Retaliation of Disabled Girls
Chapter 31 Estimated Cases of Missing Persons

I was in the palace meeting hall, attending the meeting of the head of the family. Today we discuss the abduction and murder of displaced people in the government. If until the meeting is held this means the case is really serious. I think kidnappings and murders happen to displaced people not just in the capital.

"I got a report that a lot of displaced people are missing in the capital. However, it turns out not only in the capital but in other cities as well" said Eric opened the meeting this time.

My guess is correct. All the heads of the family were stunned to hear this. The terror continues. They also feel anxious. 

"They were killed in much the same way as the previous murder case, which was with an ice needle," Eric continued.

A glimpse of the memory of that awful victim flashed through my head. I don't know about the other victims, but they must have been terrible.

"I'm a case of a witch's past murder with this time, different. I've examined the magic power used on displaced people victims in contrast to the perpetrators of noble witch killings" Eric said in a heavy tone.

All the Heads of the Family heard it carefully. They did not whisper to each other like the previous meeting. This benefited Eric for launching the course of the meeting. I think they'll anger the King.

"I'm asking you to help keep an eye on this abandoned man to catch the culprit. To make them feel safe. Does anyone mind?" Eric gave a look throughout the room.

The atmosphere was silent for a moment. All the heads of the family would definitely carry out the King's orders even if they refused.

Eric continued, "It seems like nothing. Is there a question?" 

I asked the question, "Are the victims of displaced people other than in the Capital also found, Your Majesty? Is the perpetrator also the same person as this case?"

"There are some suspected victims scattered in various deserted forests. Unfortunately to identify the perpetrator's magic is very difficult because the victim's corpse has rotted away" Eric replied.

The killer was moving in the form of a group or alone is uncertain. If the magic power of the perpetrator who has a victim of displaced people is the same, you could say the perpetrator did this alone. However, if different means there are groups who want to cause chaos in the kingdom. They are people who love to see the suffering of others. Either the perpetrators are moving in groups or alone the most important thing is that they must be arrested.

"Okay, thank you, Your Majesty," I said.

"Is there another question?"

There's no answer. Eric ended the meeting. Keith and I went out to sit in the carriage on the way home.

"You think this killer is related to a previous case or not, Keith?"

"I think there are, most likely they're working together."

Keith was like me.

"If the magic of the perpetrator on another victim could be identified, perhaps the number of people working together could be known to me."

"That's right, Diana."

I took a long breath. "I think it's gonna be hard to catch him. The target is too common and scattered in various places" I said softly.

Keith confirmed my statement. We saw the view outside the window. Unknowingly, we were being played.

***

All the heads of the families put their family members on guard at the place of the displaced people alternately in various cities. 

Keith and I were standing guard in one of the alleys near the Capital clothing store. This abandoned person we are guarding is not at all friendly. We fed the man with the hope that he would behave better. He behaved better, but only for a short time. In the end, he kicked us out. We hid while watching him from morning until late at night. However, no suspicious people showed up. The first day we went home disappointed.

The second day we were standing guard in an alley near the bakery. The streets were crowded but there was no sign of any kidnappers. I took a long breath. It's so boring. 

"It's okay to leave it to me, Diana," Keith replied excitedly.

I don't know why he could still be excited in this boring state. In return I will buy him bread.

I walked to the bakery while observing the circumstances around. People pass by to their own goals. They do not pay attention to people in the alley who are in distress. That person is not part of their life. They will not question him if he does not disturb the peaceful life. Even if it disrupted their lives, that person's face would be forgotten. The killer can see this loophole to do his fun without people realizing it. Really sneaky.

I went into the bakery to buy three loaves of bread. For me, Keith, and the abandoned man. There is no harm in doing good to that person. When that man has good faith I will employ him in my house.

I gave bread and water to the abandoned man. He thanked me and promised to return the favor. 

"If you want to return to work in my house" I replied.

He bowed before me. "Thank you for your kindness, Miss."

Keith's loaves of bread and I eat mine while waiting for the kidnapper to come. Keith smiled at me. However, even though we kept waiting, the killer did not appear.

We went back the next day to another place. Now it's Keith's turn to bring the abandoned man to his residence. The man cried while praising Keith, as his fate would change. The time we spend is not felt because it helps others. There is still no kidnapping.

This situation lasted for a week. Either the killer had stopped the action because one of his colleagues was caught or because he was bored.

It doesn't feel like that. It's as if the killer already knew our plan beforehand so he didn't act. Was one of the conspirators of the assassins a noble? Or was the noble directly involved in the murder? It's just my assumptions. 

"How do you think Keith is?" I asked while leaning against the alley wall.

Keith shortened, he also leaned his body against the wall opposite me. "Your estimate is correct, Diana. Since the announcement of the case, the killer has not carried out the action at all. As if you knew there was a guard."

"I'm going to tell this to Eric, Keith," I said.

There was a change in Keith's face. He looks moody. "Can I accompany you?"

Seen always together every time can be considered a romantic couple. There's no harm in going with Keith. Being alone with Eric will cause awkwardness between us. "Of course, Keith."

His face still looked gloomy even if only a little, Keith immediately covered it with a smile. I think he's also bored because the culprit didn't get caught right away.

"Well, Diana."

After we finished our vigil, we headed for the palace. Keith clasped my hand tightly while in the palace. He immediately took it off as soon as he reached the King's study. Personal matters and work must be separated, Keith knew this.

I told Eric my thoughts. Eric heard my opinion without interrupting. I think he agrees with me too.

"I'll check which magic the nobles are involved in this case. I'll call those royals under the pretext of asking for a detailed report, so that no one will suspect where their magic is being examined" Eric said.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." I'm down.

"It's not me who should be thanking you for giving me this idea, Miss Moonlight. I'll tell you the results." Eric smiled at me.

He behaves as usual with me. The events of that time can slowly be forgotten by him. Thank goodness I wouldn't feel awkward meeting her.

I hope my guess is right. Apparently not.