For an ordinary private detective, 50 pounds was enough to attract them. Klein had only spent around 7 pounds when he hired someone to investigate all the red chimney houses in Tingen City and its outskirts.
"Additionally, the Whites gave you another pound for your travel expenses these days." Stuart pulled out six 5-pound notes and one 1-pound note with some hesitation.
Klein took the money and casually checked if it was genuine without explaining about the travel expenses.
Stuart didn’t ask more but instead smiled:
"Besides Mr. Stanton, you are the most outstanding detective I’ve seen. You’re a latecomer to the field, did you learn from any great detectives?"
"Besides Mr. Stanton, you are the most outstanding detective I’ve seen. You’re a latecomer to the field, did you learn from any great detectives?"
Learned from? That’s many possibilities—Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, the Eternal Student, and that guy using his grandfather's name for scams… Klein silently scoffed.
"Originally, I came from Bayshore Province. I’ve done a lot of work before becoming a detective," he said after some thought.
"Thus, you have extensive experience!" Stuart realized with an "ah."
Feeding me compliments? I almost feel embarrassed… Klein smiled without responding.
Sipping his coffee, Stuart said:
"Sholom, if I ever encounter unsolvable cases in the future, I hope to seek your help."
"Sholom, if I ever encounter unsolvable cases in the future, I hope to seek your help."
My network of connections has expanded as well… Klein cautiously replied.
"If I have time later."
"If I have time later."
They chatted for a few more minutes. Stuart then politely suggested it was time to leave. Klein walked him out to the entrance hall.
Putting on his coat and hat, Stuart turned to leave when he suddenly turned back, saying sincerely:
"Sholom, you’re too frugal.
"Your talents deserve better coffee."
"Sholom, you’re too frugal.
"Your talents deserve better coffee."
What? Klein was momentarily stunned before feeling a bit embarrassed. He chuckled.
"I can’t tell the difference between good or bad coffee. They all taste the same to me."
"I can’t tell the difference between good or bad coffee. They all taste the same to me."
...
After sending Stuart off, Klein went out and bought some beef bones and meat from a butcher. At a vegetable store, he picked up radishes and other ingredients, along with necessary seasonings.
He planned to make beef bone and radish soup for dinner to complement any leftover rice. For lunch, he found a nearby restaurant and had some lamb chops.
During the leisurely afternoon, Klein continued studying "The Book of Secrets," finding himself increasingly aware of his insufficient understanding of mysticism.
Still, with a solid foundation, many things came naturally as he examined them.
As evening approached, he smelled the inviting aroma of the beef bone radish soup. His Adam’s apple moved twice.
Then, he heard the doorbell ringing, like a signal to eat.
Swallowing saliva, Klein walked to the entrance and grasped the doorknob.
His mind naturally visualized Emlyn White, the handsome but not fully masculine red-eyed vampire.