The Duchess Detective's Case Files
Haunted Encounter
The sound of horses yelping didn't phase me at all.
I was only thinking of what to do right now.
Driver
We have arrived, your grace.
I slowly stepped out of the carriage.
The so-called haunted house was huge.
It looked like it had belonged to a noble.
My thoughts were interrupted by a noise behind me.
The carriage driver was speeding away with the carriage.
I ran after the carriage, but I was too slow.
Freya
(I'm stuck here, huh.)
It was freezing cold outside.
The only thing I could possibly do was stay at the haunted house until someone noticed I was missing.
When I got inside, the house was well-furnished.
Yes, there was a lot of dust, but that could be cleaned off easily.
The only problem was.. the lights.
They kept going on and off.
Freya
I-I don't like this..
I quickly found my way to the bedroom.
I relaxed on the bed. It was much more comfortable than it looked.
Freya
(I hope someone notices I'm missing soon.)
Freya
(Once I'm out of here, I'll give that carriage driver hell!)
... Suddenly, a feeling of regret washed over me.
Why did I listen to them?
Freya
All I want is to be respected.
A sound woke me up in the middle of the night.
Freya
(So how am I hearing noises?)
The sound got louder and louder.
It was coming from the closet.
I sucked in my breath and got up from the bed.
Freya
I-Is someone there..
I heard a creaking sound.
The noise was increasing in volume, as if it was calling for me.
I slowly tip-toed to the closet.
Freya
(It's either I die brave, or I die a coward.)
I opened the closet in one fast motion.
We both shrieked at the same time.
She quickly stood up and looked for something in her pockets.
She stared at me with angry eyes.
?
... How much were you paid?
?
I asked how much were you paid to kidnap me.
Freya
I don't even know you!
The woman looked at me, confused.
Freya
(Her clothes look strange.)
?
Have you.. never heard of me?
Freya
That's a weird name.
She glared at me, clearly pissed.
Sonia
You know what's weird? Your clothes.
I looked down at my clothes, trying to see if there's anything wrong with it.
Freya
This dress was made by the most skilled seamstress in the empire!
Sonia
You.. don't know what a TV is?
Freya
Well if I haven't heard of it then it's not popular, no.
Freya
Is it a kind of food?
Sonia looked at me as if I was the dumbest person she's ever met.
Freya
Don't give me that look!
Sonia
All right, so, where am I?
Freya
The Cryteare Empire, of course.
Sonia
Cryteare.. Empire...?
She walked up to me and put her hand on my shoulder.
Her hand couldn't make contact with me.
It was as if she was a ghost.
I slowly looked up, my eyes met hers.
I screamed and ran outside, only to find Sonia following me.
Soon, we were both outside the house.
Then, a carriage with my family's crest had finally appeared.
Sonia
What is this? Are we in the 80s?
That's Ellios, my loyal personal guard.
Also my childhood best friend.
Sonia
Now that's one smokin' hot guy.
Sonia got beside me, directly facing Ellios.
Sonia tried to talk to him but,
Ellios talked as if he couldn't see her.
Sonia
Hey, I'm right here!
Ellios
I've been worried sick...
Ellios
Why didn't you return with the carriage driver?
Freya
He ran off without me.
Sonia
(Can he.. not see me?)
I took a quick glance at Sonia.
Freya
Hey do you see another woman here?
Ellios
I mean, the carriage driver is a girl —
Freya
No, I mean beside me.
Ellios
Is something wrong, my lady?
He put his hands on his mouth.
Ellios
Don't tell me.. a ghost from that house is haunting you?
Freya
(Well, he's kind of right.)
Ellios
Let's get going, then.
Freya
I forgot my earrings inside.
Ellios
But your earrings are —
I quickly signaled Sonia to come in with me.
Freya
So, I'm the only one who can see you.
Sonia
You don't have to rub it in.
Sonia
... God, what kind of manga plot is this?
She ignored me and continued thinking.
Sonia
Hey, this might be a little much to ask but..
Sonia
Can I come with you?
Sonia
I won't cause you trouble since, you know, I'm invisible.
Sonia
I heard you talking to yourself a while ago.
Sonia
You want to be respected, right?
She had a determined look in her eyes.
Sonia
I can help you receive that respect and more.
Freya
Sounds tempting, but how do you plan on doing that?
Sonia
I'll give you the details later.
... And that's how I made a deal with a ghost.
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