The 100 Year Old Debt #Wattys2023

Chapter VI: The Culinarian's Account

3rd Moon

26th Phase

2018

1:40 pm

"Well, what do you make of that, Hawkins?" asked my companion.

"That you were right, and that there were indeed more people besides the victim and suspect. Between what we found on the crime scene and his testimony, it is safe to conclude that there is a third witness and possibly a fourth."

"Naturally. And if this Facsimile presents some prints on his hands, which I'm inclined to think he does, will prove that someone altogether was present on the scene of the crime. Possibly our real killer."

"Perhaps. Even so, if we assume this fourth member was the person who landed on the bush you spotted, -with such a high altitude, if I might add- we can say that we are not dealing with an average criminal."

"Indeed. No sane person would dare to remove their prints unless for a reason. Plus, seeing the room was left spotless, it goes to show you that we're dealing with something else entirely."

Writing down the draft of our findings, I then gave a look at the time, seeing if we had time to continue where we left off.

"It is half-past three at the moment and I believe we still have time to speak with the culinarian. Hearing his account of the affair could prove beneficial."

"That would be wise. I messaged the CDA to locate Facsimile so discussing with this culinarian should prove good use of our time now. Gushi mentioned that he's living in Sunset Hills. Traffic starts coming around this time, so we should pick up the pace."

The ride was of great length. To pass the time, we engaged in conversation. Considering that I have not spent much time in the country since I got here, Mr. Allegro gave a history about Bogshire. To my surprise, he showed extensive knowledge, but the content proved to be too much and uninteresting for me, that I mostly just daydreamed on the trip. So, I will do the favor to whoever reads this and skip it.

"But anyway, that's a general idea of the history of the country. Rather interesting, is it not?" he finished accounting.

"Hm? O-oh yeah! Very interesting stuff!"

//And here I thought wasn't going to finish.//

"'The country founded on wars.' An intimidating title to be sure, but an abandoned one. Bogshire has evolved from its origins, now partaking in the art of the trade. Fast forward today and you're living in the world center of market trading, where people from different cultures come to do business. Because of it, they left in the past all its violent origins and began acting more civilized and amiable. Between the thriving economy, the status as a central hub and the country's neutrality on many political matters, Bogshire has achieved peace between its neighboring nations."

"I see," I feigned interest.

"Right?", he smiled, "Nothing like a common goal can't do, especially when even to this day they still manage to be as free as can be with no single person in control. While there really is no person with power over the country, a system does do its best to keep the nation in check. It is by that reason that a cabinet was formed, filled with over 100 members. But I digress. I was not one to enjoy talking about politics, so I'd rather stop here. Ah, but we're finally here."