Chapter 704: 231 [X-077 Super Spacetime Postage Stamp]_3
Robin Smith laughed and shook his head, “No. I’m here for that Young Master Williams.”
“Oh?”
Leonard Churchill knew he was referring to Lew Williams and suspected something.
For the great detective to get involved, it was either some difficult case or a protection mission.
Either way, it was no simple matter.
An internal issue within the Black Gold Trade Union?
Leonard Churchill had recently read the newspapers and picked up some fragmented news.
With no interest, he didn’t inquire further.
Robin Smith didn’t seem inclined to share more and instead, unusually, offered advice, “But your current situation isn’t looking good. It’s best to keep a low profile these days.”
Listening, Leonard Churchill let out a self-deprecating chuckle; of course, he was aware of his fugitive status. Testing the waters, he asked, “You know about it?”
Robin Smith lowered the brim of his Hunting Deer Hat, making it look even more imposing, “Every S-rank fugitive is a hot bounty in the private detective circles. Especially when the case is as big as this one.”
As he spoke, he added, “A few days ago, when I heard about the small mishap during the X Bureau’s roundup of Reuel Bible on Downing Street, I guessed the contact might be you.”
“Heh…”
Leonard Churchill wasn’t surprised that Robin could guess it.
After all, it was only during their last encounter outside Lion City that Reuel Bible forcibly intervened, choosing to duel and enabling Leonard Churchill to escape smoothly.
Such personal connections were naturally suspect.
His thoughts shifting, Leonard Churchill continued, “Do you know what’s happening with Old Bible?”
He was also curious about how much information the great detective had.
“Not much, but not too little either,” Robin Smith said plainly, “That individual placed the Bounty Orders before I received a commission to find someone. It seems many high-ranking officials in the Federation are interested in finding him. Or rather, the ‘item’ and secrets he holds. In fact, days ago, I had already found some clues in the city. But there’s a lot of fishiness in this case, too hot for me to handle. So I lost interest in getting involved.”
Listening, Leonard Churchill internally praised the detective’s sharp professionalism.
The two were chatting when the VIP elevator suddenly stopped.
Both had actually been observing their surroundings while talking.
One out of professional habit, the other due to the instincts of a fugitive.
So when the elevator came to a halt, both noticed the elderly man in the crisp tailcoat right away.
The quality of the clothing was high-end, suggesting the appearance of a noble’s butler.
Even though one could see he was a servant, the old man still had a composed air about him that inspired awe in the common folk.
He was quite old…
And the “air” about him was very steady!
For someone of his age to have such a grounded presence indicated he was not weak by any means.
Leonard Churchill eyed the butler, somehow feeling a vague sense of familiarity.
But as the man approached him, Leonard became alert.
Just as he thought to avoid him, Robin by his side greeted, “Mr. Dove.”
The old butler nodded in acknowledgment.
Seeing the two knew each other, Leonard’s alertness eased slightly, thinking it was time for him to leave.
But then he noted the butler’s gaze falling on him.
Huh… What does he mean?
No malice was present, yet it felt like his energy was locked onto him, making it hard to move.
“So strong!”
This left Leonard both surprised and puzzled.
Before he could figure it out,
The old butler revealed a kindly smile, “Mr. Leonard Churchill, nice to see you.”
The tone was like that of old friends greeting each other after a long separation, filled with a sense of reminiscence.
Knowing his identity could be due to Robin’s influence?
And using “Mr.” felt very strange.
Leonard Churchill looked puzzled, his intuition suggesting the man had some purpose, yet was more concerned about the formal address, “Old sir, have we met before?”
The butler smiled knowingly, “Mm. We met once before.”
“???”
Leonard Churchill merely found the man vaguely familiar and asked casually.
They really met before?
You’ve got to be kidding.
Now with a photographic memory, he might overlook a random passerby,
But surely he wouldn’t forget someone with such an imposing aura.
Yet the butler, unhesitatingly and efficiently, produced a package, “On someone’s behalf, this is for you.”
Leonard Churchill looked at the package, more puzzled than ever, “For me?”
He knew only Lew Williams from the Black Gold Trade Union, what was going on?
However, suddenly looking at the silent Great Detective Robin at his side, it dawned on him—
The previous mention of someone with considerable influence commissioning Robin to protect him, could it be the very old butler before him?
Oh no, perhaps the person behind this old butler?
Leonard racked his brain but could not think of anyone.
Surely, if they appeared in Flood Gang, they could be from the Song Family of Black Gold Trade Union?
But it might be someone else entirely.
There just weren’t that many figures with such sway throughout the whole Federation.
Leonard Churchill looked on confusedly, unsure of how to respond.
As if understanding his bewilderment, the old butler took the initiative, “He said, you’ll understand when you see what’s inside for you both.”
With that, he didn’t give Leonard a chance to ask more, nodding, “I have some errands to run. We’ll meet again later.”
Hearing this, Robin added, “I should leave too.”
“…”
Leonard watched the two leave, the corner of his eye twitching with numerous swirling questions. Then, he turned his gaze to the package in his hands.
…
Before long, Leonard found a lounge to sit down in.
He’d seen plenty of strange things and wasn’t afraid of potential dangers, so he immediately opened it.