Chapter 153: Chapter 112: Did You See Me Kill Someone?

After some haggling, Michael agreed to owe Baron 500 Silver Coins and a favor.

In return, once the "Spear Sword" was forged, Baron would give Michael the item known as the "Periodic Table of Elements."

(PS: "Spear Sword" was the name Baron had chosen for the weapon to be forged, which combined a spear and a blade.)

After leaving the Alchemy Workshop, Baron and his companions returned to the Blood Church.

An old Nun told them that the Little Nun was still undergoing her Blood Trial and would likely emerge in another two or three days.

Baron nodded and was about to head back to his room to meditate and regulate his breathing when he received a letter from City Lord Lewis, delivered by the church’s gatekeeper.

He took it and saw it was an invitation from the City Lord’s Mansion. They were holding a celebration the next evening to mark the successful conclusion of the Hunting Competition, and all the daily final winners were invited.

Baron wasn’t keen on going. He figured it would be boring to be there alone, not knowing any of the important people. He’d rather stay at the church, sleep in, or practice his skills with the Shepherdess.

But then he read the next line on the invitation:

"You may bring a friend..."

He raised an eyebrow. ’Things just got interesting.’

Especially since he had recently received instructions from Faraday to assassinate Ferdinand on the next Foggy Day.

Ferdinand had to be killed; the Iron Thorn Gang was already after him, just as Faraday had said. But the question was, could he really trust Faraday?

The fact that the man had specifically insisted he go alone was far too suspicious...

He had a faint feeling he could use this situation to his advantage.

An idea formed in Baron’s mind, and he immediately went to find Zod, the old Hunter.

Zod was currently playing cards with the hot-headed Maguire and the Blood Loss Knight, Morey, who had been mooching off the church for some time.

Baron didn’t mince words in front of them. "I need to find a place where I can buy a colorless, odorless sedative—one that won’t be detected after it’s used."

The moment he said this, the looks on their faces changed. Maguire was the most direct: "L, are you planning to drug someone?"

But he immediately refuted his own question. "No, that can’t be it. You’re not that kind of person, L."

’In your mind, I should be exactly that kind of person,’ Baron thought. Just then, he heard footsteps and a commotion behind him.

He turned to see an Elite Guard flanked by several other guards.

The guard was tall and built, with an arrogant air. He immediately flashed a token identifying himself as a "Non-believer" and another showing his rank as Guard Captain.

He glanced coldly around the hall, and everyone who met his gaze, whether they were worshippers or Nuns, quickly looked away.

The Guard Captain seemed quite pleased with this reaction. He casually grabbed a cup of red wine from the communion tray of a passing Nun, took a sip, and spat it all onto the floor.

"The fare at the Blood Church is getting worse and worse. I can’t imagine where all the donations from the worshippers go. Straight into the Priests’ pockets, I’d wager?"

He then placed the cup back on the terrified Nun’s tray and said coldly, "Which one of you is L? Step forward. The Chief wants to see you!"

Baron frowned, instinctively thinking the Iron Thorn Gang was refusing to let things go.

Maguire and Zod already had their hands on the hilts of their blades. The Blood Loss Knight, Morey, remained impassive, a half-smoked cigarette dangling from his lips as he shuffled his cards with a crisp SHUFFLE.

The worshippers who had been praying nearby were scared off by the guards’ entrance. Only a few scattered Nuns remained, praying firmly and piously in the corners—if you ignored their trembling legs, they were indeed quite pious.

Baron glanced at the guards who, at the sight of Maguire and Zod reaching for their blades, had donned their armor and drawn their weapons, surrounding his group. He frowned and said, "I am L. What is this about?"

But the Guard Captain said, "The Chief requests Mr. L’s assistance in judging a case. Come with me."

After speaking, he actually signaled for the guards to grab Baron’s arms!

But the guards were blocked by two blades. Zod and Maguire had drawn their weapons and stood protectively in front of Baron. Zod spoke coolly:

"Is this how the Guard Post asks for help?"

"The Guard Post always acts swiftly and decisively. If you delay the case, how will you take responsibility!"

The Guard Captain narrowed his eyes and snapped.

’Whoever sent them is up to no good.’

Baron’s heart sank. "What matter does the Chief need me for?"

He couldn’t recall having any conflict with this Chief the previous night.

The Guard Captain said lazily, "People are going missing in Fude City. The Chief wants you to assist with the investigation."

’Missing people?’

Baron remembered seeing news about this in the papers when he first arrived in Fude City.

The Guard Captain looked at Baron, his words laced with a threat. "I must ask Mr. L to come along. Time is of the essence."

Maguire said angrily, "Is this your attitude when you’re asking for help?"

’How audacious.’

The Guard Captain sneered. "The Guard Post never *asks* for help, we just get things done. Besides, this is a personal invitation from the Chief. He wouldn’t have sent me, a Guard Captain, to deliver the summons and escort Mr. L otherwise."

"So, what will it be, Mr. L?"

"You make a good point."

Baron nodded, and the Guard Captain’s smile grew even more brazen.

"But I refuse."

"What did you say?"

The Guard Captain froze for a second, then heard Baron say again, "I said, I refuse."

"Why?" the Guard Captain asked.

Baron said flatly, "There is no why. Just report back to the Chief exactly what happened. Tell him that L refuses. Now, please leave."

"Is that so..."

The Guard Captain nodded and waved a hand, ordering, "Seize him and take him back."

"I’d like to see you try!" Maguire and Zod stepped forward, casting aside their scabbards.

"The Guard Post is conducting official business. All who resist will be killed without question."

the Guard Captain said coolly. The other guards also drew their blades, forming a circle and surrounding the group—including the Blood Loss Knight, Morey, who had been watching the show.

They were all held at swordpoint, unable to move.

The Guard Captain smiled at Baron. "Mr. L, I only call you ’Mister’ out of respect for the Chief’s personal invitation. Don’t make things difficult for me."