At the city gate, the cold wind swept through as a group of people stood solemnly, each with a different expression.
At the forefront was an elderly man, his hair and beard completely white, dressed in a dark blue official uniform.
Secretary Jack looked up slightly, his gaze skimming over the row of demon heads on display above the gate.
The horrifying sight deepened his grim expression; the demons' faces were contorted, with fresh blood staining them, creating a chilling scene.
Russell, noticing Jack's reaction, grew increasingly uneasy.
He cautiously murmured, "Secretary Jack, killing demons is simply part of the job… The townspeople will appreciate it too."
Jack's brow furrowed slightly at this, his eyes growing colder as the veins on the back of his hand began to bulge.
Reluctantly, he pulled his gaze away from the demon heads, unwilling to look at them any longer. After a moment's silence, he spoke in a measured tone.
"I don't have the ability for this.
Since Edward is fond of killing demons, let him handle all demon affairs himself."
The attendants around him exchanged uneasy glances, sensing the tension.
Russell dared not reply, stepping back silently, his gaze lowered in submission.
The elderly Jack turned and strode away with his entourage, not even hesitating a moment.
His indifference left the surrounding guards silent, each one confused yet unwilling to speak up.
Richard slowly turned, looking up at the gate where the demon heads were displayed in full view.
From now on, the burden of demon affairs would rest entirely on Edward's shoulders. Richard sighed deeply.
…
Edward walked down the street, ignoring the faint murmuring that followed him.
Street vendors and passersby alike cast furtive glances his way, only to quickly look away whenever he glanced in their direction, busying themselves with their activities.
"Did you hear? They've put Edward in charge of every demon issue in White Deer Town!"
"Him? You mean Edward?"
"It's no lie! Didn't you see the heads hanging at the city gate?"
"Who would have thought that the town's troublemaker could take down so many demons?"
As he continued down the road, whispers became clearer, and many looked his way from a distance. Edward paid them no mind.
Reaching the government building, he halted, surveying the scene with mild resignation.
The vast courtyard was eerily quiet; the usual bustle of guards and patrols was absent, leaving only a few familiar faces.
Richard was sweeping the courtyard with a serious expression, diligently tidying up.
Seeing Edward enter, Wester's pent-up frustration boiled over.
He jumped up, rushing to Edward with a face full of indignation and grievance, nearly throwing himself at Edward to complain.
"Boss! You have to stand up for us! We're patrol guards, not demon hunters!"
Wester's eyes were filled with indignation, his tone turning almost mournful.
"One word, and they've put us on demon duty! They're practically sending us to our deaths!"
Before Edward could respond, Richard gently pulled Wester aside, resting the broom against the wall and leaning in close with a serious expression.
"This was Secretary Jack's directive."
Edward's gaze hardened slightly. Jack's intentions were now clear.
By sidelining Edward and his men from patrol duty, he had pushed them solely toward dealing with demons, not only isolating them but hoping demons might eliminate them, warning others of the risks of following Edward.
Jack wanted to elevate Edward, watching to see just how high he could rise—and how far he would fall.
Richard observed Edward's expression and sighed softly, his smile tinged with bitterness.
"He knows your strength, and yesterday, he gathered the patrolmen to lecture us. He said since we're capable, we should handle the demon cases exclusively from now on."
Richard's tone was laced with bitterness.
"Before he left, he left a message: if you reconsider things, he wouldn't mind if you brought some wine to his place to see him."
Hearing this, Edward's mouth curved slightly, aware of Jack's intent to provoke him into action.
"I understand. Get back to work," Edward nodded, his tone calm, showing no anger or unease, but rather a hint of unexpected satisfaction.
This reaction puzzled those nearby.
Richard observed Edward, unsure if he was pleased or upset.
Richard opened his mouth as though to say something but ultimately held back, nodding reluctantly, his admiration for Edward subtly growing.
Edward glanced at Richard, saying calmly, "Post a notice, and open the gates."
Soon after, the heavy government gate slowly creaked open.
A few officials, their faces serious, affixed a notice outside in a prominent place.
The message was direct:
"Effective immediately, Edward of White Deer Town will assume full responsibility for demon matters.
All inquiries, regardless of strength, may be brought to the government office to provide information or request assistance."
"Wester, Richard, go gather some information."
With a nod, the two exchanged a glance, quickly taking their leave.
The courtyard returned to a brief moment of stillness. Edward settled into a chair, closing his eyes as he leaned back, resting in the quiet.
Surprisingly, within only half a day, Richard returned.
Edward opened his eyes slowly, his gaze sharpening with mild curiosity.
Richard stood before him, visibly pale, his hands clenched into fists, trying to steady himself after an intense shock.
Taking several deep breaths to calm himself, he spoke in a low voice.
"Morgan was found dead at the Smith residence, in an utterly horrific condition."
Richard's face darkened as he spoke, his voice low and hoarse.
He looked at Edward, his expression tense in a way Edward had never seen before.
Edward froze briefly—he knew Morgan well.
A discreet man, Morgan had fought many demons, known for his combat prowess, especially in close-quarters combat.
He'd been hired by the Smith family to maintain order, yet this formidable fighter, feared even by demons, had met such a gruesome end.
"They say his face was twisted into a terrifying grimace, and there wasn't a single intact spot on his body," Richard whispered, moving closer and casting a cautious glance around.
"Shall we go take a look? Whoever did this was likely a high-level demon."
He glanced at Edward, concern evident in his eyes.
Richard hesitated, then continued, "Truthfully, if you don't want to go, we could pretend not to know.
Morgan's death was strange enough; it's not a case we have to handle."
Edward listened quietly, considering for a moment as a hint of coldness flickered in his eyes.
"It does seem calculated, like someone's waiting for us to take the bait.
But ignoring this won't work. Acting like we're afraid of demons would only make us a laughingstock."
He nodded at Richard.
"Let's go have a look. If it's a high-level demon, we'll settle it one way or another."