Special Event! - While the Prince is Away...

[Evie The Bat]

Inspector Columbro nods and crosses his arms.

“Just like my wife, Mrs. Columbrovolone.

It appears this box is locked, now, your highness, I saw that one of the other investigators found a key. My wife, she loves trying keys she finds on every lock. Everything’s gotta have a use in her eyes. May I use that keep to open the box, I suspect this may lead to the location of her late majesty’s missing hand. Er no offense your highness.”

[Ame]

[Source] crazynuto said:

King Tyronius follows, leading the menagerie to a long spiral staircase. It's rather cramped for more than one person to go up at a time, so you follow single-file as the tower winds up and up into the sky. After a long, tiring trek, you arrive at a small door inscribed with Casimir Tyronius. Throwing the door open, the King lets himself in, revealing this rather cozy chamber.



credit Jake Bowkett on Deviantart

The room is homely, stocked with a four poster bed, a writing desk, several bookcases containing all manner of manuscripts on any subject you care to imagine. A dim fireplace lies cold underneath a portrait of the late Queen. There's also a dresser, a small chest by the fireplace to hold firewood, and a large window, the midafternoon sun lazily hanging in the sky.

There's plenty of other things to find, but I shant list them here. Now...where to search?

Clairmont approaches the King before beginning my search

"My King. A moment of your time, if you please."

If the king agrees, they'll continue

"First. I wanted to congratulate you regarding your new daughter-in-law. You have my deepest apologies that I couldn't be there for the celebration. Alas, the church required my presence. I do hope that my letter arrived on time."

"Second... it's awful that this is happening. I do hope that the crooks who took your wifes hand will be caught. And... while it does unnerve me that Casimir had time to react to a search, I hope it does come up empty all the same."

"And lastly, I'd like to thank you for the handling of those cultists near the Sugarvine Islands. I hear that it was the Dread Pirate Enoshima's doing. I hope we can one day bring her to justice, and that Blaiddyd will judge her thoroughly."

Once the king has responded, they will give a courtesy, and begin searching the fire place and mural above it, looking for any potential secrets.

"Blaiddyd be with thee."

[crazynuto]

Jul 3, 2024 18:50:36 GMT -6 Ame said:

Clairmont approaches the King before beginning my search

"My King. A moment of your time, if you please."

If the king agrees, she'll continue

"First. I wanted to congratulate you regarding your new daughter-in-law. You have my deepest apologies that I couldn't be there for the celebration. Alas, the church required my presence. I do hope that my letter arrived on time."

"Second... it's awful that this is happening. I do hope that the crooks who took your wifes hand will be caught. And... while it does unnerve me that Casimir had time to react to a search, I hope it does come up empty all the same."

"And lastly, I'd like to thank you for the handling of those cultists near the Sugarvine Islands. I hear that it was the Dread Pirate Enoshima's doing. I hope we can one day bring her to justice, and that Blaiddyd will judge her thoroughly."

Once the king has responded, she will give a courtesy, and begin searching the fire place and mural above it, looking for any potential secrets.

"Blaiddyd be with thee."

King Tyronius's trademark scowl softens at the sight of Pope Clairmont.

"Your kind words are very much appreciated. I hope we do not find it here, of all places. But that itch in the back of my mind tells me otherwise."

Jul 3, 2024 18:39:33 GMT -6 Evie The Bat said:

“Just like my wife, Mrs. Columbrovolone.

It appears this box is locked, now, your highness, I saw that one of the other investigators found a key. My wife, she loves trying keys she finds on every lock. Everything’s gotta have a use in her eyes. May I use that keep to open the box, I suspect this may lead to the location of her late majesty’s missing hand. Er no offense your highness.”

The key fits in the lock with a click! It opens with a soft creak, revealing...

A desiccated, rotten left hand. 

It appears to be missing a ring on it's ring finger. There is a small incision on the bone of the ring finger. Aside from that and the rotting parts, the hand is relatively intact.

[Evie The Bat]

Inspector Columbro nods and says

“Ah it seems we found our guilty party…after all the hand was found in his room locked by a key found in a chest of his. It’s such a shame you know, to see someone so young commit such an atrocious act. However, the ring is missing, how strange. I suppose it much be around here somewhere…we should continue our search. If you are no longer in need of my assistance, Mrs Columbro and I have a dinner date to catch up on.”

Inspector Columbro turns to leave but stops right at the door

“Oh uh, just one more thing your highness. You said you had that ring expedited? Now that’s just strange. It looks perfectly made you see. My wife, her brother works as a smith. I’ve seen his had at metalwork and you can’t rush these things. Ah but maybe I’m just imagining things.

Although, your highness, but, I hate to ask but, do you happen to have your ring on you? I would like to know what I’m looking for as, my wife, she’s particular about rings matching and the like. You know how it is. I do have a hunch as to where the ring may be, but I just need to confirm something first.”

[crazynuto]

Tyronius sighs.

"I had feared this day would come, when Casimir returns I shall have him arrested. Then the Council will decide hi-

Just before he can finish, the dreaded words, the apotheosis of detective work, the "Just one more thing." is uttered by Columbrovalone. 

Jul 3, 2024 20:06:36 GMT -6 Evie The Bat said:

Although, your highness, but, I hate to ask but, do you happen to have your ring on you? I would like to know what I’m looking for as, my wife, she’s particular about rings matching and the like. You know how it is. I do have a hunch as to where the ring may be, but I just need to confirm something first.”

King Tyronius looks quizzically at Columbro. 

"Confirm what? I have the Prince's ring right here, I brought it with me for safekeeping, due to all these thieves about."



He holds it out, looks like it's too small for the King, although he is wearing gloves.

[Evie The Bat]

Inspector Columbro shakes his head

“No no no your highness, not the prince’s ring. I am looking for your ring your highness. You see, my wife had said many times, it’s easier to find something when you have a reference for how it looks. You said these rings match, so to find her majesty’s I would like to see yours for reference. If you don’t mind”

[crazynuto]

Jul 3, 2024 21:16:57 GMT -6 Evie The Bat said:

Inspector Columbro shakes his head

“No no no your highness, not the prince’s ring. I am looking for your ring your highness. You see, my wife had said many times, it’s easier to find something when you have a reference for how it looks. You said these rings match, so to find her majesty’s I would like to see yours for reference. If you don’t mind”

"The...ring I had when I was married? I had it...refitted for the Prince. No point in wasting it of course. I also have a ring that I've used ever since the Queen passed. It contains the full sigil.

Although now I don't believe I'll have a use for this."

[Evie The Bat]

“Ah yes refitted, of course that makes sense. My wife asked her family to do something similar you see. Sorry to bother you about it…oh but before I go, I have just one more thing to ask. I assume you followed the same procedure for the prince’s fiance yes? You had the ring refitted for them too?”

Inspector Columbro lights another cigar, offering one to the king.

[crazynuto]

Jul 3, 2024 21:29:27 GMT -6 Evie The Bat said:

“Ah yes refitted, of course that makes sense. My wife asked her family to do something similar you see. Sorry to bother you about it…oh but before I go, I have just one more thing to ask. I assume you followed the same procedure for the prince’s fiance yes? You had the ring refitted for them too?”

Inspector Columbro lights another cigar, offering one to the king.

Tyronius takes the tiny cigar, crushing it in his hand.

"Well...I would have, had it not been stolen of course."

Now Columbro, I think this case is closed, no? The ring must be somewhere in this room, maybe Casimir swallowed it, maybe he hid it somewhere on his person that we missed. Regardless, we will find it. We already have proof of his guilt.

Pointing to the hand, he grabs a cloth, covering it to take it away.

[Evie The Bat]

Inspector Columbro sighs

“Unfortunately, your highness, I cannot call this a closed case. Theres something I don’t quite understand.

You see, that key was left in a chest here. Now, my wife, never leaves home without her keys. I may be the forgetful type, but she’s a wiz with remembering stuff.

He took the ring, for what reason? If it were me, I’d take the key. We never would’ve found the hand. It’s not like you’d take the key in your search of him. You wouldn’t know its purpose.

No it all doesn’t make sense. I think I have a better theory for what happened. You see, I think someone else needed that ring. The prince was not the only one with access. In fact, I think I can prove who planted the hand and key there, who really stole the ring. Well your highness? Would you like to know the true culprit?”

[Ame]

[Source] Evie The Bat said:

Inspector Columbro sighs

“Unfortunately, your highness, I cannot call this a closed case. Theres something I don’t quite understand.

You see, that key was left in a chest here. Now, my wife, never leaves home without her keys. I may be the forgetful type, but she’s a wiz with remembering stuff.

He took the ring, for what reason? If it were me, I’d take the key. We never would’ve found the hand. It’s not like you’d take the key in your search of him. You wouldn’t know its purpose.

No it all doesn’t make sense. I think I have a better theory for what happened. You see, I think someone else needed that ring. The prince was not the only one with access. In fact, I think I can prove who planted the hand and key there, who really stole the ring. Well your highness? Would you like to know the true culprit?”

Clairmont walks up to the inspector, and places a hand on his shoulder

"Inspector! Let's stop this... chicanery, please?"

Their tone is hardly threatening or authoritative, but more... concerned, almost?

"The culprit is surely the Prince. It might not be a smoking glove, but it is a rotting hand."

"There are few who would even have access to the long queen's corpse. It surely is Prince Casimir's doing, treasonous as it may be."

They takes a step back and looks at the king momentarily, before continuing turning back to the inspector.

"Lets not forget the gravitas of the crime at play here, inspector. You surely know the consequences of faux conclusions."

[crazynuto]

Jul 3, 2024 21:49:40 GMT -6 Evie The Bat said:

Well your highness? Would you like to know the true culprit?”

King Tyronius stands, pointing his axe at the tiny rat.

"State your purpose, Columbrovalone. Just what are you insinuating? I have the evidence I need. Zi Hao will prosecute Casimir."

[Ame]

[Source] crazynuto said:

King Tyronius stands, pointing his axe at the tiny rat.

"State your purpose, Columbrovalone. Just what are you insinuating? I have the evidence I need. Zi Hao will prosecute Casimir."

"...!!!!"

"WHY WOULD YOU ASK THAT! MORON!"

For a sheer moment, Clairmont is unable to hide their sheer devastation at hearing this.

"WHATS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT IS OBVIOUS."

"..um.. I-"

"HARDLY A MASTER CRIMINAL, KING."

They takes a moment and regains her composure

"I NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE."

"Excuse me, your highness. I hate to ruin the suspense, but I need to go to the restroom."

"THIS INSPECTOR IS A DEAD MAN"

Clairmont power walks toward the door and closes it behind her, loudly walking down the hall, and then silently walking back up, standing against the wall next to it, trying to hear what is said next.

"AND I WON'T LET HIM DRAG ME DOWN AS WELL"

[Evie The Bat]

Columbrovolone holds up his paws again

“Yes I suppose you’re right…I only wish to leave no stone unturned. But maybe I am just over thinking. I guess I should be on my way.”

He leaves the chamber for quite some time just to barge back in.

“I’m terribly sorry your highness, but I just have one more thing to say.

I’m not trying to accuse anyone but it just…it feels wrong. What reason would the prince have to steal her majesty’s hand and ring? Now two ideas came to mind.

The prince could be guilty that much is true. But…now I don’t mean to accuse as I don’t believe it myself…but theoretically you could done this. Why? I haven’t the faintest idea. After all, her ring is the one currently in your possession.”

[Evie The Bat]

“In fact! I have a better idea of who did this.

Take a look at the hand, there’s a small incision on the ring finger. Why would that be you ask? Well, my wife told me this, when someone dies and gets older their bodies bloat a bit making rings hard to take off. Meaning someone must have removed the ring using tools after removing the hand.

Now, for you and the prince this would be impossible as you do not have the proper tools. But! You had your ring refitted for the prince. A very noble gesture your highness. But that reveals the truth!

When the wedding was announced, the smith you have working on the rings obviously heard. They wanted to impress you, so they needed her majesty’s ring. To refit that and show it to you as a surprise gift. This would earn credible favor.

They snuck into the tomb, but couldn’t remove the ring, so instead they removed the hand in a panic. Upon returning to their shop, they cut off and fixed the ring as if it never happened. But now they had the problem of the hand.

They knew you were looking for it, and the prince was the only suspect. They had to make it certain. I’m sure forging a key would be easy for smith, so they placed the hand in the prince’s safe and hid the key. Only to present the ring to you at a later date. You would be none the wiser.

And that, your highness, is what I believe to have truly happened.”

Columbrovolone does a respectful bow, taking a slight puff of his cigar.