A Clue

Through the introduction of the Chief of Police, Seth learned the names of the three inspectors.

The one with black-rimmed glasses was Lewis, the pale one was Geoffrey, and the red-haired lady was Martha.

Once Byson had taken his seat, Inspector Lewis spoke directly:

"Sir Byson, we are here to seek Mr. Seth's assistance.

According to the information provided by the Enqi Town Police Department, we found that Mr. Seth has confronted the 'murderer' at least twice."

'To be exact, it was three times if you counted the encounter last night', Seth corrected silently in his mind.

Lewis continued, "Moreover, yesterday, he also solved a murder case involving a hidden corpse. With the help of such a remarkable gentleman, I believe we can resolve this matter quickly and efficiently."

The red-haired lady, Martha, who was munching on candy, added, "Besides, we've just arrived in town, and we're still in need of a guide."

Byson frowned and said bluntly, "I appreciate your recognition, officers, but this case is too dangerous, and I don't want my son involved. I'm sure Chief Kaosi has more suitable candidates who can assist you. As for a guide, I can provide someone better suited."

Lewis wasn't ready to give up so easily. He adjusted his glasses and said, "Sir, please rest assured that we are fully capable of ensuring Mr. Seth's safety."

Seth turned slightly toward his father and whispered, "Father, I believe Officer Lewis and his team are capable. I'm willing to participate if my involvement can help resolve this quickly."

Seth had his reasons.

The monster intended to kill him, as it had infiltrated the villa last night. Rather than staying on the defensive, using these experts to go on the offensive would be better.

Furthermore, this would allow him to deepen his role as a 'Hunter' and accelerate the potion's digestion.

Chief Kaosi also added, "Three murders have occurred, and we need to restore peace to the town as soon as possible. Mr. Byson, the holiday season is approaching, and we must resolve this matter before then."

Byson looked at Seth, then at Officer Lewis, and finally nodded, saying, "Alright, but as you said, you are responsible for his safety."

"No problem," Lewis agreed.

Just then, a voice came from the entrance, and the gray-bearded butler, Sebastian, walked in, whispering something into Byson's ear.

"Oh? Is that so?" Byson adjusted his expression, smiled, and said, "Gentlemen, I may have a clue related to the murder."

This was directed at Lewis and the others. Then, Byson instructed Sebastian, "Bring him in."

After a short while, the old groom, Cook, entered. Seeing so many people in the hall, the dark-skinned elderly man appeared somewhat nervous.

Byson stood up, gave a brief introduction, and said, "Cook, please tell these officers what you have to say."

The three inspectors exchanged curious glances, and the middle-aged officer, Lewis, took out his notebook and pen, ready to take notes.

It seems his memory isn't great, Seth noted, observing the detail.

Old Cook nodded and said, "Master, a few days ago, you brought an oil painting to the police station. I saw it then and somehow found the face in the painting familiar. Yesterday, I finally remembered—it's Ain's grandson. I saw the child last month. He's deformed. But in the painting, he seems to have grown significantly."

"So I wasn't sure. After all, how could a child grow so much in just a month?"

Byson asked with a blank expression, "Ain? Which Ain?"

'I heard the servant Matthew talk about it', Seth's expression was much like Byson's.

Lewis asked, "Can you take us to Ain's house? We'd like to see his grandson for ourselves."

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

Seth stood up. "I'll go with you. I've seen the murderer, so I can help identify him."

Seeing this, Byson couldn't stop him, so he said, "Let Cook take you. You can use my carriage, the one with the canopy."

Lewis tipped his hat and nodded slightly.

"Thank you, sir."

So, Old Cook drove the carriage with Seth and the three inspectors, leaving the house and heading toward the outskirts of town.

Just in case, Seth brought his snake-scale revolver, though he left the 'Shadow Fist' behind, fearing that the 'experts' might recognize it as an Extraordinary weapon.

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

"For you."

'I'm not a child', Seth thought, amused, but he accepted it anyway.

Sitting beside Martha, the pale-skinned Geoffrey glanced at Seth and asked, "Do you know any shops in town offering discounts? I plan to take some things back with me."

"I'm not sure. I haven't paid much attention to that," Seth replied.

Lewis, who was sitting next to Geoffrey, cleared his throat.

"Let's talk about that later, Geoffrey."

The inspector with black-rimmed glasses and a slightly heavy brow turned to Seth and said seriously, "Mr. Seth, I'm very grateful for your assistance. But for your safety, I must insist that you stay by my side if we encounter danger."

"I understand," Seth responded earnestly.

Soon, the carriage stopped, and Old Cook's voice called outside the window, "Master Seth, officers, Ain's house is just ahead."

The door opened, and the four exited the carriage one by one. The carriage had stopped at a fork in the road, and a gloomy farmhouse stood at the end of the path.

As Seth had seen when he last visited the logging camp, the farmhouse's gravel fence was covered with wild roses, and dense trees surrounded it, blocking the sunlight.

The open space enclosed by wooden stakes was desolate, with weeds growing unchecked as if it had been abandoned.

However, the two large black dogs chained at the farm gate were still energetic, barking at Seth and the others from afar.

Lewis was about to step forward when the red-haired lady, Martha, shouted, "Wait a moment."

She pulled a silver chain with a red crystal pendant from the depths of her bosom and removed it from her neck.

Holding the silver chain in her hands, she let the crystal pendant dangle freely. Once its initial swing subsided, Martha appeared to be muttering something.

The others couldn't hear her, but as a 'Hunter,' Seth's sharp hearing allowed him to catch snippets of her words.

"...The farmhouse ahead is tainted with danger from the Extraordinary."

She repeated this seven times, and then the red crystal pendant began to sway.

It rotated counterclockwise, though slowly.

'Is she performing divination? Danger from the Extraordinary—so they are official investigators!'

Seth felt excited, as if he were integrating further into this mysterious world.