As Frederick and two investigators watched the figure of Ronald carrying the young girl out from the side of the house, they immediately shifted their gaze toward him.
They looked at Ronald and then at Krimia in his arms.
Finally, one of the investigators took a step forward and spoke:
"May I ask who this girl is...?"
Since Ronald had just found her, he certainly would not conceal his actions.
Therefore, he generously began to explain:
"This child is the daughter of this household, Krimia."
"Lumir likely intended to substitute her identity, so unlike her parents or the servant, her personal will wasn’t completely eradicated. Thus, she still retains basic cognitive ability."
Hearing Ronald’s explanation, the two investigators exchanged a knowing glance with each other.
Then one of them stepped forward and took the still unconscious girl from Ronald’s arms.
Meanwhile, the other spoke:
"Mr. Ronald, please wait here with Mr. Frederick for a moment. We will investigate the problems in this estate as quickly as possible, and we will endeavor to handle the follow-up matters in a timely manner."
"Of course," Ronald nodded and then sat down in the living room with Frederick to wait.
His actions were in full cooperation with the investigators’ work.
In the city of Springs, circulation of important information within the Investigation Bureau was extremely convenient and timely.
The investigators were now polite to Ronald,
Clearly because they understood he was a holder of an original text.
And as things progressed, they became even simpler and more clear.
Following an inspection that was very much in line with the Investigation Bureau’s operating procedures, the two investigators came to the same conclusion as Ronald.
Unless some exceptionally powerful caster appeared and their spell specifically could restore the mental state of the three victims,
then from a personal standpoint, they clearly had no chance of being saved.
So with a somewhat serious expression, the two investigators issued an invitation to Ronald and Frederick:
"Gentlemen, you’ve seen the situation as it stands."
"For the needs of our work, we would like you to come with us to the Investigation Bureau for registration and verification processes before specific matters are investigated. Is that all right?"
Ronald nodded and said:
"That is only proper."
"But in the meantime, do we still need to go to the power company?"
From the Riverside District to Crown Road, the distance was not small.
And seeing Ronald’s response, the investigator who was in dialogue immediately replied:
"To ensure the safety of Springs, we generally do this when receiving powerful casters like you."
Hearing the investigator’s words,
Frederick, who was by the side, nodded in agreement and then helped explain to Ronald:
"Ordinary people would go to a closer location for consultation and registration. But for those like you, who carry books, it’s safer to go to the headquarters."
Ronald shrugged his shoulders.
He naturally had no objections now.
So, he followed the two investigators out of there, and the four of them headed to the Investigation Bureau’s headquarters at the Practical Electric Power Building.
This time, the person responsible for receiving Ronald and his company was a female investigator named Kampa.
Leading Ronald and Frederick into an office, the female investigator did not leave the room, constantly accompanying or, one might say, vigilantly sitting with them inside.
And after they completed the registration and various tasks at the Investigation Bureau’s headquarters.
A person that was both expected and unforeseen arrived.
Informed by her family and as Frederick’s sister, she arrived here about a quarter of an hour after nightfall.
"Frederick, you had better explain clearly what happened!"
Perhaps she had heard some unfavorable rumors before coming.
So when Patricia rushed to the Investigative Bureau, her expression was very solemn.
However, this changed immediately after she saw Ronald.
Her eyes first showed surprise, then thoughtfulness, and finally an understanding of her younger brother’s actions.
She stepped forward proactively, giving Ronald a slight bow:
"Ronald, I’m really sorry."
"Frederick is still young, and he tends to act rashly."
"If he has done anything offensive, please tell me directly. I guarantee, with the honor of the Nicholas family, that we will provide appropriate compensation and an apology."
Upon seeing his sister’s reaction, Frederick instantly became unhappy.
He stood up straight from the chair and said loudly:
"Sis, what are you thinking!"
"I haven’t done anything wrong, everything that happened today was an accident, I just happened to get involved!"
Watching Frederick’s actions, Patricia did not immediately respond.
Instead, the young girl sent an inquiring glance toward Ronald.
Understanding what she meant, Ronald nodded:
"Your brother isn’t lying."
"Actually, the situation today was : I was tracking a guy named Lumir this afternoon, and your brother just happened to be at the scene. I thought having a bystander to vouch for some testimony would be useful, so I invited him to come along and take a look."
"Throughout the entire incident, Frederick’s stance was one of providing help."
After receiving Ronald’s reply, Patricia looked at Frederick again:
"Frederick, is everything Ronald said true?"
Frederick immediately responded:
"Sis, it’s completely true!"
"I was just doing what I should be doing; there were absolutely no actions that would disgrace the honor of the Nicholas family."
In the ensuing silence, Patricia gazed at Frederick.
After a few breaths, she nodded slightly:
"Alright, I think I understand."
Next, Patricia turned to look at the lady investigator beside her, who appeared to not be meeting Kampa for the first time:
"Miss Kampa, may I take Frederick home now?"
Under Patricia’s gaze, Kampa showed a smile that seemed only natural:
"If you’re vouching for him, then of course there’s no problem."
And having received a positive response, Patricia immediately directed the final topic to Ronald:
"Ronald, about you..."
She had barely started speaking when Ronald picked up on Patricia’s implication.
So he decisively waved his hand:
"Don’t worry about me."
"Since tonight’s incident is closely related to me, it’s better for me to stay at the Investigative Bureau. Plus, this way if there are any new findings, I can be informed promptly."
Hearing Ronald’s response, Patricia fell silent for a few seconds before she finally confirmed:
"Do you need my help with this?"
Ronald smiled and replied:
"As it stands, I’m still able to handle this myself."
"If any trouble arises later, please remember to find me."