Chapter 80: Redemption

Kevin’s heart burned with heat as he gazed at Miss Sakura Bell, who sat elegantly on the sofa in the private room, one leg crossed over the other, gently drawing from her long-stemmed pipe. He considered her something of a familiar acquaintance; ever since her aunt introduced them at the last ball, Kevin had been unable to forget her—not only for her beauty, but also because she was a countess.

A perfect match in every sense.

Unfortunately, they hadn’t remained in touch since then. He had hoped to see her at the recent charity gala, where she had even considered allowing him to be her dance partner. But urgent matters kept him away. He had no idea who had accompanied her in the end.

The thought left a sour taste in Kevin’s heart.

“To have the fortune of dancing with Miss Sakura Bell… what luck for that scoundrel. I hope he didn’t take advantage—no, she’s not that kind of woman.”

At that moment, Kevin noticed Sakura Bell’s gaze lingering on Ross. He realized he had yet to introduce them, so he stood up.

“Ah, Miss Sakura Bell, allow me to introduce you. Mr. Ross has, in fact, been our undercover agent within the Voodoo Gang for quite some time.” Kevin rose with the utmost politeness and nodded as he spoke. “He’s been deep undercover for years, but none of us could have foreseen that things would turn out as they have…”

At this, the other agents and Ross exchanged knowing smiles, and the atmosphere in the room lightened considerably.

Ross smiled as he pondered the situation. Kevin’s meaning was clear: this was the beginning of his redemption, and soon, with a dossier from the Magical Prison Department and a few moves orchestrated by Kevin, his past would be wiped clean.

From what Kevin implied, his entire history would be woven into the Faceless One’s investigation report—how he’d worked with Lord Polster, infiltrated Blackhorn Alley for years, gathering intelligence on fugitives, and finally helped bring them in.

And among those captured weren’t just the notorious fugitives from the deck of cards, but also the big fish: Harold.

As for the true souls of the Voodoo Marquis, they had already been devoured by “Warden Ross.”

Compiling the documents would be easy with Stuart’s help; he would also coordinate with Polster when the time came.

“Miss Sakura Bell, the particulars of Ross’s situation are known to no one. But you two will need to work closely together from now on. I hope you’ll get to know one another well.”

Sakura Bell was momentarily taken aback by these words. She exchanged a glance with Ross, and understanding dawned in her eyes.

“Kevin, you’ve certainly brought me a surprise. Over the years, Fox and the Voodoo Gang have crossed paths many times in Blackhorn Alley. The name of the Voodoo Marquis is legendary. But to think he was an agent of the Magical Prison Department all along! With his cooperation, we’ll surely bring peace back to Blackhorn Alley.”

“We’ll be counting on the two of you,” Kevin said with a smile. “Blackhorn Alley, a den of vice, has been in the Ministry’s sights for years. If you can open the way to restoring order here, then when the Ministry establishes a branch office, you two will be recognized as its founding heroes…”

Kevin spoke at length, clearly intending to magnify the matter into something grand—a capable official with a vision. But in truth, all these hints had been left by Louis for him.

Those hints had been a revelation for Kevin, allowing him to seize this great opportunity. Blackhorn Alley had just been swept clean by Lord Polster and his twelve wardens—a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reclaim it.

Success here would bring far greater merit than merely capturing Harold. Sakura Bell and Ross would almost certainly become chief and deputy chief of the new branch, and Kevin’s own advancement within the Ministry would be assured.

Much was left unsaid, but the words “chief” and “deputy chief” thundered in Sakura Bell’s mind.

Had she, at last, ascended in a single leap?

Chief! No one could possibly wrest this post from her.

Even if the Ministry sent in someone from above to be chief and left her as deputy, she’d soon render them a mere figurehead.

She had always thought of her work in Blackhorn Alley as a small enterprise, but now, by chance, it had become a golden opportunity—the alley was a kingdom without a tiger, and the monkey ruled as king.

And she was that monkey!

Today, the tiger had indeed arrived—only he happened to be her bodyguard!

She nearly burst out laughing.

With this realization, Sakura Bell straightened her back and spoke to the Ministry’s distinguished guests with newfound confidence. Previously, these men—especially Kevin, whose connections ran deep despite his modest rank—were people to be handled with care.

But now, caution was no longer necessary. The chief’s post was as good as hers, and once she claimed it, even the county’s councilors would have to curry her favor. She might even run for council herself—once Blackhorn Alley became a new constituency, she would decide where its votes went.

On the other side, Kevin, having laid the groundwork, hinted that Sakura Bell should work with Ross to build up Blackhorn Alley’s “cake.”

Not only was the opportunity rare, but it was easy to seize. With Sakura Bell as the local power and Ross as Polster’s stand-in, no one else could claim the credit—after all, the true power in Blackhorn Alley was the Faceless One.

And if Kevin’s father and Sakura Bell’s aunt worked their contacts in the Ministry, the Blackhorn Alley project would be realized.

After these discussions, Kevin turned the conversation to the Faceless One’s investigation report.

Hearing the topic shift, Sakura Bell recalled something, her expression growing a touch odd.

“I seem to remember that, back then, all these agents broke into the box and were taken away by the master…”

“Yes, I remember now—they were taken away.”

“What happened in between? How is it that these agents act as though they’re well acquainted with the master? Could it be that they know the Faceless One’s true identity?”

Unable to suppress her curiosity, Sakura Bell studied her new butler—Ross.

Ross merely smiled, as if to say, “Just enjoy the show.”

Sakura Bell’s sense of unease grew.

Yet the clever vixen betrayed nothing, quietly drawing on her pipe, never revealing that she knew the Faceless One’s identity. Where once she had boasted of her connection to Louis, now she kept it hidden.

Occasionally, an agent would consult her for local intelligence about Blackhorn Alley, and Sakura Bell supplied the latest information.

With this intelligence in hand, the agents quickly pieced things together, drafting preliminary reports and plans.

“Inspector Kevin, I think we’ll need to handle this affair with great subtlety,” one agent said, stroking his chin. “The Faceless One’s identity—Lord Pol… cough, that gentleman—will be crucial in the future. So, let’s have the investigation report inform only the Ministry’s upper echelons—mark it A- or S-level secret.”

“Indeed,” added another agent, glancing up from his paperwork. “Nothing in the press should give away ‘his’ identity. The master seeks only a name; those who know him will recognize the truth between the lines.”

A third agent chimed in, “Exactly. The papers should only report the Faceless One’s exploits in apprehending fugitives, quashing all unfavorable rumors in Blackhorn Alley. Miss Sakura Bell, the press alone won’t suffice; we’ll need Fox’s cooperation as well.”

Sakura Bell nodded stiffly.

After further discussion, Kevin could not help but nod in agreement.

“Excellent, excellent,” Kevin said with a smile. “Lord Polster will be delighted…”

At the slip of Polster’s name, the agents all coughed sharply.

Realizing his mistake, Kevin’s expression stiffened, and he turned to Sakura Bell, who was equally rigid, and addressed her, his tone suddenly solemn:

“Countess Sakura Bell, your guess was correct—Lord Polster is indeed the Faceless One.”

He explained, “After we were taken away by the master, he revealed his identity, but he wishes no one to know—just let the papers say what’s needed. You understand…”

“I do, I do…” Sakura Bell replied with a bright smile.

Yet as she turned away, she fanned herself furiously, eyes wide with inward curses.

The Death Lantern with a Thousand Faces… he truly is a man.

But him? Him?

That living skeleton and Ross—one a skeleton draped in human skin, the other a clay doll—tie them together and send them to the Muggle Kingdom’s harem, and no one would need to castrate them!

If you’d said the Faceless One was a dragon, I’d believe it, but Polster? Over my dead body!

[Miss Sakura Bell, the master isn’t Polster. Polster is only his future stand-in—please say no more.]

Ross’s voice sounded in her mind. She glanced at him, pipe in hand, reading the newspaper, and suddenly understood.

Her eyes flashed with an idea, and she smiled sweetly. “Sir Kevin, I have long known the Faceless One’s identity. Don’t forget, I was present at the battle with Harold. You were all locked in combat, and at that critical moment, Lord Polster arrived with reinforcements. Together, we captured Harold, the infamous fugitive.”

Kevin was taken aback, then broke into a knowing smile—the clever fox was angling for a share of the credit!

Truth be told, if Lord Polster’s matter were to be properly handled, the local power’s help would be essential. She certainly deserved her share.

But Blackhorn Alley’s “cake” was already large enough. Why did she want more?

“Miss Sakura Bell, I understand. However…” Kevin looked at her with some confusion.

“I’m not after such petty rewards, but my friends were present. Sir Kevin, you’ll need more witnesses, won’t you? They can vouch for everything. At the time, County Councillor Sir Barton and my dear friend Osicris and her two students happened to pass by. They all took part in subduing Harold. By the way, Osicris’s students, Louis and Helen, are both temporary hires at the Mystery Office—don’t forget to include them in your report.”

After speaking, Sakura Bell considered her options.

Sir Barton’s share was non-negotiable. He was being courted by the Luffield family and was about to join the “Princess Faction.” With this reward, the ambitious man would surely support the Princess Faction.

As for young Osicris, she needed to build her reputation with the Ministry. Once the report was delivered and her aunt worked her contacts, Osicris would gain all the recognition she needed. More attention would come to the Princess Faction, and with a bit of maneuvering, perhaps a few Ministry officials could be quietly drawn to their side.