This matter must not be made public. And Mr. Witt, please...
Whisky	Of course, anything for the Duke's safety. Thank you, Mr. Butler, for your help.
Butler	It is my duty. In fact, it is my failure to have let something like this happen... Thank you for telling me. I will get to the bottom of this.
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Interlude 2-8
Summary	Painted Eyes
Characters	Baguette

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - The Study
The crime scene was a mess, but true to form, Baguette could leave no stone unturned in his search for clues. He noticed something poking out from behind the curtains.
Baguette	(What's this?)
Baguette pulled away the curtains to find a wooden easel. There was a canvas on the easel, and under it were cleaned paintbrushes and paints.
Baguette	(The Duke liked to paint, I know that from the materials I collected before... But there's something strange about this painting...)
The background was painted a deep black, upon which were a pair of eyes, as if floating in the void of space. The eyes seemed to be staring fixedly at the observer with a stone cold expression. The only other word that came to mind when looking at the painting was "despair". As he looked at the painting, the pale blue eyes seemed to be looking back at him. The longer he looked at it, the emptier Baguette felt inside.
Baguette	(This is quite a striking work, indeed.)
Baguette took a deep breath and settled down to inspect the painting in detail. In some places, the paint was still wet. In other parts of the painting, the paint had already soaked deeply into the canvas.
Baguette	(This painting has been modified. From the wetness of the paint, it looks like it was modified just today... Could the Duke have modified it before he was killed? Why did the killer hide it?)
Baguette ran his fingers along the Code book while he grappled with this problem. His brow furrowed and his lips went tight, but he still couldn't understand it. It was just that the eyes in the painting looked more and more familiar.
Baguette	(Where have I seen these eyes before?)
He felt like his memory was betraying him. He patted his forehead with the palm of his hand, and his eyes suddenly went bright.
Baguette	(Aha! Aren't these the Duchess' eyes?!)
Shards of memory were gradually pieced together in his mind, until eventually he could see the Duchess's face in his imagination. Although slightly distorted, the eyes in the painting certainly belonged to the Duchess. But when he looked at the canvas again, the emotion in the eyes made him hesitate.
Baguette	(But there was such vigor and vitality in the Duchess' eyes, even after her husband was murdered... What happened to her before to give her such a look?)
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Interlude 2-9
Summary	The Duke's Enemies
Characters	Baguette The Duchess Butler

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - The Sitting Room
Baguette	Did the Duke have any enemies? Anyone who would want to harm him?
The Duchess	If you mean people who would want him dead, well, too many for me to count.
Butler	Madam...
The Duchess glared at the butler.
Butler	...I overstepped my boundaries.
Hearing the butler's words, it was as if the Duchess had just thought of something funny.
The Duchess	The Duke has always acted harshly. He's done so many awful things that he has enemies everywhere. Especially with his poor health these last few years, he had been growing more and more suspicious. He was always fearful that someone was trying to hurt him.
Butler	Madam...
The Duchess looked disdainfully at the butler who was trying to restrain her, and let out an ill-tempered sneer.
The Duchess	You see, he only ever trusted this kind of person—a dog that stays loyal even after his beloved master is dead.
Butler	……
The Duchess	What? Do you have a problem with something I said?
Butler	Of course not.
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Interlude - III

Interlude 3-1
Summary	Owen
Characters	Butler Butler's Wife

Background Music
One Year Before - In Town
Butler's Wife	My dear, I want to see Owen...
Butler	Owen is training to be a butler. Don't bother him.
Butler's Wife	But we haven't seen him for such a long time. Heck, we haven't even gotten a letter from him. He was never like this before. Did we do something wrong to make him not want to talk to us?
Butler	That's nonsense. Who's to say Owen's not just busy with training? The training load is heavy, and he probably just doesn't have time to get in touch with us. You see how busy I am every day, and Owen is still just a candidate—imagine how much more he has to learn! He'll probably contact us as soon as he's done with this busy stint. That's all, don't worry so much.
Butler's Wife	...If we could just catch a quick glance of him, that would be wonderful. It's just been so long without news... My dear, is there really nothing we can do? I just want to see his face, I won't disturb his studies.
Butler	...Oh, you. Alright... I'll discuss it with the Duke and see if there's anything he can do.
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Interlude 3-2
Summary	Limited Time
Characters	Baguette The Duchess Butler

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - A Corner of the Sitting Room
Baguette	Mr. Butler, I need to visit some other places in the mansion to search for any clues I might have missed. Please escort everyone to the dining hall to eat and rest. I will brief everyone later.
Butler	That's…
The butler seemed reluctant and looked to the Duchess for help. After all, if something went missing after letting a stranger roam around in the mansion unaccompanied, it would be his responsibility. But then he couldn't abandon his duties as a butler to go and follow Baguette around, either.
The Duchess	If the Inspector wants to search, let him search. However, it is now less than two hours until the banquet starts. So, Inspector, your time is limited.
Baguette	I understand.
Baguette understood what the Duchess meant. He clenched his fists at his sides.
Baguette	(Two hours... I'll find it for sure!)
Butler	As Madam Duchess has said, ladies and gentlemen, please follow me to the dining hall. I will prepare some fruit and dessert for you all.
After the butler had everyone corralled into the dining hall, he brought Baguette to the door and handed him a bunch of keys.
Butler	These are all the keys to the mansion, Inspector. Each is marked with the name of the corresponding room's owner. You may use them as you wish. However, I must remind you that your time is limited.
Baguette	Got it. I'll brief everyone as soon as possible.
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Interlude 3-3
Summary	Limited Access
Characters	Baguette Newsboy

Background Music
The Time Pavilion was heavily guarded. A newspaper boy was lingering around the entrance, peering about endlessly.
Baguette	Hey, kid!
Newsboy	Wow!
Discovered, the paper boy turned to flee, but Baguette grabbed him.
Newsboy	I... I was only selling newspapers. I didn't take any photos!
The boy's terrified expression made Baguette squat down to talk to him. He patted the boy gently on the top of his head.
Baguette	Don't worry. I only want to ask you about something.
Newsboy	Ask me about what?
Baguette	How long have you been here?
Newsboy	I've been here all day... You, you aren't gonna smash my camera, are you?
Baguette	Of course not. Have you been here waiting for someone to come out?
Newsboy	I heard some members of the Fantasy Opera Troupe are going to perform here tonight. I wanted to take pictures of them and sell the pictures to the newspaper...
Baguette	Alright, what have you caught so far?
Newsboy	In the afternoon, a carriage came and the butler let in a man in a white coat. Then, not long after, a servant rushed out, and about half an hour later, the servant brought someone else in.
Baguette	(So it seems... The killer didn't have time to leave the Time Pavilion.)
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Interlude 3-4
Summary	Storybook
Characters	Baguette

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - The Study
There was a massive bookcase in the Duke's study. The bookcase was packed with all manner of books. Most of them were deeply-colored elegant tomes, but one book stood out because of its bright red cover. Just as Baguette reached out to take the book, a crimson butterfly swept across his cheek. The butterfly's fluttering wings had a brilliant red-gold sheen. The light of the setting sun coming in through the window made for an extraordinarily beautiful scene, as if in a dream.
Baguette	(Butterfly?)
Baguette turned around, and it was just the same quiet, bloody study. The butterfly seemed to have been a figment of his imagination. Baguette rubbed his eyes, and everything returned to normal. Baguette lowered his eyes to the book, the book that looked so different from all the others. When he turned to the first page, he realized that this was not a printed book—it was more like a notebook. But from the look of the pages, no one had written in this book for a very long time. The author's handwriting was graceful and elegant, but it didn't match that of anyone he knew.
Baguette	"The unicorn's horn is the angel's carrot," "The gecko's tail is the black snake's venom sac," "The red butterfly is the witch's relative" (Red butterfly? Witch? What about that butterfly just now? ...No, no, no!)
Baguette shook his head, trying to dispel the absurd thoughts in his mind. He took a deep breath and re-committed to a serious search of the area.
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Interlude 3-5
Summary	Medicine Delivery Person
Characters	Baguette Male Servant

Background Music
Seeing the servants gathered on the first floor, stretching and yawning, Baguette could only shake his head.
Baguette	(I guess for them, canceling the banquet was a good thing. Oh, these noble families...)
Male Servant	May I help you, Master Inspector? Mr. Butler told us to do everything we can to help your investigation.
Baguette	Um... Steven, what's he usually like?
Male Servant	Young Master Steven? He's Master Duke's nephew. He's also supposed to be the heir to his estate... He's usually pretty good to us. I can't say he treats us poorly... But the nobility, you know... They usually find it beneath their dignity to have dealings with us. However, he treated Master Duke with the utmost care. He was even more meticulous than us in this regard.
Baguette	Hm?
Male Servant	Well, for example, Young Master Steven would personally deliver all the medicines Master Duke needed to take. He performed this duty selflessly.
Baguette	Anything else?
Male Servant	Hm... That's about all I can think of.
Baguette	I see. Thanks.
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Interlude 3-6
Summary	The Safe
Characters	Baguette

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - The Study
There weren't many furnishings in the study, and the safe seemed to be the only thing that might contain some clues. A four-digit password... What could it be?
Baguette	(Hm... The Duke was so concerned about time... Maybe it could be a date.) (Based on the Duke's personality... He probably wouldn't use other people's information as a password.) (Right, the butler said today is the Duke's birthday!)
Baguette turned the numbers in the combination lock to display that day's date: "0802". Ka-chink
Baguette	(Sure enough...)
There were many documents inside the safe. A quick glance showed records of many illegal transactions... It turns out that the source of the Duke's estate was no simple inheritance. But that's not what Baguette was looking for.
Baguette	(Accounts, real estate contracts... Wait, what's this?)
It was a list of names and personal information, along with photos of each person's face. The names on the list were all followed by parentheses, and the content inside the parentheses seemed to refer to another person's file.
Baguette	(...wanted fugitive, missing person, whereabouts unknown...) Unsolved cases?
Baguette frowned.
Baguette	(Who are these people? Are they connected to the date "0802"? Or are they just some of the Duke's important documents?)
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Interlude 3-7
Summary	Surrender
Characters	Baguette

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - The Study
There was a folder at the bottom of the safe. There were some letters in the folder. The texture of the envelope was different from ordinary paper, and the seal stamped on its surface was familiar to Baguette.
Baguette	(Could this be...)
Baguette hurriedly flipped through his Code book and pulled out some materials on the Viscount case.
Baguette	(Sure enough! That's the Viscount's seal.)
Baguette opened the envelope to find that the letter inside was written in the deceased Viscount's handwriting. He had written the letter himself. Most of the contents of the letter were meaningless greetings and flattering words, but near the end of the letter, there were some shocking lines. —I will commit to you my highest loyalty, and share everything I know with you, everything I have.— This is a letter of surrender.
Baguette	(The Duke was extremely paranoid. He never trusted anyone easily.) (The Duke wouldn't necessarily accept the Viscount's attempts to curry favor. He might even—) (If he thinks someone's loyalty is even the slightest bit unstable, or if a person has any information against him, the Duke would kill them.) (...But that's only a hunch.)
Baguette placed the letter into his Code book, and then placed the scattered documents back into the safe.
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Interlude 3-8
Summary	Changes
Characters	Souffle Opera Cake The Duchess Blue Cheese

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - The Dining Hall
The butler brought Baguette to several rooms to search for evidence. Perhaps because the Inspector had left, everyone in the dining hall seemed more or less relaxed. Souffle still had a fearsome and arrogant expression on his face. Standing behind the Duchess, he glared at Opera Cake, but Opera Cake paid him no mind whatsoever. Souffle suddenly let out a loud whistle.
Souffle	It's time for the coward to wake up. I guess... See you next time, Opera Cake.
Opera Cake	……
Souffle chuckled a few times and then closed his eyes. After two seconds, he opened his eyes again and the wild arrogance was gone.
Souffle	...Eh??? I... How did I... Ma—Madam...
The Duchess	Silence.
Souffle	!!
Souffle closed his mouth tightly, as if following a command that must be obeyed. He was overwhelmed by confusing emotions, and his eyes even started to tear up. But he dared not ask any questions.
Blue Cheese	...Something's off about that guy. You'd better be careful.
Opera Cake	....Right.
Opera Cake looked over at Souffle. Detecting Opera Cake's gaze, Souffle seemed to want to say something to him, but after a moment of hesitation, decided not to. Souffle just dropped his head, silent. Opera Cake observed him for a while. He remained with his head down, even while sipping his champagne. His eyes seemed to hold some unknown emotion.
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Interlude 3-9
Summary	A Strange Visitor
Characters	Baguette Butler

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - A Corner of the Sitting Room
The butler frowned as he saw Baguette holding the keys, about to leave.
Butler	Ah... Wait!
Baguette had wanted to go and search for clues when the butler's call stopped him in his tracks. The butler seemed to want to say something, but didn't know how to say it.
Baguette	Is something wrong? If there's anywhere I shouldn't search, just tell me.
The butler hesitated for a long while, and then finally decided to speak up.
Butler	Your time is very limited, I know, but I think it would be best if you investigated those suspicious people.
Baguette	Suspicious people?
Butler	It is rude to speak of guests behind their backs, but this is a special situation which requires special treatment...
Baguette	Guests... You mean Blue Cheese and Opera Cake?
Butler	That's right.
Baguette	Aren't they special guests, personally invited by the Duke? How could members of the Fantasy Opera Troupe be murder suspects?
Butler	On the surface, it was an invitation. But actually, it seems that Master used some... "special" means to bring them here... At first, they didn't want to come. And then yesterday Opera Cake and the Duke quarreled in the study because Opera Cake did not want to give him a solo performance.
Baguette	You mean, he threatened them to convince them to come?
Butler	The Duke didn't tell me precisely. I only know that I overheard Opera Cake say to the Duke, "If you insist on doing this, I will use all means at my disposal to resolve this issue, and I'll make you regret this."
Baguette	Okay, I see. I will take a closer look. Thank you.
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Interlude IV

Interlude 4-1
Summary	Dolls
Characters	Baguette

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - A Guest Room in the Time Pavilion
As Baguette pushed open the door, he found that unlike other rooms, this room had almost no decorations. The beds were tidy. The suitcases in the corner were the only evidence that anyone was occupying the room at all.
Baguette	Oh? What's this?
Sitting all alone atop the table was a doll and a notecard. Baguette walked over to the table and inspected the doll. It turned out to be a miniature version of Opera Cake!
Baguette	So realistic... Did Blue Cheese make this?
Baguette picked up the card. To my dear Opera Cake —Souffle The inscription stunned Baguette for a moment.
Baguette	(So it was Souffle.)
He carefully placed the doll and card back in their original positions. The doll was finely-crafted—all the stitching was intricately hidden in difficult-to-see locations. It's as high-quality as something made by machine, but there are no tags on it. Souffle must have painstakingly made it entirely by hand. Baguette recalled Souffle's reaction to Opera Cake's singing in the sitting room. This doll would have taken a long time to make. They must have known each other for more than a few days.
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Interlude 4-2
Summary	Sheet Music
Characters	Baguette

Background Music
Blue Cheese and Opera Cake's room was extremely tidy. They hadn't even unpacked their suitcases. It would appear that they didn't intend to stay for long, even if the Duke had prepared a better room for them. They had only unpacked the bare necessities from their suitcases. Most of the space in Opera Cake's suitcase was occupied by the throat lozenges he used to protect his singing voice. Blue Cheese's suitcase was even simpler. Besides some sheet music in his violin case, there were only some basic necessities.
Baguette	Hm? Is this sheet music? It's still being written?
There was a sheet of paper lying face-down inside a drawer of the bedside table. It was hand-written sheet music. Besides some scribbled musical notation, there were also some words written at the bottom, which had been repeatedly edited.
Baguette	(This is more than one person's handwriting.)
Although he didn't have much knowledge of music, Baguette could tell from reading the lyrics alone that the writers had been pouring their hearts into the piece. Baguette flipped the sheet music over, and at the bottom right corner were two signatures in a calligraphic style— [Opera Cake and Blue Cheese].
Baguette	Opera Cake and Blue Cheese... So they wrote it together? (It seems that the two of them have a very close relationship, indeed.)
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Interlude 4-3
Summary	The Massive Mirror
Characters	Baguette

Background Music
Baguette walked all the way to the end of the Time Pavilion's northern corridor. The corridor had windows, but not much light. There always seemed to be something strange lurking in dark places like this. And that's where he found a door. The door was unlocked, and it opened easily with a creak.

The room was pitch black inside. It made one wonder whether the darkness from the corridor had eroded the space inside the room, or whether the darkness within the room had somehow spread into the corridor.
Baguette	It's just your mind playing tricks on you.
Baguette stepped into the room, his face expressionless. As his eyes began to adjust to the darkness, the outlines of his surroundings began to appear. This room isn't empty at all. Nearby was a single bed, and a little farther away was... someone standing there. Baguette did not hesitate, but rather walked directly toward the person. The person grew taller, but didn't not attack him. It turned out to be a massive floor-to-ceiling mirror. Facing the bed, the mirror seemed to have a life of its own, staring at anything near it. Standing in front of the mirror, it gave the feeling of being swallowed up whole. Baguette frowned and walked around the mirror. He went to the window and ripped open the curtains. Everything was revealed under the bright sunlight. Nothing could remain hidden. He noticed that on the bed were several dolls, neatly placed right where the mirror was facing.
Baguette	It looks like these dolls were made by the same person who made the Opera Cake doll.
In the bamboo basket to one side were some unfinished dolls and some sewing materials.
Baguette	It looks like this is the doll-maker's room. Why would Souffle's room be over here, as the Duchess' personal servant? And everything is so dismal and crude... Whoever lived in such a place would certainly be quite unhappy. Could the bleakness of this room be connected to the Duke's death?
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Interlude 4-4
Summary	Incinerator
Characters	Maid Male Servant Baguette

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - Time Pavilion Rear Courtyard
The Time Pavilion's rear courtyard had been trimmed exquisitely by the servants. All manner of blossoming flowers released their sweet fragrances into the air. But suddenly, that delicate fragrance was covered by the strong smell of smoke. Following the smell, Baguette found the Time Pavilion's incinerator. Two servants were arguing near the incinerator, so Baguette got close enough to listen in.
Maid	You must have taken the fuel for the incinerator! That stuff is worth a pretty penny!
Male Servant	What are you talking about? You were on duty today, so you were the only one who could get their hands on it. So what are you doing trying to slander my name?!
Maid	I only left for a minute, and then the fuel and the keys were gone. So if it wasn't you, then who was it?!
Baguette	Excuse me. What happened?
Maid	Oh! Master Inspector! You're right on time, Master. He took the fuel for the incinerator! Now we can't even use it!
Male Servant	I did not!
Baguette didn't pay much attention to the servant's quarrel. He picked up the fire tongs and braved the smoke to poke around inside the incinerator.
Baguette	Hm? What's this?
A piece of cloth was buried in the ashes. It seemed as if someone had hurriedly tossed it into the incinerator and then tried to bury it under the ashes so that no one would find it. That's why it hadn't completely burned up.
Baguette	Whew... It's a good thing there's no more fuel, otherwise nothing would be left. Did you burn any clothing or cloth items in the incinerator today?
Maid	Absolutely not!
Baguette	(Then... This must be evidence that someone tried to destroy.)
Watching as Baguette walked away, the servants let out a sigh of relief. But then Baguette suddenly turned toward them again.
Baguette	Life might be hard, but you should still cherish everything you have, and never do anything you shouldn't be doing. My judgement will be fair to everyone.
Maid	Yes, of course!
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Interlude 4-5
Summary	The Book of Clippings
Characters	Baguette

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - The Butler's Bedroom
Baguette picked up a book from the table. The book piqued Baguette's interest at the first glance. Its cover was old, and it looked like its owner flipped through it very often. It was a book of newspaper clippings. He was surprised to find that he was extremely familiar with the clippings gathered within it.
Baguette	(Why are these all related to the fire at the Viscount's mansion? And it's quite thorough, it even includes interviews from the nearby residents...) (Why did the butler collect all this?)
According to reports, a suspicious figure was spotted at the scene at the time the fire started. This person is suspected of intentionally starting the fire. There were around 100 casualties from this case at the Viscount's mansion. This line was circled so heavily in red ink that some of the words had been smudged.
Baguette	(Did the butler lose someone close to him in the fire?)
Remembering the tragic scene at the Viscount's mansion, Baguette sighed and put the book of clippings back down. He flipped through another nearby book. All the other books were quite ordinary, and none of them contained any noteworthy information.
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Interlude 4-6
Summary	The Photograph
Characters	Baguette

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - Steven's Bedroom
There was a luxurious suit lying on Steven's bed. He must have prepared it for the banquet that evening. Steven's wallet was in a desk drawer. Inside the wallet was an old black and white photo, now slightly yellowed. Surprisingly, it was a photo of the Duchess and Steven. Steven was still a youthful teenager in the photo, and the Duchess had a warm and gentle smile. She had her hand on Steven's shoulder, and the two seemed to be very close with one another.
Baguette	Hm?
Baguette recalled the scene in the sitting room. How had their relationship become so hostile?
Baguette	(Wait! Something's not right...)
Baguette inspected the photo carefully. Steven had preserved it well, but the photo was clearly about twenty years old... So many years had passed, but the Duchess didn't look a day older today than in this photo...
Baguette	Could she really keep up her youthful looks for so long? For questions about maintaining a woman's appearance, I might have to ask Parfait or Marshmallow...
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Interlude 4-7
Summary	The Troupe Leader
Characters	Blue Cheese Opera Cake

Background Music
Two Weeks Before - Inn
The door to the target room was unlocked. A hidden figure moved slightly.
Blue Cheese	You won't get away this time!
Blue Cheese smiled and pushed the door open forcefully, then flung himself at the figure.
Blue Cheese	Hah! I got you, Troupe Leader! —Eh? Opera Cake?
Opera Cake was standing next to the door looking at something. He regarded the suddenly-appeared Blue Cheese with a placid expression. Slightly annoyed, Blue Cheese blew away his long hair that had fallen in front of his face and let go of the indifferent human wall in front of him. He looked around, searching under the bed, behind the curtains, and in the bathroom. Eventually he determined that other than Opera Cake, the room was empty.
Blue Cheese	Weird... If he's not in his room, where could he be? You came looking for the Troupe Leader too, Opera Cake?
Opera Cake	Yeah. Look at this. The Troupe Leader's been kidnapped.
His voice as flat as ever, Opera Cake tilted his head toward the wall.
Blue Cheese	What?! Huh?! That's...
His complexion got uglier and uglier, and then he grabbed his forehead and let out a sigh.
Blue Cheese	...The Duke of Gersett... again. We'll have to go this time. Opera Cake, I'll go with you.
Opera Cake nodded.
Opera Cake	Pack your bags. We're going to the Time Pavilion.
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Interlude 4-8
Summary	Sound of Footsteps
Characters	Baguette

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - Time Pavilion
After surveying the last room, Baguette returned to the second floor. It was very quiet. He could barely hear the servants arguing on the first floor. The rooms of all the suspects had been inspected. He carefully enumerated all the evidence he had collected. Gradually, a clear idea came together in his mind.
Baguette	(My deduction... Will it be correct?) There's only one place left. If I go there, the entire truth might be revealed.
Baguette made his decision and settled his mind. He was just about to go in the direction of his plan when suddenly, he heard a strange sound from upstairs. Clomp—clomp—clomp
Baguette	(That sounds like heavy footsteps, and they're moving very slowly. Based on common sense, it's probably a very tall and heavy person... But is there anyone like that in the Time Pavilion?)
Suspicious, Baguette went upstairs to look. But when he got to the third floor, he only saw an empty corridor. There seemed to be something moving at the end of the corridor, but he couldn't quite make out what it was. Just as he was about to go and find out, the sound of a loud and fierce quarrel rang out from the direction of the dining hall.
Baguette	What happened?
Baguette hardened his heart, and with very little hesitation, he set off toward the dining hall...
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Interlude 4-9
Summary	Family Portrait
Characters	Baguette

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - The Butler's Bedroom
The butler's bedroom was very clean. At first glance, he saw the bookcase. Next were the books neatly arranged on the table. Baguette walked a little closer and spotted a picture frame behind the books. It was a family portrait. The butler was on the left, there was a cute boy in the middle, and on the right was standing a lovely woman who seemed to be the butler's wife. The family was smiling in the photo. They all seemed very happy in the warm, yellow glow of the lamp.
Baguette	Nothing looks strange to me.
Baguette's gaze strayed from the photo as he continued his search elsewhere. That's not right. Nowhere else in the room was there any other trace of his family's existence. Or there used to be, but then it was all removed.
Baguette	(He didn't want to see it anymore?... Why hide it?) (Take a closer look. You might be able to find more information hidden somewhere.)
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Interlude V

Interlude 5-1
Summary	The Butler's Mistake
Characters	Baguette Maid

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - Time Pavilion
Baguette	What kind of person is the butler?
Maid	Mr. Butler? He cares about us very much. When the Duke is in a bad mood and shouts at us, Mr. Butler will always talk to him for us. Of course, Mr. Butler is very meticulous and dutiful. The Duke has always trusted him!
Baguette	Was there anything unusual about the butler this afternoon?
Maid	Let me think... He was busy all day preparing for the banquet... Ah! Now that you mention it, there was one thing. Mr. Butler changed into his banquet clothes this afternoon. Usually, he doesn't put on banquet clothes until the evening because otherwise he would get them dirty while he's still preparing. He said that he put on the banquet clothes because he'd gotten his other clothes dirty already... But that's very strange. Mr. Butler would usually never make this kind of mistake.
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Interlude 5-2
Summary	Secret Admirer
Characters	Baguette

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - Souffle's Room
That massive floor-to-ceiling mirror always made Baguette uncomfortable. He avoided it and walked over to the desk. The desk drawer was unlocked, and it opened smoothly.
Baguette	What's this?
A letter under some notes caught Baguette's attention.
Baguette	(A letter to Opera Cake? But... It's like it was written by two different people...)
One letter, but two sets of handwriting... The beginning is nice and neat, but then it becomes wild scribbling at the end. There are faint smudges of ink where the pen was pressed too hard against the paper. The first few sentences are just an ordinary fan talking to their favorite singer, but then the writing becomes more and more chaotic, and eventually, downright frightening. If you could be together with me forever like Lilia and Tina... It would be so wonderful... You wouldn't let me down... It took Baguette considerable effort to understand the scribbled writing. The fierce obsession in the letter left him unsure of what to do. Baguette had always thought that if Opera Cake ever did anything to disappoint Souffle, the results would be terrible.
Baguette	I hope I'm just overthinking this...
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Interlude 5-3
Summary	The Diary
Characters	Baguette

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - The Butler's Bedroom
In Baguette's hands was an old and dilapidated diary. The pages seemed to have gotten wet at some point, and some of the text was difficult to read. He had found the diary under the floor. The "husband" mentioned throughout the text referred to the Duke's butler. Baguette raked his fingertips across the diary's thin pages, stopping at one of them. From that point on, the content of each day revolved around a single name. "X/X - Sunny Owen has been selected! He says 'I want to stay with Mom', and it will be hard for me to let him go, but he is talented, and I know that one day he'll make an excellent butler." "X/X - Cloudy It's been so long since we've heard from Owen. How is he doing? He must be too busy to reply to my letters. I hope the work isn't too hard on him..." "X/X - Light Rain The same thing yet again. The Viscount's men blocked the doorway. Why won't they let me see Owen? Why? I only want to know how he is doing." Wonderful! I have an opportunity to go and work at the Viscount's mansion! I'll have to cope with a new environment, and the pay isn't as good, but I'll do anything for my Owen! From that day forward, the diary was completely blank. It was as if she no longer had time to write anything down.
Baguette	(The butler's son... What happened at the Viscount's mansion?)
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Interlude 5-4
Summary	The Duchess
Characters	The Duchess Steven

Background Music
Several Years Before - The Duke's Mansion
Steven	—Lilia!!
Steven forced open the door to the Duchess' room, but the person he was looking for was not there. Just then, a voice sounded from the balcony—familiar yet somehow strange. The Duchess was sitting at the table drinking her afternoon tea.
The Duchess	How rude! Did the Young Master not think to knock before entering the lady's room?
Steven	I heard you were gravely ill... I came to see you...
The Duchess	Gravely ill... Well, I did feel a little uncomfortable the other day, but what business is that of yours? Get out of here!
Steven	Lilia? What... What happened to you?
The Duchess	The clock just rang four, so the whole world must stop while I have my tea. Do not disturb me any longer.
Steven	Lilia?!
The Duchess	You had better call me "Madam Duchess".
Steven	Why are you talking like this all of a sudden? Haven't I always called you "Lilia"? You... What happened to you...
The Duchess	I will not have you speak to me this way. First you burst into my room, and then you call the Madam Duchess by her first name. Have you no decency?
Steven took a step backward, looking at the person before him. She had Lilia's eyes, but Lilia's emotion was not there. In fact, this person's coldness was quite shocking.
Steven	You're not Lilia...
The Duchess	And how much does the Young Master really know about Lilia?
The ruby butterfly hairpin in the Duchess' hair changed color in the afternoon sun. For a moment, it appeared to Steven that the butterfly even fluttered its wings.
The Duchess	Enough! Let us end this foolishness. Butler, see him out.
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Interlude 5-5
Summary	The Name List[]
Characters	Sachertorte Marshmallow

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - Eye of Horus
Sachertorte Old\|Sachertorte\| was reading some case files while Marshmallow was absentmindedly writing something down.
Sachertorte	What's up? You look distracted.
Marshmallow	...Sachertorte, why did you let Baguette take this case all by himself? That Duke, I remember you said he was really dangerous.
Sachertorte	Danger brings growth. Anyway, he's been in the Eye of Horus for quite some time now, and I won't be able to hold his hand forever.
Marshmallow	Huh? You're not going to work with him in the future?
Sachertorte	I think he might make that suggestion himself.
Marshmallow	I don't think he would.
Sachertorte Old\|Sachertorte\|'s page-flipping hand paused for a moment.
Marshmallow	After all, I can always go with Sachertorte to all those parties with wonderful things to eat~
Sachertorte	...Marshmallow, if you keep daydreaming about that all day, you'll never pass the judicial examinations.
Marshmallow	Oh…
Marshmallow stuck out her tongue, then returned obediently to her practice test. Sachertorte grinned at her, then lowered his head to continue reading the case files. Suddenly, the smile vanished from his face.
Background Music
He was reading a list of missing person's cases from the last few years in Gloriville. Some of the names seemed familiar.
Sachertorte	Where have I seen that before...
Sachertorte Old\|Sachertorte\| rubbed his hands together as he rifled through his memory. All of a sudden, he stood up and walked out of the room.
Marshmallow	Huh?
Before long, Sachertorte came back, but his complexion had changed. Marshmallow watched in confusion as he hurriedly packed up a suitcase and his weapons.
Marshmallow	Wha—What are you doing? Did something happen?
Sachertorte	Marshmallow, do you remember that anonymous report letter you brought me a few days ago?
Marshmallow	Yep! I remember it. It said that a couple members of the Fantasy Opera Troupe were suspicious and might be dangerous. It asked us to check them out. Did you find something?
Sachertorte	I saw a profile photo of someone in the Gloriville missing persons list that matches with the name and appearance of one of the members of that music group. That person disappeared 90 years ago.
Marshmallow	90 years ago? So... If that person is still alive... They're probably not human! I got it—they must be a Food Soul!
Sachertorte	There's another possibility. A Fallen Angel.
Marshmallow	Huh?!
Marshmallow watched in surprise as Sachertorte packed his things up.
Marshmallow	Where are you going?
Sachertorte	The Duke's mansion. The invitation I received the other day said that the Fantasy Opera Troupe would be performing at a banquet there tonight.
Marshmallow	So... The killer that Baguette is looking for might be a disguised Fallen Angel??
Sachertorte	I can't be sure. Marshmallow, go find Turducken and ask for her help. I suspect that the Duke's death is not so simple.
As soon as he finished speaking, Sachertorte rushed out the door.
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Interlude 5-6
Summary	Food Souls
Characters	Steven Archduke

Background Music
Many Years Before - The Duke's Mansion.
There was going to be yet another banquet at the Duke's mansion. This time, it was to celebrate the Duke's successful summoning of a Food Soul. The king had rewarded him with yet another large plot of land.
Steven	Congratulation, uncle! You summoned a Food Soul! Now you're an Attendant!
Archduke	Thank you, Steven.
Steven	Uncle, will your Food Soul appear at the banquet tonight? What's his name?
Archduke	This kind of thing should remain a shadow in the dark. Having extra names or contacts is never a good idea—something bad will happen sooner or later.
Steven	Oh, that's a good idea. But can you... let me see him?
Archduke	Rather than spending your time on something like this, why don't you go and visit with the other noble families. They're the ones that will really benefit you, understand?
Steven	Yes... Uncle is right.
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Interlude 5-7
Summary	Afternoon Tea
Characters	Butler Souffle

Background Music
One day, the Duchess brought back a Food Soul called Souffle, and named him as her personal servant. The Duke did not approve of this, but he also did not stop her. He only gave his tacit consent. Souffle studied the Duke's butler training course. He was timid and slow to learn. The Duchess had countless rules and protocols, and even someone with a good temper like the butler could barely stand it.
Butler	When does the Duchess take her afternoon tea every day?
Souffle	F—Four o'clock.
Butler	And what are the standards for the dessert with afternoon tea?
Souffle	The plate should be neatly arranged. No crumbs on the cookies. Pastries must not have any defects. Cakes must not collapse...
Butler	And what about the setting for afternoon tea?
Souffle	Agh... You need a parasol... Smoke away the mosquitoes... There must be no dew on the lawn... And... And... And...
Butler	There must be air circulation but no sound of rustling leaves! Souffle, how many times have you recited these lines, only to forget them at once?!
Souffle	Sorry, sorry, sorry—
Butler	Well, forget it. Looking at you, it's like I'm looking at my child... I can only hope that when he grows up, he can find a master who isn't so...
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Interlude 5-8
Summary	The Letter
Characters	Baguette

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - The Study
According to the other servants at the Time Pavilion, the butler had been by the Duke's side for more than thirty years. He was the Duke's most loyal servant. The butler's health had always been good, but then this year, his hair suddenly went gray and he seemed to have aged several years.
Baguette	(It must have been because of that fire... Maybe he's a relative of one of the victims...) (I didn't see any related names on the list of victims. Did we miss some information? Or could there be a deeper reason...) (And what does all of this have to do with the Duke's death?) (If the butler is the killer... Then he must have found some kind of connection between the Duke and the fire... But what could that connection be?)
He looked around the room and decided to search again.
Baguette	If such a piece of evidence really exists, he would have put it somewhere important...
He carefully observed the rooms furnishings again, and finally his gaze fell upon the family portrait. Baguette picked up the photo and looked at the happy, smiling family of three.
Baguette	I must find the truth. I must give justice to those who died so tragically. Only then may they rest in peace.
He made a silent wish as he flipped over the photo to open the picture frame. Sure enough, a black envelope fell out from behind the picture. Baguette opened the envelope and read the contents of the letter inside.
Baguette	Dear Sir, I am a friend of Owen. I have been troubled ever since I fled from the Viscount's mansion. I'm writing you this letter to tell you everything that happened. The tragedy at the Viscount's mansion was ordered by the Duke. His reason was only that he no longer had any use for the Viscount. The reason I know this is because I almost became the scapegoat for the crime. I was lucky enough to find out in advance, so I ran away. But I didn't want to raise any suspicions, so I didn't tell Owen anything... When they found out that I, their scapegoat, had already fled, I'm sure they found another person to plead guilty, no matter how unfair that is... Soon, you will come to believe my words... I know that this confession could never make up for my betrayal of my friend... I only wanted to tell you that the man who killed Owen is the Duke. You must be careful!
Baguette finished reading the letter, in a state of shock. Especially shocking was the end of the letter, where the writer mentioned someone pleading guilty for the crime. There was, in fact, a suspect who killed himself in prison out of fear of punishment. And the postmark of the letter was about one month before that suspect was apprehended.
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Interlude 5-9
Summary	I Can Help You
Characters	Whisky Butler

Background Music
The Day of the Crime - The Study
In the study, the pale-faced butler stared at the bloody mess before him.
Whisky	Mr. Butler, the Duke is no more. I think we must inform the Duchess at once.
As if waking from a dream, the butler took a deep breath and regained his composure.
Butler	Yes, I will call Madam Duchess right away! ...Mr. Witt, you only arrived here after the incident happened. If you stay here, you will be drawn into this mess. It's best if you leave immediately.
Whisky	Don't worry, I have important things to do here.
Butler	What could you have to do in a situation like this?
Whisky smiled and walked calmly toward the butler. He grabbed the butler's right hand, and under the butler's white glove, a dark red bloodstain was growing larger and larger.
Whisky	As a butler, it wouldn't be appropriate for you to go and see the Duchess like this, now would it?
The butler's face went ghostly white.
Whisky	Don't worry... I will help you.
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