"Thanks to your help, after the rat infestation was resolved, everyone immediately started planting. This year's rain has been good, and the harvest is great."
Speaking of this, Jasper was all smiles, "It's hard to believe. Despite the rat infestation this year, the yields are better than in previous years. That's why we're planning to make the Harvest Festival grander this year."
"That's wonderful." Mira was delighted, which meant that Rhode's previous efforts had not been in vain.
"However... it was only later that I realized you two are such famous Mages. The reward last time was really..."
Rhode said, "Please don't mention it again. Mages don't charge based on fame. Since we agreed on it back then, it's unrelated to anything else."
He was somewhat impressed by the villagers' labor efficiency and the speed of crop monetization.
Before returning home, Jasper expressed his gratitude many times.
Mrs. Tara saw her husband and asked, "Back so early... do we have guests?"
Jasper replied, "It's Mr. Rhode and Miss Mira from last time."
"Ah, I'll make some tea right away."
"I'll do it. You go to the venue and keep an eye on things. Don't let the boys mess it up. We have matters to discuss here."
Mrs. Tara slightly bowed in acknowledgment, "Alright, I'll excuse myself then."
Rhode and Mira didn't mind this since the matters over there were also important.
Jasper poured some tea, and the three quickly got to the main topic.
"Regarding what Miss Mira asked, if anything has happened recently..." Jasper hesitated for a moment before saying, "Someone was killed at the beginning of the month."
"A murder case? Did someone in the village fall victim?" Rhode was shocked. Even in a world where magic is prevalent, murders were not common.
He had encountered the Dark Guild or the Black Magic Sect before because he frequented dangerous places, categorized as survivor bias. Ordinary people might not encounter such an event in their lifetime.
Mira wore a sorrowful expression. Even being labeled as a demon, she couldn't ignore life.
Jasper shook his head and said, "It wasn't someone from the village. It was a merchant who often did business nearby. Along with his coachman and helpers, a total of five people were all killed on their way back."
"When their bodies were found, a night had already passed, so no one saw what the murderer looked like."
The money they had was gone, but though the goods were rifled through, they were left intact in their original place, even the horses and carriage were there."
"Robbery and then murder to silence?" Rhode guessed with a frown, but it didn't seem right.
If it were a robbery, they should have driven away the carriage as well. The goods were valuable too, and escaping in a carriage or on horseback would be convenient.
Jasper said, "The town's security team investigated and said the traces seemed like the work of a Mage. They couldn't handle it and had to report it to the Advisory Council."
"The Advisory Council..."
The Advisory Council was currently overwhelmed and couldn't resume normal operations anytime soon. This matter, merely suspected to involve a Mage, was likely beyond their capacity to handle.
"Anyway, it's been almost half a month with no news, so people didn't dare to go too far away. It's only been getting better these last few days."
Mira asked, "And that case has just been left unresolved?"
Jasper nodded, "Yes, the bodies were taken away by the security team. They should have been claimed and buried by their families by now."
Mira said, "I see, so it's because of this that you're worried that someone might cause trouble or even murder during the Harvest Festival, and you asked me to come as a guard?"
"Not entirely because of that unknown murderer. Actually, since we learned about the Council's destruction, we've noticed the public safety in nearby villages and towns deteriorating.
In normal times, it's bearable. With some caution, we can get by. But holding such a lively Harvest Festival seems like announcing to others that we're bustling and wealthy...
Such an important festival can't be canceled just because of poor public safety, so we had to bite the bullet and proceed. Luckily, we know you two reliable Mages. With you here, everyone will feel more at ease."
Actually, the most cost-effective and straightforward solution would be to cancel the event. But for the people here, the Harvest Festival is the most important festival of the year.
Just like how people wouldn't avoid going home for the New Year because of pickpockets, the festival must go on.
Rhode and Mira exchanged a glance and nodded, "So, our task is to guard against potential external threats, right?"
"Uh... yes." Jasper seemed hesitant again.
"Do you have anything to add?" Rhode asked. "Before confirming the task, it's best to clarify everything to avoid disputes later."
"Ah, no," Jasper said, "We'll give you the reward upfront if needed. There will be no disputes, don't worry."
This behavior made Rhode uneasy, as if someone was setting a trap for him to fall into.
Despite the suspicion, they currently had no reason to refuse the task, so they agreed to it and decided to be extra cautious.
Rhode placed the mission statement on the table, "Then the task is established. We hope to get more detailed information about that murder case."
Jasper asked, "Is it necessary to understand that for a guard mission?"
Rhode replied, "Of course. If we can identify the killer within a day and take care of him, it solves everything at once.
Even if not, at least we can learn something about the opponent's magic and combat style through clues. If we encounter them, at least we'd be somewhat prepared."
Jasper said with some difficulty, "I only know the merchant's name was Spike. Other details would require asking the town's security team."
That's true; villagers aren't Conan to casually head to a crime scene. Naturally, they wouldn't know much about the case details.
Rhode said, "At least tell us where the crime scene is."
"After leaving the village, head approximately 2 kilometers east. There's a road leading to town. Follow it southwest for about two to three kilometers, but by now, there might be nothing left."
"We'll only know once we take a look." Rhode stood up, "Let's start working now."
"Ah, the place for the two of you to stay is still at my house, the same room as before. Would you like to rest or eat a little?"
"No need. Since it's not dark yet, we'll check the scene first. Just keep the room for us."
The two of them left the village chief's house and headed out of the village.
Glancing around to make sure no one was nearby, Mira asked, "Did you feel there's something off about Mr. Mayor?"
Rhode said, "Very off, it feels like he's hiding something from us, and he's speaking hesitantly."
"I feel the same way."
"Let's be extra careful. Moving forward, we shouldn't consume anything from their place, including tea, snacks, or meals. We'll make our food with the supplies we brought."
Rhode felt the suspicious behavior warranted caution, and if they had to eat, they should first see if others ate without incident.
While getting designated tasks sounds impressive, it also makes it easier to be manipulated or set up to harm the named Mage.
High rewards are often accompanied by high risks, and caution is essential.
Mira said, "Did you forget? Poisons don't affect demons."
Rhode asked, "What about sleeping pills or anesthetics?"
"..." Mira was silent for a moment, "Effective."
"That's why young ladies shouldn't drink just anything when out and about."
Rhode took out a pair of sunglasses and put them on Mira, taking a step back to admire her, "Very pretty."