A Lead

Through the police chief's introduction, Sifa learned the names of the three inspectors.

The one wearing black-framed glasses was Lewis, the pale-skinned one was Jeffrey, and the red-haired lady was Martha.

After Bison took his seat, Inspector Lewis stated his purpose directly. "Sir Bison, we came this time in hopes of receiving Mr. Sifa's assistance."

"According to the information provided by the Enqi Town Police Department, we found that Mr. Sifa has encountered the 'killer' on at least two occasions."

To be precise, it had been three times if last night was included, Sifa silently corrected in his mind.

Lewis continued.

"Moreover, yesterday he solved a murder and body-disposal case. With the help of such an outstanding gentleman, I believe we can resolve this matter quickly and smoothly."

The curvaceous red-haired Martha, who was eating candy, also spoke up. "Besides, we've only just arrived in town and still lack a guide."

Bison frowned and spoke bluntly. "Sorry, officers. I appreciate your admiration for Sifa, but this case is far too dangerous. I don't want my child involved."

"I believe Chief Kaoxi has plenty of more capable people under him who can assist you. As for a guide, there's no need to worry. I can provide a better candidate."

Lewis did not seem ready to give up so easily. He pushed up his glasses. "Sir, please rest assured. We are fully capable of protecting Mr. Sifa's safety."

Sifa shifted slightly toward his father and said quietly, "Father, I believe Officer Lewis and the others have that capability."

"If my involvement can help resolve this matter sooner, then I'm willing to take part."

Sifa had his own thoughts.

That Monster clearly wanted to kill him, which was why it had sneaked into the villa last night.

Rather than defend himself passively, he might as well use these "experts" to hunt it down proactively.

Besides, he could use this matter to deepen his role-playing as a Hunter and speed up the digestion of his potion.

Chief Kaoxi also said, "Three bloody cases have already occurred. We must restore peace to the town as soon as possible. Mr. Bison, the peak holiday season is approaching. We need to settle this before then."

Bison looked at Sifa, then at Officer Lewis, and finally nodded. "All right. But as you said, you must be responsible for his safety."

"No problem."

Just as Lewis agreed, a burst of voices came from the front door. Then Sebas, the butler with gray-white whiskers, walked in and whispered something into Bison's ear.

"Oh, is that so?"

Bison adjusted his expression and smiled. "Gentlemen, perhaps I can provide you with a lead related to the bloody cases right now."

He said this to Lewis and the others, then instructed Sebas, "Bring him in."

A moment later, old Cook the coachman walked in. Seeing so many people in the hall, the dark-skinned old man appeared somewhat restrained.

Bison rose to his feet and made a brief introduction before saying, "Cook, tell these officers about the matter you wished to report."

The three inspectors exchanged curious glances. Then the middle-aged officer took out a notebook and fountain pen, opened the notebook, and prepared to take notes.

It seemed his memory wasn't very good, Sifa muttered inwardly, having noticed that detail.

Old Cook nodded before saying, "Sir, a few days ago, you took an oil painting to the police station. I caught a glimpse of it at the time and somehow felt that the face in the painting looked familiar."

"Yesterday, I finally remembered. It was Ain's grandson. I saw that child last month. He was a frighteningly deformed child. It's just that the one in the painting seemed to have grown quite a bit."

"So I can't be certain. After all, what child grows so much in just one month?"

Bison said blankly, "Ain? Which Ain?"

Father and I didn't remember him either, Sifa thought. When he had previously heard the servant Matthew mention him, his expression had been just like Bison's now.

Lewis, however, stood up. "Can you take us to Ain's house? We want to see his grandson with our own eyes."

Old Cook nodded. "I know where he lives, but I can't guarantee he'll be home. I haven't seen that old fellow in nearly a month."

Sifa stood as well. "I'll go too. I've seen the killer, so I can confirm it."

Seeing this, Bison could not well stop him. "Then let Cook take you there. You may use my carriage—the one with the enclosed cabin."

Lewis removed his hat and gave a slight nod. "Thank you very much, sir."

Thus, with old Cook driving, Sifa and the three inspectors shared a carriage and left the house for the outskirts of town.

Just in case, he brought the Serpent-Scale Revolver but left behind the Shadow Glove, afraid that the "experts" might discover it was a Beyonder weapon.

Inside the carriage, the red-haired lady sitting opposite him took out her candy tin again, shook out an orange-yellow candy, and handed it to Sifa with a smile.

"Here."

I'm not a child anymore, Sifa found it amusing, but he still accepted it.

Jerriff, seated beside Martha, looked at Sifa. "Do you know which specialty shop in town has discounts? I'm planning to bring some things back."

I don't know. Really, I haven't paid attention to that sort of thing.

Sifa did not answer. Lewis, seated beside him, gave a dry cough. "Let's discuss that later, Jeffrey."

The inspector with black-framed glasses and pronounced forehead lines looked up and said seriously, "Mr. Sifa, I'm very glad that you're willing to assist us."

"However, for your safety, I hope you remember this: if danger arises, you must stay by my side."

"I'll remember that." Sifa responded solemnly.

Soon, the carriage came to a stop. Old Cook's voice sounded from outside the window. "Young Master Sifa, officers, Ain's house is up ahead."

The door opened, and Sifa and the other three got out one after another. The carriage had stopped at a fork in the road. At the end of the narrow path stood a gloomy farmhouse.

Just like the farmhouse Sifa had seen during his last trip to the logging yard, its gravel walls were covered in wild roses, while dense trees around it blocked out the sunlight.

The fenced-off patch of open ground beside it looked even more desolate. Weeds grew unchecked, making it seem as though the place had long been abandoned.

The two large black dogs chained outside the farmhouse door, however, remained as energetic as ever. They barked madly at Sifa and the others from afar.

Lewis was about to step forward when the red-haired Martha called out, "Wait."

She pulled a silver chain with a red crystal pendant from her deep cleavage and removed it from around her neck.

She held the silver chain in her hand, allowing the crystal pendant to hang naturally. Once its swaying had settled, Martha seemed to be saying something.

The others could not make it out.

But as a Hunter, Sifa's keen hearing still allowed him to catch some of it.

"There is danger caused by the supernatural in the farmhouse before me."

After repeating it seven times, the red crystal pendant unexpectedly began to sway.

It rotated counterclockwise, though not very quickly.

Was she divining? Danger caused by the supernatural... They really were official personnel!

For no apparent reason, Sifa felt excited, as though he had become a little more integrated into this world.