Chapter 89

An ordinary carriage slowly made its way to the Gouda District. Delov lifted the curtain of the carriage window and looked outside. This wasn't his first time visiting the Gouda District, but it was the first time he observed it so closely.

Although he had heard about the chaos and lawlessness in the Gouda District, what he saw was unexpectedly desolate. If the dirty streets, the drunkards lying on the ground, and the occasional suspicious glances from passersby were the true state of affairs here, he would never believe it.

Lowering the curtain, Delov sighed. This wasn't what he was concerned about now.

Rozlin's sudden warning had put immense pressure on him. Whether he liked it or not, he had to follow Rozlin's orders.

The destination of the carriage was the Gouda District's Magistrate's Office, and his goal was to find the Chief Magistrate.

Everything was due to the deaths of Ambrosia and his assistant.

When the carriage slowly stopped in front of the Gouda District's Magistrate's Office, Delov got out and looked at the somewhat desolate building. He approached the gate, woke up the sleepy guard, and informed him of his identity and purpose. The guard, with an impatient look, simply said, "Wait," and lazily walked into the office to announce his arrival.

Delov shook his head. If it were twenty years ago, he might have already slapped this negligent and disrespectful guard. But he was no longer the same person.

His tumultuous life experiences had smoothed out his rough edges, and his compromise with reality had taught him to endure and accept.

The wait wasn't long. Soon, the guard came out of the office, opened the gate, and let him in.

Following the guard, Delov entered the Magistrate's Office.

"Where are your people?"

Looking at the empty and desolate office, Delov couldn't help but ask, "I don't see anyone."

"They're all out," the guard replied impatiently.

"All out? Didn't the search order from the Guard Hall get canceled?" Delov asked, trying to control his temper.

"What order?" The guard turned and gave Delov a strange look, then said, "You mean that piece of scrap paper? Ha, who cares about that kind of thing..."

Calm down, calm down... Delov clenched his fists and tried to soothe himself. When he met the Chief Magistrate, he would definitely have this corrupt guard dismissed.

"Here we are. You can go in yourself."

At the end of the hallway, the guard grunted and turned to leave. Delov calmed his mind and knocked on the door of the Chief Magistrate's office.

"Please come in—"

When Delov opened the door, he was stunned. In contrast to the desolate exterior, the Chief Magistrate's office was opulently decorated. What was even more surprising was that a half-naked woman was lying on the guest sofa!

"Chief Magistrate of the Gouda District? Mr. Kogot?"

Looking at the middle-aged man lazily leaning in his chair, Delov couldn't believe that this man, who looked so pampered, was the highest-ranking official responsible for the security of the district.

"Chief Magistrate of the Tung Hua District? Mr. Delov?" The plump middle-aged man smiled and nodded, his small black eyes sizing up Delov.

"Yes—"

"I'm sorry for the state of things here. Would you like a cup of Norvian tea?"

Kogot glanced at the half-naked woman on the sofa and smiled.

"No, thank you. I'm here to ask you for a favor."

Norvian tea? A few gold tols for a small cup was beyond his means. Seeing the man's behavior, Delov could understand why the Gouda District's security was so poor.

Delov didn't want to think about anything else at this moment.

"Oh? Is that so? What a pity—" Kogot's tone seemed regretful when he heard Delov's response. He brought his plump, pale fingers to his mouth, gently blew on the ring with a large blue gem, and said, "If I can help, I won't refuse your request."

"I need to see Andien. I believe you are familiar with him, Mr. Kogot?" Delov said straightforwardly.

"You want to see Mr. Andien?"

The plump middle-aged man put down his hand, his fake smile disappearing, and looked at Delov coldly. "Why do you need to see Mr. Andien?"

Delov sensed the change in Kogot's attitude. The use of respectful language when mentioning Andien indicated that Andien was someone special. Kogot's sudden unfriendly attitude also showed that he was protective of Andien.

"Mr. Kogot, don't worry. I just want to ask Mr. Andien a question," Delov said, trying to sound relaxed.

"What question?" Kogot asked, not buying Delov's act.

"A few days ago, some black-clothed men were killed in the alley between the Gouda District and the Tung Hua District. A few days later, my assistant was also killed there. When I was investigating the murderer and had no leads, someone recommended Mr. Andien from the Gouda District. He said he could help me, so that's why I'm here," Delov explained.

"I see—"

Kogot's cold expression softened. "Is the murderer related to Mr. Andien?"

Delov's heart tightened. It seemed Kogot was still wary of his story. "Of course not!"

Kogot didn't speak, just kept looking at Delov. It was more like he was observing whether Delov was lying. A man in his position had the skill to read people.

"Alright, I'll take you to see Mr. Andien."

After a moment, Kogot struggled to stand up and said coldly, "But if I find you doing anything to harm Mr. Andien, I won't be lenient."

"Don't worry! That won't happen," Delov quickly assured him.

At this moment, Delov suddenly became interested in this mysterious Andien. For the Chief Magistrate to protect him like a loyal dog, Andien must be someone extraordinary.

"Mr. Kogot, the guard outside the Magistrate's Office seems—"

On the way out, Delov tried to say something, but Kogot's laughter interrupted him.

"You mean Apia? Ha, he's a relative's child from my hometown. What do you think? Isn't he a good kid?"

A good kid? He's terrible!

But Delov didn't say that. He saw Apia approaching, his face full of respect, which made Delov doubt his earlier impression.

From the moment they left the office, Apia had been attentive and considerate, and Kogot seemed satisfied. What else could Delov say?

What a hypocritical and cunning kid.

...

"Mr. Delov, Chief Magistrate of the Tung Hua District?"

When Delov and Kogot met the mysterious Andien, they encountered no trouble. After Kogot was left outside, Andien smiled at Delov.

While Andien leisurely sipped his tea, Delov carefully observed him. To Delov, Andien was just an ordinary person, but if there was a difference, it was that he seemed more like an elegant and well-mannered noble.

"Yes."

"Kogot said you need my help?" Andien put down his cup and leaned back on the soft sofa, asking casually.

"Yes."

"Do you know that if you want my help, you must pay a price?" Andien smiled.

Delov fell silent. He didn't know what he had to pay to get Andien's help. Rozlin hadn't told him, and he was sure that Andien wanted more than just money. The opulent decoration of the room showed that Andien wasn't lacking in wealth.

Just from Kogot's behavior, Delov could tell.

"Mr. Andien, what if the help I need is something you can't solve?" After much thought, Delov asked.

"We believe in fair transactions. If I can't help you, you don't have to pay anything," Andien said.

"Alright! I agree!"

With Rozlin's support, Delov had nothing to fear. Besides, his current situation was already bad enough; a little more trouble wouldn't make much difference.

"Very well, tell me what help you need!" Andien seemed more energetic and sat up.

"Mr. Andien, do you know about the murders in the alley between the Gouda District and the Tung Hua District a few days ago?" Delov asked seriously.

"That incident?" Andien seemed to think for a moment, then smiled interestingly. "I know about it."

Encouraged by the confirmation, Delov continued, "Do you know who the murderer is?"

"How should I describe it?" Andien touched the ring on his finger and vaguely described, "It was a middle-aged man who looked down on his luck, probably a mercenary..."

"A mercenary? Do you know his background?" Delov asked eagerly.

"No!" Andien said bluntly. "These are just minor details. I have no reason to know them."

Delov felt disheartened. "Thank you, Mr. Andien."

"Forgive my curiosity, but why are you so interested in this murderer?" Andien asked, intrigued.

Delov smiled bitterly. "I can tell you, Mr. Andien. He not only killed my most important assistant but also a very troublesome person. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be in this situation."

"A very troublesome person?" Andien asked.

"Yes, but please forgive me, I can't tell you more."

"Truly a pity. It seems our deal can't be made," Andien leaned back on the sofa.

"Still, thank you for the information, Mr. Andien." Delov stood up. "I'll take my leave."

After Delov was escorted out by a servant, Andien laughed to the empty room. "It seems you've gotten yourself into some trouble."

Suddenly, another door opened.

A middle-aged man in rough black clothes walked out expressionlessly.

"Indeed, it's a problem," the man said, looking at the door Delov had left through.

"I'm very interested. Who did you kill?" Andien asked.

"Just a mage—"

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