The Darkness Weaver

In the Vineyard mansion's great hall, the dim firelight cast wavering shadows of the conversing figures. The crackling of burning wood punctuated the silence.

Charles was explaining the details of his investigation to Reginald, whose earlier grief had now given way to intense focus.

Charles meticulously explained every step, from examining the crime scenes and interviewing witnesses to analyzing evidence and various motives.

"From my investigation, everything points unambiguously to Robert," Charles began explaining, his gaze distant as if piecing together events in his mind.

"In Mary's bedroom, she was poisoned to death and showed signs of resistance and abuse before dying. Strangely, there were no signs of forced entry or break-in. I suspect the killer sneaked in while she slept, using a spare key from inside the house. But Mary woke up, leading to a struggle before the killer forced the poison down her throat... just days before your wedding."

Reginald clenched his fists, his face contorting with rage at the thought of his beloved dying such a pitiful death. But he contained his anger, nodding for the other to continue.

"As for Thomas, the son of Edmund's former soldier friend, he was brutally murdered in the forest not far from the village. His body's condition was no different from Mary's, but there were no signs of being dragged from elsewhere. Everything indicates he died right there. Additionally, there were wounds inflicted even after death, likely from the killer's emotional outburst."

Charles shifted slightly in his seat before looking directly at his listener again.

"What's particularly noteworthy is Priest Gerard's testimony, confirming that Robert was deeply in love with Mary before she became his father's wife. Thomas had also pursued her, but while Robert eventually gave up when he realized the situation, Thomas continued his advances even after she was married."

Reginald frowned with displeasure, unhappy about these men pursuing his fiancée.

"There's more - interesting conflicts within the family," Charles quickly added, noting his companion's darkening expression.

"From villagers' accounts, the relationship between the former village head and Robert was strained. When his father brought Mary home as his new wife, tensions escalated. It was like having his love stolen away, and then there was Thomas's harassment of her. Robert must have harbored deep resentment but didn't dare express it for fear of his father. Only after the former village head's death did he get the chance to vent his long-suppressed feelings."

"Especially your wedding - it was like rubbing salt in his wounds, not to mention having to share what should have been his sole inheritance. These factors all drove him to commit these acts."

Charles spoke frankly without concealment, while Reginald listened intently, his eyes widening as the dark truth became clear.

"Most horrifying of all... Edgar didn't die from illness as we thought. He was poisoned with ergot, just like the other two corpses we found!"

"Is... is this true?" Reginald clutched his temples, his face pale as he absorbed the shocking revelation. "You mean Robert would kill even his own father?"

"I believe so," Charles nodded, tension etched across his face.

"With his closeness as a son, combined with his special knowledge of herbs, how could he not be the culprit? He's the prime suspect with the opportunity to poison victims without arousing suspicion."

"Regarding motives, besides past conflicts, I think it's also about the inheritance. If Mary remarried, Robert would have feared having to share what should have been solely his property."

The young man pressed his lips into a line as his mind pieced everything together, before sharing his thoughts with the other.

"If Robert had long resented his father, once the head of the family was gone, nothing could stop his vengeance... both against his heart's rival Thomas, and the woman he desired."

"I was such a fool, blind to Robert's vengeful gaze toward her. If I had noticed sooner, I might have protected Mary in time..."

Reginald's voice trembled as he clenched his fists until his joints whitened, gripping his knees tightly as if trying to contain his turmoil, unable to distinguish between rage and sorrow.

"We have considerable evidence against Robert now, but for the best outcome, we need a confession from his own mouth and more concrete evidence to support it. Your help will be crucial."

"W-what do you mean?" Reginald looked up to meet the other's eyes, confusion clear amid his grief.

Charles answered in an even tone, but with utmost seriousness.

"We need you to be bait... to lure Robert into confessing his crimes."

"Bait...? What do you mean?" Reginald repeated, his dry lips trembling as he contemplated this unexpected danger.

"I'll explain. But... you must promise first that you'll help us see this case through to the end," Charles requested with firm determination.

Reginald fell silent for a long moment, his lowered eyes deep in thought, weighing the dangers he might face against the justice his love deserved. Finally, within his heart, vengeance won out, and he raised his head to respond with resolve.

"I promise," a single commitment emerged, though hoarse with exhaustion, it was clear.

Charles nodded in acknowledgment, seeing Reginald's determination through that pledge.

"Then I'll explain the plan. First, you'll need to write a letter to Robert. Write that you know the truth about what he's done, to provoke him into coming to meet you quickly. The meeting place will be the same spot where Thomas's body was found in the forest near the village, implying you know about his actions. The city guards and I will be hiding nearby, out of sight."

Charles spoke the plan with precise clarity.

"You need to make Robert think he has a golden opportunity to eliminate you without witnesses. Provoke him into confessing all his actions and reasons. If possible, try to get him to talk about his murder methods in detail."

The young detective lowered his voice mysteriously as he continued.

"Then, let Robert believe he has the complete upper hand over you. This might encourage him to speak his mind or reveal his thoughts. The more confident he becomes, the more evidence we'll have against him."

Reginald furrowed his brow thoughtfully. "What if he doesn't fall for it? What if he attacks me before saying anything?"

"You must trust us. We'll be hiding nearby, ready to arrest him at the first sign of danger."

"And if you're distracted, and Robert manages to hurt me or worse?"

Charles paused for a long moment, his expression unreadable. He sighed. "I've arranged for a skilled doctor from the capital. If things escalate, Dr. Elias will be ready to help you immediately."

This time it was Reginald's expression that became difficult to read.

"I... understand," Reginald answered softly, before taking a deep breath.

Charles rose from his chair. "Get yourself ready. We'll begin the plan immediately."

Reginald called his butler to write and deliver the letter to Robert's house, then went upstairs to change his clothes.

After some time, Reginald returned in new, loose-fitting clothes.

Charles, who had been waiting for him, nodded, and they both left the hall for the mansion's entrance, setting out toward their destination in the dead of night to execute their dangerous plan.

In the dark forest, the shadows of tall trees stretched across the damp ground in the cold night breeze. Reginald stood still under a large tree at the meeting point Charles had designated. His face was pale and tense, yet his eyes sparked with inexplicable determination.

The young man scanned his surroundings, his body trembling slightly from both the cold wind and nervousness, but he fought to suppress his fears.

Crack!... A twig snapped nearby. Reginald startled, quickly turning toward the sound, his heart racing as he saw a figure slowly approaching.

"Why... did you call me here?" Robert asked flatly, but with underlying suspicion.

Reginald took a deep breath, trying to control himself before speaking. "Just wanted to talk about Mary... and everything that's happened."

Robert smirked. "What about it? She just died from disease, like others in this village."

"Really?" Reginald raised an eyebrow. "Strange, that someone as healthy as Mary would die so easily."

Robert began to shift uncomfortably. "What are you implying?"

Reginald stepped closer. "I think... someone was unhappy about her choosing me, enough to kill her."

Robert flinched slightly, then gave a dry laugh. "You're overthinking. Who would do such a thing?"

"Someone who's loved her for a long time," Reginald said evenly. "Someone who couldn't bear her belonging to another."

Robert fell silent for a moment, then spoke with a trembling voice. "You have no proof."

"Oh?" Reginald tilted his head. "Then why do you look so alarmed?"

Robert gritted his teeth, anger flaring in his eyes. "You know nothing! You never truly knew Mary!"

"But you did... didn't you?" Reginald pressed. "Knew her well enough to know she'd never love you."

"Shut up!" Robert roared, reaching into the pocket of his oiled leather cloak.

Reginald didn't back away even a single step. "Why, Robert? Why did you have to kill her? Why did you have to kill your father too?"

Robert froze, his eyes widening in shock. "You... you know..."

"Yes, I know everything," Reginald declared firmly. "And I want to hear it from your own mouth."

Robert stood still for a moment before rage and pain exploded from within him.

"Fine! I did it! I killed them!" Robert shouted, tears welling in his eyes. "That worthless father who never cared for me! That bastard Thomas who dared pursue Mary! And... and Mary..."

Robert's voice softened. "She should have been mine... She should have loved me... not you!"

Reginald stood still, watching the mentally broken Robert with pity. "Why, Robert? Why did you have to go this far?"

"Because I loved her!" Robert screamed at the top of his lungs. "I've always loved her! But she never saw me!"

Robert pulled out a small vial from his pocket. "And if she couldn't be mine, she shouldn't be anyone's!"

Reginald stepped back slightly, realizing the danger approaching. "Robert... calm down."

"It's too late," Robert smiled sadly. "Everything ends now... and you must die."

As Robert was about to lunge at Reginald, a shout rang out. "Stop!"

Charles and the officers burst from their hiding places, weapons ready. But Robert ignored the shouts, his eyes fixed solely on Reginald, rage obscuring all reason.

"Mary!" Robert screamed, charging at Reginald with high speed, one hand clutching the poison vial tightly, the other drawing a knife.

Reginald tried to dodge, but couldn't match Robert's swift movement. The knife in Robert's hand slashed down hard at Reginald's body.

But then came a dull thud. Robert's knife struck the leather armor hidden under Reginald's clothes, causing the blade to slide off to the side. The sturdy armor absorbed much of the force, though it made Reginald stagger slightly.

Robert's eyes widened in shock. "What?!"

Reginald seized that moment to push Robert away, touching the area where he'd been struck. "Did you think I'd meet you without preparing?"

Robert snarled in rage, trying to open the poison vial, but his trembling hands made it difficult. "If I can't have her, no one can!"

An officer fired his gun into the air as a warning. The gunshot startled Robert momentarily, and Charles seized that opportunity to tackle him. Both men fell and rolled on the ground.

"Let go! Let go!" Robert struggled with all his might, trying to stab Charles, but the young detective managed to grab his wrist just in time.

Other officers rushed in to help arrest Robert. Finally, they managed to restrain him, kicking away the poison vial and knife.

Robert continued struggling and shouting. "Mary! Why! Why didn't you love me!"

Charles stood up, breathing slightly heavily, before turning to check on Reginald. "Are you badly hurt?"

Reginald shook his head, removing his outer garment to reveal the leather armor underneath. "I'm fine. Good thing I had this armor, or it would have been bad."

Charles nodded with relief. "Good that we prepared well. But I must apologize for putting you in such danger."

Reginald smiled sadly. "It's alright. If this brings justice for Mary, I'm willing."

As officers led away the still-raving Robert, Charles turned to look at Reginald sympathetically. "We've caught the killer, but there's still much to investigate."

"This case isn't over, is it?" Reginald asked in an exhausted voice.

Charles shook his head. "No, we still need to find more evidence and investigate deeper."

They watched as Robert was led away, his mixed crying and laughter still echoing in the darkness, leaving only a depressing feeling and unanswered questions.

The fate of Robert Thorn would soon be decided, and he would receive appropriate punishment for justice to the innocent deceased.

After the arrest, in the ownerless house that once belonged to the deceased village head and the murderer, officers hurried to search for additional evidence. Charles was there as well.

He held the spare key seized from Robert, confirming his hypothesis that the criminal had used it to sneak into victims' bedrooms at night. They also found poisoned rye grains, forbidden drug extraction equipment, and experiment logs that firmly incriminated the perpetrator.

While searching the preparation desk, Charles's eye caught a small, old piece of paper protruding from a thick book. It seemed unremarkable, yet drew his attention strangely.

Charles reached for it and began reading. It contained short text written in strange characters, unlike the main language of the Kingdom of Hydelyn or any other language in this world. Yet he could understand its meaning clearly.

"Pro...phe***"

Just one word was enough to spark curiosity in his mind. The following text was damaged and illegible, but the torn paper suggested there was more.

Suddenly, Charles felt warmth spreading under his nose, flowing down to stain his mouth. He could smell a faint metallic scent of blood.

He wiped the liquid with his finger and held it up to the candlelight. It was dark red, undoubtedly fresh blood.

"What... is this?"

The final phrase was uttered in confusion before his vision began to blur. His consciousness was fading as his body collapsed to the floor.

The last thing he remembered was the officers' voices shouting his name as they rushed toward him urgently, and then everything went black.