"Taxes." Why bring up such a topic? It just felt wrong for Mostleey to think it was the best time for such things, I thought.

But that wasn't Rose's immediate concern, as she said, "Who would have thought a small town like this would be the center of such horrific death."

"Yeah, things are getting serious." Somehow, the fact people went missing still, in a weird, twisted way, made the whole situation livable. But now you hear a heart being removed and placed back on the victim's hand. Complete 180—the twisted safety is gone. I thought all these, and now we couldn't even leave this town. At least this would make Father take these things more seriously.

Greyjoy hadn't made any progress. Tsk, this is something I would have to do on my own. All that idiot does is just act tough. Look at him.

As the Mayor kept talking on the taxes, Mayor Mostleey was definitely not himself. What he saw in there was probably worse than what's being told.

"Astraga, what's up? What are we going to do now? We probably need to inform your father," Rose asked, looking panicked.

"See why I said you need to try and solve this case?" I countered, trying to keep her focused, as she followed my gaze.

"So, what's your dad going to do when he gets back?"

I honestly don't know. All these questions I didn't have answers for.

As the Mayor continued with taxes, his voice was now a nervous drone.

Someone replied to him, "Yeah, what about taxes? Arcsaw had already paid, right?" As someone backed him from the crowd, "Yeah, hasn't he? And if he hasn't, I'm sure he must have kept his money in there."

The whole crowd gasped. Arcsaw hadn't paid yet, and all the money was gone.

As the mayor made it clear. "It's almost as if… no. It is. the killer punishing us for making an effort to solve our pains.

To cut it short: if we delay even just a bit, we are considered an enemy of the Kingdom of Manyblood. Worries traveled. Meaning the tax collectors would come, and in most cases, those officials are usually much worse.

As the Mayor continued, "There's nothing there as of now. We haven't found anything. Even his daughter is missing, and that's the biggest mystery of all—we don't know if the killer is the cause of the missing."

"Please, let everyone be on the lookout for anyone suspicious."

From the front of the crowd, a voice bellowed, "Are you crazy, Mostleey, and do what? Attack or confront someone who can rip out a heart from a body?"

As Greyjoy acted all tough, another voice from the crowd shouted, "Leave that to me!"

The Mayor continued, "My point is we need money quick!—and so, to maintain our standing among the Hinterlands," he continued, "we must ensure our taxes reach the Manyblood capital without delay! Those who delay must pay, and I don't mean money by that point!"

Everyone began to worry hard amongst themselves as they began to panic.

The word Hinterlands drew a low murmur. Everyone here knew what that meant—but I didn't. Haven't we been integrated into Manyblood? We should be considered part of the kingdom by now.

As the Mayor replied sadly, "Sabah is more close than us to becoming a full territory of Manyblood. Through tax we can finally be free. No more delays. That board was a message we are getting closer."

So that explains it: they were buying their way into Manyblood, as they weren't officially Manyblood territory! I see. No wonder Greyjoy was shocked the state gave the town a board. Hmmm.

As the Mayor continued, "Borderland towns, barely respected, surviving off the mercy of the greater kingdom. Taxes are our way out of it—what keeps us recognized, or else we become enemies of the state."

"Go home," the Mayor pressed. "Gather what gold you have. The collector will come soon. We must show the capital we still stand united. And remember, the killer can be any one of us here also. Even if they're not, let's show that monster we've got spirit!"

//////

The crowd started to disperse, grumbling. They had no choice. Some remembered their gold earrings they would bring to the Mayor, some gold rings, and many more valuables.

Rose leaned closer to me. "Unbelievable. Definitely need to tell Granny Maera about this. Let's quickly head to the florist, Astraga. Being here, knowing the killer can be anyone of these people, gives me the creeps."

"Welcome to Blackroot," I said dryly. It has been like that since we got here. Bad news. I haven't even seen my Condottieri at this point. Leaving her to go home would be a bad option right about now.

We started to slip away through the thinning crowd, hoping to make it to the florist's shop before it got too late. But then I heard that familiar, lazy drawl. And the slither sound of a vicious snake:

"Hiiissssss…"."

"Well, well, well… if it isn't little Fula."

I froze.

Greyjoy had spotted us. The last thing I wanted, especially after he sounded like he held a grudge on us. His tone carried that same half-mocking edge that always made my blood boil.

He strolled toward us, boots crunching against the dirt, as his mana beast followed elegantly, like snakes do. "Where's that annoying sister of yours?"

I replied, "She is not here. Can't you see?"

"Well, I presume you're still learning. I know she isn't here, idiot. I mean, why don't you understand simple word exchange?"

"He's a child. Don't you think you're being a little over the top?" Rose interjected.

Huh. Greyjoy looked at Rose from up to down and then turned to my direction. "Who the heck is this?" He touched his chin. "You give the impression of a royal, but I'm sure you're just another Fula that cleans my family estate. Isn't that right, Astraga?" he chuckled.

Before I could even reply, Rose stepped forward, chin raised. "Can't believe you're a royal," she said with that signature Aetherhall sharpness. "As another of royal blood, I must say—I'm disappointed."

Greyjoy's brow arched. "And who the hell are you supposed to be, your highness? Aren't you a Fula??"

"No, I'm not even from Manyblood. I'm…"

"Rose Vintergaard," she announced proudly. "Of Aetherhall."

"Ohh, Aetherhall, those people," he gestured sarcastically, "the flying mages, bla bla ba, right? How dare you mock us? We have the best air mages this world has ever seen!"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, why are you even here? I know of the Vintergaards. Should you even be here without an ambassador, hmm?" he asked, a subtle political jab that caused Rose's confidence to take a little hit.

"I'm here to train the girl, Astraya, his sister."

As he looked at her again, "You don't even look strong. You're a teacher? Well, we would need to see who is stronger, but not now. As you can see, I have a very big case to solve."

A young town guard came to his side. "I'm here, sir, ready to go."

"Good," as Greyjoy openly boasted, "Meet the second suspect to this case."

Huh. Was he serious, this guy?

Rose asked, "What? You already have two suspects?"

As he chuckled, "Of course! And one of them, surprisingly, is out of town."

I stared at the guard, who looked sweaty and shaking as he said, "Young master, please stop telling people I'm the second suspect! I would get in trouble."

"But you are," Greyjoy said in a soft tone. "He was able to identify the tool used to kill the victim. Does that reek of suspect to you?"

Greyjoy wasn't taking this case seriously. Was he really thinking of making anyone his suspect?

As Rose looked confused, "So, just because he was able to identify a weapon, he's a suspect?"

"Yep," he replied. "Come to think of it, I'm just seeing your face in this town. When did you arrive?"

"What, you're crazy!"

"What? Only being a suspect? And besides, it's simple math: you just showed up, and someone died. Why wouldn't I make you a suspect?" As he turned to me, "And you, the only reason I didn't add your sorry excuse is because the tool is way too hard for your small hands to carry."

Rose replied, "So you're saying it's more of a killing that required skill?"

"Well, look who is catching up fast. Yes, someone who committed this murder is skilled—very skilled, to the point I doubt the knife was even the main tool used."

Greyjoy smirked, feeling a little smug. "You know… I was just looking at that death and body of the victim, and I think I understand how the killer thinks."

What, really? I thought. Greyjoy might actually be smarter than I thought.

"Honestly… the killer behaves like a cat." Never mind, I changed my mind.

"A cat?" I raised an eyebrow. "You're joking."

"Nah," Greyjoy said, dead serious. "No matter how we as humans have evolved away from nature, one thing remains: primal instinct, a trait we all share, even with animals. And in many cases, how we kill, if it boils down to it." He stepped closer with that half-smirk that always made me wary. "I'm very serious. This killer kills like a cat."

"Just so I get you right," Rose replied, "we kill like animals?"

"Not just animals," he corrected, "but predators. And one comes to mind regularly: cats. I've seen it. Plenty of cats in my estate, and among the royals I know that have cats. They are well fed, taken care of—in fact, do nothing but eat, sleep. But the moment their territory is crossed… they behave just like this killer."

He gestured with a hand, as if painting a picture. "Cats kill to eat, yes. But they don't always eat it immediately, or at all. Sometimes they leave it out, almost as if to show it off, to mark territory, or to test the patience of their audience. They want attention, but on their terms. They don't linger too long on the victim, leaving you to wonder what just happened. Why?"

"They never stay around to monitor who watches their kill or the kill itself. They stay as far away as possible. Whoever the killer was was definitely not amongst the crowd today. In fact, they would most likely pretend they haven't heard the news. And that's all I need."

"Who is the number one suspect then?" Rose asked.

As he began walking away, he said, "I thought you would have figured it out by now, Aetherhall Highness. If you can't, sorry, nothing I can do there. Bye."

Wait... but he didn't list who it was. As he walked away, he looked unimpressed. "Do yourself a favor, Vintergaard. Mind your business. This town's got enough problems without two little nobles that would want to play detective. It isn't needed. Ciao!" He disappeared into the distance with his mana beast and the guard.

"Uggggghhh! That idiot is so annoying!" Rose fumed.

Hmm. What could he mean, skilled... who could have a tool skilled to kill? The lumberjack? Only thing that comes to mind. I feel like I'm missing something.

"Let's just get this over with," Rose muttered, though the florist was just within reaching distance.

The bell chimed as we stepped inside. The shop smelled of strong herbs—just like everything in this town.

The warm scent of crushed petals and steeped herbs wrapped around us like a blanket—too comforting, considering what we'd witnessed earlier. Bundles of dried chamomile hung from the ceiling, vibrant blues and reds lined the shelves, and a gentle humming filled the space.

Then we heard it—a familiar sound: "Baaaa."

Merhh, the goat, trotted up to Rose's legs. She crouched down, hugging him tightly. "Huh? What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice softening. "You're even more adorable than I remember, Merhh!"

The woman we'd come to see emerged from a room at the back, wiping her hands on a cloth. "Wow," she said with a smile, "looks like Merhh likes you."

"I've never seen him so friendly with a stranger," she frowned.

Rose chuckled. "We met at the lumberjack shop."

"Oh? You people have heard so much about you from Clara. Welcome to Blackroot," the woman said with a smile.

Rose muttered under her breath, "Today just got worse… whole mood ruined."

Miss Shio's expression darkened, but the worry in her voice felt just a touch rehearsed. "Someone's gone missing again… I hope it's not Clara or Jack."

"No, no, no, I mean partly," I said hesitantly. "Uh… Mr. Arcsaw is dead."

Rose frowned. "How did he die? Did he—?"

"No, ma'am," Rose interrupted, finishing my sentence firmly. "He was murdered. And his daughter is also missing. Just terrible, all at once."

Her eyes flicked up slowly, surprised. "Oh…my goodness," she muttered, her voice calm, measured. "How… unfortunate."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.