Edmund stepped in to the small utility room. It was a modest space with a grey top-loading washer. The room was mostly used to store stationeries. Edmund placed his clothes into the machine and left it to be cleaned. He used to dry his clothes through his indoor drying rack.
Back in his bedroom, he selected a crisp outfit and ironed it. A white shirt tucked into navy blue plants, matched with white socks. He completed the look with a shiny Rado watch — silver casing, blue interface — and a spritz of Hermés Barenia.
"So shall we go now?" Edmund asked as he stepped out.
His deep blue eyes shimmered in the morning light, perfectly complementing his attire
"Sure then let's go"
Then the two of them got out of the house.
"So are we driving or walking?" Luke asked
"Walking ofcourse." Edmund replied casually
"Sigh.. why do I even ask."
The two of them walked towards the Mercedes showroom which wasn't that far. The polished floors gleamed under the bright lights, and the scent of fresh leather lingered in the air. When they reached the showroom Luke said "Mercedes again?" Luke had accompanied Edmund when he went to buy the 560 SEL.
"Trust me it's a really good one this time."
The two of them entered the showroom and the salesmen immediately greeted them
A smiling salesman approached. "Good to see you again, Mr. Edmund, Mr. Luke. I had a feeling you'd return for this model."
"Well of course," Edmund replied with a grin.
The salesman gestured toward the lounge. "Another gentleman is here today as well. Perhaps you'd enjoy a chat while we finalize the paperwork."
"Sure" Edmund said, leading the way
A young man sat casually in the waiting area, reading a newspaper. He wore a blue coat, crisp white shirt, and matching blue shoes. His hair was artfully messy, and his sharp blue eyes flicked up from the paper as they approached.
Beside him stood an elderly but dignified butler, dressed in classic black and white, his amber eyes observant yet calm.
"Hello there," Edmund said. "I'm Edmund Hale, and this is my friend, Luke Anthony."
The man stood, offering a handshake. "Armin George," he said warmly. "And this is Edgard Erick, my butler."
They spoke for a short while, sharing polite conversation until the salesman returned.
"Everything's ready," the salesman said.
"Well then, until we meet again," Armin said with a smile, placing the newspaper on the table before walking off.
Edmund's eyes drifted to the paper. The headline read:
"Phantom Thief Aeries Strikes Again: Elusive Criminal Steals Gem Only to Leave it Behind."
Phantom Thief Aeries? He leaves a rare gem, and takes a common one in its place… what sort of thief does that? Edmund mused as he thought, his eyes narrowing.
...
"Okay this car is actually great." Luke admitted lounging in the passenger seat.
"Told you," Edmund said, a grin stretching across his face as the AMG 560 SEC sped down the open road, the engine purring above 100 km/h.
Edmund then parked the car in the cafe parking lot.
The two went inside to drink tea and Edmund found Leonard inside.
"Leonard, fancy meeting you here." Edmund called out. The two exchanged greetings and Edmund introduced Luke. After a light-hearted conversation and tea, the trio parted ways.
Back home, the new 560 SEC AMG now stood proudly beside the 560 SEL. The two black beasts gleamed in the fading evening light. The white 450 SEL sparkled beside them, while Luke's fiery red 1981 Jaguar XJ-S HE rested in the guest spot like a striking contrast.
They stepped inside and collapsed onto the couch, chatting about the day. Then the phone rang. Edmund paused, the room falling into a sudden hush. He reached for the receiver.
"Hello, is this The Phantom?"