Chapter Text
Caelus has lots of experience managing all sorts of business, from reviving a museum, handling logistics planning, being a bartender, a chimera trainer—you name it, he's probably done it. Every planet that the Astral Express visits ends up being a new business venture for the all-capable Galactic Baseballer to conquer. And now, in Planarcadia, he is the president of a publishing company, the Furbobo Weekly. Another credential to add under his fancy belt.
Managing a publishing house turned out to be lots of fun, contrary to Caelus’ initial thoughts. He thought journalists were some kind of vultures waiting to write the next clickbait-worthy article for the whole universe to see. But his adorable Furbobos are different; they're hyenas dressed in raccoon onesies.
But that was all in the past. Now, newly reformed under his rule, they write legitimate articles exuding scholarly legit-ness.
Honestly, there wasn't much he had to do. The company already has a cozy editorial headquarters, a handful of furbos with commendable writing skills, and a city full of interesting stories for them to immortalize on their website. If Caelus had to name one thing he didn't like, it was…
“Money,” Caelus mumbles. He looks at the monthly utility bills stacked on top of his desk. He takes the small pile, skims through the bills, and catches a glimpse of some suspicious papers mixed in with the company's bills.
Some were receipts of dogdash orders by him, the furbobos, and another, unfamiliar orders (bowls of noodles, sandwiches, hotdog buns, waffles, even a whole platter of seafood…) he has no recollection of ordering. There were also receipts for bananas bulked in order. And then there were unpaid utility bills for electricity and internet connection… wait a minute.
“I already paid for this, though? Why is there another one?” Caelus takes the long electric bill and scans it thoroughly. “And it's expensive… what the hell…?”
“Boss!” A furbobo, Furbulitzer, calls out to Caelus. They stand on tiptoes by his desk to reach eye-level with him.
“Hm? What's up?”
“That thing you're holding…”
“Ah, these?” Caelus waves the papers in his hand. “I was paying our bills. By the way, you guys should really stop ordering takeout. It's bad for your health.”
“Ah, our graceful, merciful president! Thank you for paying the bills on time!” The furbo claps their hands. “Our ex-president often misses the deadline. But not you! That's why you're our favorite!”
Caelus’ chest swells with pride. “Hehehe, keep the praises coming!”
“But boss… are you going to pay that, too?”
To that question, Caelus tilts his head. He already has his phone out, ready to pay online.
“As expected of boss, you're even altruistic! To think that you'd pay for the detective's bills!”
“WHAT?”
Caelus shoots up from his seat. He takes a closer look at the bills. His and the Ashen Detective Agency's addresses were the same—the detective's address is literally inside their office—so it was understandable how he thought it was Furbobo Weekly's bills.
“That was close…” Caelus crosses the room and stops in front of the door of The Ashen Detective's Agency. He knocks.
“O, Great Detective!”
No response.
“Huh, is he out? That can't be…” Caelus knocks again. “Ashveil!”
Silence.
“Even Mister N is out?”
“Mr. Detective rarely comes out during the day, boss.”
“Right…” Caelus looks out the window; it's still bright out, but it was actually already late noon. He could just wait for the elusive man to wake up, but he had other things he wanted to talk about with him, like…
“Hey, Furbulitzer… since I'm the company president now, that makes me Ashveil's landlord, right?” Caelus asks. Furbulitzer gives him an enthusiastic thumbs-up before waddling back to their desk.
Caelus, arms akimbo, shifts his weight from one foot to the other. It should be fine if he opens the door, right? He's the landlord, anyway. And he's a Trailblazer, first and foremost! That's right, rules are meant to be broken!
With renewed gusto, Caelus knocks before swinging the door open. He gently closes the door behind him. See, even when he's breaking the rules, he's also maintaining proper etiquette.
Caelus is greeted with a small, cluttered room. He had been here before, but only for a quick talk with the detective. He has yet to take a good look inside, so now he does. The floors were almost filled with stacks of important-looking papers and documents, and the walls were filled with notes, posters, and photos filled with scribbles on them. There were also empty bottles haphazardly placed here and there. A desk with a computer left turned on can be seen, its screen showing what seems to be a forum of anonymous users arguing against each other… Huh, the room legitimately looks like a detective's room, albeit a very messy one.
But the most curious thing was the fridge taking up most of the space in the room. Caelus walks up to the fridge. Something tells the trailblazer that he shouldn't open it, but…
“This, too, is trailblazing,” says Caelus. Curiosity got the best of him.
He's heard from Mister N that Ashveil sleeps inside the fridge. If so, then the man must be inside right now, deep in his slumber. Caelus wonders how comfy it is to sleep inside a fridge… Maybe he can try it for himself?
He slowly opens the fridge. Cold mist instantly seeps out the crack and whirls into the dim room. Fully lifting the door of the fridge, Caelus stares at the sleeping figure inside.
Neat, white suit, no wrinkles in sight. Long, dark hair, splayed perfectly in the frosty, hard bed (looks painful to lie down on, Caelus thinks). And Ashveil himself, his chest gently rising and falling as he slept.
“Whoa, he's only wearing that, but he's not even shivering,” Caelus says to himself. He stares at Ashveil's sleeping face, his own face inching closer. “With this face, how come he's not raking in credits? He should try becoming an actor… and his lashes…”
Caelus is about to reach a hand to touch the sleeping man's lashes when the handsome face's eyes fly open. He freezes, wide eyes staring at dark ones.
“ …hey, there, boss. Whatchu doing?”
“Ah, ahaha, Y-you see, I was,” Caelus stammers, his heart beating loudly. “I was curious if sleeping inside a fridge was comfy, yep. I, uh, wanted to try it out for myself.” He's not lying, but he's not sure why he's feeling nervous.
“Hmm, if you say so,” says Ashveil in a drawl. He remains lying down. “Well then, what's a bigwig like you doing in my humble office? You must have other agendas if you're here in person.”
“Well, this office is part of my office.” Caelus grins. “Your bills got mixed in with mine, and I almost paid for it by accident.”
“What a shame.”
“But then it occurred to me that I’m your landlord.”
“Hm???”
“So I came here to collect your rent.”
“Ah.”
The two stare at each other. They remain unmoving, just staring at each other. Ashveil blinks a few times, but he does not look away. Awkward silence looms between them in the dim room.
“ …Gracious Trailblazer—”
“You can't sweet-talk me.” Caelus cuts him off.
“What? No, I wouldn't dream of it!” Ashveil laughs, his voice shaky. “It's just… fortune has yet to grace my wallet, no client has made a visit, and I have lots of mouths to feed—”
“I saw the receipts for your dogdash orders.”
“Aha.” Ashveil grows quiet.
They stare at each other for a good minute, the low hum of the fridge's machinery piercing through the awkward silence. Eventually, the detective speaks.
Ashveil clears his throat. “Have you ever considered becoming a detective yourself? If you want, I can make you my second assistant—”
“I'm pretty expensive, you know. You can barely pay your bills. How will you even give me my paycheck if you hire me?”
“Why do I feel like I'm in a debate and I'm losing…” Ashveil turns to his side, back facing Caelus. He fake sobs. “I'm being verbally annihilated by a youngster with a bright future… Why is life so cruel?”
“W-wait, I didn't mean to…” Caelus scratches his head. “Sorry, I didn't come here to make a grown man cry—”
“A grown man…”
“I really just came to remind you of your bills. Look, you can pay me your rent some other day. If you really can't muster enough credits, you can just pay me by doing me a favor!”
“A favor?” Ashveil turns to look at the trailblazer. “What kind of favor? Just so you know, I'm pretty skilled at anything. From walking dogs, pretending to be your dad for a PTA meeting, to solving locked room murders.”
“You sound confident. Uh, I don't know, I don't really need anything right now. I'll tell you when something comes up.”
“Ah, you're gracious indeed.” Ashveil offers his gloved, left hand for a handshake. “Then, we have a deal?”
“Deal.” Caelus takes the hand and returns the handshake.
Just then, the door behind them slams open with a bang! followed by an energetic, lilting voice.
“Caelus! I've come to play~!”
The sudden loud noise made Caelus jump from where he stood. His trash-diving instincts must've kicked in, as he also somehow managed to dive headfirst inside the cold fridge, right on top of Ashveil. Their faces are almost touching if it wasn't for Ashveil, who turned his head to the side.
“Oh, my~ did Sparxie pick a bad time?”
The two men panic as they scramble to get out of the fridge, their limbs getting tangled with each other in a hurry to get up. Ashveil tries to clamber out of the rectangular cold coffin of his first when he accidentally hits Caelus’ face with his knee, making the trailblazer flail around in pain, his elbow hitting the door of the fridge, and the door bonking Ashveil in the head as it closes down on them. Muffled, pained groans can be heard inside the shaking fridge.
Sparxie bursts into laughter. “What's this? Are you putting on a slapstick comedy shtick for the readers? This is so hilarious!” She wipes a fake tear from her eye, giggling. “I should've started my stream before I came in! This is peak comedy right here~.”
The door to the refrigerator bursts open, with red-faced Caelus getting out first. Ashveil follows behind, massaging the top of his head.
Caelus, nose red with getting kneed, fixes his messy hair. He approaches Sparxie. “Hey, fakie, why'd you drop by?”
“Fakieeee? I'm Sparxie Prime! My fans would've flamed you by now if they heard you!”
“Yeah, yeah.” Caelus waves a hand, dismissing the Fool's whining. “To what do I owe the pleasure of having the Great Sparxicle visit me?”
“Oh, right! As much as I want to play with you, I actually came here for Mr. Detective over there~.” Sparxie points at Ashveil. “You're broke, right?”
“ …yeah, I am. Does everyone under the sun know of my financial situation?”
Right then, a crisp, deep voice comes from behind Sparxie.
“Mr. Ashveil, I have returned.”
“Ah, Mister N! You've come to save me!”
“The detective straightens his suit, entering a state of mind fit for a professional. The sun may be setting, but the doors of justice are always open for those who seek it. With that mantra in mind, he gets ready as he meets a potential client.”
“Ah?”
Sparxie steps aside to show two other people behind her: Mister N and a young woman. The woman has long, dark hair, and she wore a long dress that made her look elegant. She evoked the feeling of a person who's loaded with money. A rich, potential client for the detective.
“This is one of my subscribers and good friends, Lady Lauvlorne!” Sparxie introduces the prim lady to them. The lady client curtly nods at the men. “You see, she came to me for advice, but I think her problem can be solved only by the touch of a detective!”
“Good day, Miss Lauvlorne.” Ashveil tips his hat to the client. “Why don't we head outside and have a chat?”
Ashveil pushes Sparxie and the rest out of his messy room and into the wider space of the editorial headquarters. He leads them to the humble lounge area by the corner of the small office and motions for the client to take a seat. The others follow suit. Sparxie and the client take a seat near the door, while Ashveil and Caelus take a seat on the couch facing the door. Mister N settles on taking the small table.
Why is Caelus sitting down with them?
He doesn't know either. They were having a meeting in his office space, though, so he might as well join them.
“Let me formally introduce myself. I'm Ashveil, ace detective of Ashen Detective Agency.” Ashveil takes out a business card and hands it to Lauvlorne. “I'm a detective that takes all sorts of requests for the right price.”
The lady accepts the card, quickly reads it, and then keeps it in her purse. “Hello, as Sparxie mentioned, I have a problem that can probably be solved by a detective. You see…”
“Lauvlorne here is worried that her boyfriend is cheating on her!” Sparxie excitedly blurts out.
Caelus drops his jaw, shocked. Sure, he knows that cheating partners exist, but he's never seen such drama unfold in front of him. He embodies his inner March 7th, ears keen as he looks at the client. Lauvlorne sighs, her body shrinking as she slumps to her seat. She starts sharing her story.
“I've been with my fiancé, Clay, for years now. I first met him when he was just starting his streaming career… he wasn't as popular as he is now. Back then, I was probably one of his first few followers. I really liked his personality; witty, cheerful, and silly at times… they were all endearing to me. So, for months, I tried getting his attention, commenting on all of his lives, donating credits, sending gifts, anything that could get him to notice me. And he did! He told me he didn't need me to send him anything at all and that just watching him was enough… Who wouldn't like a person like that? Anyway, somehow, I made it work, and we started dating. I found out then that apparently he started streaming to pay back the debt his parents left him, so I helped him with that. At first, he was reluctant… anyway! He's a very popular streamer now, and I think he might be cheating on me with a fan of his… I just want to know if he's seeing someone behind my back. That's it.”
“Hmm, right, thank you for sharing with us your love story, miss. Um, Mister N?” Ashveil gives his assistant a meaningful look. “Did you forget to inform our guests about my… minimum requirement for taking a case?”
“I did not forget. I explained to Miss Sparxie and her friend on the way here about how Mr. Ashveil does not accept infidelity cases.”
Sparxie slaps the table, startling “Narrator.” She clicks her tongue. “Aw, c'mon! Didn't you hear her story? She sacrificed so much for this guy, but he's just squandering her love for him! Where's the justice in that?!”
“Where's justice!” Caelus echoes Sparxie's words.
“You two are teaming up?” Ashveil asks in disbelief.
“The detective recalls his mantra from earlier, about how justice is an open door willing to take in anyone who seeks it. He also recalls the heartbreaking story of the lady in distress who shared her story, of how she selflessly poured her heart to the person who she thought was the one for her, and of how she now stands at a crossroad—conflicted mind agonizing over the idea that her lover might or might not have betrayed her… and that only he, the detective, can illuminate the right path for her to take.” Mister N passionately narrates.
“M-Mister N!? You're kind of putting words into my mouth right now???”
“Ohh, is that what this is?” Caelus interjects, an early memory of him interviewing the detective coming to mind. “You don't take infidelity cases because you're too handsome?”
Sparxie sputters a laugh. Ashveil pulls the rim of his hat down, embarrassed. Even Mister N giggles a bit.
Caelus continues. “I mean, Ashveil is handsome, for sure. But I doubt Miss Lauvlorne here will suddenly cheat on her lover for you… from her story, she sounds like the type to devote herself to the person she loves. Right, miss?”
Lauvelorne perks up in her seat, head slowly nodding at Caelus’ words.
“If that's what worries Mr. Ashveil, then you don't have to worry—you're not my type.” Lauvlorne assures the detective. “At all.”
Sparxie bursts into laughter, hiding her face behind Lauvlorne as she starts wheezing and gasping for air. Mister N looks away from the visibly hurt Ashveil.
Ashveil smiles weakly. “Th-then, about the compensation…”
“Oh, will this be enough?”
The client takes out a cheque from her purse. Ashveil's eyes go as round as 0 as he counts the number of zeroes on the document. The amount was obviously too much for the case that was being commissioned.
After discussing minor details of the commission, Lauvlorne takes her leave first. The four remained seated, Sparxie still snickering at Ashveil. Mister N is now seated on Sparxie's lap against his will. The panicking monkey shoots a look of distress to Ashveil, but Ashveil ignores him. Petty revenge.
“Miss Sparxie, why are you still here?” Ashveil asks.
“Better question, why are you even helping with someone's love life?” Caelus adds.
“Wow, is it Madam Sparxicle's time to shine? So many questions!” She hugs the struggling Mister N tighter. “Lauvlorne is actually one of my big-spender subscribers. She always donates big credits when I stream—that was how we became acquainted. I was curious to see who's the richie rich that's throwing all that money, so…”
“So you're helping her ‘cause you feel… indebted to her?” Caelus asks, expression quizzical. It sounded out of character for Sparxie to care about being in debt to someone money-wise and doing favors for such a reason…
“Of course not, silly! Remember, Clay is a popular streamer in Planarcadia! My enemy!” Sparxie laughs an evil laugh. “Of course, he's not even close to my level. But he is indeed popular… and what better way to get rid of competition than to expose them on livestream for being a scumbag cheater!”
“I should've known,” says Caelus solemnly.
“If I may, Miss Sparxie,” Mister N speaks up. “The detective has yet to conduct a thorough investigation. It is too early to conclude that Miss Lauvlorne's partner is, indeed, cheating on her.”
“That's why I'm joining you!”
“ —?”
“Come on, didn't we make a good team during the Millennium Killer case? With this capable monkey's deduction, my connections, and the trailblazer's brawn, I say we have the makings of the dream team!”
Ashveil points a finger to himself. “What about me?”
“So what do you say?” Sparxie asks.
“I'm in!” Caelus cheerfully agrees.
“So do I.” Mister N adds.
“Hey… what about me…?” Ashveil weakly raises his hand, like one would during class recitation.
Sparxie ignores the detective and his metaphorical drooping dog ears. She continues to speak. “Here's the plan; we'll meet up here after a couple of days. I'll bring Lauvlorne with me, and then we can discuss the possible places we'll be staking out to catch Clay in action!”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Right~? The Great Sparxie is not just beauty, but brains as well. She is the whole package, after all.” The Fool stands from her seat, sets “Narrator” down, and heads for the door. “Then I'll be taking my leave. I've got a collab stream to attend to. See you later~☆”
The door to the editorial office shuts close, leaving the three alone. The bright light outside has been replaced by the luminous glow of the moon, showing the passage of time.
Caelus glances a pitiful look at the slumping detective, back hunched as he mumbles under his breath. Something about being owned by someone younger than him…
He pats Ashveil in the back, comforting him. “Wanna get a bowl of noodles for dinner? My treat.”
“You'll do that for me?” Ashveil looks at Caelus, eyes twinkling. Or maybe his eyes are just shiny with his tears drying up.
Yep. He is handsome. “Yeah, sure. I'll even throw in a dessert. What does “Narrator” like, by the way?”
“You're too kind to us, Trailblazer, sir. In that case…”
This marks the day of Caelus playing detective with a streamer, a monkey, and an actual detective. Little did they know, they were about to get entangled in a case as infamous as the Millennium Killer.
Another credential added under his heavy, fancy belt.