Chapter 76: The Ripper’s Shadow

Within the Ivory Tower’s inner court, at the Holy Sanctuary Academy in the Imperial Capital, lay the office of Count Dunois, the esteemed Paladin mentor.

After knocking and receiving permission, Jeanne pushed open the door and entered.

“Ah, it’s you, my child.” Seeing his star pupil, the Count’s face softened into a benevolent smile. “Is there something you need?”

“Mentor Dunois, the announcement made in the academy this morning, it couldn’t be…” Jeanne walked to the desk and stopped.

Hearing her words, the Count’s smile faded, replaced by a sigh. “Yes, it is. I know this is difficult to accept, but it has indeed happened—Count Rogers’ daughter was murdered. Her body was discovered only last night.”

“It was truly Anne.” Jeanne furrowed her brows.

Earlier that morning, a notice had been posted on all the bulletin boards across Holy Sanctuary Academy. It warned students about recent murders targeting young women in the city, with at least one student from a higher education institution already among the victims. The notice urged all academy students to heighten their vigilance, avoid walking alone at night, and refrain from venturing into secluded areas.

The announcement did not disclose the victim’s identity, yet many students within the academy had already guessed who it was.

Three days prior, Anne, a second-year student from the outer court and the daughter of Count Rogers, had gone missing on her way home from a ball. At the time, whispers had already begun circulating, questioning if her disappearance was connected to the sensational serial murders plaguing the city.

Anne was not one of the Blessed chosen for training within the Ivory Tower but a regular student in the academy’s outer court. However, Jeanne knew her. They had met several times during academy group activities and were considered acquaintances.

Anne was among the many students at the academy who admired Jeanne. As a member of the support club, she would always present Jeanne with a bouquet whenever Jeanne was honored for achievements within the academy. In Jeanne’s memory, Anne was a naive and romantic junior.

“The Rogers couple was already distraught by their daughter’s disappearance. When they received the news, Madame Rogers fainted on the spot. It was Count Rogers who, enduring his grief, went to identify the body.” Count Dunois shook his head. “Of course, the most tragic fate befell the child herself—”

He abruptly stopped speaking, leaving the sentence unfinished.

“Mentor, how did Anne die?” Jeanne, sensing his hesitation, pressed for details.

She had heard about the three horrific serial murders that had occurred in the Imperial Capital this month. The culprit had used identical and brutal methods to kill three young girls, in each case vivisecting the victims’ chests and removing their hearts.

The Count remained silent for a long moment before letting out a prolonged sigh. “You’ve likely guessed it. The killer is most probably that ‘Ripper.’ Rogers’ daughter must have suffered a severe beating before her death, with injuries all over her body. Ultimately, her chest was cut open, and she bled to death, her heart also taken.”

Upon hearing this, Jeanne instinctively clenched her jaw.

It took her a while to suppress the surge of anger rising within her. She tried to keep her voice calm as she asked her mentor, “Has the Public Order Bureau made any progress?”

Count Dunois pondered for a moment before lowering his voice to speak again. “Jeanne, what I’m about to tell you, I hope you won’t spread. This case has actually been entirely handed over to the Inquisition. The Public Order Bureau has little involvement now.”

“This matter involves heresy?” Jeanne’s eyes widened.

“Indeed. After examining the body, the Inquisition concluded that this was the work of a blasphemer who worships demons.” Count Dunois nodded.

Blasphemers refer to individuals who have obtained special abilities from sources deemed heretical by the Church. This includes witches, werewolves, blood kin, necromancers, and warlocks who worship demons. Such individuals, if confronted solely by constables and guards, could cause unnecessary casualties, necessitating intervention by the Inquisitors.

Jeanne did not press further about the investigation’s progress, knowing that even her mentor’s status would not grant him access to the Inquisition’s findings.

According to regulations issued by the Church, the Inquisition possessed high levels of confidentiality. Even prominent figures within the Church, whose authority did not extend to matters of heresy, could be denied access to classified information by the Inquisition—the classification of which was determined solely by the Inquisition itself.

However, with the killer still at large and having committed a fourth murder, it seemed the investigation was not proceeding smoothly.

At this rate, more victims were surely inevitable…

As this thought crossed her mind, an undeniable anxiety surfaced on Jeanne’s face.

“Jeanne, you absolutely must not think of investigating this yourself!” Count Dunois, well aware of the young woman’s sense of justice, immediately warned her. “Even if you’ve advanced to the Seventh Rank, you are still ultimately a student!”

“Mentor, before becoming a student here, I was already a soldier, a formal knight. I have combat experience,” Jeanne replied earnestly.

Jeanne had not entered Holy Sanctuary Academy through typical academic enrollment but through military advancement, having genuinely earned the opportunity through military merits. At fourteen, she had organized her village to resist barbarian invaders. After joining the knight order led by Duke Alençon, she honed her combat skills and accumulated extensive operational experience. Though her current identity was that of a student at the Imperial Capital’s Holy Sanctuary Academy, prior to that, she was a formal knight, an active-duty soldier.

“But your experience is in dealing with barbarian raiders, not blasphemers! Furthermore, we currently know nothing about the killer. Since you’ve served in the military, you should be even more aware of how dangerous reckless courage can be.” Count Dunois warned with a serious expression.

Jeanne calmed her mind and considered his words, finally regaining her composure. “You have a point.”

She lacked any authority to investigate this case herself, and the Inquisition would never permit her to join their inquiry. Nor did she have companions who could directly participate in such a matter; to intervene, she would have to act alone.

She still knew nothing about the killer. If the killer’s abilities proved beyond her expectations, a solo investigation would be tantamount to a death wish.

“Indeed, let’s leave this matter to the experts. All we can do is pray the killer is apprehended as soon as possible.” Count Dunois breathed a sigh of relief, having managed to persuade his student.

“I understand. I’ll take my leave now…” Jeanne bowed her head slightly, stepping back to prepare to exit the office.

“Wait, Jeanne, I just received some news that I was planning to tell you about. You must already know about the Church’s project to select promotional figures from Holy Sanctuary Academy, right? You’re on the list, ranking high in votes, and you’ve also garnered support from several prominent figures, so it’s practically confirmed…” The Count gazed into Jeanne’s eyes, then paused. “Alas, telling you this now, you probably won’t be able to feel happy.”

“Regardless, thank you for informing me. Goodbye, Mentor Dunois.” Jeanne lowered her eyes, responding with polite formality, and then left the office.