The Speedrun Manual of Miss Witch - Chapter 35

“Miss Ciel, is it? My daughter talks about you often. You can call me Mr. Moser.”

To Ciel’s surprise, Baron Moser Hastings turned out to be far more approachable than she had imagined. Perhaps it was because the circumstances of their meeting this time were different.

“Amy tells me you’ve taken a job at the police station?” Moser walked to the center of the study near a cluster of tables and gestured toward the sofa. “Please, have a seat.”

“Yes, in the Investigation Department, as Miss Avena’s assistant.” Ciel spoke truthfully. She knew there was no point in trying to keep such information from him.

“Avena Fitzgerald?” Moser looked slightly surprised.

“Yes, the one who lives at number 15.” Ciel nodded.

“You seem to have a good relationship with her.” Moser smiled faintly.

“We’ve only spoken a few times.”

Moser’s expression suggested otherwise.

‘Only spoken a few times?’ If that’s true, how would you even know where she lives?

“You didn’t ask Miss Avena directly about the situation in the Clock Tower District?” Moser asked bluntly.

The next answer was critical. If Ciel responded correctly, she might learn what was happening there. If she answered poorly, Moser would surely withhold any further information.

“I’ll be going to the Clock Tower District with her tomorrow, but I didn’t ask much about it earlier. Thinking back on it now, it does seem a bit unusual,” Ciel replied, mixing truth with falsehood.

“The Clock Tower District is a bit dangerous… Miss Ciel, have you considered finding a different job?” Moser paused for a moment before asking. “I’ve heard you’re interested in law. Would you be interested in working at the Magistrate’s Court?”

“My father is a magistrate, so he could help you,” Amy, who had been sitting beside Moser, eagerly nodded in agreement.

No wonder Amy had been so confident about helping Ciel secure a recommendation letter to the law faculty. Her father was none other than Berren City’s chief magistrate.

At that moment, Moser couldn’t help but feel a bit exasperated with his beloved daughter.

It was as if his precious “cabbage” were willingly offering itself to be taken.

Whenever this girl named Ciel was around, it seemed like Moser was relegated to the role of a mere tool for his daughter’s whims.

That said, Ciel did have her merits. She was highly capable, excelling academically even among the top students at Berren Private Academy. Most importantly, she had a genuine interest in law, and her teachers all praised her talent for it.

Aside from her humble background, she had no flaws.

With a bit of training, she could guide Amy in her studies, and perhaps the two of them could grow into distinguished judges, helping him establish connections within Ansu’s legal and political circles.

“Thank you, Mr. Moser. I’d be honored,” Ciel hesitated briefly before saying, “but I’ve already accepted Miss Avena’s salary. I need to complete this week’s work for her.”

“That’s fine. Once you’re finished with that, you’re welcome to come to me anytime,” Moser nodded approvingly.

Even with a better opportunity in front of her, Ciel showed restraint and kept her promise. Such a quality was rare and admirable.

With the help of 【Art of Conversation Lv.1】, Moser’s impression of Ciel improved even further.

He decided to observe her for a while longer. If she truly proved herself, he was willing to sponsor her and Amy to attend the same university. His daughter was excellent in many ways, but when it came to academics, she needed someone like Ciel to guide her.

“However, you should be cautious. It’s best to avoid the Clock Tower District for now. If you must go, make sure Miss Avena is with you.” Moser thought of something and gave a reminder.

“Is something happening in the Clock Tower District?” Ciel asked with some confusion.

“I’m not entirely sure,” Moser shook his head. “A close friend warned me to stay away, and I trust his judgment.”

“Not long ago, this same friend predicted that something big would happen with the Blackwater Gang. Sure enough, the gang leader turned up dead under mysterious circumstances early this morning.”

He predicted trouble for the Blackwater Gang in advance… No wonder, in the simulation, Moser quickly distanced himself when the gang was mentioned.

Now, this mysterious figure was predicting danger in the Clock Tower District… Something must indeed be brewing there.

“Father… Father!” Amy, alarmed by the mention of danger in the Clock Tower District, tugged on Moser’s arm and asked nervously, “Don’t we own some properties near the police station? Could we rent one to Ciel?”

Moser: “……”

The once-adoring “daddy’s girl” now seemed to be writing his name on someone else’s ledger.

“Do as you please,” Moser rubbed his temples and said helplessly, “You two can go have fun now. I have matters to attend to.”

“Thank you, Father!” Amy released his arm and bounced over to Ciel, grabbing her hand and pulling her along. “Once the tea party is over, I’ll take you to check out the properties…”

As Amy dragged her off, Ciel couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t quite right.

Have I… just been adopted by a rich patron?

Ciel didn’t stay for the tea party’s conclusion, instead excusing herself with the pretense of needing to return to the Clock Tower District.

However, she made plans with Amy to view the properties after tomorrow’s graduation ceremony. Amy seemed excited rather than disappointed, eagerly looking forward to the outing.

On her way back, Ciel purchased a box of Ansu tartlets and almond meringue pastries for about four shillings. Lichie enjoyed nut-based desserts, so Ciel thought these would make a nice treat for her sister.

Unlike her earlier relaxed mood, Ciel now felt on edge during her return trip. Everything she’d heard suggested that the Clock Tower District was steeped in danger.

This won’t do…

I need to investigate before anything irreversible happens. The longer I wait, the more likely something catastrophic will occur.

Perhaps from walking too quickly, she licked her lips, feeling a bit thirsty.

While passing by the Clock Tower Church in the Clock Tower District, Ciel dropped two pennies into the offering box, considering it her repayment to the Goddess.

When she returned home, she placed the desserts on the table and quickly headed upstairs to her room, opening her notebook.

【1. Record the investigation findings with Avena. Try to get her to reveal what’s really happening in the Clock Tower District.】

【2. Near the end of my employment, push Avena a bit to test whether the contract is still in effect. If it is, she won’t show any resistance.】

【3. Have my sister take the day off tomorrow and attend the graduation ceremony with me. Afterward, we’ll view the property options together. Once we’ve decided, move in that evening and convince her to quit her job by any means necessary.】

【4. Go to the Clock Tower Church daily for prayers and see if I can run into Uris. Observe whether the church has any unusual activity.】

After finishing her notes, Ciel set down her pencil and opened the system interface.

「Future: 16 Days (Saint Year 741, July 4, 11:58) (Cost: 10 Fate Points)」

Sixteen days from now…

Ciel had never ventured so far into the future before.

“Future.”

“No. 2.”

As Ciel whispered the words in her mind, a silver light enveloped her.