Lord of the Mysteries

19 Hope Street, Cherwood Borough.

This area was located close to the Tussock River which went through Backlund. Pedestrians could see the turbid but unusually wide water surface through the cracks and crevices in their houses.

The Daily Observer reporter, Mike Joseph, alighted the carriage and pointed at a three-story, grayish-blue building ahead of them. He said to Klein, who was standing next to him and wearing a black double-breasted suit and a half top hat and gold-rimmed glasses, “That’s the Golden Rose, the best legal brothel in the area of the Backlund Bridge, as well as Cherwood Borough. It opens at three in the afternoon and stays open until two in the morning.”

The best legal brothels in the Cherwood and Backlund Bridge regions? In other words, there are better ones in these two regions but they’re illegal? Klein silently mused and shot a glance at the entrance which had an inlaid golden rose. It didn’t hang any signboards.

“This doesn’t count as a street girl, right?” he answered without thinking.

“Of course, it’s of a higher grade.” Mike personally led Klein to the front of the building and pushed the door open.

As soon as he entered, Klein caught a whiff of a mixed fragrance that was slightly pungent and heard a soothing yet suggestive melody.

Instinctively, he looked around and saw bouncers, in black coats and half top hats, standing on either side of the entrance and in every corner of the hall. As a legitimate business, they were obviously meant to deal with drunkards and boors.

The golden hall was surrounded by all sorts of sofas, chairs, and even a piano. In the center, there was a dancing area.

At that moment, there were many ladies sitting in different areas with their hair colored in gold, brown, pale yellow, or black. Some of them looked mature, some shy and young, some young and attractive, and others who were rather beautiful.

These ladies were either enjoying the melody, giggling whilst in conversations with each other, quietly reading newspapers and magazines, or dancing with the men.

It was only half past three in the afternoon, so there weren’t many customers. At a glance, this place looked more like a proper ball than a brothel.

“If you come after eight in the evening, you’ll see some interesting performances. Heh heh, if any of the ladies catch your eye, go over and invite them to dance and then ask them for their prices amidst the beautiful melody. If both sides can come to an agreement, you can head to the second or third floor and have a wonderful time in some room. Hehe, as long as you’re willing to spend money, you can sleep here the entire night.” Mike turned his head from left to right, suddenly losing his previous calm and gentlemanliness, appearing a little more frivolous.

He walked into the hall with a smile, and he approached a young girl who was at most fifteen or sixteen years old.

I-is he showing his true nature, or is this an conduct of a professional? Klein watched, a little flabbergasted as he subconsciously followed behind Mike Joseph.

“The victim, Siber, was only 16 years old. In theory, a girl of similar age is more likely to be a friend and would know more,” At that moment, Mike lowered his voice and explained.

He then raised his thin eyebrows and asked in a normal voice, “Which lady caught your fancy?”

“I’m just your bodyguard,” Klein responded with very normal logic.

Mike slightly nodded and suddenly laughed.

“I’m not used to being watched when I do that sort of thing.”

“I’ll be standing watch outside.” Klein understood what Mike meant, and took a serious, professional stance.

Without another word, Mike walked up to the young girl, bent down, and extended his hand, inviting her to dance.

Backlund sure is so bedazzling and dirty… Heh, to think that there would be a middle-aged gentleman of seemingly good bearing patronizing this place. Even

back and said to Klein with

but the owner, Ma’am. Lopez, forbids them from speaking with anyone else on this matter; otherwise, they would be severely punished. God, when the punishment was mentioned, the poor girl even shuddered instinctively. I can

a suppressed voice,

want to cause trouble for those girls again. I plan on going straight to

warned in a serious

understand?

hands to

walked towards a single sofa in the corner. There was a charming lady, with

girls, I suggest you talk to Ma’am. Lopez first and find out the prices of the different girls,” Mike

heard their conversation and looked over. She slowly got

Lopez. Did any girl

her up and said with a chuckle,

admire you too… You’re acting like this is your home… Klein’s

laugh and said, “Sorry, I’m not feeling well today. You should know that there are times every month where women feel quite under the

to get Lopez into a room for a conversation, Mike

understand more about Siber’s

already told everything I know to the police. You should

invitation from a guest to spend the night at

invite

spoke, Lopez waved over two of her

off Mike Joseph and escorted him back to the hall.

steps, Klein said

Mike turned his head

you directly, but she was also secretly sizing you up, which means she was lying and watching your reaction.

great detective. Only with

that Lopez’s emotional colors weren’t right… I came up with the reasons after… Klein smiled and said, “Thank you, it’s

saw that she was walking towards the side door of the hall, as though she was going to her own lounge, and that the side door was in a corner of the room. It was very quiet around there, and there were many areas in the hall that couldn’t see what was going on inside. There

follow Ma’am. Lopez and observe her reaction. Maybe the anxiety from just now will make her do something…” Mike suddenly turned his head to look at Klein. “Can

your protection, and that’s against the

of five pounds based on the combat price from before! If there’s another fight when we run, it would be 10 pounds! ” Mike Joseph gritted his

out and

to avoid the two

this area.” One of the bouncers stepped forward and stopped Klein and

we’ll immediately…” Klein

moment, his right fist suddenly punched out, heavily

instinctively clutched his stomach, his body bent over. As for Klein, who had now stood up, he raised his

Pow!

to the ground and fainted. His companion was clearly caught by surprise at this turn of events. He just stared