[Isekai Lady Cozy Mystery] Episode 3: The Writer Lady's Countryside Escape Mystery Diary ~I was told 'Marry me,' but I'm starting a detective agency in my hideout~

Previous Episode

11

The sound of the wind is refreshing. The occasional chirping of wild birds is also lovely. There was no way to find the legendary blue bird of Asarion Village, and only small brown birds stood out, but that doesn't matter right now.

After that, Chris and I decided to have lunch, so we came to the Asarion Queen Hotel. We weren't staying there. We were just having a light lunch at the restaurant on the first floor, but Chris was ushered to the terrace seat with the best view just by showing his face, and we were able to enjoy the benefits of that.

The restaurant was overflowing with tourists, and it was more noisy than lively, but the terrace seat facing the garden was quiet, and we were able to eat our meal in peace.

The table was a festival of carbohydrates and fats, with bread, herb-grilled chicken, and pasta, but everything tasted delicious to an empty stomach.

It seems I was more exhausted than I imagined from being persecuted by Sybil, Miss Margaret, the villagers, and the tourists. I was even on the verge of crying in front of Chris, but the food was delicious, and I just kept eating in silence.

During that time, Chris and Paula exchanged introductions. Paula, who is fearless and friendly, hit it off with Chris as well.

“Nice to meet you, Chris. By the way, what is your relationship with Anna? Are you lovers? You look like you’re quite close.”

Paula's remark almost made me choke. I hurriedly gulped down the water from the glass at the right end of the table, but Paula, who was sitting next to me, had a lecherous look in her eyes. Even though she's still young, she's like a gossiping middle-aged woman.

“That's right. Anna and I are engaged.”
“Wait, Chris. What are you saying?”

I almost choked even more. I couldn't understand the statement made by Chris, who was sitting in front of me. Unlike with Paula, Chris, who was smiling with his eyes narrowed, looked the most villainous he ever had.

He seems to be mocking me as I gulp down water, trying to calm myself down. He's mean.

“Is that so? Then, I'll be in the way. I'll leave the rest to the young couple!”
“Wait, Paula. The dessert hasn't arrived yet, has it?”
“It's fine. In exchange, Chris, please pay for the whole thing.”
“Understood. Thank you for today, Paula.”

Paula and Chris went ahead and made the arrangements on their own. Paula is going home, and Chris accepted this condition by paying the full amount, and he even has a satisfied look on his face. It seems he is enjoying teasing me. I've moved past anger and am now just dumbfounded.

“By the way, Miss Anna. What is this situation about? Why were you being bullied by the villagers and Miss Margaret?”
“Actually...”

Although Chris is mean, it is also a fact that I felt relieved to be reunited with him for some reason. I explained the current situation from start to finish.

Surprisingly, Chris didn't blame me for running away to Asarion Village, and he listened to me properly. He didn't show any particular sympathy. Even so, we had a track record of catching a culprit together in Tarant Village, so I trust him. Even if it was against my will.

The cake and coffee after the meal were also delivered, and my guard was lowered even more. I complained about my grandfather being hospitalized and the terrible persecution from the villagers, but Chris didn't deny anything and listened in silence.

It's troublesome. Because he has this kind of kindness, I can't completely hate Chris. If he were more pushy, said more bad things about me, and were more overbearing, I could easily hate him.

On top of that, I could smell Chris's perfume again. He didn't wear any perfume back in Tarant Village, but now, that scent suits him. For some reason, whenever I catch the scent of Chris's perfume, I feel restless and can't look him in the eye. I end up looking down.

“That’s a problem, Miss Anna.”
“Yes. To the point where you look a little charming.”
“Oh?”

Chris was chuckling again. He was still wearing the dummy ring on his left ring finger. I wish he would take it off soon, but I don't know how to bring it up. If I were to ask about the ring, I feel like he might say something definitive.

“Then, you have no choice but to deduce the truth and find the real culprit, right?”
“I suppose so.”
“You can do it, Miss Anna. After all, you found the culprit in Tarant Village. That’s it, Miss Anna, do some deduction.”

Even though the words themselves were a command, his tone was gentle, and I couldn't bring myself to look up even more. I forced myself to take a sip of coffee and let out an awkward cough, but he didn't seem to notice my confusion at all. On the contrary, he even went as far as to say this:

“Miss Anna. Your eyes were shining the brightest when you were deducing things in Tarant Village. That’s it, you absolutely must deduce. I don't dislike you when you're deducing, Miss Anna.”

His voice was even sweeter than before. It was as sweet as cake. I coughed again and took a sip of coffee. This was black coffee with nothing added. I felt like that neutralized the sweetness a little.

“B-by the way, Chris, why did you come to Asarion Village?”

Chris brushed his bangs back and started laughing again.

He said he had plans to acquire this hotel and came for an inspection. It was a job he could have left to his subordinates, but he said he came on a whim.

“This hotel is managed by a relative of Miss Margaret’s, you see. I had a bad feeling. I even had my subordinates investigate the fact that Miss Margaret was harassing you, Miss Anna.”
“Is that so?”

I blinked in surprise. It was true that I had been harassed by the young ladies who chased after Chris in the royal capital, but I couldn't conclude that Miss Margaret was the culprit. There was no evidence.

“I have no interest in noble ladies like Miss Margaret. I like interesting women.”

Chris confessed so naturally and casually. I felt even more uncomfortable. Professor Tristan has been murdered and I’ve been framed, but Chris’s attitude might be the real mystery here. He doesn't seem like the type to show such obsession with a woman. I couldn't have imagined it in my wildest dreams.

Even so, some things have become clearer. Even Chris has a hidden side like this. Simple Paula surprisingly likes romance novels. And Asarion Village, a tourist spot with fresh air, doesn't just have good villagers.

If that's the case, it's natural that even a good man like Professor Tristan might have a hidden side. If I think that such things invited the incident, the full picture of the case might be solved. First, I need to investigate Professor Tristan thoroughly.

“So, that’s why I want to see Professor Tristan’s room in this hotel. Apparently, he was staying here. Of course, the White Guard has already investigated it, so I don't know if the room is still preserved or not...”

If there were any clues left in the room that the White Guard overlooked, I’d be curious. I’ve already forgotten about Chris. Let’s focus on the deduction now.

“Then, just tell me. If you use my name, you should be able to see the victim’s room.”
“Are you sure?”
“Isn't it my duty to grant my fiancée’s wishes?”

Chris grinned. He seemed to be in an even better mood than before. I found myself smiling along with him.

It is against my will to be treated as a fiancé without my consent. Being with Chris like this means my escape to Asarion Village was pointless, but I'm already in this boat. I've decided I will never get off this boat. I will deduce and solve this mystery as well.

“Let's start the deduction, Miss Anna.”
“Yes, of course.”

When we laugh together, it actually starts to become a little fun, which is a problem. Even though a murder case has occurred.

12

It seems this hotel is managed by Miss Margaret's family. A noble family. Even so, when Chris mentioned his name to the manager, we were immediately allowed to go to Mr. Tristan's room.

It seems to be the room with the best sunlight in the South Wing from the hotel lobby. Although it was a low-rise hotel, it was a place frequented by nobles. It seems many other tourists who look like nobles are staying here, so it's bustling even before check-in time. They say many nobles arrive early with early check-in.

“By the way, where are you staying, Chris?”
“At this hotel, obviously. I'll investigate the case while staying here too.”

We are walking down the long corridor to Mr. Tristan's room. The carpet is plush and the furnishings are luxurious, which makes me, a nouveau riche lady, nervous, but Chris was walking with long, confident strides.

“Hey, Chris. You're walking too fast.”
“Oh, got it.”

When I complained, Chris immediately matched his pace to mine. Chris has long legs, so it's hard for him to match my pace. He seems to be walking quite slowly, which is a response he never showed during the Tarrant Village case. It makes me feel strange, so I hurriedly focus on the case.

First, I have to see Mr. Tristan's room. I want clues, whether it's Mr. Tristan's hidden side, secrets, troubles, or anything else.

Then we arrive at the room and enter together. It seems the key was given to Chris by the manager, but it appears the White Guard has already investigated it.

As far as I can see at a glance, there are no handwritten notes or anything like that dropped on the floor.

It's said to be a room he used alone, but it's spacious and the bed is large. During the Tarrant Village case, there was a clue under the bed. I search to see if anything has fallen, but there is no harvest.

Mr. Tristan's personal belongings still remain around the desk. There are half-eaten snacks, so he must have been working. Literary magazines, novels, and botanical encyclopedias were also piled up. There are even circles on the desk calendar for deadlines. It's a desk where you can feel his dedication to his work. Mr. Tristan definitely did not commit suicide.

“Hey, Miss Anna. What are you looking at?”
“N-no, it's nothing...”

And the typewriter at the edge of the desk. It's the latest model. I had enough savings to buy a typewriter, but I hadn't obtained one.

A typewriter is a coveted item for a writer. My goal was to one day write a masterpiece that would impress Mr. Tristan and buy a typewriter with the manuscript fee. You could even call it a dream.

Looking at Mr. Tristan's typewriter makes me feel sad. That dream has already vanished. It's true that if I spend the money, I could buy a typewriter, but isn't the process important too? I sigh involuntarily. It's a problem because hatred for the culprit wells up. Besides, looking around the desk, there are no clues.

“I wanted a typewriter.”

I muttered it to myself, but Chris didn't ignore it. He picked up even my small murmur, and for some reason, he crossed his arms and looked smug. It was a face that looked truly mean-spirited. Being called a young, ruthless businessman was no exaggeration.

“I’ll buy you a typewriter.”
“No, thank you.”
“You need it for work, don’t you?”

For some reason, Chris pressed in on me, cornering me against the wall.

“Look, I want to buy a typewriter with my own royalties. Stop it, I wouldn't be happy at all if you bought it for me. I want it as a reward for my work being recognized.”

I glared at Chris at close range. He clearly had no idea how I felt. Did he think I was the kind of woman who could be bought with things? Thinking that, I bit my lower lip.

“No. I’m buying you that typewriter.”
“Why are you so obsessed with that?”
“Hmph, it doesn't matter, does it? Let me do as I please. However, only if you marry me. If you do that, I’ll buy you the typewriter.”

Then, as he cornered me further against the wall, he slammed his hand against it. The impact caused the literary magazines and novels on the nearby desk to tumble down.

“Huh?”

I picked up one of the fallen novels. It was a romance novel popular in the royal capital, but as I flipped through it, I saw depictions of handsome heroes wooing women with wall-pins, surprise gifts, and head pats.

“Eh?”

Chris’s earlier bravado was gone. If anything, he looked like a child who had just been scolded. His eyes were darting around, and his face was red. Even the tips of his ears were bright red. It reminded me of the day he suddenly proposed to me in Tarant Village, saying, “Marry me.”

“D-don’t tell me. Chris. Are you using this romance novel as a reference?”

I had heard from the editorial department that the hero of this romance novel was pushy and arrogant, and that he was popular with female readers in the royal capital. On top of that, the book's obi strip said, “Every woman will be obsessed!” It was highly likely that Chris had been using this novel as a reference for his approach. No wonder he had been acting so theatrical. The mystery was solved.

It seemed this deduction had dealt a massive blow to Chris. He crouched down on the spot, clutching his head.

“Y-yeah, that’s right! What’s wrong with using a romance novel as a reference!”

He was barking like a puppy. It was a truly pathetic sight. It wasn't scary at all. I was dumbfounded, but I didn't actually dislike this romance novel itself.

“Chris, so you have a side that isn't so composed after all...”

I had always assumed he was a man with a bad personality and a sharp tongue, but seeing him so flustered made him seem human. You could even say it was cute. Why Chris was interested in me was a complete mystery, but wouldn't it be fun to try and deduce that too?

I met the eyes of Chris, who was still crouched on the floor.

“I have no intention of marrying you, but why don't we try to get along?”
“H-huh, Lady Anna. What do you mean by that?”

Chris raked his fingers through his bangs and looked up. A single strand of hair fell to the floor.

"I don't know anything about you. Frankly, you're a mystery. But solving this mystery might be interesting. I'd like to get along with you. For the sake of solving this mystery."

Chris's eyes, which had lacked composure just a moment ago, were now rapidly regaining their spark.

"Understood. Solve this mystery along with Tristan's mystery."
"Yes. I will do that. Perhaps, I don't dislike you, after all."

Chris's face was red again, but Tristan's case had to come first. I searched under the carpet, on the balcony, and in the bathroom for any other clues, but absolutely nothing turned up. Thinking that the White Guard had beaten us to it made me feel anything but amused.

"Perhaps I should infiltrate this place and try asking the cleaning staff for information?"
"Do that. I'll stay here and help. Actually, wouldn't it be better to disguise yourself as someone else for an undercover investigation?"

Chris's suggestion was reasonable. Anna Emair was already suspected of being a murderer. An undercover investigation as Anna would be difficult. Disguising oneself as someone else is a staple in serious mystery novels. I've even written scenes where the heroine cross-dresses and infiltrates the slums.

Before I knew it, Chris had stood up, and his face was no longer red. He returned to his usual expression, and I switched into my deduction mode.

"You're right. Let's conduct an undercover investigation. Next is the preparation for that, right?"
"Yeah, let's do that."

For some reason, Chris's mouth was pursed in a thoughtful way. I had a bad feeling about it, but I nodded anyway.

13

The next morning, the autumn sky was beautiful. It was a morning filled with the chirping of small birds and a refreshing breeze, but Paula, who was taking care of us, had to wake up early for work. I woke up early to match Paula's schedule and helped her clean the bathroom and the bath.

Paula was embarrassed and told me not to go to such trouble, but I couldn't help it. Being a freeloader was awkward, and I was a nouveau riche lady. My parents' finances had failed, and I had a past where I lived in poverty for a time, so housework was no trouble at all. Paula's eyes went wide at the sight of me, but then Chris visited.

He even started preparing breakfast and suggested the three of us eat together. Paula was even more embarrassed by this, but my stomach growled at the mushroom soup, salad, and fruit juice Chris had made.

In the end, the three of us had breakfast at Paula's house. We shared the plan for the undercover investigation with Paula and got her full cooperation, but she was busy with work. Once breakfast was finished, Paula hurried off to work.

Left behind, Chris and I slowly sipped our fruit juice.

"Still, Chris. You're good at cooking. Where did you learn?"

Chris's mystery number one. Chris is good at cooking. In our country, where men are superior and women are inferior, it is rare for a man to willingly do home cooking. It was a mystery in Tarant Village, but seeing it again, it's even rarer in this country.

"My mother was someone who couldn't cook for various reasons. I started doing it instead, and eventually, I got good at it."
"I see. What kind of 'various reasons'?"
"That doesn't matter, does it? Next is about the undercover investigation. This is the character setting I came up with for you while undercover."
"Eh?"

Chris pulled a folded piece of paper from his shirt pocket. On it, my character setting for the undercover investigation was written in minute detail. It was written in even more detail than the character settings in my own novels.

The character for the infiltration is a working-class housewife. Her hair color is black, and her glasses are her charm point. She also has freckles and a dowdy atmosphere. She has a habit of biting her nails. There are even detailed background stories, such as her loving her husband back home above all else.

What is this? Is such detailed setting necessary?
Lady Anna, you are a novelist, aren't you? Aren't fine details important?

When pointed out like that, I couldn't say a word. It's true that it's better to flesh this out than to go undercover with a half-baked character setting. It might even be useful for character creation in my novels later. I kept staring at the paper Chris had written on.

We need disguise items like a wig and glasses. I wonder if we can buy them in this village?
There is a clothing store near the station. Let's go after we eat.

Chris is giggling like a child.

I feel like he's enjoying this more than I am, but it seems best to follow his lead. After finishing cleaning up breakfast and cleaning Paula's house, we walk toward the station.

There are many tourists, and it seems there are many couples and groups looking for the legendary blue bird. The area around the station is so lively that you wouldn't think it's a small village.

Chris, do you think the blue bird exists?
There's no such convenient bird, is there?

He answered immediately. As expected, he's looking at the tourists as if he has a bad personality, but he rephrased it once more.

However, it's an amazing marketing strategy to be able to attract this many tourists with the legend of such a small village. As a manager, I'm curious about it.

At this moment, he had the look of a manager. It seems he's on vacation today, dressed in a white shirt and cotton pants. He had the top buttons of his shirt undone and his hair was messy, but it's interesting how his eyes properly switch into manager mode.

While we were talking like that, we arrived at the clothing store near the station. Mannequins were displayed in the storefront, and it seems they sell various clothes for men and women of all ages. The store name is Eme's Clothing Store. Eme is likely the manager's name. It's smaller compared to the clothing stores in the royal capital, but I hope they have disguise goods here too. In fact, when we entered the store, we found fake glasses and wigs in no time. Even though it's a small shop, it also has a wide selection of used clothes, children's clothes, and accessories. The store is almost cramped.

But, Chris. That manager? I think her name is Eme, but she's the person who persecuted me along with Sybil and Margaret.

I recognize the woman at the register. She's a madam in her sixties, but she has short blonde hair. She's a woman with heavy makeup, but she's definitely the woman who stood behind Lady Margaret. I don't want to see her. In fact, when she spotted me, she glared at me sharply.

Manager, you have a lovely shop.

That manager, Eme, blushed when she was complimented by Chris.

Oh my, young man. You're handsome. Even if you flatter me, I won't give you anything.

Even though she said that, Eme kept looking at Chris with a dazed expression, and the price even ended up being half off.

Thank you, Manager Eme.

Chris showed a sparkling smile and bought the disguise tools. This kind of development happened in Tarant Village too, but I guess women are weak for handsome men everywhere.

Thanks to that, I easily obtained the disguise tools, and the two of us returned to Paula's house. Just to be safe, we decided to try out the disguise once. I changed my clothes, applied makeup that was more dowdy than usual, and put on a wig. Once I put on the glasses, I stepped out in front of Chris.

“How is it? Does it look like a disguise?”

Chris clapped his hands, and it seemed this disguise was a great success. Indeed, the person in the mirror was someone else. After this, if I go to the employment office and get a job referral, the preparations for the undercover investigation will be complete. According to Paula, the hotel is chronically understaffed, so it seems anyone can work there. Everything was going smoothly so far, but Chris was laughing again.

“What are you laughing at, Chris? Is my current look that funny?”
“This disguise is a housewife, right? Isn't something missing?”
“Hmm? What could it be?”

Just as I was about to try and deduce it, Chris took my left hand. In an instant, he slipped a ring onto the ring finger of my left hand.

It was the exact same design as the dummy ring Chris was currently wearing.

“W-when did you prepare this?”

Could it be that he went out of his way to create a character for the undercover investigation just for this?

His thoroughness made my whole body squirm, and I felt embarrassed. I want to take the ring off right now, but that would be even more embarrassing. In other words, I can't move.

“Hey, deduction is fun, isn't it?”

Chris was in a great mood while watching me like that. It seems he finds wearing matching rings quite enjoyable. He was even whistling.

“Listen, Chris. Mr. Tristan is dead. Don't have fun with the deduction.”

I pointed this out seriously while panicking, but Chris remained in a great mood. The whistling showed no signs of stopping.

And so, I went to the employment office, got a referral for the hotel job, and the undercover investigation was decided in no time. Although my department was different from Paula's, involving serving and dishwashing in the restaurant section, things were falling into place smoothly. My shifts were decided starting from the next day.

“Hey, Miss Anna. Deduction is fun, isn't it?”

Chris remained in a great mood. I couldn't say anything anymore. Because every time I look at the ring finger of my left hand, I can't help but feel embarrassed.

14

The undercover investigation was proceeding smoothly. I had written letters to the editorial department and inquired about the villa, but the undercover investigation was going even better.

The next day, I disguised myself as a dowdy housewife and started working at the hotel. My assignment was in the hotel restaurant, where my duties included serving, washing dishes, and general chores like taking out the trash.

It was an early morning job, and I was kept very busy, even having to help with food preparation. Because they were chronically understaffed, even inexperienced people like me were worked to the bone without training. Since I was disguised as a dowdy housewife, I intentionally made mistakes, but the work itself was simple. I learned it immediately, and I also had experience dining at various places as a lady, so I had no issues with manners.

I even tried to make small talk with the part-time employees working in the dishwashing area. I wanted to fish for information about Dr. Tristan, but I was so dizzyingly busy that I had no time for that.

Finally, after three in the afternoon, I took a break and went into the breakroom behind the kitchen. Since I'm wearing a wig, I'm starting to sweat, but I can't take it off here.

While drinking the vegetable soup provided for staff, I hunched my back and acted like I was biting my nails, all while reading a romance novel popular in the Royal Capital. It's the very novel Chris used as a reference. Dr. Tristan seems to have read it for a book review, so there might be some clues in it.

The story was a romance between a commoner woman and a doctor. Through many twists and turns, they overcome the difference in social status and end up with a happy ending. As a mystery writer, I end up reading it while trying to deduce why the hero fell for the heroine and why they are so attracted to each other. It's a bad habit. I can't enjoy it at all like a normal reader, but the hero is certainly cool. Looking only at the descriptions in this novel, the wall-pins, head-pats, and gift attacks are heartwarming. I wouldn't be happy at all if Chris did those things to me, though.

The hero's lines are also super sweet. When he compliments the heroine's appearance, he confesses, 'I love every single strand of your hair.' I involuntarily pictured Chris saying that, but it's disgusting. I'd like to be spared from using this romance novel as a reference, but overall, it's a wonderful piece of entertainment. As a mystery writer, I was thinking about using it as a reference for my new work while reading, when someone sat in the seat next to me.

It was the head chef. The man who was directing the kitchen and looked the busiest. He was about thirty years old, and the white chef's coat suited him well. He was tall, and his chestnut-colored eyes and hair were friendly. He seems to have a sociable personality when not working, and he even smiled at me, the new hire.

“The staff meal is delicious.”

I spoke in a deliberately mumbled tone. I am a nouveau riche lady. Even if I've fallen from grace, I am still a lady, and I was trained in speech by my butler, but here, I play the part of a dowdy housewife. Thanks to that, the head chef hasn't noticed my true identity at all. It seems no one else has realized that I am Anna Emar either.

“Oh, thank you. I'm happy you like it. Actually, I've even won first place in a cooking contest around here.”
“Is that so? That's amazing.”
“Yeah. I'm a bit of a celebrity.”

For some reason, the head chef started bragging. I believe his name was Cedric, but his gaze seemed a bit sultry?

Or perhaps that was my misunderstanding. Cedric looked at my left hand, gave me some advice on how to handle work as a newcomer, and then left.

Besides, after the break ended, I was chased by work like preparing for dinner, setting tables, cleaning, and restocking seasonings, so I forgot about Cedric.

It was evening in the blink of an eye. The day's work was over, and I was truly tired. My muscles were sore. I actually wanted to meet up with Paula and Chris or ask the cleaning staff for information, but I was exhausted. That said, I wasn't tired to death. Writing mystery novels takes a fair amount of stamina, and it seems my physical training paid off. You never know what will come in handy. I have work tomorrow too, but at this rate, it seems my undercover investigation will go smoothly.

Thinking about that, I changed in the locker room and left from the back of the hotel. Check-in had already started, so the front where the hotel counter is was bustling. I heard that Paula works at the counter and is busy. As expected, it seems better not to meet up with Paula right now.

“Hey, Miss Anna.”
“Eh, Chris?”

I was surprised. For some reason, Chris was at the back of the hotel. I never expected to meet Chris in a place that was shady and damp, with a trash collection area and a bicycle parking lot. I don't know if he's off work today, but he had his hair down and was in vacation mode with a white shirt and cotton pants.

“How did you know I was here?”
“You can figure that out with simple deduction. Don't be stupid. I can read about what time you'd finish.”

His tongue is as sharp as ever, but for some reason, it's baffling that he seems to enjoy the word 'deduction' more than I do. The corners of Chris's eyes drooped, and his mouth was grinning in a sloppy way.

There's no one around here, so I reported on today's undercover investigation. It seems Chris has also been contacting cleaning staff and asking around, but he says there are no results yet.

“Well, that's how the first day goes. Besides, according to the cleaning staff, the White Guard also seems to have asked around here.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah. It makes sense for us to be asking around here. Besides,”

According to Chris, there was a major plague in Asarion Village ten years ago, and the response from the White Guard at the time was terrible. Because of that, the villagers distrust the White Guard, and many cleaning staff are unwilling to cooperate with inquiries.

“I see...”

If that's the case, we might have an advantage when it comes to inquiries. Even though we didn't achieve anything today, I nod deeply.

“How about in the kitchen? Can you make inquiries there?”
“Hmm, that's tricky. Everyone is busy.”

I mention Cedric, the head chef, just in case, but for some reason, Chris is in a good mood. Chris strokes the ring finger of his left hand, smiling and nodding to himself.

“Listen, Lady Anna. Don't forget your housewife persona. Even if the head chef says something to you, tell him, 'I am married.'”
“Of course. That's the character setting, right?”

Chris laughs in high spirits. I don't understand it at all. It's a mystery. I want to deduce things about this man, but for now, I want to prioritize Professor Tristan's deductions.

15

The next morning, I was back at the hotel conducting an undercover investigation. Today there was a special breakfast buffet fair, so the staff was concentrated there. The women's locker room was also livelier than yesterday.

It seems there are few native villagers among the staff here. Most are women from the commoner to poor classes who have come from surrounding villages to work, so thanks to that, I don't stand out at all. The character setting Chris created for the undercover investigation was working in my favor.

That said, when women gather, gossip blooms. The rumors among noble ladies are terrible, but the women here are no exception.

In particular, the hotel manager was the target of the gossip. The manager's name is Ghislain Balsary. He seems to be a relative of Lady Margaret, but he has debts and there are many bad rumors about him in private.

“Even though he's such a short, bug-eyed manager, I heard he sexually harasses the front desk girls.”
“Seriously? What is a manager with such a gross look thinking?”
“Right? It's disgusting, isn't it? Those eyes. It feels like he's always looking at women in a creepy way!”
“Well, there's no entertainment in a countryside place like this. All they think about is the opposite sex.”

Among the women, the reputation of the manager, Ghislain, was the worst. I pricked up my ears to the gossip while putting on my staff apron. You never know what might be a hint for the case.

“But I saw the manager walking with someone who looked like a young boy.”
“Seriously? Was he into men?”
“Ugh, no way. I hear that's common among nobles, but a dirty old manager like him doesn't make for a pretty picture. I want a beautiful boy and a handsome man.”

The women were saying whatever they wanted about the manager, but hearing this much, it might be better not to get involved with him. Of course, it was a mystery whether the rumors were true, but I had enough of dirty old men at the literary salon.

Then the women's gossip shifted, and they started chattering about the village doctor.

I knew that doctor too. He was my grandfather's personal physician. I believe his name was Rodolphe, and Paula was also fond of him. According to the rumors, he is good-looking and popular with the village women. Unlike Manager Ghislain, the women squealed with delight when talking about Rodolphe.

“But, there's a rumor that Dr. Rodolphe is into men too, right?”
“Oh, that! Yeah, there was! Something about him buying young boys.”
“Someone saw it. But, it's just a rumor. Besides, unlike the manager, if it's Dr. Rodolphe, he's handsome, so I'll forgive him.”
“Right, it actually makes for a better picture, and it's moe.”
“Kyaa, hahaha!”

The women's gossip continued until just before work, and my ears felt like they were ringing. I kept the rumors about Manager Ghislain and Dr. Rodolphe in the back of my mind while I worked hard. It was dizzyingly busy again today, and I couldn't make any inquiries while working, but I managed to do my best until the evening.

My legs are swollen and my muscle pain is terrible, but I've gotten completely used to the work. At this rate, the undercover investigation should go well. I was feeling in a good mood as I changed in the locker room and stepped out to the back of the hotel, when...

"You slave woman!"

A shout rang out, and I immediately hid myself. Paula was at the back of the hotel. She didn't look very good in the counter uniform, and she was being yelled at loudly by Manager Ghislain.

Manager Ghislain is short and his suit style doesn't suit him at all, but his eyes were burning with rage as he pointed out Paula's work performance in a persistent, petty way. On top of that, he even mentioned that Paula was a former slave, making discriminatory remarks.

I couldn't listen to it anymore. While it's true that work needs to be pointed out, one's status shouldn't matter. Besides, I wonder if he would have said as much if Paula were a man. It must be the male-chauvinistic behavior peculiar to our country. I can't stand it. I forgot that I'm currently undercover as a frumpy housewife.

"Manager, isn't that discrimination? That's going too far."

When I stepped out to the back, I accidentally shouted. At the same time, I signaled to Paula. I pleaded with my eyes for her to "run away while you have the chance." Paula hesitated for a moment, but then ran off with teary eyes. That was good, but Manager Ghislain's eyes were bloodshot. His face was also as red as a boiled octopus.

"Who are you? Don't say such impudent things just because you're a woman!"

It was the reaction I expected. The old men at the literary salon also used to tell me, "Just because you're a woman." "Stop playing detective" was the line I heard the most, but it seems to be a catchphrase implemented in the dirty old men of our country.

I was calmly observing Manager Ghislain, but he became even more enraged. Unfortunately, Manager Ghislain, who looks like a dwarf, isn't scary at all. Perhaps because I'm used to being pinned against the wall by the tall Chris, he looks even more like a dwarf. Isn't Chris's strange wall-pinning useful once in a while?

"Shut up! Don't act so high and mighty just because you're a woman!"

Manager Ghislain tried to grab my hair. This is bad. My wig will come off. It will be revealed that I am Anna Emar. Isn't this the end of the story?

"Please stop."

It was when I was about to run away quickly. Chris appeared.

Chris seemed to grasp the situation immediately. He stood in front of me like a wall, looking down at Manager Ghislain. The tall Chris and the dwarf-like Manager Ghislain. The height difference is insane. Chris looks much better in a suit, and he is truly imposing. On the other hand, Manager Ghislain started to tremble. I accidentally almost felt sorry for Manager Ghislain.

"Do you know my name? It's Chris Donier."

Chris's low voice delivered the finishing blow. Manager Ghislain ran away while shouting a parting insult.

"Lady Anna, stop getting involved with dirty old men. Just look at me."

I wanted to feel relieved, but for some reason, I was pinned against the wall. It seems to be another imitation of that romance novel. I remember that the line "Just look at me" was also in it, and I let out a sigh, but Paula also returned.

"Eh? Chris-san, what strange things are you saying?"

It seems Chris was also damaged by having Paula witness such a situation. He crouched down on the spot, blushing and groaning.

"W-was Chris-san a disappointing person?"

Paula couldn't hide her surprise. Her eyes were wide. Chris was certainly disappointing just now, but thanks to that, Paula seemed to have relaxed as well. We giggled together, and the three of us completely hit it off.

"In that case, Chris-san, why don't we all go look for the Blue Bird? Maybe Chris-san's love will come true. And maybe Anna will solve the case too?"

We received such an invitation. Paula was already tired of work and said she wanted to take paid leave tomorrow to take a break.

Chris and I looked at each other. Neither of us believed in legends like the Blue Bird. Chris is the type who dislikes superstitions, and I want to find the culprit with my own hands.

Even so, when I looked at Paula's eyes, which were滲む with fatigue, I changed my mind. At present, the case hasn't moved much. Jeeves is also hospitalized, which is also a worry. Wouldn't it be bad to try riding the legendary Blue Bird legend?

"That sounds good, Paula. Let's try looking for the Blue Bird."

When I said that, Paula smiled brightly.

"Well, that's fine. Even if there's no Blue Bird, Lady Anna is mine."

Chris is still imitating lines from romance novels. Paula giggles at Chris like that. While we were all laughing, we forgot about Manager Ghislain.

The next episode is here