The past was built upon collecting unique characteristics.

How vengeful you must be to still be holding onto those feelings from that night...

Morian muttered to himself, retracting the wolf-shaped phantom behind him, but his facial muscles still twitched involuntarily.

Nobody believes that in that conflict just now, you, the expressionless swordsman, didn't have some personal grudges or a desire for revenge involved.

"I rented an apartment nearby and originally intended to visit you, sir, but I happened to run into you and caused a misunderstanding," Charlotte explained first.

Charlotte then turned to Ronan, a polite smile on her face: "Mr. Ronan, since this is a formal investigation, I think it should be conducted at a more appropriate time and place, wouldn't you agree?"

Her implication was that she asked the uninvited swordsman to leave temporarily, and that Morian would cooperate with the investigation the next day or at another agreed time.

Ronan didn't answer immediately. He looked around the messy office, his gaze sweeping over the charred sofa, the overturned furniture, and the deep slash marks on the walls.

"You're right," he said calmly.

Seeing that the other party was willing to agree, Charlotte breathed a sigh of relief and immediately turned to Morian and whispered in his ear:

"Don't worry, sir, I will defend you in court!"

...Morian was at a loss for words, unsure whether to be moved by this unwavering support or to feel helpless at the way it sounded like he was a criminal with a serious crime on his hands, destined for trial.

"Hehe, but there is still room for maneuver in this matter." Ronan's voice suddenly rang out, his tone subtly changing.

"Actually, my purpose in coming here tonight is not to arrest or interrogate anyone."

The two people standing opposite each other were stunned at the same time, and were a little confused by this sudden reversal.

Charlotte was the first to react, gesturing, "Mr. Ronan, Mr. Morian, please come in and sit down to talk. It's not appropriate to talk standing up."

Ronan nodded slightly and walked to the sofa with the charred hole in the center, where he sat down.

However, after sitting down for a while, he couldn't help but frown and press his fingers against the sofa cushion.

"What kind of material is this sofa made of? Why is it so stiff to sit on?"

How dare you ask? Morian resisted the urge to roll his eyes and swallowed back the retort that almost escaped his lips.

"Where's the tea? Why isn't there any tea?" Ronan asked matter-of-factly, seemingly oblivious to Morian's subtle expression.

"Shouldn't we at least show basic hospitality to our guests?"

I'll endure it! Morian controlled his facial muscles, got up and walked to the cabinet in the corner, and took out tea leaves and tea set.

Soon, three steaming cups of fragrant green tea were served on the table.

It wasn't until the Swordholder took a leisurely sip of tea that he seemed willing to get to the point.

"Actually, after that night, I carefully reviewed the whole incident," Ronan said calmly, taking another sip of tea.

"Your escape methods, your ability to adapt to situations, and your performance in various events all indicate that you are no ordinary detective, and the royal family has no shortage of capable fighters."

He paused, his icy blue eyes fixed on Morian, before abruptly changing the subject.

What the royal family lacks is someone who can help them operate outside the rules.

Morian didn't reply, but listened in silence.

What the other party said is indeed true. While the royal family values ​​its image and reputation, many clandestine affairs cannot be handled by overt forces. Therefore, employing other forces in private is an open secret practice.

In fact, in Bet City alone, there are several gangs that secretly obey the royal family's orders and are responsible for handling some shady matters, which can be considered as eating public food in another sense.

Ronan took a letter with gold-threaded edges and an intertwined sword and shield pattern printed on its surface from the inner pocket of his tuxedo and gently placed it on the table.

"This is a commission," Ronan explained carefully, "a commission from within the royal family, and the person who commissioned it is a member of the royal family in a delicate position."

"What are the specific details of the commission?" Morian didn't reach out to touch the letter, but simply looked directly at the other person and asked.

"The details of the request are in the letter, but I can give you a brief verbal summary," Ronan said, seemingly unsurprised by his attitude.

"A young member of the royal family has recently suffered severe psychological trauma, leaving him distraught and unable to fulfill his duties."

"The knight himself refused all communication and treatment, and the royal family member was unable to handle the matter personally for certain reasons."

A knight? Is he the one destined for the "Honor Class" of the Royal Family?

"Why is it inconvenient?" Morian asked after a brief moment of thought, his tone impatient.

"Because that member of the royal family is the 'princess' that the knights are meant to protect." Ronan's azure eyes dimmed slightly.

Several guesses and possibilities instantly surfaced in Morian's mind.

He paused briefly, then couldn't help but tentatively ask:

"You're not trying to tell me that the current situation is due to his unworthy status compared to the princess, leading to a cliché tragedy where they loved each other but couldn't be together, are you?"

"That's not the case." Ronan shook his head in denial. "The deeper reason will only be known after you accept the commission. At that time, that member of the royal family will explain it to you personally."

Charlotte, who had been listening quietly, asked softly, "And what about the reward?"

"The rewards will naturally be generous, such as money, resources, and certain privileges. If this matter can be resolved satisfactorily, even a lower-ranking title is not impossible." Ronan put down his teacup, casually tossing out enough bargaining chips.

"And once it's done, I can pretend that the intrusion that night never happened, and your file will remain clean."

Isn't this just a carrot and stick approach? Morian didn't agree immediately, pondering what the other person had just said.

Since it requires entrusting someone else to solve the problem, it means that this entrustment is not as simple as it sounds on the surface, and there must be something deeper involved behind it.

Once involved in royal affairs, one's actions become constrained in many ways, constantly wary of the gaze and schemes of the powerful and wealthy.

Thinking in the most complex direction, it's possible that not only is the "knight" a holder of the "Glory Class," but the "princess" may also possess the "princess" ether in that destiny.

Within the entire "Honor Class" hierarchy, the "Princess" is the core ether, second only to the "King." Does she truly have the ability, and is it necessary, to get involved in trouble at this level?

"I need time to think about it," Morian finally gave a cautious reply.

"Okay, you have a week to consider it." Ronan chuckled and stood up from the not-so-comfortable sofa.

"If you're willing to accept this, take this letter to the address on the letter; someone will meet you there."

The royal "sword bearer" stopped at the door, turned back, and casually left behind a profound admonition:

"Morian Thias, you're not the only one in this world with secrets. There are far more geniuses who are called 'darlings of the times' than you think."

Just as he was about to turn around and step out the door, a clear voice suddenly called out from inside the office: "Wait, stay put."

"Is there anything else you'd like to add?"

"Please compensate me for the repair costs of the damaged furniture."

……