«The Red and the Black» - a quest in the global mission chain "Questioning Melusine and Answering Machine." Traveler and Melusine Talochard investigated the first suspect - Rocher the drunkard, and concluded that he is not involved in the theft of the steam bird from the eponymous edition. The company sets out on further searches to uncover the secret of the disappearance.   

How to Start the Red and Black Quest

After completing the previous quest - “Vagrants and Scamps,” automatically start the second act (Questioning Melusine and Answering Machine: Act II).

Traveler and Talochard discover a new clue - a knife found by the boy Kevin. Based on this new evidence, you can continue the investigation.

Red and Black: Walkthrough

Wait Until the Next Morning

In the Paimon menu, go to the clock section and fast forward time to 08:00.

Head to the Palace of Mermonia

The Palace of Mermonia is where you can talk to Talochard to continue the investigation.

Talk to Talochard

Melusine will be waiting for you near the bench with "Curve" - the Mek. Talochard will inform you that you need to find the "Elegant Tableware" trading guild, which is somehow connected to the found knife.

Head to the "Elegant Tableware" Trading Guild

Teleport to the area of Elton Trench, swim down towards the large cave. Descend to the bottom near the semi-destroyed ship encountered during the previous story quests of version 4.0 and 4.1.

Find a Way to Distract the Crowd

You won't be able to sneak onto the ship unnoticed, so Talochard will ask you to come up with a way to distract everyone present.

Sneak up to the mark where a bonfire is placed. Interact with the tinder and place the remnants of the pie that Melusine shared with you on it. The dish is quite specific, with fish heads literally sticking out of the pie, and the description states: "... may cause stomach upset."

Find Evidence of the Crime

Criminals on the ship will flee from the smell of the pie as soon as you put it on the bonfire. Take advantage of the moment to search the ship and find new clues.

Explore the location to discover:

• Antique Medallion - near the place where the pie was placed, on iron crates;
• Diary, revealing that the Treasure Kidnappers, specifically the Fruit Order group, are involved in the case. The diary is located next to an iron sheet that serves as a makeshift bridge to board the ship;
• Table and tableware - located in the center of the ship.

Confront the Members of the "Elegant Aquatic Goblins" Group

Once you find the necessary evidence, the criminals will return to the ship. Present the evidence to prove their guilt. In the case folder, select the item: diary of brave struggle.

The group members will enter into conflict, so you need to cool their tempers and participate in the battle.

Talk to the Group Members

When the group members calm down, you can talk to them. The very Intrepid Valberry, mentioned in the diary, confesses that he did indeed place the knife near the crime scene but is not involved in what happened. However, he noticed a possible suspect - a person dressed in the Fatui costume. This is your next clue.  

Head to Fontaine

The next point is the sewers under Court of Fontaine, which you explored earlier while searching for the murderer of Navia's father.

Find the Guy in Fatui Uniform

Go upstairs to the café. Here you will encounter a person in a Fatui costume - Baulard, but he will immediately try to escape. When you catch him, the man admits that he was indeed present at the crime scene that night but knows nothing about the disappearance of the steam bird. The only thing he found was a threatening note.

Wait Until Night

The investigation has hit a dead end again, so it's time to rest. Through the Paimon menu, fast forward time to 19:00. After that, the next quest task will appear.

Head to Hotel Debord

Return to Hotel Debord, go to the second floor, and talk to Talochard. Speak with Melusine to learn a bit more about her past.

Return to Steam Bird and Summarize Information

Without waiting for morning, go to the Steam Bird building and try to recreate the events based on the statements you received from all the suspects. You need to name in order all the people who were present near the steam bird that night. Correct sequence:

1. Rocher;
2. Baulard;
3. Intrepid Valberry;
4. Kevin.

Talk to Melusine to discuss the next steps. After a short cutscene, the quest will be completed. The next, final task in the chain will begin - “Questions and Answers.”

Rewards:

• 30 Primogems;
• 250 Adventure EXP;
• 30,000 Mora;
• 2 Hero's Wit.