Chapter 60
Jerry’s steps grew heavier as he walked back toward the Guard. He wanted nothing more than to just go straight home.
So this is how it ends, after all.
Jerry was bitterly disappointed by Elena’s answer.
It wasn’t just the heartbreak of being rejected—it was her refusal to leave the duke’s estate that he couldn’t understand.
Why does she go so far to protect him? Don’t tell me Elena is actually an accomplice?
Letting out a long sigh, Jerry admitted to himself that he hadn’t originally planned to confess so soon.
He had wanted to wait—until they had grown closer through frequent meetings, until his feelings would have a greater chance of being reciprocated.
And yet, out of worry for her, he had rushed into confessing, hoping to persuade her. But it hadn’t worked at all.
Her refusal had been polite and gentle, yes, but it still cut deeper than expected—because even in turning him down, she had chosen to shield the duke.
I really thought it was fate…
A bitter smile tugged at Jerry’s lips. He had believed she was like him—someone warmhearted and righteous.
But clearly, he had been wrong.
There’s no helping it. If this was where our connection ends, then so be it.
Jerry folded away his feelings for Elena neatly. He still liked her—but not enough to forsake his ideals of justice.
When he finally reached the Guard headquarters, Jerry went straight to his desk, opened a drawer, and pulled out an envelope he had been preparing. Checking the contents once more, he sealed it thoroughly and sent it off to the newspaper immediately.
He knew Elena might be hurt by this. But he had already given her several chances. She had chosen to refuse them. If she ended up wounded, it would no longer be his fault.
Resolutely, Jerry decided he would stop caring about her.
Dr. Scott went out late in the afternoon. He lingered aimlessly until deep into the night, then wound his way through narrow alleys until he arrived once more at that place.
The cult leader never met anyone during the day. He only became active in the dead of night or early dawn—so naturally, the congregation always gathered at midnight, under the veil of secrecy.
At last, Dr. Scott arrived at the hall, setting down the heavy suitcase of money he had painstakingly brought.
The cult leader was already seated on a golden chair, listening to reports from his followers.
When one person finished speaking, the leader turned his attention.
“Dr. Scott, did you bring what I asked for?”
“Yes, it’s here.”
At the reply, the leader gave a slight nod, and a large hooded man carried the suitcase over and placed it at his feet.
“No need to count, I presume?”
“Yes. I brought the exact amount.”
“Good. Well done.”
Though his face was hidden behind a mask, his voice betrayed his satisfaction.
“Then take what I give you and hide it in the duke’s estate.”
Another hooded man stepped forward and handed Dr. Scott a small box.
When he opened it, Scott saw trinkets that appeared to have belonged to victims—along with locks of hair and other body parts. His eyes widened, shaken, and he glanced at the leader in alarm.
“W-why… why this…?”
“You can’t possibly be asking because you don’t know the meaning, Doctor.”
“B-but isn’t it strange to just plant this out of nowhere? Won’t it look suspicious instead…?”
The leader exhaled, annoyed. His voice sharpened.
“If you had just killed the sacrifice I originally pointed out, things would have seemed natural. We’ve been timing everything according to the duke’s schedule, to frame him properly. But you failed, and nearly ruined everything.”
“T-that’s…”
“What is our goal? Don’t forget—we must keep climbing higher. Only when we achieve our purpose can we build a utopia free of social class. Remember that.”
The atmosphere grew solemn. Everyone seemed to believe his words with unshakable faith.
“We’re sacrificing the few for the sake of the many. Don’t be shaken by minor details. The summit is right in front of us. We will succeed, and finally create the world we dream of.”
“Master is right!”
“Let’s keep our spirits up! We’ve nearly collected all the hearts already!”
The large hooded men shouted their agreement, and the hall echoed with chants of fervent loyalty.
“Now, as for this box—hide it somewhere easy to conceal, but just as easy to discover. The duke is already a rat trapped in a cage. Even if it looks a little contrived, foolish people will still be swayed.”
“…”
“Understand? This time, we must succeed.”
“Yes, I’ll remember.”
“Don’t forget—I trust you, Dr. Scott.”
“Yes, Master.”
Scott closed the lid of the box and steadied himself. This would be his final task. The end was in sight.
From the morning, the duke’s estate was in an uproar. Or rather, not the estate itself, but the grounds outside.
“What’s going on out there?”
When I stepped out of the secret room, Duke Calix looked back at me from the window.
“You’re awake?”
“Yes. But it’s noisy today.”
“The townsfolk are protesting outside the gates.”
“….”
So Inspector Jerry had finally gone through with it. I had expected this, but it still left a sour taste.
On the duke’s desk lay the morning paper. The front page screamed in bold letters: Duke Calix Fitzalladin—Prime Suspect in Serial Murders.
Ordinarily, the duke could have used his authority to crush such accusations. But he made no such move, leaving things as they were. In the original timeline, he had been bedridden with illness, while his uncle—acting as regent—had ignored it all.
And now, it seemed he simply felt no need to intervene.
Watching him, I asked anxiously,
“Are you all right? Even if there’s so-called evidence, surely this must feel unfair.”
“If I said I wasn’t resentful, I wouldn’t be human. In my past life and now, the resentment is real. But I have a way to clear my name. For now, I’ll wait.”
His tone was calm, measured. I couldn’t even begin to guess at his true feelings.
“It’s almost time for the doctor to come for your checkup. Let’s get ready.”
He moved to the bed and sat comfortably. I washed quickly and prepared.
The morning exam was as routine as ever. After Dr. Scott left, the duke called for me.
“Elena.”
“Yes?”
“Could you take the dogs for their walk again today? With things outside so noisy, it wouldn’t be wise for me to go out.”
“Of course. Please rest inside. Don’t bother looking out.”
“Thank you. I’ll be waiting. Go on.”
“Yes. Come on, boys, let’s go!”
The dogs followed me naturally now, trotting to my side as if it were second nature.
As we headed down the stairs and neared the main gates, I spotted Dr. Scott in the distance.
“Whine? (That scent’s strange.)”
“Strange scent? From who?”
“Woof. (That man—he smells unfamiliar.)”
Behind Dr. Scott, a man I didn’t recognize was walking. His scent was foreign even to me.
Who is that? If his scent was unknown, he must be an outsider.
Fifth victim. The duke accused. Evidence found in the estate soon after.
Don’t tell me—an infiltrator? Is there still a spy inside?
But hadn’t Calix recently overhauled all his staff? The ones remaining had all been thoroughly vetted.
“Let’s follow him.”
I kept my distance, leading the three dogs as casually as possible.
From afar, I saw Scott enter the annex—and the strange man slipped in after him.
Why the annex?
Servants did go in and out for cleaning or laundry, but otherwise there was no reason.
Cleaning was for maids. Why would a male servant be there?
Perhaps he went for a checkup. But then, the dogs wouldn’t call his scent unfamiliar. And there had been no new hires lately.
Feigning a trip to the apothecary, I slipped inside the annex. But the man had already vanished.
“Black, can you track his scent?”
“Woof. (I can.)”
Black gave a low bark.
“Good. Quietly. Find which room he went into without making a sound.”
Black sniffed his way through the annex. Luca and Tofu also trailed close, noses twitching.
Moments later, Black stopped before a door and looked up at me.
And that door was…
