*Chapter 64: Occasional Surprises!

In the first-floor living room, Goethe didn’t use the parlor.

The parlor was reserved for friends.

The two police officers before him were far from being guests.

When one of them entered 11 Kimmel Street with an aggressive demeanor, it made Maria turn pale with fear. Goethe stepped forward and gently patted the maid on the shoulder, signaling that she didn't need to attend to them.

Then Goethe sat down without inviting the officers to sit or offering them tea.

He simply looked at them, his tone cold as he asked, “What do you want?”

“Last night you—”

“We’re here to visit you. We apologize for what happened yesterday—please understand that not everyone is like that.”

The aggressive officer began to question Goethe harshly, but the other officer interrupted him.

Goethe turned his gaze to this officer.

Young, with soft facial features and slightly narrowed eyes that resembled those of a fox, this officer sat in a relaxed posture as if visiting a friend rather than conducting a police inquiry.

Goethe frowned internally.

He wasn’t concerned about the aggressive officer; such straightforward individuals were easy to handle. It was the smiling one that warranted caution.

In his hometown, there was a saying for people like this: *a smiling tiger*.

This officer gave Goethe exactly that impression.

“I’m Sergeant Lanst. This is my partner, Gergen.”

“We’re honored you’re willing to see us. You know, you’re something of a celebrity in Hesetins now. This morning, I saw many newspapers covering your exploits.”

Lanst flattered Goethe.

In response, Goethe remained indifferent.

He knew why they had come.

It was partly due to yesterday’s events and partly because of what happened last night.

As for being a celebrity?

Glancing at his reputation, which was currently "Fame: 2/100," Goethe was well aware of his status.

Unlike the fast-paced environment of his hometown, the hype around traditional print media like newspapers wasn’t as quick—back home, an incident would occur, people would gossip and get outraged, then the next day, a twist would come, leaving everyone bewildered, feeling deceived.

But with print media, it was different.

The impact of a story took days, sometimes even weeks, to develop, and the event remained fresh news for a long time.

Because…

Not everyone reads newspapers, and circulation is limited.

Moreover, people who do read newspapers often stick to a single publication!

So, reading multiple newspapers?

Clearly, he had an agenda!

“Are you really that interested in me?”

Goethe asked.

“Of course!”

“After what happened yesterday, I was eager to meet you!”

“So, I wanted to learn about you through the newspapers!”

“Unfortunately…”

“They didn’t provide any substantial information.”

Lanst continued smiling.

Then, as if something had suddenly occurred to him, he added:

“You just arrived in Hesetins yesterday, right?”

“Could you tell me about your past experiences?”

He inquired.

“You’re a police officer. If you’re curious, investigate it yourself.”

“I’ve been up all night writing a book, and now I just want to go to my bedroom and sleep.”

“One more time, do you have any business here?”

Goethe responded bluntly.

“Is it the ‘Wilderness Adventures’ you mentioned yesterday?”

“If you don’t mind, could I take a look at the manuscript?”

Lanst asked eagerly, showing no signs of offense.

“No, you can’t!”

“Are you lying?”

As soon as Goethe refused, Lanst’s partner couldn’t hold back any longer. He stared at Goethe, hoping to see some sign of fear, but Goethe simply rubbed his temples and showed a look of impatience.

“Before you, at least eight newspaper editors were here. I eventually signed a contract with *The Hesetins Daily*, and ‘Wilderness Adventures’ will start serializing tomorrow.”

“Now, do you have any more questions?”

“If not, please leave.”

“If you want to conduct a search, make sure to bring a warrant.”

Goethe pointed to the door.

His attitude infuriated Gergen, and the impulsive detective seemed ready to act, but his partner held him back.

“Very well, we won’t disturb you any further.”

Lanster smiled as he finished speaking and then pulled his partner away from 11 Kimmel Street.

"Lanster, why are you dragging me away?"

"That guy is definitely suspicious!"

Greg shouted.

"Yeah, suspicious. But do you have any evidence?"

"And if I didn’t drag you away…"

"Would you prefer getting shot?" Lanster retorted.

"My gut feeling..."

"Would that guy actually dare to shoot?"

Greg muttered, then suddenly looked sharply at Lanster.

"The morgue holds six bodies as proof!"

"But your gut feeling can't be used as evidence!"

"We need solid proof to confirm that he's the criminal, only then can we arrest him—otherwise, that guy will turn the tables on us!"

Lanster emphasized.

Then, the police chief took a deep breath.

His narrowed eyes opened slightly, revealing a sharp gleam.

"Now, send two men to inquire at the Hessetins Daily, and another two to investigate Poirot Marple's whereabouts before he came to Hessetins."

"And!"

"Send two more teams to keep a 24-hour watch on him!"

"Understood!"

Greg nodded and quickened his pace.

Meanwhile, Lanster turned to look back at 11 Kimmel Street.

It wasn't just his partner who felt something was off about Poirot Marple.

Lanster also had his suspicions.

But they had no evidence.

However, he believed he would find it.

"I should be under surveillance by now," Goethe thought as he lay in bed.

But he wasn’t worried.

His current identity could withstand any investigation. Zolta had put a lot of effort into ensuring a safe retirement, and with Goethe's own precautions, he was confident there would be no slip-ups.

As for being watched?

Goethe didn't mind at all.

He saw it as free bodyguard service.

After pondering for a moment, Goethe drifted into a deep sleep.

By evening, Goethe awoke the moment Maria came upstairs, his hand instinctively gripping the gun under his pillow.

Only after confirming it was his maid did Goethe relax, retract his hand, and sit up.

Knock, knock, knock!

"Master, it’s evening."

"Would you like dinner?"

Maria asked gently after a soft knock on the door.

"Prepare dinner."

Goethe said as he opened the door.

Hearing Goethe's confirmation, the maid beamed with joy and eagerly ran downstairs.

About ten minutes later, dinner was served on the table.

Oatmeal, tea cakes, and hot milk.

No meat.

"As you instructed, everything is simple and normal."

The maid looked at him with an expression that seemed to say, "I followed your instructions; you should praise me."

"Yes, well done."

Goethe nodded and ate his meal quickly, just like in the morning. As he walked towards the door, he added, "Actually, the meals can be a bit more hearty."

"Understood, Master, I’ll remember that."

The maid nodded obediently.

Goethe put on the coat handed to him by the butler and got into the carriage after the door was opened for him.

"Mr. Marple, where would you like to go?"

The coachman asked.

Goethe answered promptly—

"To the best club nearby!"

The coachman was momentarily surprised, then chuckled.

"Hold on tight, we’re on our way."

Goethe wasn’t indulging recklessly; he was simply following his plan to further boost his reputation. At the same time, it was to ensure that his current persona fit the profile of Poirot Marple, the former aristocrat.

Yes, for the plan.

Yes, for the persona.

Yes, he firmly believed in that.

...

...

...

The next morning, the Summer Club was suddenly filled with screams—

"Somebody! Call a doctor!"

"Mr. Marple’s abdominal wound has reopened from excessive exertion!"

(End of this chapter)