The Siren's Lullaby (Isekai Book 2)

Investigation

>>Enri

The dealer's house was empty.

If my words seem odd, then let me explain. Clearly someone is living here but the small house was mostly empty. There were only necessities there, that one needed in order to survive.

How strange. For someone who deals with pearls, they shouldn't be living this frugally.

Another odd thing in the house was the unusually big bathtub in the bathroom. Why would someone need such a big bathtub? And it wasn't wide but it was long. About five feet long and it barely fit in the place, leaving no room for other things. For a commoner she sure had a big bath but well, maybe it was just a preference.

I looked around the place some more to make sure I didn't miss anything important.

I knew I was at the right house though, I found some pearls in a clear jar on the kitchen table but there was no one in the house.

I went outside and asked the neighbor who was making his way towards his house about the woman who lives here.

"Ah, she often goes to the river." He looked in the direction of the forest.

"River?" That's deep in the forest though, "Why there?"

"I don't know, she's a weird woman, never really went and asked her why." I knew he wasn't lying. People don't lie to me, the captain of the royal knights, who hovers over most people in height and strength.

"Weird? How?" Honestly, I was a little annoyed. I didn't want to come here and do this petty job but no matter how mad I am at that family. I can't seem to say no to my mother...

"Just," The middle aged man made a face, "She looks deranged most of the time." He shook his head, "Has a bad vibe, so no one really approached her."

"Alright," I nodded and gestured to the three knights I brought along to come with me and we began to make our way towards the forest.

***

The river runs long through the forest, up and down and swirls around the place as well. So which part she went to, no one knew. But the best bet was going in a straight line from the house to the forest that led to the river.

But unfortunately, we didn't find her there.

"Split up," I told my team, "If you find her, take her to the house and keep her there. We'll all meet there in two hours."

"Yes sir!!"

While the other went deeper in, I decided to go to the path that led up towards the mountains. And as I kept walking I realized there was something I was hearing.

The sound of someone singing.

It made me halt in my path for a moment then without realizing I started walking towards the melody.

It was odd really. Who could be singing so deep in the forest and so beautifully at that? I don't know what it was, but for some reason, it was tugging at the string of my heart.

The voice was melodious but also a little muffled.

And I don't know why, I couldn't even make out the words, yet the song seemed so sad.

Like .... The symphony was full of sorrow...

...

It felt like a cry for help.

The sound of the waterfall started increasing and I knew I was reaching my destination but then suddenly the singing stopped.

What?