Chapter 101: Murder

Chapter 101: Murder News of a Murder that had occurred within the Merchant Guild quickly spread across. The guards that were stationed in their position promptly rushed to the site of the crime scene. Meanwhile, Mirelle gritted her teeth and ultimately thanked the murder incident for enabling her to slip through many security measures. ’Forget it, I don’t even know who died!’ She thought to herself as she made her way toward Wesley’s office. Now was the golden opportunity she had been seeking to sneak over there. With the guards’ focus and attention shifted, Mirelle was able to maneuver past the majority of the guards. After slipping past them, she pursed her lips and frowned. ’I’ll help you find the culprit once I accomplish my task.’ In the end, Mirelle couldn’t go against her conscience and ignore the matter after being exposed to it. At the very least, she wanted to see whether the murder was justified or not. If the victim was a villainous scum, then she had no sympathy for their death. On the contrary, if the victim was a good person and met with misfortune, then she would definitely help avenge them. Double standard? Yes, it was a double standard in her book! But so what? She only wished to do things that she could live without any regrets. Of course, this was excluding the things that she was forced to do by Leonard’s command. While this was happening for Mirelle, the commotion made their way to the Round Table. The door was suddenly opened, catching everyone by surprise, including Leonard and Wesley. Given the confidentiality discussion in the Round Table, it was engraved with multiple runes and formations. The unexpected barging of a newcomer instantly triggered a few offensive spells. "Wait, it’s me, Sir Ethan!" Upon sensing the offensive spells, the newcomer hurriedly raised their hands and identified themself. "What’s the matter with this?" Wesley glanced at Ethan with a displeased expression. He had barely just gotten the upper hand after a long verbal bout against Leonard. Yet he couldn’t even enjoy the fruition of his effort when this newcomer disrupted the momentum. As for Leonard, he remained indifferent on the surface but was secretly concerned. ’It can’t be that Mirelle was caught, right? Wouldn’t that be a bit too abnormal?’ No matter what, Mirelle was a bona fide sixth circle mage. Moreover, she was hardened through wars, so to be discovered by mere guards was unimaginable. "You’d better have a good explanation for this farce, David!" Ethan emerged in front of the newcomer and warned sternly. The newcomer, David, was a guard in charge of the patrol in the interior. He was supposed to be the most knowledgeable to know better than to enter the Round Table when a meeting was in session. David’s complexion was ugly as he informed, "A murder had occurred within the Merchant Guild." "..." The collective merchants sitting at the Round Table were starting to lose their composure. A murder in the guild? That was it??! Even Ethan frowned a bit at the information. "Who is the victim?" He inquired. If the victim was some important figure, then all was well. But if it were some insignificant figure, then the consequences would be severe. "Uhh... the deceased victim is a guard of ours, Bryant." David reported and continued, "Bryant was responsible for the inspection of the lineup today. But after he went to take a bathroom break, he was nowhere to be found, prompting the other guards to search for him until they discovered his dead body near a storage room." "..." Speechless, Ethan was on the verge of sending David to meet with Bryant in heaven or hell, whichever these two useless bastards deserved. How could a mere guard’s death warrant such a commotion? Were these guards suffering brain damage simultaneously? Didn’t they know how important the meeting at the Round Table was? Not to mention Ethan’s disbelief, even Wesley was starting to lose his patience. Dealing with Leonard had made him lose quite a few tempers, but these guards not only failed to alleviate his pressure, they even went on to add more pressure. "You’d better explain yourself properly," Wesley spoke up. His tone was laced with a subtle threat that was intended to end his life or career. Frightened, David hurriedly went to his knees. "The deceased Bryant showed symptoms of the previous victims in the Sunfire Road incident." CRACK! Suddenly, one of the merchants dropped their cup to the ground that they were planning to drink from, creating a loud cracking sound in the otherwise silent atmosphere. ’The culprit made their way to the Merchant Guild, huh.’ Leonard didn’t anticipate the incident spreading to the highly secured Merchant Guild. While Leonard was startled slightly by the news, Wesley’s expression had completely darkened. "It appears that the meeting has to be postponed." He stood up and informed the collective merchants, "May you please enjoy your stay momentarily in the guest rooms in the guild. We have ample rooms for everyone, and you will be accommodated with the best for free." Although Wesley made it sound like a free vacation stay, they all understood what he meant. They were all suspects, so to prevent anyone from escaping, they had to accept the accommodation. Of course, it was just a precaution, so they will still be treated with great hospitality unless one decides to act out of hand. "We shall oblige with Lord Wesley’s command!" Alger quickly said, stealing the limelight from others. The other merchants realized they were a bit late again. Nevertheless, they still said some pleasantries before being escorted to their respective rooms by other guards. Meanwhile, Abel occasionally glanced at Leonard, almost as if he was wondering if the murder had anything to do with him. ’This Vincent is too mysterious and ruthless. I’d better leave Velastra once a chance arises.’ Abel had truly developed post-traumatic stress disorder when facing Leonard. His thought process kept drifting to the worst possible scenario. Living with such constant fear was terrible for the heart! "Do you care to join me for the crime scene, Mr. Vincent?" While nearly everyone left, Wesley asked whether he wanted to join. "Why not?" Leonard smirked and readily agreed. He had no choice either because he was clearly the most suspicious person out of everyone else in the Merchant Guild.