Ethan Thompson reported the recent happenings in Green River Town to Magnus Valorion in a letter.
Henry Vander is a straightforward man. On the second day after Magnus Valorion left, twenty gold bars were delivered as promised. After Ethan Thompson counted them, he left the town with a few people, pretending to leave for good.
However, everyone in Green River Town, whether civilians or the City Guard, only recognized Magnus Valorion. Although Henry Vander became the town mayor, he only got a rubber stamp of authority.
But Henry Vander didn't think so. Since becoming the mayor of Green River Town, he felt more comfortable than ever. He thought he would no longer worry about money or his position. Now, he was high above, ruling the entire town, as if he had become the king here.
That day, the sun was shining brightly, and a gentle breeze was blowing. The streets of the town were bustling with people busy with their own lives. Henry Vander, with a few servants, leisurely strolled through the streets, enjoying the reverence and respect from the people. Suddenly, his attention was caught by a figure ahead.
It was Alice Parker, who had come to Green River Town a few days ago. Her illness had long been cured, and after some recuperation, she looked much better, no longer showing the sickly demeanor she had when she first arrived.
She had a graceful figure and a light gait, as if every step carried the rhythm of a dance. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders like a black waterfall, and her smile was sweet and warm. At this moment, Alice Parker was standing in front of a cloth shop, choosing fabrics. The sunlight filtered through the thin fabric, making her look even more charming.
A trace of evil thought flashed in Henry Vander's eyes. He licked his chapped lips, having already made up his mind. As the king of this town, he felt he had the right to command anyone here. But to avoid appearing like a robber, he decided to wait until nightfall to act. Tonight, he would take his servants, who had become the town's patrol officers, to Alice Parker's home and fully enjoy the beauty's tenderness.
Now that Magnus Valorion was gone, he was going to thoroughly enjoy the taste of power!
As night fell, Green River Town was enveloped in silence. Only the distant barking of dogs and occasional wind broke the silence. Henry Vander, with a few patrol officers, quietly came to Alice Parker's door. Inside, Alice was already preparing to rest. Her long hair was scattered on the pillow, her expression peaceful and serene. Henry Vander's heart raced with excitement. He signaled his servants to act, eager to go in himself.
At that moment, a tall figure suddenly appeared before them. It was a burly man in a black robe, with a stern gaze like an unsheathed sword. Henry Vander and his men were startled by the sudden appearance of the man.
"Sir, please show some respect." The man's voice was low and powerful, with an undeniable authority in every word.
Henry Vander was stunned. He didn't understand who this person was or why he was here. But he quickly regained his composure and said coldly, "Who are you? How dare you interfere with the mayor's business!"
The man remained unmoved, staring coldly at Henry Vander with a trace of disdain in his eyes. "Leave here, or face the consequences."
Henry Vander was infuriated by this statement. He waved his hand, signaling his followers to seize the man. The patrol officers immediately pounced, but before they could get close, the man had knocked them all to the ground.
Henry Vander watched the scene before him, filled with fear and shock.
"Remember, it's best for you to forget what happened tonight. And if anything similar happens again, I won't be as merciful as I am now!" The man said coldly, then turned and disappeared into the night.
Henry Vander sat on the ground, sweating profusely. Alice Parker continued to sleep peacefully inside, as if nothing had happened.
Henry Vander had no choice but to grit his teeth and leave with his men in disgrace. The night remained heavy, and the town seemed even more oppressive in the silence. Henry Vander and his servants were all in a sorry state. Henry Vander's face was full of anger and humiliation. Tonight, he didn't get to enjoy the beauty, and instead, he suffered a setback.
Being the mayor was too frustrating. Why?!
"Why do others become officials and have great power, but when I become an official, it's so frustrating!"
Henry Vander felt very aggrieved. No, he had to teach these unruly people a lesson!
"Let's go find the City Guard!" Henry Vander ordered breathlessly, his voice filled with undisguised anger and determination.
He hurriedly led his servants to the City Guard barracks near the town wall.
The camp center was brightly lit at night, and the on-duty guards immediately noticed Henry Vander and his entourage. Henry Vander rushed to the gate, shouting angrily at the guards, "Get your leader out here! Right now!"
The guards were startled by Henry Vander's imposing manner and quickly went to report. Shortly after, a tall figure emerged, dressed in black, with a stern face. It was the same mysterious man who had taught Henry Vander a lesson—Duncan Thorngate.
Henry Vander was shocked to see Duncan Thorngate but was soon overwhelmed by anger. He pointed at Duncan Thorngate, gritting his teeth, and said, "It was him! It was this man who attacked me just now! Arrest him!"
Duncan Thorngate looked at Henry Vander coldly, calmly saying, "Mayor, you must be mistaken. I am Duncan Thorngate, the commander of the City Guard. While on patrol earlier, I discovered someone trespassing in a civilian's home, attempting to harm innocent citizens."
Henry Vander was stunned. He couldn't believe the person before him was the leader of the City Guard. He stammered, "You... you're slandering me!"
"I didn't say who it was." Duncan Thorngate said mockingly.
Henry Vander's chubby face turned red as he realized he had misspoken, unintentionally confessing.
Duncan Thorngate ignored Henry Vander's embarrassed expression and said coldly, "Mayor, as the commander of the City Guard, my duty is to protect the town's safety and the peace of the citizens. Regardless of who it is, as long as they violate the law and morality, I have the responsibility to stop them."
Henry Vander was suffocated by Duncan Thorngate's presence. Struggling to maintain his composure, he trembled as he said, "Duncan Thorngate, what... what do you want to do?"
Duncan Thorngate took a step forward, staring directly into Henry Vander's eyes, and said coldly, "Mayor, I advise you to respect yourself. If I find you involved in any illegal activities again, I won't be so lenient."
Henry Vander shuddered, filled with fear and helplessness. He knew he was powerless against Duncan Thorngate and could only nod reluctantly, "No, no, it must be a misunderstanding. How could I do anything illegal to the citizens!"
"I hope so!" Duncan Thorngate gave him a cold glance, then turned to the guards and said, "Escort the mayor back to rest."
Henry Vander was completely overwhelmed by Duncan Thorngate's presence. He waved weakly, leading his servants away in disgrace. As he walked back, Duncan Thorngate's cold warning echoed in his mind.
"This time, you win, Duncan Thorngate." Henry Vander cursed silently but dared not show any dissatisfaction outwardly.
---
Town Hall.
"Such hot tea! Are you trying to burn me to death?"
"Useless! Can't even make tea properly, get out of here!"
Henry Vander shouted at the servant, kicking him as he left. "Trash! All of you are trash!" After the servant left, Henry Vander kicked over a chair in anger, the chair clattering on the floor.
After venting, Henry Vander felt slightly calmer. He walked to the window, looking at the old frame and the mottled walls, feeling even more dissatisfied. He glared at the shabby decor, cursing, "That damn Magnus Valorion, such a stingy man! The town hall looks like a beggar's den because of him!"
The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. His resentment and dissatisfaction surged. Henry Vander wished he could smash everything to pieces to vent his anger.
He walked to an old desk, sat down, took a deep breath, and tried to calm himself. He knew he had to be careful now.
"Damn Magnus Valorion, what kind of subordinates did you train!" Henry Vander felt depressed. Why did he not have any power even though he was the mayor?
That bastard Magnus Valorion extorted money and then left, leaving him with these unruly subordinates.
"Forget it, can't mess with the soldiers, so let the civilians suffer more!"