Chapter 4: The Shadowy Manipulator
Morning came and the Spectre Investigation Squad were downstairs in the hotel foyer preparing to search for the black market.
Well most of them were downstairs, Emmy was still getting ready much to Edgar's annoyance.
"For goodness sake! What's she doing up there," Edgar complained as he reclined on one of the sofas.
Layton looked up at Edgar from the other sofa and smiled softly, "Now now Edgar, a gentleman never rushes a lady," he gently told off.
"Trust me, prof. She ain't no lady," Edgar quipped.
A sharp kick to Edgar's aloft leg informed him that Emmy had come downstairs and heard what he said.
"You see," Edgar said gesturing to an annoyed Emmy while his other hand rubbed his poor injured leg.
Despite what happened last night, the group managed to get a decent nights rest after they were moved to a less damaged room. Edgar noted how eager Luke was as he as fidgeting on the sofa waiting for Emmy.
"Now that we all here," Layton declared as Emmy took a seat next to Edgar, "let's discuss today's plan."
"The flute?" Luke asked curiously.
"Yes," Layton answered turning to Luke "you said last night an antique flute was auctioned off at the black market, correct?"
"I heard Beth talking about it," Luke informed.
"So Where is this black market?" Emmy asked.
"I...don't actually know," Luke admitted, "I've only heard rumours about it. I've never actually been there."
"That's probably a good thing, Luke," Edgar said with an eyebrow raised,
"But what about the other market," Luke said causing Edgar to chuckle.
"What's so funny," Luke asked feeling slightly hurt.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to laugh," Edgar apologised, "it's just that the black market is not a literal market. It just mean things sold under the counter."
"And how do you know this?" Emmy questioned with a frown.
Edgar pulled out his "acquired" I.D from his jacket pocket "Trainee detective, remember," he said with a smirk causing Emmy to roll her eyes.
"But why do they call it the black market if it's not a market?" Luke inquired curiously.
"I don't know," Edgar replied, "why are raspberry flavoured drinks blue? The world is weird like that."
Luke nodded in understanding.
"Nevertheless, Luke might have a point. We can gather information at the market," Layton pointed out, "we might find something helpful there. I think we should explore the market."
Edgar sighed, but complied "I know the kids there. If anybody knows anything, it will be them."
Emmy stood up from her seat and got her notebook out.
"Westward, ho!" she declared eager to start investigating.
"Where was that attitude half an hour ago," Edgar quipped.
"Shut up!"
En route to the market
Before setting off Edgar insisted that they should at least have breakfast. Four plates of full english breakfasts were prepared and served by the hotel employee Molly. Molly scolded Edgar for staying at the hotel when the Spectre was around. However, Edgar only had to give a half smile and compliment how lovely she looked today and she instantly forgave him, much to Emmy's disgust.
After breakfast, the gang headed to Misthallery's market. They would of gotten their sooner if it wasn't for what seemed to be the whole town stopping them every second. Most of it was idle chatter about last night's attack, but something caught his attention when Luke and his friend, that Edgar couldn't be bothered to remember his name, were discussing something about a run down factory. Edgar was distracted by a mouse scurrying down a street. At first glance it didn't seem unusual knowing Misthallery and its canals and mice do tend to look the same.
However, Edgar couldn't help but think he has seen that mouse before.
After crossing the two rope bridges, they eventually made it to the market.
Emmy's eyes lit up as she spotted a sweet stand near the entrance of the market run by an elderly lady with small glasses and a black hat.
Edgar noticed her excited look, "I wouldn't do that if I was..." he started to warn, but she ignored him and made a beeline towards the stand.
Edgar knew Aunt Taffy and she is very strict about not selling her sweets to adults.
Emmy made her way to the stand and gave a warm smile, "I would like to buy some of this delicious-looking sweets, please!" she asked eagerly.
The elderly lady's face turned sour as glared at Emmy though her thick glasses, "You kiddin' me!?" she replied harshly, "Get outta here!" I make my sweets by hand. I make it for children, not for adults who can't control the urges!"
Emmy was shocked and upset by Aunt Taffy's sudden dismissal, "...So you won't sell any to me?"
Edgar having enjoyed the scene decided to intervene.
"Good morning, Aunt Taffy," he greeted the elderly lady making her soften her expression, "sorry about my new companion she's new. Ya know the lazy sort," he said making Emmy glare at him.
"Good morning, Edgar. I haven't seen you in a while. Would you like anything from my stall," she offered warmly making Emmy turn to her in shock.
"What!? But he's no younger then I am," Emmy complained.
Aunt Taffy turned back to her with an intense glare.
"Listen here, missy! I can sell my sweet to whoever I want! You got that!" she explained angrily. She then gave a sweet smile to Edgar.
"Mmm," Edgar thought looking at the collection of sweets.
"Oh I take some of those pastries, the sherbet lemons, some of the bonbons," he turned his head to look at Luke "would you like anything, Luke," Edgar asked kindly causing Emmy to give an insulted gasp.
"No thank you, Edgar," Luke declined politely.
"Ok then," Edgar said grinning whilst paying for all the sweets he asked for.
Edgar and Emmy walked back to where Luke and Layton were waiting for them. Edgar contently biting into a pastry while Emmy had her arms crossed in a sour mood.
"You know, Edgar," Layton said, "if you were a gentleman you would share with Emmy."
Emmy looked up slightly hopeful.
"I guess I'm not a gentleman then," Edgar said popping a bonbon into his mouth and making Emmy go back to her sour mood.
"I hope you choke on that," Emmy muttered as Edgar walked away.
Emmy suddenly caught something that was thrown at her.
It was a paper bag and it contained some of the sweets Edgar just bought.
Emmy looked up to see Edgar wearing his signature half smile. He winked at her and turned away, walking towards the market.
She stared down at the bag of sweets in her hands for a moment and then looked up at Edgar.
She gave a small smile.
The Market
The group observed the market. Edgar, who has already been plenty of times, knew the further into it the more it turns into a maze with plenty of side streets and small areas. An ideal setting for illegal things to be sold.
"The black market must be hidden," remarked Emmy, "this all looks pretty normal here."
"How many times must I tell you guys. A black market is not an actual market," Edgar said rolling his eyes.
"Let's ask around a bit," Layton suggested seemingly ignoring Edgar.
The first person they went up to was Marilyn who was organising her stall.
"Morning, Marilyn," Edgar called out causing her to jump and almost drop the crate she was holding.
She turned towards the voice and flushed when she saw it was Edgar.
"Sorry Marilyn. Didn't mean to startle you," Edgar apologised.
"It's fine, Edgar. Are you hear for the usual?" She asked recovering with a wide smile.
"Actually, my... associates want to ask you some questions. You don't mind do you?" he asked with a cute head tilt which made Marilyn blush harder.
"N-n-no problem," she turned to the other people in the group "how can I help?"
Layton stepped up "We were wondering if you know anything about the black market."
"Very subtle," Edgar sarcastically muttered.
"Is that where you're headed? I hear rumours, but the only people who go are rich tourists," Marilyn explained with her usual sweet smile.
"Or people who think is an actual market," Edgar muttered.
"We're looking for something in particular. Perhaps you could tell us what you know?" Layton continued.
"I suppose it won't hurt anything," Marilyn mused before continuing "they say the boss of the black market is very strange and very scary. No one has seen his face! There are some rare antiques and works of art there, but you don't want to get involved in it."
"Doesn't sounds like a very savoury place-" ("Not a Place!" Edgar interrupted) "-to be. How exciting!" Emmy said enthusiastically.
"And just who is this strange man who runs the black market?" Emmy asked.
Before Marilyn could answer Layton thought it would be best to move on with investigation.
"We'll see when we find it. Let's ask around a bit more," Layton suggested.
They were about to head deeper into the market when Marilyn stopped Edgar.
"Err here, Edgar," she said as she gave a bag of ripe apples from her stall, "this is for you. It's on the house," she said shyly playing with her hair a bit.
"Aww thanks Marilyn. Thanks for the help, see you later," Edgar thanked with a wink making her blush. Emmy stared at the scene suspiciously.
"B-b-bye," she waved with a slight stutter.
Edgar caught up with the rest of the group walking beside Emmy.
He noticed that Emmy was glaring at him as if he did something wrong.
"Ok, what did I do?" he asked with a sigh.
Emmy turned her nose up snootily.
"Oh nothing, it just makes sense now," she admitted.
"What make sense?" Edgar grumbled annoyed with attitude.
"The flirty winks, your smooth talking, that horrible half-smile. You're using women just so you can get free stuff. It all points to one thing," she declared.
"I hope you are not going to say what I think your going to say," he said with a frown.
"You're a complete and utter pig," she said stopping him in his tracks.
"Excuse me!?" he proclaimed seriously ticked off, "I have you know, I respect women and I do not use them!"
Emmy grinned, happy that she was the one annoying him now.
"Respect, please. You've sweet talked three different women just this morning," she retorted.
"I was just being nice. I don't call you out on being all high and mighty," he defended.
"I don't act high and might!" She argued back.
"Yeah you do. You're like this high maintenance princess!" Edgar shouted back.
They got into each other's faces, anger filled their faces.
"PIG!" she shouted.
"PRINCESS!" he shouted.
A cough broke their standoff as they turned to see an frowning Layton and a confused Luke. They looked around noticing that everybody in the whole market was staring at them.
"If you are quite done. We are in the middle of an investigation," Layton told them sternly.
They straighten themselves up looking embarrassed.
"I think we should cover more ground by splitting up," Emmy suggested.
"Yeah, good idea," Edgar agreed.
After half an hour of questioning people at the market, the group decided to take a break at the market entrance and share what they uncovered.
Edgar had taken the left alleyway to a more run down part of the market. He met and questioned two boys slightly younger then him. One of them a short spectacled boy with brown bushy hair and wearing and orange and white shirt named Scraps (presumedly not his legal name) told him nothing Edgar didn't already know. While the other boy who was taller and had a mop of unbrushed hair covering his eyes named Badger (also presumedly not his legal name) told him to ask Aunt Taffy.
The others were just as unlucky at finding any results. Seeing that Aunt Taffy was their only lead they decided to ask her.
"Hello again, Aunt Taffy," Edgar greeted catching the elderly lady's attention.
"Oh hello there, young one," she greeted cheerfully, "back for more sweets have you?"
"Actually, we wondering if you can tell anything about the black market," Layton intervened.
"Oh, you've got some business there, do ya?" she asked "One of the boy's who buys sweets from me was talking about it. He said that a dark bird runs it."
"A dark bird..." Emmy started.
"...Runs the black 'market'?" Edgar finished unsure but what she meant.
"Does this boy but sweets often?" Layton inquired further.
"Oh sure," Aunt Taffy replied, "Gus is always around the marketplace. Sweet boy. He always wears a red shirt. You might want to talk to him."
Edgar saw him before in the market. He was a rather obese boy with short blond hair and, as Aunt Taffy said, wore a red shirt.
"Thank you very much," Layton said before the gang, once again, headed to the market.
Something seemed strange to Edgar as they walked back to the centre of the market. He looked around and saw that the market looked more empty than usual.
He was about to bring it up, but a loud manic chuckling caught his attention. Edgar looked up towards the roofs of the market buildings.
Edgar didn't know what to expect what he would see, but it was most definitely not this.
Standing straight on top of a chimney was a black cloaked figure. It was tall, about two feet taller than Edgar, and its face was covered by a white pointy bird mask with a hood covering the top of it. Edgar could even see long blond hair sticking out from under the hood.
Before Edgar could call the others attention, the figure jumped from it perch and onto a stalls awning. It used it as springboard so it can try and hit his companions.
"WATCH OUT!" Edgar shouted as the figure was about to hit them. They managed to get out of the way in time and the figure ended up hitting a nearby table sending the vegetables it was holding flying. Emmy tried to roundhouse kick the figure, but it dodge by acrobatically backflipping. The figure the took off down one of the alley ways.
Emmy and Edgar pursued it.
The figure used the buildings on either side of the allay for jumping and it managed to leap onto the roofs of the market's houses, cackling all the way. However, Emmy and Edgar weren't far behind. Emmy used a barrel to jump onto a shop awning and then onto the roof. While Edgar jumped onto the same barrel, grabbed onto a shop sign, and swung himself onto the roof.
Layton and Luke not being as acrobatic chased after the figure by foot.
The figure was fast and was able to jump from roof to roof easily.
As they were running Emmy turned to Edgar.
"You take that roof," she pointed to a roof to the left, "I'll take the other and we will try to trap it," she ordered.
"Right," Edgar agreed leaping onto the roof she pointed at.
He kept on running trying to encircle the figure when he lost sight of it. He stopped for a moment and leaped onto a nearby chimney to see if he can spot it again. Edgar spotted it again running on the roofs of the opposite side of the street. He kept up with it on his side of the street until he was able to cross. Luckily, he saw a wooden plank connecting the roofs and crossed it skilfully.
The figure jumped down onto a nearby balcony and Edgar followed. It went through a nearby door and Edgar was about to break it down when he heard a gasp of surprise from above.
Looking up, he could see Emmy tread on a loose roof tile and started to fall. She braced for a hard impact when she was caught by something. Opening her eyes she saw that Edgar had caught her and was holding her in a bridal carry. She blushed at the position she was in as well as how strong his arms were.
"You aright, princess?" Edgar asked grinning.
"I'm fine, pig," she replied rolling her eyes.
An opening door on the street caught their attention as the figure ran out of it and down the alleyway.
"It's heading for the crossroads," Emmy declared jumping out of Edgar's arms and leapt down onto the street.
Edgar followed, tucking and rolling on to the street and running after Emmy.
They met Layton and Luke at the central crossroads where they saw something that puzzled them.
The figure was darting across alleyways to the left, right and front. It was going too fast for anybody to catch up and they way it kept popping up in random spots made it seem it was teleporting.
"What is this madness?" Layton asked shocked at what was happening.
"Wait over there!" Luke pointed, "No! There! What's going on!?" the young boy cried out.
An insane cackling caught the group's attention as they looked towards the figure perched on a nearby ledge.
"I am the Black Raven. Welcome to my market," the figure greeted in a odd voice.
"You do know "Black Raven" is a tautology, right," Edgar dryly said.
The Black Raven ignored him, "You come here asking all sorts of questions... Now why is that?"
"We are interested in a particular item," Layton told it.
The Black Raven cackled before replying, "Really? You? Heheh! Yeas, everyone is searching for something. Very well, then. But first, you must prove that you have what it takes... to barter."
"What are you talking about, freak?" Edgar asked harshly.
The Black Raven giggled, "I'll give you one hint... You'll have to figure out the rest on your own! Heheh..."
Before they could ask further questions the Black Raven jumped from its perch, over a building and disappeared from sight.
Edgar sighed, but the fluttering of paper caught his attention. Looking up a piece of paper gently fell. He caught it and read what was written on it out loud.
"Put my body back together."
"Erm... Mr. Layton? What is that supposed to mean?" asked Luke.
"His garb was rather ratty. Maybe he needs a new outfit," Emmy suggested.
"I doubt he needs fashion advise," Edgar denied "especially from someone like you."
"I do believe this is some sort of hint he's given us," Layton interjected before another fight broke out.
"But What could it possibly mean?" Emmy asked.
"That is what we will investigate. Let's ask around a bit more," Layton suggested causing Edgar grumble about questioning people again.
Looking around for the first person they could find, they spotted Gus who they were going to question in the first place.
"Gus, I presume?" Layton asked the young boy.
"Yeah. How'd you know?" the boy inquired curiously.
"Aunt Taffy described you vividly," Edgar explained, "can you tell us anything about this?"
He showed the note to Gus.
"Well..." Gus said thoughtfully "if you put the raven's body together, he can show you the way to the black market," he explained.
"So is this some nightmarish Frankenstein's monster puzzle or is there a hidden meaning behind what you said?" Edgar asked sarcastically.
"I can't tell you any more, but this medal will help you," Gus said giving Layton a small golden medal. Imprinted on the medal was a raven's spread wing.
"Thank goodness it was option two," Edgar muttered.
Gus wished them good luck and walked away.
"I assume we have to find the other medals around the market," Layton concluded, "let us split once more and search."
"Right," the rest of group agreed with various degrees of excitement.
Edgar took the right allay this time and spotted two children who looked to be brother and sister.
The girl has a round face and her brown hair was up into two pigtails. She wore a green jacket and orange boots.
The boy also had a round face but had spiky brown hair and wore a hat and goggles.
"Sorry to disturb you two," Edgar greeted catching their attention, "can I ask the two some questions?"
"For a cute boy like you," the girl said stepping closer to him, "you can ask me a dozen. You need a guide through the market or somethin'?"
"Or something, actually" Edgar answered, "I'm looking for a medal with a raven on it. Have you seen anything like it?" Edgar asked.
"A raven medal? Nah, we don't know nuttin' about that," the girl replied.
"That's right, we don't know nuttin' about that," this time her brother replied, "wait a sec, that's a double negative, Wren!" the boy exclaimed.
"Hey!" the girl now named Wren barked at her brother, "Lemme have my fun with the cute outsider. You shut her trap!"
The boy seemed embarrassed by his slip up, "Oh, right, sorry. Yeah— I don't know nuttin'. Double negative... single positive."
"Right," Edgar said with a sigh at their antics, "If you do, indeed, not know nothing. Could you tell me where I can find another medal."
"Uhh, sis? Let's just tell 'im," the boy told his sister.
"Tell 'im what, Socket? That we don't know nuttin' about a medal with a raven's tail on it?" The sister retorted back at her brother.
"So you know where the raven's tail medal is then," Edgar said causing Wren to flinch at being caught out.
"Dammit,"she uttered under her breath, "Oh, all right, cutie I'll tell you if you answer this puzzle," she declared confidently.
"You gonna tell 'im about that umbrella, Wren?" Socket asked his sister stupidly.
"I don't remember nuttin' about any sweet umbrella!" Wren shouted at her brother.
"Sweet umbrella, eh," Edgar said causing the siblings to flinch, "so the raven's tail medal is hidden on Aunt Taffy's sweet stall umbrella," he deducted correctly.
He then turned away from the siblings and threw a lazy wave at them.
"Thanks for the help," he called out making his way to Aunt Taffy's stall and listening to the siblings fighting over who's fault it was.
"That was easy."
Edgar flipped the raven's tail medal into the air. He retrieved the medal hidden on the umbrella on Aunt Taffy's sweet stall. Edgar didn't ask how the Black Raven managed to pull that off.
He met the others at the central crossroads. Emmy had found the raven's head medal on a chimney. Layton and Luke had retrieved the other raven's wing medal from a lean boy with glasses and bushy called Louis. Not only did Layton and Luke get the medal, but they also got information of where they can find the black market. (Edgar's Note: "It's not a real market!")
The group headed toward the northern part of the market where they met another kid. He was... not the most attractive kid with small round eyes to far apart and a wide mouth with a single tooth poking out and his head covered by a blue hood. He goes by the name Roddy and he had a very negative view of life.
"What a pain, what a pain. Why me, eh, WHY?" Roddy moaned at the group.
"I don't know, mate. Do you want me to punch you in the face," Edgar suggested.
"How would that make feel better?" Roddy asked aggressively.
"It would make me feel better," Edgar answered honestly.
"We're sorry for the trouble," Layton interjected again, he felt like that's going to be a common thing with Edgar, "but we are looking for the black market."
"It's not a market!" Edgar exclaimed.
"I told you before, I know nothing about this market!" Roddy said turning his attention to the only adult.
"IT'S NOT A MARKET!" Edgar exclaimed louder.
"Are you sure? Perhaps you're familiar with these medal?" Layton said showing the collected medals in the palm of his hand. They have been arranged to look like a complete raven.
"Only thing I'm familiar with is how much of a pain you and your-" he noticed the medals, "Oh... where did you get those?" losing his annoyed tone, "You have the medal. You're the one I've been waiting for!"
He took the medals from Layton's hand and pocketed them.
"Got the medals, got your invite to the black market," Rooney grinned at the group.
"AM I INVISIBLE OR SOMET- oh forget it!" Edgar reluctantly gave up.
Roddy walked towards the wall and moved a large metal plate away from it. As the metal plate was removed a small crawl space was revealed in the wall. In the ground of the inlet was a manhole which presumedly took them to the black market.
"Go ahead and take that hole right there. Go down it, I mean... don't actually try and take it," Roddy joked point with his thumb at the wall.
Layton then Edgar then Emmy and finally Luke entered the crawl space and down the manhole. A rope ladder helped them descale from the hole as the entered an subterranean canal. As their eyes adjusted, Layton and Edgar observed the canal, (well, Layton was, Edgar was enjoying the view of Emmy's ass as she climbed down the rope) the roof of the cave made it look like they were in a cave and the only source of light were the small oil lanterns on the cave walls. They stood on a moss covered path next to the canal which flowed silently.
Once Luke had climbed down and Emmy smacked Edgar for looking up at her, the group made their way down the canal path. The path ended at a large cavern with several markets stalls on which various statues trinkets and art pieces were presented. In the furtherest part of the cavern was a staircase cut into the rock which led to a large red door.
They had found the black market.
"Not a real market, huh," Emmy teased a scowling Edgar.
"Whatever, let's find this bloody flute," Edgar muttered causing Emmy to giggle.
They climbed the steps and entered through the red door. The room was pitch black.
"Huh!? What happened? Who turned out the lights?" Luke exclaimed.
Suddenly a spotlight flicked on illuminating the rather sinister Black Raven on a stage. The spotlight also lighted the room slightly to reveal an elegant auction room with velvet curtains and red carpet. The room seemed out of place after the previous rooms they had already been in.
"Glad you could make it," the Black Raven greeted, "you're puzzle-solving skills are most impressive. The rumours about you might be true. Now then...what do you want?"
"Well let's start with a cup of tea, maybe a couple of biscuits...oh and any antique flutes you have lying around," Edgar said listing off with his fingers whilst leaning on one of the wooden bannisters.
"Heheheh," the Black Raven chuckled creepily, "And why would I tell you lot anything?"
"Well..." Leyton responded, "perhaps if you told us, then I wouldn't feel compelled to expose your true identity."
The Black Raven wasn't laughing anymore.
"What!?" Emmy exclaimed.
"Really, Mr. Layton!?" Luke asked.
"I like where this is going," Edgar grinned.
"Repeat yourself! I dare you!" The Black Raven threatened, agitated by Layton's claims.
"If I impressed you before, why doubt me now? Especially, since we spoke earlier... to all of you," Layton said cryptically.
"Preposterous! You know nothing about us—uh, I mean—about me!" the Black Raven accidentally slipped.
'What the prof's game. He definitely knows something,' Edgar thought watching the exchange between the professor and the Black Raven.
"Professor, what's going on?" Emmy asked confused about the situation.
The professor turned to his companions.
"Let's start from the beginning,"
(Puzzle start)
"Earlier, it appeared that the Black Raven was capable of teleporting from one place to another," Layton started to explain.
"Which is impossible," Edgar interjected.
"Precisely, so how did the Black Raven move through the market?" Layton asked.
In Edgar's mind he began to think.
There are three possibilities:
A - He is a world-class sprinter.
'Unlikely, no sprinter could be that fast, no matter how hard they trained.'
B - He has supernatural powers!
'Again unlikely, for obvious reasons.'
C - There is some trick.
'Most possible, not quite sure why this was the last possibility I thought of.'
Answer = C
"There must be a trick, pretty obvious if you think about it," Edgar answered.
"I believe you are correct, Edgar," Layton agreed with a smile, "there must have been some trick. What do you think that was?"
Again three possibilities come to mind:
A - He used springs on his feet.
'Nope, I feel like I would of noticed if he was wearing springs on his feet.'
B - Mirrors were everywhere!
'Emmy and I chased after him, we would of crashed into many mirrors if that was the case.'
C - Many people were involved.
'That must explain it. Reminds me of a film I've watched.'
"Many people must of been involved to play the Black Raven," Edgar answered once again.
"Correct, there were many people wearing the same costume. When we assumed that he was one, person we overlooked the most likely possibility," Layton explained.
"That makes sense, Professor. But how can you be certain?" Emmy questioned.
"I saw something inside the Black Raven's cape during our chase. But the next Black Raven didn't have the item I had seen," Layton answered.
"What was it, My Layton," asked Luke.
"Sweets," Layton simply said.
"Sweets!?" Emmy cried out, "But Aunt Taffy won't sell sweets to adults!"
"Which must mean..." Edgar said.
One last time, three possibilities:
A - They stole the sweets.
'If I couldn't do it, no one can. The old lady has eyes like a hawk.'
B - They bribed Aunt Taffy.
'Unlikely, Aunt Taffy isn't one to give into bribes.'
C - They are children.
'It's actually embarrassing that it has taken me this long to figure it out.'
"...the Black Ravens were the market children. Badger, Scraps, Wren, Marilyn, Gus Socket, Roddy and Louis," Edgar concluded shocking Emmy and Luke.
"Exactly. They are the same children who guided us to the black market. They make up the Black Raven.
"Which must mean..." Luke started pointing at the Black Raven present.
"He is also one of them," Layton said before turning back to the Black Raven, "Perhaps now we can drop this charade?"
The Black Raven was silent for a moment before he broke it with a sigh. He dropped the black cloak he was wearing revealing that the top half was only a dummy to make him look taller. The bottom half was a short young boy, as Layton predicted, with a pointy nose and brown hair which covered his left eye. He wore a blue cap and and yellow scarf.
"You, sir, are very, very good," the boy said dropping his creepy Black Raven voice.
(Puzzle solved)
"My name is Crow. I'm the leader of the Black Ravens," Crow greeted playing lazily with his scarf.
"A crow leads the ravens," Edgar mused humorously.
"I'd appreciate it if you kept that a secret from the customers," Crow gently pleaded.
"Maybe I would, maybe I won't. Maybe if you gave me one of your valuable..." before Edgar could continue, Emmy kicked him hard on the leg while Layton gave him a stern glare.
"Complete and utter joke. I won't tell anyone," Edgar reassured rubbing his injured leg for the second time today.
"You mentioned an ancient flute," Crow said looking slightly amused at what just happened, "hm... I vaguely remember something like that. Let's talk about this backstage."
Crow led the group behind the large curtain on the stage which led them to a small room contain various statues and paintings. This was obviously a storage for all their valuables.
While Layton stood near Crow who was looking through his log book to who the flute was sold of to, Emmy, Edgar and Luke had a look around the storage room. Emmy and Edgar came across an statue of some sort covered in a white dust sheet. They looked at each other.
"I want to pull it off," Emmy said with a mischievous smile.
"Shall we," Edgar said matching her smile.
They were about to grab the sheet when...
"Don't pull it off," the professor ordered sternly not even turning around to look at them.
They moved away from it looking disappointed.
"We keep meticulous records here. A black market needs organisation!" Crow declared flipping though a large logbook.
"Sure, leave a paper trail. Bet that end well," Edgar mumbled sarcastically.
He then pointed to one page, "Here. Sold one year ago, almost to the day. 'Piece reminiscent of Spectre's flute of legend.' Some rich guy from Highyard Hill named Barde took it home. He fancied himself some sort of land baron. Lived up in Barde Manor and looked down on everyone."
"Typical bourgeois," Edgar remarked.
"Tell me about," Crow agreed, they then fist bumped in mutual understanding.
"At least we have some of lead," Edgar sighed out.
"Not likely, Barde died about a year ago," Crow explained.
The group were shocked to hear that.
"What happened to him?" Layton asked recovering from the information.
"I don't know any detail," Crow admitted putting the logbook away, "However, I do know enough to recommend staying away from Barde Manor."
"Because of the calamity witch..." Luke piped up.
"Not this again," Edgar groaned catching the others' attention.
"Barde's daughter, Arianna, is cursed," Crow explained gravely, "Anyone who speaks ill of her ends up regretting it."
"Yes..." Luke said sadly.
"No!" Edgar denied firmly making the group jump at his stern tone, "there are no such things as witches. Arianna is not cursed. It's all a bunch of bulls-," Edgar remembered Luke was in the room, "-rubbish."
"You seem very sure," Emmy observed. She wasn't being critical just curious of of his reaction.
"I prefer to hear the facts for myself rather then trust rumours," Edgar explained seriously. A personality the others did't know Edgar could have until now.
"I see," Layton looked at Edgar for a bit for addressing the group, "Well, it appears that we must find Barde Manor and speak with Arianna."
"Very well," Edgar agreed.
They said their goodbyes to Crow and left the auction room.
They travelled down the canal, up the rope ladder (Emmy insisted Edgar would go before her), and through the market place making their way towards the manor. As they past Marilyn's fruit and veg stall, Marilyn mouthed the words 'sorry' to Edgar. Edgar assumed she was apologising for not telling him about her being a Black Raven. He gave her a reassuring smile to tell her it was alright. She gave a large smile back.
"Highyard Hill is north of the High Town," Luke told them as the walked past the houses of the Lower Town. He pointed at the hill in the distance where a large manor house covered in mist stood.
"It looks like quite a walk," Emmy observed wearily at their trek.
"We can ask Bucky for a ride up," Edgar suggested also not liking the fact they have to travel so far.
"Maybe," Layton mused, "Luke, something has been bothering me. Despite the Spectre, there isn't that much damage in town."
"That's all thanks to Greppe. He's been using his money to help people rebuild their places. Greppe is very wealthy. He doesn't care for my father, but he loves Misthallery," Luke explained.
"I quite like to ask him some questions, where can we find him?" Layton asked.
"He really like"s Paddy's place, we can chalk there," Luke answered after a couple of seconds of thinking.
"Before we head for Highyard Hill, let's swing by there," Layton decided cheerfully.
"And here I thought we weren't going to walk up a big hill," Edgar moaned.
Emmy silently agreed with him.
Paddy's Restaurant
After trudging up the hill, the group managed to reach Paddy's place. As they walked into the restaurant Paddy stepped out of the kitchen to see who entered. Edgar gave a friendly wave to the chef who returned it before went back into the kitchen. On one of the tables sat a man in late thirties. He was a snobbish looking man wearing a brown suit again nose and his grey hair was balding at the front. He looked up from his soup and newspaper to observe the people who entered before returning to his newspaper.
Luke gave a nod at the man to let Layton know this was Greppe.
Layton walked up to the man, "Mr Greppe, I presume?" Layton greeted making the man look up once more.
"With a hat like that, I bet you do more than presume. I am Greppe. What does that mean to you?" Greppe said snobbishly.
Layton was taken by his unfriendly tone, "Well, ahem. Would you mind if we asked you a few questions?"
"Unless, you're an officer of the law, I don't have time for," he potted Luke behind Layton, "say, is that... Triton's boy?" he asked.
Luke stood up straight having been address by Greppe, "Er, yes, sir. Good day, Mr Greppe," Luke greeted nervously.
He sneered as he looked at Luke, "The son of the man who robbed me of the mayor's office! Good day to you, little one," he said harshly causing Luke to cringe.
A hand slammed down on Greppe's table catching his attention.
"You should really be careful using talking to people like that," Edgar threatened leaning in to face Greppe, "if ye got a problem with 'im, ye got a problem me, ye got that," he said darkly.
"How dare you talk to me like, don't you know who I am!?" Greppe cried out staring back at the glaring boy.
"Yeah, ye some rich, pansy who-" Edgar started to say.
"Edgar that's enough!" Layton ordered sternly, "I'm sorry Mr. Greppe, we will leave you in peace."
The group took their leave, Edgar reluctantly so, and stood in front of the restaurant.
Layton turned to Edgar stoically.
"Edgar you must be calm when dealing with people. Mr. Greppe is a respected man in Misthallery," he lectured.
"I don't care who he is. He had no reason to talk to Luke like that," Edgar retorted.
Edgar and Layton stared at each other neither backing down.
Their stare down was broken by Luke.
"Mr. Layton please don't be angry at Edgar," the turned to him with softer expressions, "Mr Greppe is often like that. Someone was bound to stand up to him at some point."
Edgar sighed and smiled at Luke, "No, I was wrong. I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry, I try harder next time," he apologised.
Layton smiled as well, "It's quite alright, Edgar. I'm sure we can catch him later when he is in a better mood."
"I doubt that's going to be anytime soon. Especially with the cherry bomb I put in his soup," Edgar admitted with a shrug.
...
...
...
"What?" Luke asked.
Suddenly, a large bang, a splashing of liquids and a cry of shock and disgust came from inside the restaurant.
The group turned to the restaurant hearing the commotion, they then turned to Edgar or the spot where Edgar was. They looked down the street to see Edgar running away laughing loudly.
They looked at each other.
And ran as well.
Hope you enjoyed the chapter. See you next time.
Next time: The group go to Barde Manor and come face to face with the 'witch of calamity'.
