For three consecutive days, sometimes Lyney, sometimes Lynette, they ventured out alone each time. Yet their movements showed no signs of suspicious activity.
Lynette's movements were fairly predictable—she typically enjoyed sweets at a café. Lyney's activities, however, were more varied. He would either buy candies or floral arrangements for children at the House of the Hearth, or engage in lengthy conversations with plainly dressed individuals. During these three days, he even performed street magic for children by the roadside.
From all appearances, both siblings seemed perfectly normal. As the serial suicide case claimed more victims, Charlotte observed them frowning upon hearing the news, just like any concerned citizens.
Yet this only deepened Charlotte's suspicions. She even wondered if she had been discovered.
First, the unusual pattern of the brother-sister pair frequently splitting up stood out. Second, Lyney's upcoming magic performance loomed near, with invitations already sent. Yet instead of rehearsing, he spent his days on mundane tasks, showing no apparent concern for the impending show.
Charlotte suspected they had deliberately distracted her, leaving the crucial evidence exposed precisely during her absence.
If she had already been exposed, even if she deliberately avoided the two, she wouldn't be able to see anything.
In the end, Charlotte steeled herself and prepared to enter the House of the Hearth to search for clues.
Charlotte's actions were extremely dangerous. She didn't dare to seek official personnel for a structural diagram of the House of the Hearth, as she couldn't guarantee that the person she sought help from wasn't a member of the Fatui.
Finally, Charlotte left a letter in the drawer of her work desk. If something happened to her, someone would come to search her belongings and find this hidden letter. If nothing happened, she would simply remember to retrieve the letter in time.
Then Charlotte left the Steam Bird office and came to the vicinity of the House of the Hearth once again.
After a period of tracking, Charlotte had roughly figured out the movement patterns of Lyney and Lynette. Every day, they would go out together at least once - either for leisure, eating, or accompanying children in games. Charlotte intended to take advantage of this opportunity to infiltrate the House of the Hearth.
Even if she had been exposed, before Lyney and Lynette reacted, she would still have some time to investigate clues.
Even if Lyney and Lynette weren't present at the House of the Hearth, as one of the Fatui's strongholds, it was undoubtedly fraught with dangers.
Though Charlotte occasionally ventured into perilous situations to obtain exclusive reports or uncover the truth behind certain cases, she wasn't completely defenseless. However, she knew her capabilities paled in comparison to the Fatui's monstrous scale.
Yet Charlotte had steeled herself. No matter how dangerous or difficult, she would uncover the truth behind this series of events!
Circling the House of the Hearth's perimeter, Charlotte searched for an entry point. Finally, she settled on a second-floor window.
Ice coalesced beneath her feet as she carefully traversed the mansion's outer wall. After confirming no one occupied the interior, she slipped through the window.
Dispersing the ice beneath her, Charlotte exhaled in relief. She had at most twenty minutes to unravel the House of the Hearth's secrets...
Just as Charlotte was thinking this, the lights in the room suddenly went out. Charlotte's vision plunged into darkness. Before she could react, the room lit up again.
Then Charlotte saw two figures standing not far away, having appeared at some point. Her body stiffened, and it felt as if her blood had frozen solid.
Weren't they supposed to have left the House of the Hearth?!
Thump-thump—
Lynette pointed expressionlessly at Lyney beside her. Lyney removed his bowler hat with a smile, bowed to Charlotte, and seemed to treat the whole situation like a stage performance.
"I wonder if our entrance has brought Miss Charlotte even the slightest surprise?"
Charlotte didn't respond or move. She knew that the moment they appeared, all hope of escape had vanished.
Not only was I exposed, but I've been under their surveillance all along!
Her defeat was absolute. Though she had already overestimated the abilities of Lyney and Lynette, she still lost completely. Was this the Fatui?
But why? She hadn't sensed anyone watching her...
"Meow~"
A cat's cry suddenly came from behind Charlotte. She whirled around in alarm to see a beautiful spotted cat enter the room through the window. The feline immediately leaped into Lynette's arms, where the girl gently stroked its head with a faint smile.
The scene brought Charlotte back to her senses. She recalled seeing this spotted cat around the mansion these past few days, though she hadn't paid it much mind.
Never would she have imagined that her every move was being watched by a cat.
"Good work," Lyney said, petting the spotted cat. The feline affectionately rubbed against his hand, confirming Charlotte's suspicions.
"Enough. Let's discuss our little matter, Miss Charlotte."
"Truth be told, if you're interested in the House of the Hearth, you could have simply used the front door. I could have even given you a proper tour."
"But why did you sneak in, Miss Charlotte? Now I must treat you as someone with ulterior motives!"
Lyney's face revealed an icy smile. He casually rubbed his hand, and several playing cards materialized in his palm. His gaze sharpened.
Next, Lyney would move to eliminate her as an intruder.
Charlotte looked at Lyney and sighed deeply.
I'm sorry, Lofan. I've disappointed you.
My abilities are too weak. In the end, I couldn't uncover what you sacrificed your life to tell me.
Though Charlotte's mind was already spinning with possibilities, and combat wasn't her forte, she refused to go down without a fight. At least she'd leave a mark on Lyney!
Then, I hope the [ Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale ] will publicly convict Lyney.
Charlotte's gaze hardened, the cryo elements around her body beginning to stir...