"Ohh. I understand," Irana said.

Edmund and Sebastian ended their visit. They already knew where Leonor and Nisya lived, and their house was nice, spacious, and clean.

It was clear they would be comfortable living there.

The two of them walked away through the city streets. Sebastian briefly stopped in front of Nisya’s house to hand over the pouch of money.

Nisya thanked him and promised that she would use the money solely for Leonor’s needs.

Edmund nodded and continued walking alongside Sebastian as they returned to the Aschwin Mansion.

"Do you have any other orders for me, Lord Edmund?" Sebastian asked.

"For now, no. I can handle my work myself."

"If I need anything, I’ll call for you."

Sebastian gave a short nod. "Understood, Lord Edmund."

***

The next day.

Sebastian returned to Edmund’s study. He needed to deliver cooperation documents between the Aschwin Family and other noble families in the Archie Territory.

"Opening new partnerships will give them a share in our key commodities," Edmund said, handing the documents to Sebastian.

"That’s correct. To keep our prices competitive, one solution is to expand new trade routes in Archester," Sebastian explained.

"I’ll hold off requests from nobles outside the Archie Territory. The attack on Tuca Village destroyed several farmlands and burned the harvest."

"We need to open the Aschwin granaries and stabilize market prices. Make sure there’s no significant price increase," Edmund added.

Sebastian listened carefully. He said he would pass Edmund’s instructions to the city officials to carry out the market stabilization plan.

After finishing, Sebastian bowed and prepared to leave.

But just as he reached for the door, a man in a black uniform suddenly burst in, drenched in sweat from running across the city.

Edmund and Sebastian turned their attention to him. The man wore a badge shaped like three swords, a city police officer.

"You! How dare you enter without permission?!" Sebastian snapped.

The man panicked and immediately dropped to his knees before Edmund. "Forgive my rudeness. I come under orders from the Head of the City Police Department."

"What is it?"

"Several residents have reported the same case. They found bodies of citizens murdered in different parts of the city streets," the man reported.

"Serial killings?" Sebastian asked.

He turned sharply toward Edmund, his eyes serious. "Could this be the work of Marcus and his group?"

Edmund sighed and stepped away from his desk, crossing his arms as he leaned against it.

"Unlikely. They dispose of bodies in specific locations, not in public places like city streets," Edmund said.

He knew about Marcus’s syndicate from the original body’s memories. To be sure, he needed to inspect the victims himself.

"Have another official deliver those documents to the noble families. You’re coming with me to examine the victims," Edmund said calmly.

"Of course, Lord Edmund."

After calling a trade official, Edmund and Sebastian left the Aschwin Mansion.

They followed the officer guiding them. He explained that the police had gathered all the bodies in one place.

They didn’t go to the main street, but to the front yard of the Archester Police Department.

Many victims’ families stood outside the gates, barred from entering until the investigation was complete.

When Edmund and Sebastian arrived, the grieving families turned toward them, begging for justice.

"There’s no need to worry. The Aschwin Family will investigate this case thoroughly," Sebastian assured them.

"The Aschwin Family is fully committed to this case. Please return home for now and wait for further information," he added.

Edmund stepped past the barricade, greeting several officers. Seven bodies lay on the ground, each covered with white cloth.

Liam, the Head of the Police Department, arrived and greeted Edmund respectfully. He explained how his officers had discovered the bodies.

As Edmund stepped closer, his heart suddenly pounded violently.

His breathing became uneven, and a sharp pain spread through his chest, as if thousands of blades were stabbing him at once.

What’s happening to me?

He clutched his chest. Liam and Sebastian rushed toward him in alarm.

"Lord Edmund?" Sebastian called.

"Viscount Edmund?" Liam added.

Edmund squeezed his eyes shut, enduring the pain. When he opened them again, he froze.

A crimson red aura radiated from the seven victims.

Wait... what is that? Why can I see that crimson aura?

The energy was dense and powerful. Each victim emitted the same thick crimson presence.

Slowly, the pain in his chest faded, and his focus locked onto the scene.

Sebastian and Liam let out relieved breaths.

Even though the pain was gone, he could still see the crimson energy.

Edmund approached the first body, crouched down, and pulled back the white cloth.

The condition was horrifying. The victim’s eyes were hollowed out, the mouth wide open, and the skin blackened as if burned.

"All the victims are in the same condition. We have no idea who’s behind this," Liam explained.

From Edmund’s perspective, the crimson energy flowed out from the victim’s eyes and mouth, gathering around the body as if it couldn’t dissipate.

There was only one possibility.

A mage was involved.

"Only mages, especially those who study forbidden spells, could commit something like this," Edmund said.

He covered the body again and stood, looking directly at Liam.

"Send a request for assistance to Livden Academy. They can help us handle cases related to magic," Edmund ordered.

Liam nodded immediately. "It will be done."

Edmund turned to Sebastian and gave another firm command.

"Deploy our family soldiers to assist the police with night patrols."

"Yes, I’ll arrange it, Lord Edmund."

After inspecting the bodies, Edmund and Sebastian left the police department.

They headed back toward the Aschwin Mansion.

But while walking through the city, Edmund suddenly smiled.

He saw Leonor and Nisya walking together, carrying bags filled with food and vegetables.

When they crossed paths, Leonor and Nisya approached him.

"Hello, Edmund."

"Call him Viscount Edmund, Leonor," Nisya whispered.

"Sorry. I mean, hello, Viscount Edmund," Leonor corrected herself, sounding adorable.

Edmund smiled and raised his hand, gently placing it on Leonor’s head.

The moment he touched her, the pain in his chest returned.

He dropped to his knees right in front of Leonor, Nisya, and Sebastian.

The sudden collapse shocked all of them.

"Viscount Edmund?!"

Edmund opened his eyes again, and what he saw left him stunned.

There were two versions of Leonor standing before him.

One was innocent, holding the bags of food.

The other wore a sinister grin, her eyes glowing red, radiating the same crimson energy as the murdered victims.

What the—

The second Leonor smirked, raised her hand, and placed a finger over her lips.

"See you tonight, Edmund," the second Leonor whispered.

Moments later, his vision returned to normal. There was nothing behind Leonor.

The pain in his chest faded again. Sebastian looked at him anxiously.

"What’s really happening to you, Lord Edmund?"

"It’s nothing."

Edmund stood up and smiled at Leonor, saying his goodbye.

With a serious expression, he and Sebastian walked away, heading back to the Aschwin Mansion.

Looks like... I’m starting to understand what Leonor’s Night Personality means.