"Duke of Flame of the Divine Radiance Empire, I don't know if Your Excellency Egret has heard of it. Pen, fun, pavilion www. biquge。 info" Lodi began.

The egret thought about the introduction of the Shenghui Empire in his heart, and quickly remembered this famous nobleman.

Regarding the Shenghui Empire, in addition to religion, the three great nobles who occupy the most introduction space are the locals. Long before the establishment of the Divine Radiance Empire, the three great families of Flame, Thorn Flower, and Star Bird had established themselves in this land. As part of the heritage of an ancient family, the Duke of Flame is known for his wine and collection of antiques.

The family's history dates back 1,700 years, and the large number of collectibles and antiques passed down from this period are extremely valuable and have a high historical value. The Flame Duke's own territory is known as a tourist destination, and its location is also close to the City of Glory, the capital of the Radiance Empire. Many locals of the Shenghui Empire like to travel during the holidays to enjoy the fine wine and the cultural atmosphere of the ancient town. It also attracts many foreign tourists every year.

"It's kind of understood. But it's all on the surface. The egret sorted out his cognition and replied. "Anyway, standing at the door is not a way to welcome guests. Let's come into the room and talk about it. ”

The egret led Lilith and Lodi into the room, and Fiona walked out playfully, presumably looking for Nina. The egret brewed three cups of "black tea" and served them to the guests.

As soon as he sat down, Lodi couldn't wait to open his mouth.

"Speaking of which, the Duke of Flame is a young girl with great taste. Since inheriting the family, it has vigorously developed local cultural tourism resources, and has also established a unique exhibition center for historical monuments and artworks. But it is precisely because of this that he was targeted by the Grand Thief Shadow. ”

"Oh?" Egret was stunned for a moment, then said, "Rogue Shadow, have you been operating in the Radiance Empire lately?"

"According to past information, the whereabouts of the Grand Theft Shadow are uncertain. Always steal well-known treasures in unexpected ways, and then make a move on the black market. Most of the funds were donated by him in the name of various charities. Speaking of which, the public has a high opinion of this thief, which has caused us a lot of trouble to track down the whereabouts of the thief. ”

Lodi took a sip of black tea and continued.

"However, this time, the announcement letter under the shadow of the Rogue is issued for the books in the Blaze family's collection. It mainly contains a Continental Chronicle and an antiquity that is said to be a giant dragon scale. ”

"What basis do you have for sure that this is indeed the work of the Rogue Shadow? Egret interrupted, seeing two cases of a thief in one day, which was a bit strange.

"Can't tell. Lodi said truthfully. Lilith also smiled bitterly at this time, "Maybe Your Excellency Egret thinks it's incredible, just Kazan, Banko, and Shenghui have received no less than twelve letters about the grand theft in the past two months, and it is difficult to distinguish the true from the fake. Seven incidents have been clearly false information, but the rest have been successful. Whether it is the hand of the Grand Thief in the shadow of the Shadows, it is impossible to figure out at all. ”

"It all sounds like an organization. Egret pouted, Rogue Shadow was certainly not an organization. This kind of arrogant personality and likes to show off his abilities, and the thief's favorite thing is to increase the difficulty of committing crimes and complete challenges when it is impossible. This is determined by the character in the bones, so that he will not do something that lowers his reputation and deliberately confuses it.

"Rogue is well-known. His Excellency Egret is not an inquisitor, and he may not imagine how many criminals there are who committed crimes under this name. He is as sought after as a star in the eyes of criminals. "The investigative agency has a limited number of personnel, and can only choose situations where the value of the item is high and the status of the owner is high. Even so, our alliance of investigative agencies has not obtained the slightest bit of information from the hands of the Grand Thieves. ”

"It's as if this man was folklore from the beginning. Lilith said with emotion, "I don't know height, age, gender." There is only one crime record after another. Spanning 30 years, it has traversed 6 major empires. ”

"The earliest record was three years ago. Lodi continued, "Since then, the crime rate of Rogue Shadow has been increasing. Crimes are committed almost two or three times a year. This year is a big outbreak, and there have been 4 cases since the beginning of the year alone, not counting the Flame Duke who hasn't started yet. You've seen the more headaches. ”

"Copycats. Egret said.

"That's right. Because of the ravages of the Grand Theft Shadow Shadow, there have been criminals imitating the Grand Theft Shadow everywhere, and even more in order to attract attention and fame, they have forged notices and theft scenes by themselves in order to gain fame. Lilith said with a bit of a gritted tooth.

It's no wonder that in the face of the real Shadow of Thieves, the investigators, who have enough headaches, have to screen and discern the authenticity of the cases one by one, which is really more hateful than actual theft.

"There was a novelty at the beginning. Some even look to Grand Theft Theft to bring them fairness and wealth. But by now, people from all over the world are opening markets to see if the thief will retire safely or will be caught by the investigator. ”

When the chivalry of relieving the suffering and saving the distress becomes overflowing, it becomes a prop for entertaining the people. If such a thing is not stopped, I think it is also because of political needs. Because a peaceful world does not need heroes.

"All in all, I'm the Tribunal Investigator of the Radiant Empire's Arbitration Body, which is in charge of investigating the Duke of Flame's receipt of the Notice. I met Lilith on the train, and when I heard that Your Excellency was there, I was not invited, hoping to get your help. Lodi said again.

Egret did feel Lodi's helplessness, and if it was possible, he probably wouldn't choose to let outsiders come to interfere in his investigation. The egret sighed deeply and said, "I understand. This time I'm going to Duke Flame's territory, and I'll do my best to help Investigator Lodi. ”

"Still. "I also need to ask Investigator Lodi to help me investigate a person, a man named Jayne who forged the name of the Barnt family." ”

Lodi's eyes shrank slightly, and he said casually: "Of course there is no problem." Thank you very much for your help. ”

Lilith was also very happy, she would also follow, and after asking carefully, she found out that Lilith was this Lodi's childhood sweetheart. It's just that when she grew up, Lilith graduated from the Investigator School and stayed in Banco as an Investigator. Lodi returned to Shenghui's hometown and became an investigator at the arbitration court.

The distance between the two is not too far, and there is a little ambiguity between childhood sweethearts in the conversation.

Fortunately, the two didn't feed the egret much dog food, and after discussing the arrival site and meeting time, they left together.

Not long after the two left, Fiona and Nina entered.

"Speaking of which, you're pretty popular. Fiona guessed the general situation and quipped. "There is no benefit to being promised to these public officials. They can't afford to pay anything. ”

"It's not just money that matters. Egret said casually, "We're just mutually beneficial." Egret then explained to Nina, telling her that she had agreed to help in order to find Jayne, and Nina nodded in agreement.

Or Nina is sensible, knows the general situation, and understands the reason. It's not like Fiona, who only raises the bar and says weird things, and after following Nina for so long, no matter what decision is basically discussed, as long as it makes sense, Nina doesn't mind doing what you say.

Of course, there is a more important point.

"I've long heard that Duke Flame's realm has meatloaf and ale that are famous throughout the Divine Radiance Empire. I must try it this time. Nina said truthfully.

During the next two days, Lodi came to visit from time to time to get closer to the egret. Fiona and Nina still wander around, eating almost all of the food that was unique to the food truck.

How much money is in Nina's money magic device is a puzzle that the egret can't figure out. In short, it is enough for this eldest lady to squander all the way, from Free City to Banke, and then from Banke to Shenghui.

The price of the Egret's weapons and used potions, as far as the Egret could see, had already paid no less than 200 carts. A girl with a huge amount of money, if it weren't for the high enough force, I'm afraid someone would have rushed over to grab it.

After two days of travel, the train finally arrived in the City of Glory. Sitting in the special reception car sent by the arbitrator, the three egrets came face to face with Lodi and Lilith.

"It turns out that the famous Sword Saint Nina is the Lord of Your Excellency's protection. Lodi sighed, "Miss Fiona is also famous. ”

"I'm afraid it's not a good reputation. The egret laughed, in exchange for a violent beating from Fiona.

Lodi smiled awkwardly, not daring to answer the question. Lilith laughed as she spoke.

The speed of the reception car was not slow, and it didn't take long to arrive at the territory of the Flame Duke, and sure enough, it was very close to the City of Glory, and it took less than half an hour at most. The egret estimated the distance, which is about 60 kilometers at most.

Outside the gate of Duke Flame's manor, he was greeted by a gray-haired old butler, and unlike Dirk of Fiona's family, this old butler did not look serious, but had a kind face, and looked like a very gentle old man.

"Welcome. Miss Nina, Miss Fiona. There is also Lord Egret, and the two Investigators. The old butler smiled, "Welcome to the Duke's Palace, the manor has prepared food and special alese." You've traveled a long way, and you're going to be hungry. Please dine first, Duke Anne is discussing the exhibition with Master Lucien, and will be accompanied in a moment. ”

"Don't bother Lord Anne. Lodi said, "Actually, we're here because of the notice. ”

"You mean the ridiculous thief?" sneered the old butler, "it's not that I look down on that wretched fellow, it's just that he hasn't been caught, but because he hasn't set foot in the Flame Duke's realm yet. ”

Lodi was choked, and the words that followed seemed to be stuck in his throat, and his face was a little uncomfortable.

Lilith couldn't stand it, and said, "Your Excellency may not know the methods of the Grand Thief Shadow, this thief is very cunning, and has stolen the treasures of several great nobles in Bancor. It is because the victim is too careless and does not take precautions. ”

"Your Excellency has a point. The old butler still smiled, "But you may not have seen the facilities to prevent thieves in the Flame Dukedom, and once you do, I'm afraid you will change your mind." ”

"So, come with me to dine first. If you are interested after the meal, I will personally lead you to inspect the security facilities in our ducal palace. ”

The three egrets had no opinion, and Lodi and Lilith glanced at each other and nodded in agreement.