Count Graye Observation Log: Day One
I set out in the mid-afternoon and arrived outside the First Council Chamber just as the weekly council session was ending.
Amidst the masses of drab coats and powdered wigs, I spied a man with dark hair, a navy blue coat, and sapphire-colored eyes. His nose was sharp and his lips were upturned ever so slightly as they adorned the space between his chiseled jawline. His coat was unbuttoned and the top of his white shirt opened ever so slightly, giving just a tease of the firm chest beneath. Additionally, his pants hugged his shapely legs, revealing each curve of muscle as he walked-
Ahem.
Anyway, I spotted Count Graye.
As I lingered behind the crowd of musty-smelling men, my own impeccably dreary disguise blending perfectly, I overheard some geezers muttering about Count Graye's latest tax-reallocation bill he was forcing through the council.
It seemed that if the bill was passed, the old nobles stood to lose thousands as certain luxury taxes were lifted from commoners and levied more heavily on the upper class.
Note to Self: Old, rich geezers may be an important trading partner in the war on Count Graye's mysterious past.
Another Note to Self: Make sure the tax-reallocation bill has gone through before taking Count Graye down.
Aside from their bickering and complaining, however, I wasn't able to draw anything useful from the council members. Instead, I followed behind Count Graye as he continued toward a spice shop.
Since I'd already done a heavy amount of research, I immediately recognized the store as one of the many that he has invested in. In fact, there was hardly an industry untouched by Graye's business ventures.
It is actually rather commendable of the man to take such an interest in business. Most nobles sit on their hands, collecting taxes from the peasants under their liege and enjoying the wealth that's been handed down for generations.
The fact that Count Graye has involved himself with so many industries proved to be rather exhausting, however. From the spice shop to a fabric distribution center and then on to blacksmiths and restaurants, I followed the Count diligently.
I noticed a small argument between the Count and a man at the smith, which was really a one-sided fuss on the smithy's side. I did take note, however, that the smith was quite old, possibly one of the founding smiths in this part of town, so the disgruntled smithy may have some critical information about his investor.
Either way, it was worth checking up on again at a later date.
That's one thing I've learned well during my time as the Scandal Maker. Happy people, they never have much to say. But angry people, on the other hand, are usually looking for outlets to vent that anger. Therefore, always take advantage of negative emotions when you see them.
Unfortunately, the smithy was the only promising lead I was able to discover during the Count's rounds. But considering the current lack of progress on the case, anything is better than nothing.
I was grateful when the Count entered a large confectionery shop in Midtown.
It wasn't one of the stores he is publicly invested in, so I assumed he must be searching for new opportunities or had some private business going on with the owner.
Perhaps I should dig into the details of the shop when I have time.
Let's see.. the name was Sweet Heaven.
Hmmm rather sacrilegious if I do say so myself. I wonder how they ever managed to sneak that past The Church's all-seeing eye and overreaching hand.
I should definitely check out the background of the name as well, then.
"Haaa," I sighed, closing my notebook as I sat enjoying a cup of delicious lemon tea and some cherry tarts at Sweet Heaven.
My legs were sore from tromping across so many cobblestones. Didn't Count Graye ever do anything aside from business? I'd never much cared for the way the Count chose to spend his time until now, but it definitely seemed strange that he'd work so much and never relax.
Such actions were un-noblelike for one thing, but also a bit redundant for a man as wealthy as the Count.
"Ah well," I hummed, bringing the porcelain cup to my lips. "The more people he sees every day, the more chances of finding a loose end."
For the time being, I decided it might be best to give up tailing the Count and start digging into the leads I found. Wolf could handle the smithy, and I should be able to find some more information about this 'Sweet Heaven'.
… Wasn't the Count spending a bit too long in the sweet shop, though?
I'd already been seated at my table for an hour while the tables around me had changed patrons at least twice.
If he was discussing investment plans with the owner, surely the meeting wouldn't last this long, especially during business hours. And the appropriate amount of time for enjoying a pleasant cup of tea in the back room had long since passed.
"Ha. I knew it," I scoffed, excitedly jumping to my feet. "There's got to be something fishy going on here."
With enough information to finally call it quits for the day, I hastily retrieved my coat, settled my bill at the front counter, and headed back into the streets.
I was elated as I strode back along the quaint little pathway away from the store. To think I'd find such a big hole in the Count's facade after only one day.
"I really am the best, aren't I?" I winked at my reflection in a large window.
But I only had a short time to revel in my success before I noticed something disconcerting reflected in the same window.
Just down the street, stood Lady Abigail (a woman who'd recently hired me for another case) chatting giddily with…
Count Auden Graye.
When did he leave the dessert shop? No, why was he there with Lady Abigail? And why was she looking straight at me?
I'm undercover, Miss Customer! I screeched internally, whirling around.
I'm confident Count Graye would have never noticed a plain woman lingering near the places he visited that day.
But if that woman had a name and a face…
I had to get out of here.
"Miss Opaline!!!"
I heard a faint cheery voice ringing from behind me as I turned to cross the street.
"Look casual," I whispered, consciously loosening my clenched fists as I took a step.
"HEY!!" A shout came from down the road as my boot hit the street's worn gray bricks.
In my haste to escape, I hadn't noticed the carriage rounding the corner.
Such bad luck. Getting hit by a carriage is definitely not casual.
As the carriage driver tugged on the reins, his face stretching in preparation for another shout, I leaned back toward the cobblestone path. Before I could even lift my foot, however, a very strong, navy blue-covered arm gripped my waist and tugged me backward.
"Excuse me," I barked instantly, keeping my head low as I was pulled back to safety. "What do you think you're doing?!"
Count Graye, who had somehow managed to reach me and pull me out of the road in a second's time (note to self: investigate superhuman abilities), flashed me the smile that no doubt made countless noble ladies fall for him.
"Prince Charming is supposed to save the princess, right?"