A look of uneasiness flashed across Mara's face, and she shouted angrily: "You murderer, don't even think about making excuses! If you hadn't placed poison on the telescope in advance, Aphra wouldn't have been poisoned at all. Everything is wrong.
It was you who planned it!"
Of course Raymond knew this result, because that was the answer she gave in the file.
He keenly caught the panic on Mara's face, and asked unhurriedly: "So... you keep saying that I am the murderer, what is my motive for killing?"
Mary snorted coldly and said nothing.
Raymond sneered and said: "You really don't think that just because of that competition in the academy, I have murderous intentions towards people I have never met, do you?"
Mara said indignantly: "Huh! A guy like you who can brutally murder classmates just because of a small conflict, what can't you do?!"
Although everyone thinks this reason is far-fetched, it seems that this is the only explanation now. After all, as far as they know, this guy named Raymond has a very bad reputation in the academy, and he may be a perverted guy at heart.
Upon hearing this, Barton interrupted: "Mrs. Mala, please don't state topics unrelated to this case!"
As soon as he opened his mouth, the senator on the side of the Parliament interrupted: "Earl Barton, I think it's okay for Lady Mary to say this. After all, as far as the motive of murder is concerned, it is not unreasonable to cite circumstantial evidence."
The atmosphere in the entire meeting hall was a bit smelly of gunpowder.
This murder case was not only a confrontation between the descendants of Soderos and Raymond, but also a confrontation between two factions of the territorial nobles.
"If you wanted to kill someone, would you use such obvious means?"
Raymond still looked calm and said, "That letter was written by me to Aphra, so do you think that if I were the murderer, I would be stupid enough to kill people in this way?"
Mara seemed to be prepared and responded fluently, "I heard that you are a daring madman who dares to kill even high-ranking nobles. Why not? Maybe this is your plan!"
In fact, anyone with any sense would think this is a bit strange.
But even if it was strange, it could not change the fact that Raymond was involved in the murder. After all, without that letter, Aphra would not have gone to the scene of the murder, nor would she have been secretly poisoned.
After all, if Raymond had no other purpose for Aphra, he would not have handed over the letter at all.
This move is very suspicious and is the biggest reason why Sodros's descendants doubt him.
"I heard? Haha..."
"As the earl of the territory, I have no obligation to explain so much to you until you have clear evidence to prove that I killed someone."
Raymond was also a little angry at the messy Mara, and said displeasedly: "The reason why I came to the Public Security Department to accompany you for deliberations today is just because I don't want you and me to become pawns to be used by others."
Hearing this, Mara suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of humiliation.
She screamed: "Haha, you really can do whatever you want just because of your status as a high-ranking noble? Do you really think that since our Sodros family is in dire straits, we can be slaughtered by others?"
The elders of the parliament also spoke at the right time to express their attitude, saying: "Miss Aphra is also a nobleman conferred by the Duke. No matter who murders her, we will severely punish the murderer and will never tolerate it!"
Barton snorted coldly and said: "Count Raymond, you will be treated fairly, don't worry about anything else."
At this time,
Raymond said calmly: "Since you can't find a definite motive to prove why I wanted to kill Aphra. Now, I will help you guess the motive of a murderer. Tell me and see if you can explain it.
everything..."
Hearing this,
Barton's eyes lit up and he said: "You have the right to state your thoughts, please continue."
Raymond nodded towards him and continued: "I heard that the Soderos family was wiped out by pirates and I was very confused... The 'Blood Skull Pirates' have always been known for their meticulous attack plans.
, if it is an act of annihilation, there will definitely be no one left alive, without exception. Based on the strength of you guys, I don’t think it’s nice to say it, but I don’t think you can escape from those vicious pirates!”
Mara immediately questioned: "Haha, since those pirates left no one alive, how did you know? Is it possible that you still have contacts with those pirates?"
Raymond was interrupted many times by this woman and lost his temper. He said coldly: "Of course I have my own channels for information. And...I have no obligation to explain so much to you! If you interrupt me again,
Then you can investigate on your own, and I won’t accompany you.”
Barton said with a cold face: "Mrs. Mara, please don't interrupt Earl Raymond's statement!"
As soon as these words came out, the descendants of Soderos became quiet. If Raymond was determined to leave, unless they could produce conclusive evidence, there was really no way to keep him.
Raymond narrowed his eyes slightly and continued: "The pirates must have some agenda when they rob. Although the Soderos family is rich, in terms of money, after all, it cannot compare with some wealthy businessmen, and the risk of annihilation is much greater. And I guess, you guys
It’s definitely not money that allows a big pirate group like the Blood Skull to spy on you, it’s most likely because you are the descendants of Soderos!”
As soon as this sentence came out, no matter who it was, it seemed reasonable and reasonable.
The survivors of the massacre in Hudson also looked thoughtful.
"But...since the family has been wiped out, then everyone should get what they deserve. Why would the pirates, who never leave anyone alive, let a few of you escape?"
Raymond glanced at everyone.
After a moment of pause, he then added: "The most likely reason is that the pirates did not fully reach their goal, so they deliberately left them alive!"
"So what do the pirates want?"
"So, I assume that you have something in your hands that the pirates are eager to get. No, to be precise, it is more likely to be something that is not a physical object. I will call it a 'secret' for the time being! When the family was wiped out, the pirates did not get that 'secret'
', so I chose to let a few of you go away alive... Do you think the conjecture I mentioned is reasonable?"
Hearing this, everyone in Hudson looked a little complicated.
Obviously, they have thought about this problem before.
Mara didn't know what she was thinking of, and a trace of panic flashed in her eyes. She interrupted and said, "What's the use of what you said? What we are discussing now is Aphra's death. Stop making excuses, you murderer!"
Being interrupted again, Barton became angry and shouted angrily: "Madam, if you interrupt the discussion again, I have the right to expel you!"
"No! Lord Barton, this lady can't let her leave. Some of my next speculations have a lot to do with this lady."
Raymond sneered: "Of course I am talking so much to explain the murderer's motives!"
Everyone doesn’t understand why,
Barton also raised the topic at the right time and said: "Count Raymond, you can continue to state."
At this moment,
Raymond continued: "As far as I know, the direct descendants of the Sodros family have received strict anti-hypnotic magic training since childhood, and the subconscious level is equipped with hypnotic stress magic... In other words, it is impossible for others to do so.
Through mental magic control, you can obtain any secrets from Aphra's mouth."
At this moment, Hudson lost his previous determination and asked: "How did you know this secret? What does this have to do with this case?"
Raymond ignored him and continued: "Afra is the only granddaughter of Soderos. So...I assume that she knows a 'secret' that is not known to outsiders. For those pirates who destroyed the family, that is
Come here for this. Of course, now you already know that those thugs are members of the 'Blood Skull Pirates'! But it is Dunn's Gustav family that actually overrides the control..."
"The pirates could not obtain the 'secret' that Aphra knew through coercion, so they created a massacre and deliberately left a few alive. They also guessed that you would choose to come to Philip to join Daru. According to the original plan, it should be
It was Dunn who would choose to gain Aphra's trust, and then slowly extract the 'secret'..."
"Before I came to see you yesterday, no one else knew about the news of Dunn's murder. And just after I told you yesterday, Aphra was killed..."
After saying this, Raymond looked at Hudson and the others, and the meaning was already obvious.
A glimmer of light flashed in Barton's eyes, and he had roughly guessed the result. He spoke at the right moment and said: "Count Raymond, please directly state what you want to express."
Raymond said: "Obviously, I suspect that some of you have revealed the news I told you. This is why Dunn knew that the matter was exposed and killed him in advance. In yesterday's arrest operation, Mrs. Moreau was killed on the spot. Although
I can’t get more information from her, but I can’t hide that she is an extraordinary person who is good at using poison. And it just so happened that Aphra died of poisoning, don’t you think it’s too coincidental?”
"Going back to the previous topic... If I were the murderer and my purpose was just to frame the murder, I would definitely choose a toxin that would cause death quickly. And I would not let Aphra live long enough to speak to anyone.
Opportunity..."
After saying this, Raymond's eyes fell on Mara again, and he smiled meaningfully.
"If a person knows she is going to die and she sees her relatives on her deathbed, what do you think she will do?"
"It's nothing more than entrusting the obsession in my heart. The only thing that Aphra can't let go of is probably the 'secret'."
"I even boldly guessed that the murderer's purpose of using chronic poison was to make Aphra willingly reveal his inner 'secret'... Some people even specially waited for her to be poisoned before they 'happened' to show up.
At the crime scene."
After saying this, everyone looked at Ma La, the shock in their eyes getting stronger and stronger.
"So...Mrs. Mala, you were the last person Aphra came into contact with before the temporary incident. I think she should say something to you..."
The corners of Raymond's mouth were slightly raised and he asked: "Then, please explain why you followed Aphra to that place? Also, what did she say to you before she died!"
Mara was obviously panicked by this question and stammered: "I...I just saw something was wrong with her condition, so I followed her...she...she didn't say anything...
"
Obviously,
What Raymond said just now shocked everyone.
Although they are all speculations, everyone has to admit that this is the statement closest to the truth!
Raymond stared into Mara's eyes and asked again, each word resonant.
"I suspect that the information I told you yesterday was revealed by you, Mrs. Mala! It was you who colluded with Dunn to kill Aphra, and you also wanted to frame the crime on me!"
"No...I didn't! I didn't leak the news, and I didn't kill Aphra!"
"Then...what did Aphra tell you before she died? Why did you hide it?"
"I...I...I..."
Mara was completely confused. She obviously didn't think about how to round out this lie, and she was speechless for a moment.
Hudson and others on the side also looked at Mara in shock. Looking at her appearance, could they tell that there was something wrong in her heart?
They couldn't believe it. Could it be that she was really the mole?
Gibbon had already had some suspicions in his mind that Aphra might know some secrets. In fact, he had already thought of the speculations that Raymond mentioned just now. Now that he has connected the clues together, it is obvious that the truth will soon come to light.
!
Mara's panicked expression at this moment confirmed her suspicion.
At this moment,
Raymond never gave her a chance to think, and he pursued the victory and said: "This is Mr. Barton, the Chief of Territory Sheriff... I think we can change the method to find out the truth more quickly. Mr. Barton is good at all kinds of interrogations, and of course
Proficient in mind control spells...Since you keep saying that Aphra didn't say any last words to you, can you please ask Lord Barton to use magic to ask?"
After a pause, he said confidently: "Of course, as a matter of fairness, I am willing to be interrogated in the same way! I will know when I ask if I killed the person!"
As soon as these words came out, everyone in the room turned their attention to the panicked Mara.
High-ranking nobles have immunity. Even if they commit a crime, they do not have to accept this kind of mental torture. Now that Raymond has taken the initiative to use this method to prove his innocence, then... who is right and who is wrong, it seems that at a glance
It's very clear.
Barton couldn't see what this woman's panic expression meant. He asked coldly: "Mrs. Mala, let me ask you again, what did Miss Aphra say to you before she died! If you don't
To be honest, our Public Security Department will not rule out the use of mental torture on you... After all, this is related to the innocence of a high-ranking noble!"
"I..."
Ma La still wanted to make excuses, but she naturally knew that she could no longer hide it.
She turned around and stared at her husband, Hudson, with a bitter look on her face, asking for help.
By this time, Gibbon had already regarded her as a mole, and even suspected her husband Hudson at the same time.
How could he allow this woman to quibble anymore and said directly: "Mara, just tell me! In order to find out the death of Aphra, even if you don't want to say it, we will choose to agree to Lord Barton's proposal."
Everyone did not expect that the situation would suddenly take a turn for the worse. It was obvious that today was the interrogation for the descendants of the Soderos family to question the real murderer, but they did not expect that Raymond's simple and calm analysis would turn the crisis around.
Not only did he clear his name, he even showed signs of bringing the whole matter to light.
Although everyone present did not know where Raymond got the secret information, no matter who it was, they had to admit that his response was impeccable. From beginning to end, they did not see any panic on the young man's face.
The few elders of the parliament who were watching looked at each other in shock.
I thought that this Raymond was just an inconspicuous little character, but now it seems... Archduke Philip is so fond of him. It turns out that this boy is not only talented in potions, but also has extraordinary talents, and even his scheming and intelligence are far beyond his peers...
In the eyes of these old guys, maybe when he grows up, he will be a big help to the "hardliners" in the future!
"Aphra's death really has nothing to do with me..."
No one on her own could speak for her anymore. Ma La had completely collapsed at this moment, crying: "She did say something to me, but it is about the biggest secret of our family, we can't say it..."
When Gibbon heard this, his eyes became a little uncertain.
He wasn't sure this Mara seemed to be acting.
But he can be sure that Mara does have a "secret!"
Looking at it this way, everything that the kid named Raymond guessed before seems to have become a reality.
With such calm analysis and meticulous thinking, this young man's scheming is truly terrifying!
At this time, Raymond also spoke at the right time and asked: "Mrs. Mara, you don't have to tell me what Aphra told you. However, I want to confirm that the 'secret' she left behind, do you think it is?"
The fundamental reason why you were exterminated!"
With the steps down, Ma La still dared to hesitate and said tremblingly: "It should... be!"
Hearing this, everyone was stunned.
The descendants of Sodros finally understood why they were exterminated. It turned out to be because of the "secret" Aphra knew.
But what kind of shocking secret is it that makes the Blood Skeleton Pirates pay such a high price to destroy them?
At this time, Barton thought for a moment and then said: "Mrs. Mara, now we suspect that you are a major suspect in the 'Aphra was poisoned' case. We will leave you at the security office to ask some questions until we investigate.
Know the whole murder case."
Although the descendants of Soderos felt humiliated after hearing this, no one spoke up to defend Mara.
Even her husband, Hudson, looked gloomy at this moment, doubting with great sadness whether his wife was really the mole who leaked the news!
Mara looked desperate and cried: "Afra's death really has nothing to do with me..."
The matter was so important that Gibbon showed no mercy and said coldly: "Since Aphra gave you a message before she died, why didn't you tell us yesterday? What are your intentions?"
These words made Mara completely isolated.
She had selfish motives for hiding the secret. She wanted to keep the news to herself, but she unexpectedly pushed herself into a desperate situation.
Hudson's face was extremely ugly. He sighed and said softly to his wife: "Mara, can you just tell the truth? It's already this time, what else do you want to hide? If you really leaked the information, you
Say it and I will bear it with you..."
After being married for many years, he still couldn't bear to see his wife in such a situation.
He has decided that if it is true that Mara is the traitor, he will immediately commit suicide.
Ma La looked at her desperate husband and finally couldn't help but burst into tears and said, "I hid the news just for the sake of our children... I really didn't know about Aphra's death! I didn't know about it either.
I haven’t disclosed the news to anyone..."
It turns out that Mara and his wife have a son who is extremely talented in swordsmanship and is studying at the Royal Naval Academy in the capital of Tianlan. Yesterday, when she heard the secret that Aphra said temporarily, she immediately realized that this was an opportunity for them to rise. She thought
I want to keep this great opportunity secret and leave it to my son...
did not expect,
Self-defeating,
Instead, he became the biggest suspect in the murder.
Now,
Even if Mara said these words, no one would believe her anymore.
The faces of the Soderos family became extremely ugly.
Regardless of whether Mara was involved in Aphra's death or not, this selfish woman has brought shame on them.
Yoshimoto was so angry that his face turned purple. Fortunately, he had some connections with all parties and begged several elders to deliver justice. Now it seems... a trial to interrogate the real culprit has turned into a farce of "the thief shouts, catch the thief".
Everyone understands that the "Blood Skull Pirates" are probably the real culprits behind everything.
Even if Raymond still has some suspicions, Aphra's death probably has nothing to do with him.
On the contrary, Mara's suspicion of being a mole becomes more and more serious.
When things got to this point, the elders of the council lost all their pride and vented their anger on the descendants of Sodros, turning around and leaving angrily.
"Hmph! You can just solve these scandals in your family by yourself...you still have the nerve to ask us to uphold justice?"
"Gibbon, I came to help you because we have been friends for many years. I didn't expect you to make such jokes..."
"Hey...just take care of yourself."
"..."
...
Hudson looked at his wife who was crying so much that she was in disgrace, and then looked at everyone around him.
He looked ashamed and blamed himself: "I'm sorry, everyone... Since my wife is the cause of this matter, I naturally cannot escape responsibility..."
As he spoke, he seemed to have made some decision, and with a click he drew out the long knife from his waist. Without any hesitation, he stabbed himself in the abdomen, killing himself on the spot.
"Why..."
Gibbon had already sensed what Hudson was going to do.
However, he didn't stop him, he just sighed and closed his eyes.
This happened,
Someone must stand up and bear the consequences.
"Hudson, don't leave me!"
When Ma La saw her husband lying in a pool of blood, she felt extremely regretful.
She didn't expect that her husband would be killed because of her greed. She screamed, as if all her strength had been drained, and instantly collapsed to the ground and fainted.
Raymond looked at the scene in front of him, his face remained calm.
.......
When everyone thought that the matter would end in such a farce,
Sudden,
A blind old man slowly walked in from outside the parliament hall,
"The murderer is here. Aphra's death has nothing to do with Mara...and has nothing to do with that kid!"
Said,
The old man threw the ignorant man in black on his shoulder to the ground.
It made everyone look at each other in shock.
Isn't this the blind old man who is the housekeeper and sweeper in the family? Isn't he... mute?
And actually caught the murderer?
Only Gibbon was stunned.
He looked at the blind old man who was like an unsheathed sword, his eyes flashed with excitement, and he murmured to himself.