"What do you mean you can't come with us?"
I had asked Nadir for directions to the brothel without having to wander unnecessarily through the red-light district. I didn't mind being alone, but being with Emilia was a different story. I could imagine the stares and comments people would make when they saw her.
In fact, that was not likely since she had her robes on to avoid being recognized.
"I got into trouble last night, and things are a little tense." Nadir explained. "I'd better stay away from that place for a while. I recommend you be careful; they shouldn't know you're involved with me, or they might want to use you as revenge."
"I'm not that stupid. By the way, when do you think you lost your revolver?"
"When I got into a fight with some idiot. It probably fell out of its holster at that moment."
"I see... It means someone who was there took it. Shit, that makes things really difficult."
"It was definitely a client. I highly doubt the people who worked there had any personal grudges against that dead guy, Rosamel."
"It's Russell, but you're right. No brothel employee fits the profile of the killer I'm looking for."
I rubbed my chin reflexively, but I soon realized that I wouldn't solve anything if I didn't keep investigating, so I had to get going.
"Either way, don't move a single finger until I get back."
"Why?"
"Because if the knight's investigation leads them to you, it would be better if they found you like this, since your appearance supports your alibi that you were in the brothel and your weapon was lost there."
It was true, but I only said half of what I was thinking. With Puck present, I ruled out the possibility that Nadir was the killer, since the cat would have warned us. By asking Nadir to stay, I was betting on the possibility of using him as bait to catch the real killer.
"Whatever the boss says." Nadir gave in and accepted my suggestion. "Anyway, I have no plans for today."
"Okay, then we're off."
There were some curious onlookers staring at the entrance to the house. I raised my hand to my face when I realized I had caused this by breaking down the door to get in. Emilia looked at me, waiting for my reaction.
Putting on my best stone face and acting as natural as a tsunami in Bolivia, I lifted the fallen door and put it back in place as if that would be enough to repair it.
"Would you mind, dear?" I gestured to Emilia.
"Cheater."
Emilia scolded me, but she nonetheless placed her hand on the door frame, forming ice hinges to hold it in place. I wiped my hands as if I'd done all the work, and we left.
The shortest route to the brothel led us through the narrow, deserted streets where the city's thieves prowled. Fortunately (for them), we didn't encounter any.
"It's here."
A somewhat extravagant structure stood before us. Like all the nearby buildings, this one had been painted in dark reddish hues.
Even standing at the entrance, I could smell the scent of perfume, sweat, and other fluids. My nose wrinkled reflexively. I'd never been to a place like this before, as I didn't like prostitutes.
"I can hear some noises, like people screaming." Emilia murmured, tugging at my sleeve. "Maybe there's a fight inside?"
"No, definitely not. Shit, I knew this would happen."
ESTÁS LEYENDO
A Random in Re:Zero
FanfictionWhat would happen if someone else took Subaru's place in the story? What would his path, his decisions, and his relationship with the characters be like? Would he have more power or intelligence than Subaru? Would he choose the same route, take an a...
