The feeling of being near-death was not unfamiliar to Cantona, nor did it frighten him. However, at this very moment, his body was engulfed by green flames, and he vanished into the air.

The sea echoed with the rage of the Cardinal Hall's First Secretary. The exploration ship was instantly crushed as if by a colossal force, and the souls of the dead, the half-dead, and the living were extracted by a black hand amidst their helpless wails in the storm...

While the other members of the Round Table Conference were in deep trouble, Estella was reflecting on her mistakes in an incredibly spacious and luxurious room.

The plea from her eldest brother resulted in even her mother asking her to reflect properly, leaving her with no salvation. As for her unreliable second brother, he had long disappeared, and his carefree life was truly enviable.

Sitting idly and waiting for doom was not in Estella's nature. Indeed, she had been self-reflective these past few days, so she must take the initiative to strike.

Estella carefully put on a weary makeup, looked in the mirror for a long time, and even made the eye bags heavier. But it was too much, looking fake; she shouldn't underestimate her father and mother's insight. It had to be just right. Next, she practiced a few pitiful expressions. She had a strategy for persuading her father and mother, who typically responded better to softness than force. Of course, this trick should not be overused, only to be deployed effectively at critical moments. She had her reasons ready: she wants to study and join the association, learning and reflecting at the same time.

Staring at her own reflection, Estella flashed a cunning smile, "Arthur, get ready, let's go see Mother."

"Yes, Princess." Outside the door, Arthur was already prepared. His Majesty could never truly be angry. She was supposedly under house arrest, but there was barely anyone watching. If it had been the second prince, they would have surrounded him with guards inside and out.

With brisk steps, Estella moved forward, the advancing Princess.

In the empty room, the sea breeze blew in, the white curtains fluttered, and a blurred face suddenly appeared in the mirror, causing ripples on the surface...

***

Li Xin finally saved up some drafts after a busy day yesterday, enough to pass Christie's check, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

Knock, knock, knock.

Upon hearing this sound, Li Xin almost reflexively responded, but instead of seeing the droopy-headed owl, there was a tall black hawk. The black hawk held an envelope in its beak, which Li Xin took. The hawk gave Li Xin a courteous nod before swiftly vanishing.

Watching its distant silhouette, Li Xin felt a tinge of envy. It was quite cool, having a Messenger was really convenient. Unfortunately, he had asked Simmons about it, and raising such a spiritual creature was a hassle, both costly and labor-intensive. Moreover, keeping them in a working attitude was even more challenging. Even large organizations had to spend considerable time. Of course, there were those who shared affinities, like Qi Badao and his black cat, with a sense of mutual reliance.

A message from Travis: the notes can be borrowed.

Li Xin tidied himself up and inserted the drafts into his bracelet. Ever since acquiring the Yazama Karashi, a secret item, life had become much more convenient, and he no longer had to wander around, lugging a silly bag everywhere. Thanks to Didia, who was truly a good person.

Li Xin rode a carriage to the Funeral Man Base in the Saint's Grace District. Now, no one checked him at the entrance anymore. Didia, Simmons, and Celestia were already there. When Travis saw Li Xin, he nodded, "I've told them; we should go to the Metropolitan today. He's already borrowed Sealed Item 179 from the Church Court."

After a day's respite, all three, Simmons, Didia, and Celestia, had adjusted their emotions. Their determination to crack the Inner Demon case was more steadfast than ever, and that was good news.

"Efficient, I also have some findings. Number Two is most likely conducting cloning experiments with the Artificial Humans because if he merely wanted to expose Number One, he wouldn't need to be so professional. Professionalism indicates purpose," Li Xin said, and Travis nodded because he had thought of that too.

"Also, Number One is highly likely related to the Dark Cuisine Association, hence the age of the missing individuals focuses mostly on those under twenty, even including children." Li Xin continued.

Travis had already received hints from his coroner, yet he didn't expect Li Xin to grasp this information so quickly. Are all Night Patrols this formidable?

Celestia and the others were stunned, and after Travis explained the Dark Cuisine Association, recalling the files they had reviewed a few days ago, their stomachs churned. Celestia couldn't hold it in any longer, and as Travis pointed to the inside, Celestia hurriedly rushed in to throw up.

Simmons and Didia forcefully held back, suppressing their physiological reactions. Filled with knightly spirit, the two were already exceedingly angry.

Travis and Li Xin had already passed the reaction phase and had reached an understanding, "Today, let's first check the notes for any clues. If there's nothing, we'll start with the Gourmet Association. This matter might need the intervention of the Prince, as the head chef of the Lanuo Ivory Bay Restaurant is an elder of the Gourmet Association."

"No need for the Prince. Let's just bring people over. These scumbags in their organization can't escape culpability either, round them up!" Didia said coldly.

"Didia, don't act impulsively. The Gourmet Association is one of the old hidden powers, holding the Kingdom Agreement of the Sixth Epoch. We have no authority to arrest them, and they do not fear us. Furthermore, they are also pursuing the Dark Cuisine branch." Travis said with a bitter smile.

"Then we should just go directly to them. They should be happy," Didia said.

Travis was torn between laughter and tears. Truly a young master, this was too tough.

Simmons shook his head, "We can't be so direct; it needs to be more tactful. I've heard about this matter; it's a shame to the Gourmet Association. If we recklessly approach them, it might seem like we're accusing them. The elders of these hidden powers hold very respected positions. Simply put, if you were to meet the Metropolitan and demand his cooperation in capturing criminals, do you think he will bother with you?"

Didia finally caught on, his eyes opened wide in realization, feeling a bit embarrassed. Thankfully, Celestia, who looked more embarrassed, came out with a pallid face.

"Miss Celestia, perhaps you should go back and rest?" Travis suggested. He genuinely wanted to team up with the Night Patrol without any lagging behind.

Celestia shook her head, "No, I'm fine now, and I won't hold us back again. In the next tasks, there's a place for me due to the presence of a girl."

"Celestia, where's the spoon?" Li Xin asked.

"Ah, here it is; I almost forgot if you hadn't mentioned it." Celestia took out the wooden spoon, "Thank you."

"No worries, this is enough. This spoon was a gift from Bocuse, and with it, cooperating with him shouldn't be a problem." Li Xin said.

When Travis saw the spoon, he was at a loss for words again. What was going on? Things that seemed so difficult originally, how did they become so simple with him?

The Funeral Men hadn't been avoiding the Gourmet Association. They had set their sights on them from before the Lanuo Restaurant opened. The other party hadn't hidden their tracks either. Unfortunately, even as a captain, he didn't have the qualifications to negotiate terms with them. These old hidden powers always maintained a distance from the kingdom's power institutions, regarding themselves as superior.

"This will surely work; this is a guest badge of the Gourmet Association. You are a friend of the Gourmet Association." Travis looked at Li Xin, unsure how to describe him. How young was he? If the Night Patrol's new generation was at this level, how powerful should the Moon God's Court be?

Of course, that was absolutely impossible. Li Xin's standing in Travis' mind was further elevated. It seemed the Prince really did bring a helper, not just someone to boost reputation.

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