"Sigh... this is really troublesome," Turing sighed, massaging his temple with his thumb and expressing his frustration.

"By the way, Merka, did you notice anything when you were chasing after that figure yesterday?" Turing looked at the body, trying his best to discern any clues.

"Oh, right. I briefly fought with that person, but he managed to escape. He seems quite strong," Merka said. "So, if he can use magic, then it definitely isn't Judah."

"And if the chef is indeed the cursed child, then he should also be able to use magic. That makes him a more likely suspect," Turing added.

【That's right, that person yesterday attacked me with tentacles. It couldn't have been Judah. So, it seems like the chef is our culprit.】

"But why did he use a gun? Magic should be enough to kill, shouldn't it?" Turing scanned the surroundings and quickly spotted a blood-stained fruit knife that could potentially be the murder weapon.

"Perhaps he wanted to mislead us," Merka suggested.

【Although there are still many things left unexplained... but we can basically conclude that the chef is the culprit.】

【Wait a minute...】

"Ifrid, what did the sheriff mean by the recent shootings? I'm curious," Turing suddenly turned to Ifrid and asked.

"Huh? Oh, those are a series of murders that have been happening in recent months. Don't you know? It's become well-known in Red Port," Ifrid replied.

"People are even afraid to go out at night now."

"The killer is obviously the same person, targeting unsuspecting residents of Red Port, not only killing men but also women who can use magic," Ifrid explained. "The Red Port authorities have even announced that they will ban the sale of such imported goods."

"However, I've seen how convenient and fast these firearms are. Even magic users can be killed with them if obtained discreetly," Ifrid added.

【What's going on? They banned the sale of guns?】

【But when Merka and I went to the witch's shop last time, she openly displayed a handgun on the counter.】

【It seems... the issue lies with the witches after all.】

"Since that's the case, this case might not be as simple as just determining who between the chef and Judah is the culprit," Merka interrupted, joining the conversation.

"After all, there is a serial killer at large."

"Wait, wait," Turing raised his hand. "How is that possible? When the culprit escaped, we clearly saw only one person, right?"

"But there are only two bodies in the shop," Merka pointed out. "He could have killed either the chef or Judah outside of the shop first."

"With a gun, there are many methods he could have used."

"But regardless of the method, the killer must have been very familiar with our hotel to carry out the murders," Turing analyzed.

"Sigh, things have become so complicated, mainly because the police don't have time to assist us with the autopsy and investigation," Merka sighed heavily, exhaustion evident in her eyes.

【But the probability of a serial killer being involved in this case is actually quite low.】

【His previous modus operandi seemed much simpler, not so convoluted.】

【And why would he slash the victims' faces?】

【He couldn't have just done it out of anger, could he?】

"Maybe we should just temporarily close the business and preserve the crime scene... wait until the police have time to investigate," Merka softly suggested to Turing.

"No! Absolutely not!" Turing changed his tone.

【If I wait for my mother to find me, all my efforts will be in vain.】

"I have a proposal," Turing said, raising a finger and emphasizing it to Merka.

"In my opinion, the chef is the most likely culprit. Why don't we investigate under the assumption that he is the killer?" Turing suggested to Merka.

"If that's the case... maybe we can start with the orphanage," Merka said, one hand cradling her chin.

"The orphanage?"

----------------------------------------------

"Orphanage" is not a commonly used word in Acadia.

Most Acadia people have normal jobs and enjoy generous rewards.

Even the few unemployed individuals receive benefits far above what is necessary for basic living.

Most Acadia people work primarily out of interest.

But in a place like Acadia, why are there still people abandoning children and causing the construction of orphanages?

Because some children are born with the so-called "Demon's Disease," which is the last thing parents want to see.

So, except for very rare exceptions, orphanages are basically concentration camps for cursed children.

"Why did that serial killer kill so many people? If it's revenge, they must have had too many enemies."

Turing kicked a small stone in front of him and couldn't help but complain.

"We won't find the answer here. Once we get to the orphanage and go through the records of the children cursed by Red Port, things will become clearer."

Evelith, who was taller than Merka, led the way for the three of them.

"It's so remote here. The only orphanage in Red Port is built in such a desolate place."

Turing looked at Merka, who was struggling behind him, out of breath, and couldn't help but complain again.

"This also shows how despised the cursed children are. Endure it. Miss even crossed mountains and hills to take me away from here."

"She could endure so much despite her privilege. Can't you endure a little?" Evelith seemed somewhat proud.

He tilted his head and glanced back at Turing with a raised nose.

"Hmm?"

Turing felt the veins on his forehead bulging out of control.

[He knows my identity. He's just deliberately provoking me.]

Raising an eyebrow, Turing pretended not to hear.

[Maybe he just wants to anger the people of the Altria Family. It can't be helped, everyone is like this.]

[Actually, I should also adapt and live without the noble status.]

[... If I want to leave Mother, one day I'll have to abandon this crown she gave me...]

Turing touched the crown hidden in his sleeve, feeling a sense of melancholy in his heart.