Sophie now has to work with Fiona and conduct investigations. Melina is with Fiona, while Oliver is of course with Sophie. And apparently he becomes shy whenever he sees Melina.
Sophie: "So… this is it. Skova."
Fiona: "I see."
Oliver: "Hmm."
Melina: "Wow."
Fiona: "I understand."
Melina: "And the Moths should be here?"
Sophie: "Well, our job is to investigate them. We don't know if they are dangerous or just an organization."
Fiona: "Hmm… You said that in the hotel where you stayed there was this Klarice who works there, and she knows the Moths?"
Sophie: "Mhm."
Fiona: "I see."
Sophie: "By the way… I was attacked three times recently."
Fiona: "Attacked? Wait, what do you mean?"
Sophie: "Strange monsters. First a moth fairy, then a big rabbit with spider legs, and then a bat."
Fiona: "Hmm… a moth fairy… You mean a Clavoirte. Strange. They are usually found in forests."
Sophie: "I know."
Clavoirte means moth person in the old language.
Melina: "Hmm…"
Fiona: "I see… Then someone is watching you. Wait a minute. I thought you were supposed to stay here. Why were you in another hotel?"
Sophie: "Because I was attacked, so I thought it would be safer."
Fiona: "Either the Moths don't want us here… or the House of the Cursed Children members. Either way, it's important to know. As for me, I need to talk with Ulita. She is a main suspect after all."
Sophie: "You don't actually believe she's the culprit."
Fiona: "Blind, deaf, or sick. If she is here, it means she has a curse. That means an ability. It could be that she has an ability that lets her attack from a distance."
Sophie: "I think it's more likely her maid. She is one of the Moths."
Fiona: "Hmm."
Sophie: "But why would she say it?"
Fiona: "Well, the Moths are registered as a normal organization. Anyone can join them. Long story short, anyone can become a member. I want to speak with her. With Ulita. And then with the maid as well."
Sophie: "Good luck with that. The maid can't stand Dark Umbrella members except in death."
Fiona: "Well, I don't care."
She walked forward and Melina followed her.
Oliver: "What do we do now?"
Sophie: "Hahh… stubborn as ever. Then let's follow them."
Oliver: "Okay."
They followed them.
Sophie: "Hey, Fiona. How are you going to talk to her about this? What if she really knows nothing about it? It would break her heart if you asked about it."
Fiona: "Sophie… what's wrong with you? You feel pity? You were the most famous bully in school. Now you care about other people's feelings? And during a job? I must say, Sophie… you're becoming weak. That's not good. We do our job, nothing more."
She knocked and then rang the bell.
Sophie: "Huh?"
Fiona: "That way they hear it."
The door opened. It was Manja.
Manja: "Huh? What do you want here? You even brought your Dark Umbrella friends."
Fiona: "I want to meet Miss Ulita."
Manja: "She isn't here."
Fiona: "She isn't here? For a blind person who can barely walk, that's a very poor excuse, don't you think?"
Manja: "Tss… She doesn't want to see you. Now leave."
She tried to close the door, but Fiona held it.
Manja: "What are you doing?"
Fiona: "I have the right to investigate here. We are detectives. You are violating the law. Long story short, I could arrest you. And since your mistress recently lost her siblings in the fire, that makes her a main suspect. Ignoring us would actually be dangerous. Do you want to risk that?"
Manja: "Hahh…"
She opened the door.
Manja: "Come in."
While Fiona walked inside, Manja tried to trip her so she would hit the staff and fall. When Fiona stumbled slightly, she accidentally pushed Melina.
Melina: "Ouch."
Fiona: "Ughh."
Manja: "Sorry, that was an accident."
Suddenly Fiona looked at her angrily. Her contract spirits appeared.
Chika: "Heahhhh…"
Fiona: "Melina said ouch because of you."
She kicked the door open with her leg, almost hitting Manja.
Manja: "Ughh."
Fiona: "Injuring a Dark Umbrella member counts as an attack. And then we are even allowed to kill you. Is that clear?"
Manja: "Huh… I'm sorry…"
Fiona: "Not to me. Go to Melina and apologize to her."
Manja: "Hh."
She looked at Melina and apologized.
Manja: "I'm sorry."
Melina: "Oh… it's nothing… I… I wasn't paying attention."
Sophie: "Amazing. When it comes to scary looks, she hasn't changed."
Fiona: "Good. Where is Miss Huber now?"
Manja: "In… in her room."
Fiona: "Okay."
Sophie: "Hmm."
They walked further.
Sophie: "Was that really necessary?"
Fiona: "Sigh… sorry. But I don't like it when someone hurts Melina or Cossette. You understand that, right?"
Sophie: "Of course."
Oliver: "Huh…"
Manja followed them and knocked on the door. The door opened.
Ulita: "Oh… and I thought I heard something."
Manja: "Miss Huber, these people are detectives from the Dark Umbrella. They want to speak with you about your siblings."
Ulita: "Oh… I see… of course."
Sophie and Fiona entered.
Ulita: "Wait a moment. I recognize that smell. Is Sophie here too?"
Sophie: "Oh… yes."
Ulita: "Ah, I see. You are a detective as well. Hehehe."
Fiona: "Good. Miss Huber, please excuse the disturbance. I am Detective Fiona Philomela Househould. I would like to ask you a few questions about the fire at your siblings' house. It was one of their houses, after all. They used it for holidays."
Sophie: "Ugh…"
Ulita: "Oh yes… please sit down. Manja, could you make some tea?"
Manja: "Yes."
She closed the door.
Ulita: "Hmm… and why did you come to me then, Detective Sophie and Detective Fiona? Oh, but I just heard two other footsteps."
Melina: "Huh… uh… I am Miss Househould's assistant."
Oliver: "And I am with Miss Sophie. I mean Miss Valeria."
Ulita: "Oh my… they are adorable. Are they children? Hehehe. Luckily I have sweets here."
She took some out and held out her hand with a gentle smile.
Ulita: "Here?"
Oliver: "Huh? Uh…"
Melina: "Huh?"
Sophie: "It's okay."
Fiona: "Go ahead and take them."
Melina: "Th… thank you."
Oliver: "Thank you."
Ulita: "You're welcome."
Sophie: "Hahh… are you really sure about this, Fiona?"
Fiona: "Either way, I must investigate."
Fiona looked around briefly.
Ulita: "Hmm."
Fiona: "Alright. We investigated some things about your family, Miss Huber. For example, your parents died when you were only eight years old. You lived with your older siblings Rebecca Huber, Stefan Huber, and Frankz Huber. I am sorry to ask this… but is it true that you were abused by them?"
Ulita: "Huh!?"
Fiona: "Four years ago you filed a report with the police against Stefan Huber for abuse and physical violence, including rape."
Sophie: "Ugh… what?"
Melina: "Huh!!"
Ulita: "… yes… that's true."
Fiona: "Why did you drop the case? There was a lot of evidence that he abused you."
Ulita: "Mmm…"
Fiona: "Hahh… Miss Huber, I know this isn't easy. I understand you. But you still have to answer why you dropped the case."
Ulita: "Because I had no one else."
Fiona: "Hmm…"
Ulita: "Yes… I had no one else."
Fiona: "Hahh… we won't get anywhere like this."
she said
Sophie: "Hmm…"
Fiona: "Were you threatened?"
Ulita: "Mmm… why… what do you mean?"
Fiona: "Well… your brother was rich. And your brother Frankz Huber was a politician. Powerful. Strong. Surely he had many supporters. Did he threaten you?"
Ulita: "… I do not want to answer that question."
Fiona: "Hmm."
Sophie: "Ugh… Ulita…"
Fiona: "It's alright. I understand. Please forgive me. How old were you when the abuse happened?"
Ulita: "I was still a minor the first time."
Fiona: "Hmm? Wait… the first time? Did it happen more than once?"
She nodded.
Ulita: "Hmm… but I don't know exactly how old I was the first time. I was very young. I think I wasn't even in the sixth grade yet."
Sophie: "Ugh…"
Fiona: "That means she must have been around ten to twelve… Damn… she really has good reasons to do it."
Fiona: "And the second time?"
Sophie: "Huh?"
Ulita: "I was twenty."
Fiona: "I see… From what I can tell, you didn't really have good moments with your siblings, right?"
Ulita: "No."
Fiona: "Last question. Did you have anything to do with their deaths?"
Ulita: "Huh!? What… why would you think that? Do I look like a criminal to you? Or am I the villain now and they are the victims?"
Fiona: "Hmm."
Sophie: "Fiona…"
Fiona: "Hahh… even I feel pity hearing this. I don't know how to react… Why do I have to ask such questions?"
Ulita said nothing.
Fiona sighed.
Fiona stood up and held Ulita's hand.
Ulita: "Huh?"
Fiona: "Please forgive me, Miss Huber. No, you are clearly the victim. The victim of terrible people. I am only doing my job."
Ulita: "I understand that… but why must you ask me? You already know my older brother was a politician. You know politicians have enemies."
Fiona: "That's true. Not to mention that your brother was a strange politician. He actually wanted to lower the marriage age from eighteen to fifteen. He also proposed that women should not have inheritance rights after their partner's death. That certainly caused trouble. Not to mention that his ex wife took her own life after he replaced her with a much younger and more beautiful woman. You may be right."
Ulita said nothing.
Fiona sighed.
Fiona: "That's all the questions. Sorry for the disturbance."
She stood up. Suddenly Ulita grabbed Fiona's dress.
Fiona: "Huh?"
Ulita: "What if the culprit comes after me?"
Fiona: "Do you suspect someone?"
Sophie: "But you're not involved, right?"
Fiona: "Wait. Even if she isn't… it could be possible that someone wants to attack you, Miss Huber. Alright. I will call some Dark Umbrella members to protect you."
Ulita: "No… I want one of you as my bodyguard."
Fiona: "Hmm."
Ulita: "Oh… sorry. I mean I want one of you to help me."
Fiona: "Sure. Who do you want?"
Ulita: "Both of you."
Fiona: "Hmm? Wait… me?"
Ulita: "Yes… you."
Fiona: "Uh… why me?"
Ulita: "Why not? It would be nice if you and Sophie stayed."
Sophie: "Me too?"
Ulita: "Yes."
Sophie: "Hmm…"
Ulita thought that if they stayed, the suspicion would disappear.
Fiona thought something felt strange but staying would be useful.
Fiona: "One last question. Are you a member of the Moths?"
Ulita: "Yes."
Fiona: "I see. I will stay here. Sophie as well."
Ulita: "Wonderful. The children can stay here too. I have a room for them. Hehehe."
Oliver: "Huh?"
Melina: "What?"
Ulita: "Then I trust you detectives."
Several hours later
Oliver: "Mmmm… we're in the same room… I hope I don't bother you."
Melina: "Hmm? Why would you bother me? Do you snore? Hehe that's not a problem. I should be the one apologizing. It must be uncomfortable for you. I can sleep in the guest room."
Oliver: "What? No no… it's fine."
Melina: "But why are you so nervous?"
Oliver: "Um… until now I only talked to older women."
Melina: "Ah I see. You're nervous because it's the first time you meet someone almost your age. Hehehe. I understand. Oh, your bed is the one on the right. I'll take the left."
Oliver: "Okay."
Meanwhile
Ulita was lightly snoring.
Footsteps.
Fiona: "You are hiding something, Madam Huber."
Fiona quietly walked to the other room and closed the door.
Fiona: "Let's see if you are really as innocent as you claim."
She looked around.
Fiona: "So many paintings… huh?"
She found something. She walked toward one of the paintings. It was a moth fairy.
Fiona: "Huh? A moth fairy? Sophie said she was attacked by one."
She approached the painting.
Fiona: "Smells it… I sense many evil curses on this painting. But this one does not come from Ulita. Ulita's curse felt different. Strange…"
She found something. Ink. She walked to it and smelled it.
Fiona: "Wait… something is wrong with this ink."
She took some and let a drop fall into the moonlight. Suddenly an eye opened.
Fiona: "Ughh."
She kicked the creature.
Fiona: "Ink… the eyes look similar to the ones in the painting. For a moment I felt a headache when I saw that eye. Strange."
She went upstairs and looked around, then downstairs again.
Fiona: "Huh… is that where she keeps the old paintings?"
She went there and found a painting of a bat with eyes on its wings.
Fiona: "Hmm… I need to wake Sophie."
Knock knock.
Fiona: "The door is green."
Sophie: "Yes…"
She opened the door.
Fiona: "Good, you're awake. Come here."
She grabbed her hand.
Sophie: "Huh? What are you doing?"
Fiona: "Come now. Look at this painting."
Sophie: "Huh? A bat… so what?"
Fiona: "Look at the wings."
Sophie: "Hmm… ugh… eyes?"
Fiona: "You said a big bat attacked you, right?"
Sophie: "Yes."
Fiona: "I found this ink here. Never touch it. It's cursed. I suspect it is a liquid made from the ashes of dead animals."
Sophie: "Disgusting."
Fiona: "I knew she was hiding something."
Sophie: "Is that Ulita's curse?"
Fiona: "No. That's not Ulita's ability. I think she needs something for each part. For the eyes she needs this ink. So I need to see if the brush is cursed as well. Do you know where it is?"
Sophie: "Oh… I remember. She keeps it with her."
Fiona: "That's great. Then wait here please. Hopefully it's in her pocket. She can't feel her legs."
Sophie: "Fiona… sometimes you should be careful with the jokes you make. That was dark."
Fiona: "Unfortunately that wasn't a joke."
A disturbing voice suddenly echoed.
A white headless giant creature appeared.
Hehn am Heim: "It is only a matter of time until I regain my power and do what Master Oz wants from me. I am Lupin, a being of the Grimoire. The girl thinks the power comes from her painting. But in truth she does nothing. The ability comes from the brush created by Oz, the dark mage. The brush made from the blood of a corrupted phoenix, Amon."
Meanwhile
Rosika was sleeping.
Daisy gently stroked her cheeks.
Daisy: "Hehe… she's so cute. Sometimes I just want to bite her cheeks."
Rosika turned in her sleep and moved closer to Daisy. Daisy smiled softly and pulled her closer to keep her warm.
Daisy: "You're always looking for warmth. I'm here, Rosika, just like I promised."
Meanwhile
Tom Fog wiped sweat from his face.
A tornado stood in front of him.
Tom Fog: "This is a problem… what should I do now? I need to take another path. Why did my mission have to be so far away?"
He took something out. It was the Grimoire.
Tom Fog: "Finally I found it. The Grimoire of Oz, Ice Frost. I must deliver it to the Dark Umbrella first and then go to Eager Brünn. The situation seems serious. I must not open the book or I will die or be sealed. That's why I put it inside this package. It protects against curses."
Meanwhile
Fiona and Sophie went upstairs toward Ulita's room.
Fiona: "Stay here."
She entered the room. But to her surprise, Ulita was awake and sitting in her wheelchair.
Fiona: "Ugh."
Ulita: "Hehehe… good work, detective."
Fiona: "Mmm."
Ulita: "Detective Fiona Househould."
Fiona: "Yes?"
Ulita: "Please… help me."
Fiona: "Huh?"
Ulita with tears: "I don't want to hurt people anymore."
The clock rang loudly.
Sophie: "Ugh."
Fiona: "Ugh."
Ulita: "Please help me."