The night was like water, with countless stars adorning the deep sky.
Furina, dressed in a cute and slightly casual set of pajamas, sat comfortably on her cloud-soft bed.
She couldn't help but giggle, thinking of Yide's frustrated expression when he failed to reach her lips.
Every moment spent alone with him was the most joyful and liberating time for her soul.
Because in front of him, she didn't have to pretend, didn't have to desperately play the role of a god; she could just be her true self.
And that heavy prophecy that had been suffocating her seemed less daunting.
With him by her side, it felt as if all burdens could be shared, and all worries could vanish.
If the people of Fontaine could truly survive the crisis brought about by the prophecy, she would immediately abdicate and then be with him…
Having arranged to investigate the case with Yide the next day, she went to bed early, ready to drift off to sleep.
However, as soon as she lay down, her thoughts couldn't help but wander, imagining all sorts of possibilities for the future with Yide.
These beautiful fantasies were like a gentle lullaby, softly lulling her to sleep.
Her eyelids gradually grew heavy, her consciousness blurred, and she finally drifted into a sweet dream.
That night, Furina slept particularly soundly.
…
In the morning, the scorching sun shone through the window, gently awakening Furina, golden spots of light dancing on her face, dispelling her sleepiness.
She opened her sleepy eyes, greeted the warmth, and stretched her body, giving a contented yawn.
But when her gaze inadvertently swept over the clock, her movements suddenly froze.
The hands of the clock had far exceeded her expectations, a discovery that left her stunned.
After a brief moment of absentmindedness, she quickly regained her senses and began to busy herself with washing and makeup.
Her movements became swift and orderly, making the most of every moment.
After getting dressed, she didn't even have time for breakfast before rushing out of her room.
She jogged along, inwardly berating herself.
She was usually so punctual; how could she have woken up so late this time?
A moment later, Furina walked out of the Palais Mermonia.
She looked around and quickly spotted Yide, who was resting with his eyes closed on a chair not far away.
She secretly rejoiced that he was still waiting, even though she was so late.
So, she walked towards him with a graceful yet brisk pace, already prepared to accept his scolding.
Hearing her approaching footsteps, Yide opened his eyes.
He glanced at Furina indifferently, then looked down at the watch on his wrist. "Congratulations, Ms. Furina, you're only two hours late."
Furina had originally wanted to apologize, but his sarcastic words were simply too infuriating.
What did he mean by "only" two hours late?
She frowned, crossed her arms, and huffed, "Isn't it normal for a goddess to be late?"
Yide stood up from the chair. "Fontaine is a nation of justice and fairness, and this goddess is undermining fairness and justice."
As he spoke, he walked up to Furina and, taking her by surprise, reached out and flicked her smooth forehead hard.
"Ouch!" Furina exclaimed in pain, crouching down and covering her forehead with her slender fingers, tears welling up in her eyes.
After a while, she slowly stood up, glaring at Yide, a hint of anger in her voice. "You bastard, can't you have some chivalry?"
Yide replied expressionlessly, "Sorry, I don't have that kind of chivalry."
Furina was furious, but there was nothing she could do, as she was the one who was late. She had no choice but to swallow her anger.
She secretly vowed that if Yide ever dared to be late in the future, she would flick his forehead hard, making this heartless jerk taste the bitterness.
Afterward, the two of them walked together towards the home of a young girl named Lindsay.
Lindsay's father, Russell, was a well-known building materials merchant in Fontaine, with considerable wealth.
When he learned of Yide and Furina's arrival, he hurried out to greet them, his face filled with anxiety and anticipation.
"Lady Furina, Master Yide, I beg you, you must save my daughter Lindsay." Russell, his hair graying and his face haggard, pleaded.
This once-spirited businessman had completely lost his former demeanor due to the disappearance of his beloved daughter.
"Don't worry, I will do my best to rescue your daughter," Yide said firmly.
Hearing his words, hope rekindled in Russell's eyes.
Although Yide was intimidating, his skills and abilities were recognized by all the people of Fontaine.
He was not only a ruthless person but also a recognized super-capable person.
"Master Yide, I'm counting on you," Russell said sincerely.
Yide nodded slightly and then got straight to the point: "Mr. Russell, what kind of person is Miss Lindsay usually?"
Russell pondered for a moment and slowly replied, "My daughter is cheerful and lively, kind-hearted, and full of a sense of justice. She often takes the initiative to help poor people who are struggling."
Hearing this, a glint flashed in Yide's eyes.
As he had expected, Lindsay's disappearance was very suspicious.
He continued to ask, "Then, please tell me in detail what the specific circumstances were on the night Lindsay disappeared?"
Russell's face revealed undisguised sadness as he recalled, "Five nights ago, I had an important social engagement, so I didn't return to the villa. Lindsay went straight back to her room after finishing school at the Fontaine Research Institute, and she hasn't come out since."
As he said this, his voice began to tremble. "It wasn't until I returned the next day at noon that I discovered she was gone. I searched the entire manor and even mobilized all the forces I could to find her, but I still couldn't find any trace of her."
After listening, Yide pondered for a moment and then said, "Take us to Lindsay's bedroom to take a look."
"Okay," Russell responded and immediately led Yide and Furina to Lindsay's bedroom.
Lindsay's bedroom was decorated with a typical girlish atmosphere, with all sorts of cute ornaments filling the entire space.
Yide gently opened the book and found that the pages were interspersed with many of Lindsay's thoughts, the handwriting delicate, revealing her love and longing for detective stories.
The quilt on the bed was neatly folded.
Throughout the bedroom, there was not a trace of fighting, nor a single drop of water.
Seeing this, Yide probably already knew the truth.