1712 Epoch III, In the middle cart of the Fortitude Train directed to the City Forte, Empire of Nike
In a world waiting to burn, a conversation insinuating a story waiting to wreck the lives of hundreds was about to commence.
Two men sat across each other on a rattling, dimly lit train in awkward silence. A revered traveling merchant, known as a mysterious clockmaker who could craft all one needed, opposite to a praised detective who worked in secrecy with dangerous organizations for the greater good behind his agencies back. Both young and unaware that their next conversation would bring either disaster or a joyful future for the glorious Empire of Nike spanning the eastern continent of the planet Valor.
The tall clockmaker turned his emerald gaze from the silver pocket watch he had been checking, watching it tick furiously, to the strong figure before him, his sparkling eyes, his bronze skin, fluffy raven colored hair and faint handsome smile. He produced a gentlemanly grin and as adjusting his silver spectacles he asked; "A detective right? Are you headed to Forte? I've heard a few incidents have gone down."
I wonder if business will still be good, if Mr. Alaric will still commence the meetings. His situation seemed conflicted in that letter, he did not even send it by mail. Most likely, or others will consider it a waste. It is never a waste though.
This must be an investigator from the VDI, since they never wear badges and no business man would be in such attire. But they are so rare...the slender clockmaker pondered his business, clasping his gloved hands encased in fine lapis blue neatly.
The watchmaker had asked casually in a lovely voice, a calm and trusting look present on his face. Supernatural incidents were in fact going down, only a member of the VDI would investigate. It was easy for a man of his intelligence to deduct the detective's role.
The Valor Detective Investigations was recognized for its low numbers, but its peoples abilities to combat the strange magic of society and mythical creatures in abnormal crime cases using the abilities of "Magia classes", as the empire had defined magical abilities, sorcery and mysticism as.
Most obviously, each member held a special air about them, and how they dressed. From the way they scanned every detail before entering and leaving a place, to how pacing they were, never seeming to stay still, or their fine suits perfected with a leather coat and wristwatch, rather the classic pocket watch.
The midnight blue haired detective looked up from his black and white newspaper he had been scanning with upmost boredom, nodding with sudden interest at the watchmaker. He took note of the black feathered wings looming elegantly, resting from the mans back and the navy gloves of the gentleman. The detective was momentarily caught off guard by the mans politeness and good looks despite being so plain in appearance compared to the multi-colored eyes, skin, hair and normally intricately layered clothes of others in Nike.
Although he held different biology, the detective could estimate he might be following a Magia course.
Dressed in classic attire, the detective wore a beige 3 piece suit and a longer black trench coat with a loose belt that highlighted his pale skin. He also donned a black top hat and held a briefcase with a metal handle, plus a ticking golden wristwatch.
"Ah, yes. There's been a sky rocket of recent...unfortunate circumstances." The detective commented, wanting to make conversation than sit in boredom. But the officer knew he could not give away detail of such important information.
Hm...He seems to be a business man of sorts...perhaps an investor due to his attire, and he speaks with an air of understanding but I cannot sense anything from him...that's odd analyzed the detective, running a hand through his hair to make sure it remained slicked back.
People living on the Planet Valor had many characteristics and there roamed millions of mythical creatures, strange magic, weird rituals and absurd gods. Only members of the VDI who had advances in Magia classes from classes 0-12 were suited to taking on such criminals with advanced Magia left unregulated rather regular folk using mysticism in hopes of calling upon an evil god. Normal military officers and knights were left to deal with the majority of regular people and they still did quite a good job.
Of course, most people used Magia for negative purposes which made finding good people hard to the empire, which the detective knew. But he was a good person, so he hoped.
Magia, was known as the magical power residing in this world, obtainable via potions made from mythical creatures make-up, those blessed by gods or of demi-gods blood or gods bodies. Of course, classes represented power levels which were divided into courses, and there were courses for each of the 6 orthodox gods that held the most influence in Nike. 12 classes meant 12 potions which meant 12 progressions for one specific gods pathway until you reached the 12 and final class that others called the final lesson. If you survived the lesson which was a metaphor for the digestion of the potion, you had either ascended to new godhood or would be the angel of the god you worshipped.
Powers varied from the course you took as well. If you were a follower of the Traversing God who loved to travel and take flight, the fast footed curious messenger who loved the world, the first class was labeled "Germi Curio".
But the detective did not follow that path, so he wasn't privy to learning those lessons. Which really meant he could not consume those potions without facing corruption.
So the detective was no stranger to those who had different appearances from the ordinary human, they were a daily occurrence for most.
Rain pelted the train demandingly, but soon they would arrive at the Forte train station on Calor St.
2 sophisticated noble women who seemed to be siblings dressed in expensive dresses, colors opposite to each other with gloves and white dresses with ruffles and variations of stoned jewelry upon their wrists and necks could not help but overhear the conversation and join questioningly.
"Yes! Have you heard of the murder of Mr. Alaric? Its quite miserable." Commented the older one in an enthusiastic tone, walking up to join the conversation.
The detective took note she had straight dark brown hair and fair skin, her eyes were round but held a depth in their dark blue.
The first one who appeared as the older sister, a young woman seemed like a happy person, much more ardent than the tranquil younger one standing behind her looming, although empathetic did not seem to care much about others concern. She was almost treating this like mere gossip.
The noblewoman had fair skin, dazzling ocean blue eyes and smooth brown hair that seem to rock gently as the train moved quickly, as if the breeze could run in the train and push it softly.
The younger one, much more solemn it appeared, was not as thin with what appeared as lean muscle rippling under the dark crimson laced fabric of her long dress she wore with black tights underneath. She also wore a black coat. She had had blond hair straightened with curtain bangs, and intense vermillion eyes tinged with a ring of icy snow looking like a fire waiting to be set. The younger nodded although the detective noticed they looked barely related, only in expressions. Minor details, as if they could be related, or adopted.
"I have heard that it is suspected he was purposely poisoned. Forgive my sister, we knew the man well." The younger one commented, which surprised the detective of how reserved she was considering she was younger. The elder's golden bracelet sparkled in the cerulean sunlight breaking through the storm, penetrating the window.
"Sorry for the disturbances, detective." She said coolly.
The younger flashed an apologetic smile as she placed a hand gloved of a colour matching her eyes on her younger sisters shoulder, steering them towards their seat.
The detective did not shut down the questions.
Phew, saved me, now I have an excuse to keep talking to this gentleman.
Perhaps this can bring me more information if these youngladies are related to the case, He thought.
What is with everyone's gloves? Or am I out of place…
Suddenly detectives eyes darted to the winged figure nearby, seeing the faintest frown on the watchmakers face. But all the business man said was; "That is unfortunate" In a slightly sympathetic tone, as if contemplating but also respecting their relations. His feathered wings fluttered softly. The detective forgot to make sense of his smooth words, encapsulated by the look of his golden green eyes instead.
"Do not worry about it, Missus. Was he a relative?" the detective finally probed kindly, feeling a sense of sadness emanating from the older lady as he managed to call on her in time.
The detective himself was a class 8: Observactus Flos following the Spectating God. Perfect for his job and pursuit of knowledge, wit and strength, he possessed many capabilities in intellect, emotions and divination, but also advanced stamina and strength so he could hunt criminals and make righteous conclusions on logical observations. Feeling waves of emotions and vibes was just apart of that, with heightened senses.
Truly a detective, this pale man is. He must be from the VDI. Can he help? It would not hurt to get some information if he has any...it's too bad I'm only class 2! But I have been digesting this potion for so long!
I can't do anything... I feel so helpless...Whatever, now is not the time Emilie.
Remember, you are the Daughter of the Eventyr family. The richest nobles in Nike, no one would dare come for father or Liasa...Maybe this detective is investigating the case? And it would relieve stress off father. That is the least I can do.
Who is the business man though? He looks like a fallen angel. But he cannot be older than 20!
Were the quick thoughts of the woman with straighter brown hair, her eyes squinted suspiciously yet unaware, she held her white laced purse tightly under the matching gloves she wore that went mid-way up her forearms. She halted, turning on her clacking white heels with grace, despite the younger one's quiet protest.
"Yes, he was our uncle. Our fathers brother, hence our last names are also Alaric... Pardon me for asking but are you investigating the case? It has effected us immensely..."
The lady asked in a wondering tone, hiding her frustration and depression the detective felt contained like a slow burning ache. She shooed her curious sister towards their seats farther back.
Alaric? This lady has good intuition, is she taking a course? They actually do not look so similar up close…her emotions do not seem thatintense toward those words but whatever just occurred in her head was a storm of grief and anger. I will need her help later though, no doubt...
The young detective considered quickly, until pulling out a fine printed, thin golden business card. Design and aesthetic was a major role in getting jobs, even if detectives were needed dangerously, especially in the VDI foundation and by the empire.
"I am. I will be conducting further investigations, I may need to see you again. If you have any relative information, I am available. I must also apologize, one of our faculty members were not present in the city...as you may know, we are a dwindling organization I'm afraid."
The detective said, hearing the train hiss as it began to pull to a stop.
"I...understand." The lady merely replied in melancholy, opposite to her happiness before, taking the business card and placing it into her white satin purse quickly.
The detective felt her slight disbelief turn into a warm hope once again flooding his senses of reading emotions and decided to turn his senses off by snapping out of the zone with a simple pinch of his hands, imperceptible to any onlookers. He still did not grasp anything from the quiet winged gentleman across from him and it baffled him.
Due to the situation, meeting so many strangers at once for a case he had barely begun to research made things begin with a jumpstart so the detective could not rush investigations or make the fatal mistake of logical fallacy.
The business man may very well just be a traveling gentleman with an addicting smile...Thought the detective until he snapped out of it.
"Well then I should be glad! My apologies, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Emilie Eventyr, daughter of Duchess Eventyr and Duke Alaric. And my younger sister, Amalie. It is my pleasure to stumble upon such luck and meet you on a mere train. How should I address you, sir?" The beautiful lady asked.
So she is an incredibly wealthy noble at that! And one not spoilt I hope...wait, address me? Emilie is the older I think and Amalie is the younger. I guess she can't call me Mr. Detective, hah...
Hmm...I should not use my real name for safety. This case seems a little more complicated than the regular murder, if the tycoon owner Mr. Alaric is really related to nobles and were not speaking about the Duke...
Only the address to send letters is on the card anyway. Once I say my chosen name it will appear on the card anyway, permanently for as long as this case lasts. I should choose carefully. I will be....
"You may address me as Mr. S." The detective replied steadily.
On the card, fine letters slowly materialized, spelling out "Mr. Sleuth", the name the detective wanted. Emilie did not notice that yet. She nodded then turned towards the winged gentleman, asking his name and apologized for butting into the conversation. Mr. S caught site of shimmering gold veins along her neck and upper arms that were mostly hidden.
Is she of the Solair people? That would explain her ardent attitude. But the sister does not seem so joyful. In fact I cannot feel anything from her nor the winged man. He questioned in his mind.
A single letter? I suppose he plays the part of a mysterious detective...Emilie thought it was uncommon at the least.
The traveling man across from Mr. S had been quietly taking in the conversation, offering a relaxing smile as if he did not know worry despite his young appearance. But now he tilted his head up, straightening out his cloak and loosely but properly fitting suit as the train approached its' stop.
"I am called Mr. Williams, Miss Eventyr. I'm only a new watchmaker, new to business here, don't worry about it." The young man said, waving a dismissive hand, rising to catch his stop, wings shifting.
Thus began the beginning of a lovely trio, a friendship in a world full of magic and fantasy-...Just joking.
A long murder mystery ensues, threatening not just the Alaric noble family, or Mr. S, but the people of the city Forte too, wreathed in mystery and disaster.