After hearing Lucien Valois's words, Callas frowned deeply and slowly shook his head.
"Captain Lin, that punishment is far too severe. They're still young. They have long lives ahead of them."
Lucien Valois folded his hands and leaned forward slightly, speaking at an unhurried pace.
"Public security in the Court of Fontaine has been deteriorating. The Gardes is preparing a special anti-crime campaign. We'll be cracking down hard on gang organizations."
The threat in his tone was unmistakable.
Callas's expression darkened. He took a deep breath.
"The Spina di Rosula maintains order in the shadows. We've also helped the Gardes apprehend quite a few criminals."
"And?" Lucien Valois lifted his coffee cup and took a light sip, his gaze indifferent. "The Spina di Rosula is like this coffee cup. If I'm dissatisfied, I can replace it at any time."
A flash of anger passed through Callas's remaining eye.
If not for his terminal illness—if not for the fact that his time was running short—he would have taught this young man a lesson.
Suppressing his anger, he said quietly, "Captain Lin, please spare them this once. The Spina di Rosula will be your steadfast ally."
Lucien Valois did not press further.
"Since President Callas has spoken, I'll give you face. However, I need your help with something."
At that, Callas understood immediately. The earlier threats had simply been leverage.
He sighed inwardly. This young man truly had methods. A few carefully chosen words had cornered him without leaving room for refusal.
"What is it? If it's within the Spina di Rosula's capabilities, we'll do our best."
Lucien Valois glanced around to ensure no one was listening, then lowered his voice.
"I need you to find a piece of clothing."
He produced the sketch Chiori had drawn.
Callas examined it carefully—and his troubled expression deepened.
"Captain Lin… you're pushing the Spina di Rosula toward a dead end."
Lucien Valois raised a brow. "President Callas, I didn't expect you to recognize it."
Callas coughed awkwardly. "I once introduced that boy to some… ah… female workers.
You understand. The Spina di Rosula's finances have always been tight. We had to find ways to stay afloat."
Lucien Valois felt momentarily speechless. The dignified president of the Spina di Rosula acting as a broker?
He tossed a bank card onto the table.
"There's another five hundred thousand mora inside. Once the job is done, it's yours."
Callas's eyes lit up instantly. He pocketed the card without hesitation.
"Leave it to me, Captain Lin."
Lucien Valois nodded with satisfaction and took another sip of coffee before casually asking,
"I heard your daughter Navia is coming of age soon?"
In an instant, killing intent flared around Callas.
Lucien Valois merely smiled calmly. "You misunderstand. I simply think Navia would be well suited to join the Gardes."
Callas's murderous aura slowly dissipated.
"No matter who it is—if anyone dares lay a finger on Navia, I will kill him.
As for joining the Gardes… wait until you become Captain before you say such things."
Lucien Valois shrugged. "Very well."
Callas cast him a long look before turning and leaving.
Lucien Valois remained seated, leisurely finishing his coffee and pastries.
…
Several days passed in the blink of an eye.
After being released from detention, Old Luke threw himself into the investigation.
As a former ace investigator of the Special Investigation Court, his experience far surpassed Lucien Valois's.
Within just two or three days, he achieved a breakthrough—Flora had reserved opera tickets for the afternoon of the incident.
That discovery effectively ruled out suicide by drowning.
Yet beyond that, progress stalled.
Witnesses remained tight-lipped under mounting pressure, refusing to provide any information.
Obstacles mounted from all sides.
Old Luke was abruptly reassigned to patrol outside the city. Furious, he stormed into Captain Grothar's office to argue.
Meanwhile, Lucien Valois himself faced repeated disciplinary inquiries, leaving him little time to investigate.
The case fell into a stalemate.
One afternoon, Lucien Valois arrived at Furina's suite with a freshly purchased cake and rang the doorbell.
The door opened quickly.
Today, Furina wore a light blue casual outfit. Simple and relaxed, it made her look fresh and adorable—like the lively girl next door, stripped of her usual flamboyant grandeur.
My wife.
"Lady Furina, it has only been a few days, yet you have grown even more elegant and radiant—like the most beautiful cloud in the heavens, the brightest star in the night sky. My admiration for you is like—"
The moment he saw her, Lucien Valois launched into a torrent of flattery.
Furina's small face lit up instantly.
"This goddess is indeed as dazzling as you proclaim! Hahaha~"
She stepped aside to let him in.
Lucien Valois placed the cake gently on the table.
Furina crossed her arms and struck what she clearly believed to be a dashing pose, barely concealing her excitement.
"Lucien Valois, after this goddess's thorough investigation, Flora's case has achieved a major breakthrough!"
Lucien Valois raised an interested brow. "Lady Furina, what breakthrough?"
She lifted her chin proudly.
"Together with Investigator Euphonie from the Special Investigation Court, I discovered that on the afternoon of the incident, Flora was supposed to attend the opera with a boy."
"Who is this boy?" Lucien Valois asked immediately.
"Marot. Flora's classmate."
The unfamiliar name made Lucien Valois frown slightly.
"You suspect him?"
Furina nodded. "Marot lacks a solid alibi. Several teachers have also remarked on his poor character."
After hearing that, Lucien Valois already understood the strategy.
It was simple—but effective.
Even if they couldn't successfully frame him, it would at least divert most of the attention toward Marot.
He offered Furina a few more compliments and presented her with the perfume he had commissioned from Emilie before taking his leave.
Just as he was about to step out of the Palais Mermonia, several figures suddenly appeared, blocking his path.