"Yes!"

Carol's petite face revealed an unnatural smile. "Talking with you is really comfortable. Even in the Kaz Academy, few can keep up with my train of thought. To communicate with those idiots, I often have to explain a very simple thing in a complex manner; otherwise, they simply can't grasp my ideas."

She beckoned to Dean. "We're a bit pressed for time. Let's talk as we walk!"

From Carol's succinct account, Dean understood the case's complications.

Normally, the Axe Murderer, who had wiped out an entire family, was scheduled for execution on April 12th. But a few days ago, unexpected developments occurred. The detective on the case was caught in a scandal involving bribery and falsifying evidence. According to Commonwealth law, the statute of limitations for all cases handled by this detective would now extend back one year. The Axe Murderer's case was from three years ago, so it shouldn't have been affected.

However, Xiami, the Axe Murderer's lawyer, clung to this point, applied for a postponement, and publicized the matter in many tabloid newspapers, drawing considerable public attention and discussion.

People can't escape the lure of fame and fortune. Such cases, with their distinct personal elements and rumors, are often used as stepping stones by lawyers eager for fame. They pounce at any opportunity, desperate to create big news. The victims' misery and the murderer's cruelty are no longer considerations for such lawyers. This case was exactly like that.

"This kind of thing is quite common. According to previous procedures, unless new, irrefutable evidence appeared, Xiami's execution would be postponed—just delaying the inevitable. Unfortunately, June is the Queen's birthday. Many dignitaries will be here to celebrate with Her Majesty. The authorities don't want anything to disrupt the unity of the Commonwealth's people during that time, not even the slightest blemish. So, the case was transferred to us, to the Kaz Academy."

As she spoke, Carol opened the door of a black sedan parked outside the hotel for Dean. Quite the 'gentleman,' she shielded the car's roof edge with her hand, gesturing for Dean to get in.

Dean settled into the back seat without ceremony and smiled. "It seems you've learned quite a lot recently."

"Wasting time is a shameful thing!" Carol squeezed in beside Dean and winked. "So, I only do certain meaningless—but enjoyable—things for people I approve of."

Her words were very easy to misunderstand. As she spoke, Dean noticed the white-haired driver up front glancing their way more than once through the rearview mirror, his shock evident.

Thirteen years old... she's really pushing it!

Although Dean suspected the old driver was merely shocked by Carol speaking so politely to someone, he still felt awkward enough to change the subject. "So, how do you plan to handle this case?"

Carol snapped her fingers confidently. "Before you arrived, I planned to send that Axe Murderer back to the execution table when he was feeling most triumphant. Incidentally, I also planned to send that shortsighted lawyer to jail to 'pick up the soap.' Now, it all depends on how you want to proceed."

She leaned back comfortably against the leather seat. "You will handle this case entirely. I'm only here to ensure the legality and authority of your actions!"

With that said, Carol knocked on the car window, picked up a thick, untitled book, and began to flip through it, saying no more.

The elderly driver, who had been eavesdropping, started the car after hearing Carol's tap on the glass and drove off towards a destination unknown to Dean.

「...」

The main body of the Commonwealth is, in fact, a rather large island. Its climate, influenced by the ocean, tends to be damp and cold. Consequently, buildings here seldom have many windows. A few feature a Gothic style, but overall, they exude a sense of heavy solidity, somewhat reminiscent of Ancient Rome. What's most striking, however, is the shape of these buildings.

Emm... very artistic.

Dean had been here once before. That time, it was purely to thank the wealthy Niel for the New Year's gift she had sent him. He had traveled a thousand li to deliver a bird in return, a journey which left him no mood to appreciate the exotic views along the way. This time, however, he was getting an eyeful.

After about a twenty-minute drive, the old-fashioned sedan finally stopped in front of a building that resembled a church.

Carol put down her book and turned to Dean. "We're at the police station. Get out. I'll take you to see more evidence now so you can observe it directly. If necessary, you can also question the police officers who handled this case."

"You have that much authority?" Dean asked, somewhat surprised.

After all, despite her exceptional nature, Carol was just a thirteen-year-old. He found it hard to believe that the reputation of the Kaz Academy alone could grant her such power.

Carol hadn't yet spoken to his surprise when the elderly driver chuckled. He pointed to an inconspicuous 'eye' emblem on the front of the car. "The Kaz Academy serves only the royal family. You can consider us royal envoys. It seems Anthony hasn't given you the basic orientation yet. That's not acceptable!"

"Don't mind him!" Carol pouted. "The old men at the Academy love to drag new people around with their endless rambling. Let's go; I'm looking forward to your performance!"

With that, she led the way towards the building ahead.

Seeing this, Dean could only offer the old man an apologetic smile and follow her.

「..」

Once inside, Carol, petite and taciturn, simply flashed a badge with the same 'eye' emblem at the front desk. The flirty British girl there, who had been making eyes at Dean, immediately rose respectfully and escorted them further in.

Before long, a middle-aged agent with a bald head, a hooked nose, and reeking of tobacco, received them.

He respectfully extended his hand towards Dean. "Hello, I'm Agent Melfin. May I see your identification, please?"

He had clearly mistaken Dean for the one in charge. Well, anyone seeing a tall man with a young girl would subconsciously assume the man was the leader.

Dean could only shrug. "Agent Melfin, you're asking the wrong person."

Agent Melfin thought he had misheard. He glanced at Carol's slender figure, guessing she was at most eleven or twelve, and an awkward smile touched his lips. "Buddy, you're quite the comedian... Uh..."

His voice died abruptly because Carol now held out an ID.

On the ID's surface was an oddly shaped 'eye': an oval with a triangular pupil etched within. Agent Melfin had an unmistakably deep impression of this insignia. It was the emblem of the Commonwealth's most secretive Royal Special Service!

So... he looked at Carol, his expression stiffening, his tone uneasy. "This is truly unexpected... I mean, I never imagined the Special Service would have such a young member. May I see your ID, please?"

"Please be quick. The matter we're dealing with is time-sensitive!" Carol said, her expression stern as she handed over her ID.

After a meticulous check and a confirmatory phone call, Agent Melfin finally accepted that this young girl was indeed a member of the Special Service.

He respectfully returned the ID to Carol, his usually stern face contorting into an amiable smile. "Praise the Queen! Ms. Carol, how may we assist you?"

Carol took back her credentials and stated coolly, "I wish to meet the personnel who handled the K76789 case file as soon as possible, and I want all physical evidence related to the case reinstated."

"Not a problem!" Agent Melfin nodded gravely and left the reception room.

「...」

After Melfin left, Dean crossed his legs and chuckled. "You were laying it on a bit thick there. First time on field duty?"

Carol turned her head away, unwilling to engage with Dean. His words made her feel like the 'powerful' facade she had striven to maintain was beginning to crack.

Seeing this, Dean grinned and lit a cigarette.

TSK. Still a bit haughty.

More than ten minutes later, Agent Melfin returned to the reception room, announcing that everything was arranged.

It was Dean's turn.

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