x
(My opinion is still vague, but at least it aligns with the hole created by Lady De Polcester's husband. Hence...)
"I have a plan, but it requires time and preparation. I want to act decisively and need complete trust. Is that possible?" Cake presented his idea, turning towards everyone who was paying attention, hoping for at least a hesitant nod.
"But I still stand firm in not providing any information unrelated to this case, Mr. Cake!" Lady De Polcester replied curtly.
"That's not a problem. But remember, it should appear as if it has no connection, even if it actually does. If it turns out to be related, whether you like it or not, you must cooperate!" Cake politely retorted, with a slightly raised tone. He needed to know whom he was seeking help from, Cake thought.
However, initial stages of negotiation often do not yield agreements. That's what the initial process entails, rejection.
"That's not possible! I-I assure you it won't be relevant!" Lady De Polcester exclaimed, startled, though her head remained bowed, accompanied by doubt on her face.
Her statement made Cake's blood rush to his face, turning it crimson.
(Her words demonstrate how naive and foolish that woman is. She repeatedly uses baseless reasons. Moreover, humans should not hide one secret behind another. I've never liked lies when they desire the truth above all else.)
"I may not be a famous detective, but that doesn't mean I'll let others attribute their failures to my name. Among egoistic individuals, I am the worst. The real issue is, how do you weigh it? Is the safety of your daughter more important? Or is it the secret of the rat gnawing at your own household's safety?" Cake exclaimed firmly. Startled, he slammed the table, unapologetic for his behavior.
"Of course... of course... Ren's safety comes first! B-but... I'm sure it won't be related..." Lady De Polcester uttered weakly. She sat back down, pouring a full glass of wine. "B-but it's still impossible..."
Aunt Mildsven intended to stop the argument but ultimately couldn't do anything.
Cake grew angrier. Realizing this, Agnes, who was observing the situation, immediately took action. Agnes trusted Cake implicitly and understood his movements. She didn't want her trust in Cake to be in vain.
"Wait, Cake. I will reveal it if necessary. I have been by your side for a long time... You will get what you need when the time comes. I guarantee it," Agnes calmly informed. It was her natural behavior. She knew that Cake was about to make a firm decision, and his tightly gripped hands were proof of that.
"Agnes! Is this the time you betray me?" Lady De Polcester questioned Agnes' credibility. Her eyes stared mercilessly at Agnes, wide with disbelief.
Agnes stood up from her seat and casually walked towards Lady De Polcester.
"Agnes, what are you doing?" Aunt Mildsven wanted to intervene in whatever action Agnes was about to take, but Agnes ignored her and continued walking.
Then, Agnes lightly bumped her forehead against Lady De Polcester's, gripping her cheeks and making their eyes meet. Lady De Polcester became slightly frightened, but Agnes remained Agnes, with her flat expression and intimidating, empty eyes that made anyone anxious.
"Well... I'm actually... not interested in losing, you know? Besides... you can say whatever you want, Fogarty. But you never know... that during all those years... I've realized... that one's value as a human... is not worthy of being brought down. I... even called this man... not because of your naive orders... It's a personal feeling... Half-heartedness is not your way of deciding... If you don't want to do it, then let her die... Is that... what you want, Fogarty?" Agnes' tone was gentle, calm, and intimidating. She tried to open Lady De Polcaster's guarded heart coated with stubbornness.
(I've hardly ever seen Agnes like this. But I have to thank her later, as this naive woman has agreed. Now the progress has brought me to the grand door. When it's opened, my monkey brain will go wild and generate creative procedures for a conclusive solution. In short, I just need to unfold the scenario carpet that I'm currently contemplating. It remains to be decided, how they will step on that carpet? What will be their respective roles?)
***
(After a rather suffocating conversation in the afternoon, even after a 7 and a half-hour journey and ending with a loaf of bread, I asked them to take a break until evening. In the evening, I deserved to enjoy the fresh air of the Perthshire highlands while seeking inspiration. I was entitled to fresh mountain air.)
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQ7hHqr0WD
(After dinner, at the same place, the initial plan had settled in my monkey brain ready to be discussed. Once again, sitting on the hot seat, discussing matters that required a cool head.)
The group of people sat together lost in their own thoughts. Lady De Polcester now held the wooden box, although Cake didn't instruct her to. At least the woman understood what Cake had said before. Lady De Polcester sat in contemplation with hopeful eyes.
"Madame De Polcester, I want to implement this plan starting tomorrow," Cake said, initiating the conversation. He broke the silence with a thrilling statement.
"Eh? Tomorrow?" exclaimed everyone, including Agnes.
"Let's imagine we're playing a movie. I want the actors to play their roles naturally and competently," Cake said curtly. His eyes were closed, indicating that he wouldn't entertain complaints or objections.
(It's not strange to see their surprised reactions. On the contrary, if they were to accept it without question, it would make me even more worried. They seemed to have no other choice, so they didn't offer much resistance. Even Lady De Polcester herself.)
(I explained the technical aspects, that they needed to embody the characters I desired. Aunt Mildsven should be a friendly and gentle person, although she's actually rigid. Lady De Polcester, elegant as she is, should play the role of a mad and mentally disturbed person. I want to imprint in people's minds that she has a mysterious and intimidating aura. As for Agnes... naturally, I don't have any issues with her behavior as it can fit in any situation.)
"I think that's enough for today. Tomorrow, I want to explore the surroundings, perhaps there's something that can be part of the plan. Don't rush, we still have about two weeks," Cake explained.
Lady De Polcester looked relieved as she caressed the wooden box she brought. Not because she had no objections to the plan, but because Cake didn't inquire about the box.
"How... can you be sure that we have two weeks? Do you believe in the contents of the letter?" Agnes raised her finger.
Cake turned to Lady De Polcester. "Mademoiselle Ren Shiomi brought a very valuable necklace. We know Lady De Polcester gave it through her late husband's trust. In addition, if these two individuals work for Route54B, they wouldn't let Ren die just like that. But the human attachment to wealth cannot be denied, so it's likely that they're after the necklace. Sooner or later, the bartering process will occur. And when that happens, we can only resign ourselves if they take two or more advantages,"
(Expediting their arrival here is the best option when Mademoiselle Ren Shiomi is still unaware of what we, or they, are playing. That's what I propose.)
"Therefore, we will certainly seek assistance within these two weeks,"
"Assistance?"
"Immediately find interesting words to advertise this villa as a BnB accommodation. Additionally, issue a warning for people to be more cautious of bears," Cake concluded the small hot seat conference.
ns 172.70.43.198da2
