Chapter 17 - Selena Bolev

Amon's eyes flashed.

“As expected, the Lady thought so as well. I also believe that would be most likely."

Only then did I realize why Amon had brought up this conversation out of nowhere.

“Sir, do you think there may be an accomplice among the three people we will meet today?"

Two conditions were required for a person to fall under the name of an accomplice. The first condition was that the person had to be interrelated with Russell to the extent they were aware of the secret passage. The second condition was that the person must possess the intent to assist me in killing Russell.

The three individuals scheduled for interrogation were an ideal fit for both of those criteria.

At that moment, the carriage slowed down to a stop. Outside the window, I could make out the large residence of Duke Bolev.

“Do you think I will recall some of my memories when I meet them?"

"Alternatively, wouldn't there be a response from the opposing party?"

Amon stepped out of the carriage and held his hand to me.

“Don't forget our initial requirement. If there is anything that crosses your mind, kindly inform me without holding back any detail."

“…Yes."

My hand overlapped Amon's.

The residence of Duke Bolev, which I was visiting for the third time now, stood overwhelmingly large. Unlike the previous visit, we did not encounter any soldiers blocking our path, so Amon did not have to use his brooch.

The butler also greeted us politely and led us to the drawing room.

“The process is smoother than last time."

We quietly trailed behind the butler while Amon acknowledged my whisper with a nod.

"The atmosphere within each different constitution varies, even for the Duke of Bolev. Lady Selena appears to be cooperative with the investigation, as evidenced by her prompt response to the official documents."

How long did we walk down the aisle? The butler stopped before a grand door that towered up to the ceiling. It appeared to be constructed of gold.

My mouth slightly gaped. But the shock did not end there.

The living room exuded a stunning beauty. A grand chandelier adorned with numerous candlesticks illuminated the high ceiling. The walls are embellished with intricate golden reliefs that added to the magnificent ambiance.

Moreover, large and small mirrors were attached to the walls, reflecting the seated Selena in fragments throughout the room. The atmosphere was fantastic, yet inaccessible.

“Welcome.”

As we approached, Selena greeted us while situated in her chair. Her striking red eyes were reminiscent of Russell Bolev, and the way her black hair cascaded down to her waist added more to her allure.

Perhaps it was also due to the plunge neck dress she had on.

'Considering that Russell always left his shirt undone, it must be a characteristic of this family.'

“So you are the leader of the Blue Knights. I've heard rumors, but you seem younger than anticipated. Or, are you young?”

Selena remarked, a smile on her face. I wanted to turn her words against her. Although the documents clearly stated she was in her 40s, it didn't appear that way at all. Her youthful portrait failed to capture the essence of her ageless beauty.

"Amon Spencer.”

Amon politely bowed his head. Then, just as I was about to open my mouth, Selena interrupted.

“Sit down for now.”

In the first place, it appeared my introduction would catch her off guard. Perhaps the inexpensive dress I purchased from the streets led her to assume I was a servant of Amon's.

Amon and I seated side by side on the three-person sofa prepared opposite Selena. In stark contrast to the fancy chair she was resting in, ours was plain and without a pattern.

“You said you came because of Russell?”

Despite the recent loss of her nephew, Selena maintained a bright and cheerful demeanor as she posed her question, a smile on her face.

"That's right."

“What do you wish to ask?”

Selena casually leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs. She took a leisurely sip from her wine glass, exuding an air of relaxation.

As I observed the vacant table and the unadorned sofa, it became apparent to me that Selena was intentionally neglecting our presence.

‘Amon said she was being cooperative, but this…’

I quickly glanced to the side, but Amon's expression remained unchanged. He wasn't a blind man, so I figured he'd notice as well.

“Then first—”

It was when Amon opened his mouth expressionlessly.

"Who is this?" Selena interrupted him mid-speech before turning her attention to me. Her gaze was filled with curiosity like she had just noticed my presence.

“She is the main reference in this case.”

“Hm, right.”

Judging from his attitude, it didn't seem like she was asking out of curiosity.

“Sorry, continue.”

As I gazed into her cheerful eyes, I recalled the words inscribed on her document.

Name: Selena Bolev

Age: 43

Gender: Female

Special note: Single (reason for not getting married is unknown)

Relations with Russell: She did not leave the mansion even after Russell inherited the dukedom, so it is assumed it was an awkward relationship.

(According to rumors, it was believed that Russell offered the most valuable villa owned by Bolev, but she refused. Her reasons for staying within the residence remain unknown.)

Possible motive for murder: Power struggle within the dukedom, a desire to continue a luxurious life, etc.

The most suspicious aspect of her career was that she remained single.

Marriage was considered essential in this society, particularly among nobles. And Selena was a high-ranking noble who fulfilled all the requirements of the marriage market.

'She deliberately did not marry, nor become independent...'

However, her motive for the murder was rather weak, as suggested in the document. Even if Russell died, the right to inherit the Dukedom would not transfer to her. Rather, it was her comfortable daily life that would fall apart.

Based on the content, it was more likely to presume that Russell would get rid of Selena, a thorn in his eye.

'Of course, unless there is another hidden motive.'

I calmly scrutinized Selena's behavior. To try and dig out any hints.

In my eyes, she didn't appear to be simply extravagant. Instead, I would describe her as someone who is quite calculating.

It would be nice if the original work could offer any information, but unfortunately, she was only ever described in passing.

“Then I will begin.”

Amon gazed at Selena and proceeded to ask questions.

“First, can you tell us about your relationship with the victim, Duke Bolev?”

“Relationship, did we have such a thing? We're connected by blood. Ah, if you are talking about the relationship between a man and a woman, nothing happened. Yes, he was handsome."

"How did you get along? There seemed to have been some discord."

"Discord? I've lived with him since he was a little boy. It was nothing more than a simple child's whining."

"So it's true that there was a problem."

“The closer one is, the more often they clash with each other.”

Selena cleverly escaped Amon's question. The more she responded, the more consistently my assessment of her changed.

Amon swiftly jotted down his notebook and proceeded to the next question.

“Next, can you inform us of your whereabouts on the day of the incident?”

"Uhh, when was that?"

"The 17th."

Selena pondered for a moment before answering.

“I had a luncheon appointment that day. I met with my old friend Tina after a long time. You will find out as you investigate."

“As you are aware, it was around evening when the incident took place.”

“After that, I just lay in my room. I hung out with an old friend after a long time and grew tired. There's not much I could do in that cramped space.”

"Is there anyone who can back your claim?"

Selena erupted into laughter as if she had just heard a very funny story.

"Anyone to prove I was in my room? Sure. I asked the ladies-in-waiting never to leave my bedside the entire time."

Then, in an instant, she erased her smile and lashed out.

“Is that what you think? Do I look like such a harsh person?”

“You mean you were alone.”

"That's right. I'm pretty sure I didn't leave my room though. The entrance to my chamber is located in a hallway constantly busied with servants. If I left my room, someone would have witnessed me."

“May I confirm?”

“I’ll ask the butler to show you to my bedroom later.”

Amon nodded once again and jotted more notes. Even if her words turned out to be true, they wouldn't be of much use. It wasn't difficult for someone of her authority to silence mere servants.

A secret passage could exist in her bedroom, just like Russell's.

“I have one more question. Is the door the only way out of the bedroom?”

Amon seemed to share my thoughts. Selena's expression strangely shifted at his question.

“It would be possible to jump out the window if you are willing to break a few bones."

“Didn't Lady Selena reside in this duchy for a long time? You seem to know every nook and cranny of this mansion better than anyone else. For example, you may have discovered hidden passages that others are not aware of."

“The butler has been here longer than I have.”

“But the butler has no motive to kill Duke Bolev.”

Selena furrowed her eyebrows at Amon's words. She downed all the remaining wine and set her glass down on the table.

“It sounds like I have a motive.”

“Isn’t that the case?”

Selena paused for a moment, her expression tinged with an ounce of agitation.

"It's not that."

Amon straightened his back and stared straight at Selena.

'Is she willing to admit her conflict with Russell? Because her motive isn't too solid anyway?'

But her following words were completely unpredictable.

"Hayden has given up his inheritance.”

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