The communicator emitted a faint hum. A moment later, the call connected, and a clear, slightly majestic girl's voice came through.
"This is the City Lord's Manor. Captain Sterling, is there something to report?"
Roy immediately stood up straight. Even though the other party couldn't see him, he maintained a respectful posture.
"Good morning, City Lord Cecilia. I do indeed have a situation to report to you."
"Please, go ahead."
The girl's voice was concise and direct.
"About half an hour ago, an incident occurred at the city gate involving a Goblin attempting to infiltrate in disguise. During the disposal process, two unfamiliar travelers appeared..."
Roy described the events in detail, placing special emphasis on Ellen's shark-like demi-human features and her astonishing method of instantly neutralizing the Goblin. The other end of the communicator fell silent for a moment, as if she were contemplating this information. When City Lord Cecilia spoke again, there was a hint of interest in her tone.
"A maid with a shark tail? Using a giant pair of scissors as a weapon? And she instantly knocked down a frenzied Goblin?"
"Yes, City Lord. That lady named Ellen didn't even get off her companion's back; she summoned that weapon with just a lift of her hand... I've never seen such a fighting style," Roy added. "While they don't seem to have any ill intent and even did us a favor, I felt it was necessary to report this situation to you."
"You did well, Captain Sterling."
"Lately, monster infiltration incidents have been occurring frequently within the city. Although they've all been discovered in time, we still haven't found their source or purpose." Cecilia sighed softly and said, "I suspect there's an organizer behind the scenes controlling these low-level monsters. The problem is, our manpower is already stretched thin, and conventional investigation methods have had little effect."
Hearing Cecilia's complaint, Roy couldn't help but nod in agreement. "Yes... currently, the guards need to maintain daily patrols and city defense; we can't spare enough men for a deep investigation."
"If we hire adventurers from the local guild... I'm afraid there might be a mole among them..." Cecilia's words made Roy narrow his eyes slightly, and he asked tentatively. "So you think... these two unfamiliar travelers... could..."
"Exactly," Cecilia confirmed his thought before Roy could even finish. "They are fresh faces, their strength seems impressive, and most importantly, they have no connection to any faction within the city. If we can ask them to assist in the investigation, perhaps we can break the current stalemate."
Although Roy understood that Cecilia's reasoning was sound, he was still somewhat hesitant. "City Lord, we know nothing of their background. Isn't it a bit risky to entrust such an important task just like that?"
Cecilia laughed softly. "Captain Sterling, sometimes risk and opportunity coexist. I trust your judgment." She added, "Since you were willing to give them temporary passes, it means you believe they are trustworthy. Moreover... people with such remarkable strength, if they truly had ill intent, likely wouldn't enter White Thorn City in such a high-profile manner."
Roy recalled Ellen's lazy yet sharp strike and had to admit the City Lord had a point.
"Let's do this..." Cecilia finally made the final decision and commanded. "Do not approach them proactively for now; let them move freely within the city. I will send someone to keep an eye on their movements. If there are no issues, I will visit them in person."
"I understand, City Lord." Roy nodded, placed the documents in his hand on the desk, and said, "Then regarding the interrogation results of this Goblin and the report on the contraband, I will report directly to you shortly."
"Good. Continue to stay alert, Captain Sterling. May the twin moons protect White Thorn City."
Cecilia finished and ended the communication. Roy put down the magic communicator and walked to the window, looking out at the bustling streets of the city.
"...The ones controlling the monsters... you'd better pray we don't catch you..." He clenched his fist and headed toward the interrogation room located beneath the Guard Post...
Meanwhile, Luna Belle and Ellen had already found the Silver Oak Inn recommended by Captain Roy. The inn was located at the end of the main street, a three-story wood and stone structure with a sign carved in the shape of an acorn hanging at the entrance.
"This is the place." Luna Belle looked up at the sign and breathed a sigh of relief. After carrying Ellen this far, though she wasn't heavy, Luna Belle's arms were starting to protest.
Luna Belle walked into the inn. The interior was spacious and clean, with several wooden tables in the lobby where a few people dressed as adventurers were drinking and chatting. A middle-aged woman stood behind the counter, looking down while working an abacus.
"Welcome to the Silver Oak Inn." Hearing the door open, the woman looked up, flashed a professional smile, and asked, "Do you need lodging?"
Luna Belle walked to the counter and looked at the price list above it. "Yes, we need a room... preferably one with two beds."
Just as the woman was about to speak, her gaze inadvertently swept over Luna Belle's shoulder and happened to meet Ellen's half-open red eyes. Ellen gave her an extremely subtle wink.
The words at the tip of the woman's tongue were immediately swallowed back. Having run the inn for many years, she had long since developed the ability to read people. A perfectly measured look of apology instantly appeared on her face. She wiped her hands on her apron and said to Belle with great sincerity.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, young lady. You've come at an unfortunate time. With the Harvest Festival approaching, there are so many merchant caravans and adventurers coming from all over that rooms are very tight. Twin-bed rooms... the last one was just booked."
Hearing this, a look of disappointment inevitably appeared on Luna Belle's face. She subconsciously shifted Ellen on her back and muttered, "Huh? What bad luck..."
The woman's smile became even warmer as she held up a finger and suggested, "Wait! Don't worry! We're out of twin-bed rooms, but we still have a very comfortable Double-bed Room! The room is spacious, and the bed is large enough; it's definitely enough for two young ladies to rest. Would you... like to consider it?"
As she spoke, she specifically pointed to a key labeled "Double Room" hanging behind the counter, her expression so natural that no flaw could be seen.
Luna Belle was stunned. Sleeping in one bed with Ellen? Her cheeks involuntarily began to heat up, and her eyes started to wander.
"This... a Double-bed Room..." Luna Belle's voice was a bit hesitant. She subconsciously turned her head, wanting to see Ellen's reaction on her back.
However, Ellen seemed to have fallen asleep again, her breathing steady, her cheek resting on Luna Belle's shoulder, looking completely exhausted. Seeing Ellen like this, the words "Maybe we should try another place" got stuck in Luna Belle's throat...