Christoph couldn’t contain his rising anger. If he had paid a little more attention, he might have noticed the detective’s inadequate investigation even back then.

But he had believed Timon’s words like solid steel. No, maybe he had wanted to believe them.

The incident report had no suspicious details, and all the circumstances pointed to Veronica. Furthermore, an astronomical sum of money was waiting for him.

Damn it.
Christoph quietly suppressed a curse. Suddenly, he felt Mary Ann’s gaze on his cheek, but he didn’t dare to turn to confirm. He was afraid her eyes would contain disappointment towards him.

“…I’ll say it again, at the time, that was the best we could do.”

Timon never admitted his own negligence. And Mary Ann knew that this was not his responsibility.
The Crown Prince had been out of contact for several days. Pressure from the royal family mounted, and the police department went into emergency mode. Uniformed officers and perhaps even detectives and the police chief were all likely involved in the search for him.

She pursed her lips quietly.

“One last question. Officer Pensler, do you still believe that Veronica’s death was a suicide?”

“…Yes, ma’am. That’s correct.”

Timon stubbornly replied.
Marie-Anne slowly nodded her head. She had no more expectations of him. Even if the police chief pressured for a reinvestigation, what results could be achieved when the lead detective had no doubts?

It was a dead end. At best, the case file would expand by a mere one or two pages.
“Okay. Thank you for your time, Detective Pensler,” Marie-Anne said. She knew how conservative the police organization could be. Timon would not accept the fact that he had been neglectful in his investigation and that a reinvestigation was necessary. He would growl like a dog with its tail stepped on.
With that, Marie-Anne stood up from her seat. Christoph also rose to his feet. Oliver quickly opened the door, and the two of them walked out into the corridor.

Left alone, Timon finally wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve. The fabric was damp.

Marie-Anne silently continued to walk, her steps measured. The officers cast curious glances her way, but Marie-Anne kept her eyes forward as she traversed the long corridor.

“Marie-Anne.”
Christoph called out to her with an unexpectedly anxious tone. Suddenly, Marie-Anne, who had stopped walking, turned to him. Contrary to his expectation of her being angry, Marie-Anne had a gentle smile on her face.

“Aren’t you hungry, Christoph?”

“…”

“Shall we have something to eat? The journey back will be a long one.”
He couldn’t understand the meaning of those words. Instead of heading to the car, Marie-Anne went towards the entrance of the police headquarters. Christoph, who had been standing still, quickly followed her.

Along the Mont River that crossed the city, restaurants and cafes were abundant. The restaurant that had secured the best location exuded quite an upscale atmosphere.
People dressed in dresses and suits occupied the tables, sitting quietly and engaging in conversations. Marie-Anne and Christoph sat facing each other by the window.

Beyond the wide-open window, a leisurely passing ship could be seen. The helmsman, sweating profusely, wielded an oar as he ferried passengers.
Marie-Anne’s gaze absentmindedly followed the boat. The helmsman momentarily straightened his back, a shadow cast over his head. The small boat passed beneath a bridge. It was the Seven Bridges.

“…….”

Marie-Anne’s gaze shifted upward this time. People with serene expressions were walking on the bridge. It was an ordinary sight.

The moment Veronica had thrown herself off that bridge.

At that instant when her cerulean eyes had sunk deep, Christoph, who had been gazing outside, rose from his seat.
“Excuse me for a moment. It might be best to send Oliver back.”

“Sure.”

She finally noticed Oliver standing outside the restaurant and nodded. Her loyal aide seemed poised to hold that position while the two dined.

“Oh, Christoph.”

He stopped in his tracks at Marie-Anne’s call.

“Tell Oliver to get the car. By now, the train service should have resumed.”
“Marie-Anne, if this is because of me…”

“I’m just tired. I want to rest comfortably when we go back.”

“…Alright. I should ask Oliver to get train tickets.”

Saying so, Christoph moved again. His figure was visible after he opened the shop’s door. He gave some instructions to Oliver, who nodded continuously.

Marie-Anne’s gaze returned to the bridge above.
It must have been cold. It must have been scary. Poor Veronica.

At that moment when Marie-Anne’s pupils trembled,

“Oh my, who is this? Mrs. Schneider?”

A refined voice came from behind. Marie-Anne pursed her lips tightly and turned her head. A woman in a lilac dress with a veil hat was walking towards the table.
Suddenly, the woman standing next to her pursed her lips and said, “Indeed, Mrs. Schneider.” A young woman who seemed to be a maid was waiting a few steps away.

“Countess Dietrich.”

Marie-Anne’s expression stiffened. A brief shadow passed through her pupils. However, Marie-Anne quickly clenched her jaw and put strength into her lips.

“It’s been a long time.”
Trying to conceal her age, Mrs. Dietrich, with heavy makeup, carefully scrutinized Marie-Anne from head to toe as if appraising an object. Suddenly, the corners of her mouth went up, and her large eyes curved.

“I heard you work at the Blauberg Police Department, but I didn’t expect to meet you here.”

“I had an appointment.”

Marie-Anne forced herself to suppress her true feelings, pulling her lips into a tight line.