They Were Being Watched

Phew~~

I'm stuffed~~~

After leaving the restaurant, Shane rubbed his bulging stomach as he headed toward City Hall in the center of town.

Honestly, with the barbecue, beer, and crayfish from his previous life setting such a high bar, even the most skilled chefs in this other world could barely make food that belonged at the same table as West Lake vinegar fish.

But if you'd spent three days in a monastery in some forest gnawing on black bread and washing it down with plain water, then sizzling roasted ribs and steaming cream of mushroom soup would surely feel like a satisfying salvation.

Of course, Frieren had found even greater salvation.

Shane glanced to his side at the elf girl, gently patting her stomach with her eyes narrowed in bliss. Bathed in the spring sunshine, she looked as if she might melt from happiness.

He sighed to himself:

Just as I thought, little girls who love sweets are all so cute.

City Hall stood at the heart of Gostan City. It managed the city's affairs and kept everything running smoothly.

As he walked through the entrance, Shane felt a slight discomfort, as if static electricity had passed through him.

The feeling lasted only an instant.

He looked at Frieren, puzzled.

She explained, "This is the Magic of Identifying Demon-kin. Some members of the Demon Race look just like humans. If they hide their horns with clothing or magic, they can easily blend into a crowd. That's why large cities and fortresses set up this kind of magic in important locations."

So that was it.

Thinking back to the double layer of defenses they had encountered the previous night, Shane's impression of the city's authorities improved.

A cautious ruler could always minimize unnecessary casualties.

"Hello, you two. Is there anything I can help you with?"

A beautiful receptionist in a fitted black uniform came over. She wore a warm smile and carried herself with gentle, polished grace. Even her voice and tone were as soothing as a spring breeze.

Shane couldn't help admiring her. A true professional.

"Hello, my name is Shane. I was asked by Monk Beryl to deliver a manuscript."

As he spoke, Shane took out a wooden box and handed it to her.

She accepted the box, checked the emblem on it, then opened it and glanced over the thick manuscript inside. Nodding with satisfaction, she said, "You two have worked hard. This is indeed Mr. Beryl's manuscript."

"With this final analysis manuscript, we can officially begin testing and cataloguing the new magic he deciphered from the Holy Scripture. I must say, Mr. Beryl is a remarkable monk. His research is sure to influence generations to come."

Shane felt a sense of relief. The old man's life's work hadn't gone to waste.

"To thank you both for your help, City Hall has prepared a small token of our appreciation. Please wait a moment."

There was an extra reward, too?

Shane was pleasantly surprised.

The receptionist carried the manuscript away. In the blink of an eye, she returned to her original spot, the wooden box in her hands replaced by a small envelope.

She had moved so fast that Shane's eyes couldn't keep up. He was stunned.

But before the receptionist could hand him the envelope, a thoroughly flippant voice rang out from the entrance to City Hall.

"Who sealed off the Inverted Land labyrinth? Hurry up and lift the seal for me!"

Shane immediately recognized the speaker.

It was the blond young master who had caused a commotion in the restaurant just moments ago.

The old butler and two maids were still following behind him.

With one hand in his pocket, the young man swaggered into City Hall. When he stopped, he even made a point of standing right in the middle of the hall. He lifted his chin with practiced nonchalance and continued, "I'm going to conquer the labyrinth. Whoever set up the barrier, take it down at once."

The receptionist's expression didn't change at the blond boy's arrogant, crude demand. She continued to smile pleasantly.

"I'm sorry, sir. The city is currently under lockdown. To ensure the adventurers' safety and guard against any attacks that may occur, we've suspended all labyrinth expeditions."

"Then give me a special pass."

"I'm sorry, sir. City Hall's order allows no exceptions. Please wait patiently for it to be lifted."

"Then call over the person in charge of City Hall. I want to talk to him."

"I'm sorry, sir. Lord Ross and General Glucks are both attending a defense meeting and can't receive you. If you'd like to meet with them, I can make an appointment. The soonest available time is... the afternoon four days from now."

After their back-and-forth, Shane was left dumbfounded.

She was incredible. A true professional.

Faced with the blond boy's rudeness, the receptionist remained perfectly composed and in control. There wasn't a single fault to find in anything she said. Meanwhile, the blond boy was already starting to lose his temper after just a couple of exchanges.

"What's with all these orders and restrictions? You're obviously targeting me! You just watch, I'll—"

Bang!

A deafening crash rang out.

Before the hotheaded young master could finish his threat, several new figures suddenly appeared in the hall.

Three golem puppets, each over two meters tall, leaped down from the tops of the stone pillars. They formed a triangle around the blond young master, hemming him in.

Shane was taken aback. He looked up at the pillars and saw four "miniature" golems crouched atop each one.

There were four pillars in the hall, which meant there had to be...

As expected of City Hall. No complaints about its defenses.

The receptionist still wore a smile and kept her manner gentle. But the three golems in front of her radiated a bloodcurdling killing intent.

The blond young master was stunned by the sudden turn of events, the words he'd been about to say catching in his throat.

His old butler, at least, knew how to read the room. He immediately stepped forward and held out an arm to shield the blond boy, then bowed slightly to the receptionist in apology.

"Please forgive my young master for the unintentional offense. We'll leave at once."

Hearing the butler's words, the receptionist smiled graciously and said nothing more.

She returned to Shane and handed him the envelope with both hands, bowing as she thanked him. "This is City Hall's small token of appreciation. Please accept it. And thank you again for your help."

In an instant, Shane felt as though a resentful glare was about to burn through his back.

He didn't have to guess who it came from.

Shane sighed to himself.

Whether in his past life or this one, he hated dealing with people like that. He took the envelope without hesitation and left with Frieren.

As a result...

The more you tried to avoid trouble, the more trouble came looking for you.

They had barely left City Hall and taken a few steps when an irritating voice sounded behind them.

"Wait!"

The blond young master teleported in front of them and blocked their way.

He ignored Shane and looked excitedly at Frieren, scanning her up and down with no regard for manners. "Are you Frieren, the mage from the Hero's party?"

"I'm Brugge, a very powerful mage. Let's form a party and conquer the labyrinth together!"