Academic gathering with a lich-Chapter 507 - 469: The Evil Wolf Sneers

The morning breeze carried the fragrance of flowers and the dampness of dawn, and the sunlight heated those scents into a refreshing stimulus similar to the scent of mint leaves, which passed through the opened window sills and entered people’s nostrils.

The mornings in Naranya always began in such rhythm, accompanied by flowers, smiles, and sunshine.

But in the security office, more than a dozen well-dressed gentlemen with furrowed brows had long since crossed the threshold. Their worried expressions contrasted starkly against the lush green ivy outside the window, like unnecessary ink blots on a painting.

Citizens more diligent than the officials had made the already spacious security office seem quite crowded. They had declined assistance and stood silently in the area, the only sound being their impatient pacing.

Not until the door opened again did a tall figure enter, carrying the morning light and fragrance with her. Unlike the hopeful expressions on the faces of those around her, the eyes beneath her wine-red hair, those eyes that usually overflowed with enthusiasm and sunshine, now carried a playful look.

The woman’s boots clicked on the ground as she smiled and greeted her colleagues, walking down the path that the crowd parted for her, to her chair.

"Good morning, Sheriff Sharan."

"Good morning, Mr. Swar." The woman’s smile, like a permission, brought smiles to the faces of everyone else, and conversations unfolded instantly, but from each mouth, all points converged on someone who was not present.

"The number of complaints against the Naranya security bureau has reached ten times that of last month, and these complaints are all focused on one person... The content involves disturbing citizens, regional discrimination, and terror enforcement..."

"After eleven o’clock, people can only stay in their own homes, pubs and inns have had to close early, and even trade routes have been closed off, causing immeasurable losses to Naranya’s economy."

"The expansion project in the new district has been halted, many workers have lost their jobs and are idling at home with wives and children to feed."

"As for the nobility, as you know, many of their holdings have been hit hard for groundless reasons."

"That new chief of police... Sheriff Sharan, he has brought about significant changes in Naranya in less than a month."

"With just one person, he has almost overturned Naranya’s laws."

"The smiles have vanished from people’s faces, and even the sunshine and flowers seem dull. He is turning our homeland into another strange city."

The man with a pained expression chose his words carefully, and finally, turned to look at the seated female sheriff.

"There’s a rumor going around, Miss Verlet, that you, have married a devil in human skin."

Sharan Bennett, the former chief of police of Naranya, was now under investigation due to her family being embroiled in sensitive issues. Miss Verlet, whom we are familiar with, gave an embarrassed smile.

"No, Ralph and I have not yet married; we are still just in a heated relationship. You guys really have a sense of humor. Well, I’ll do my best."

"..."

The birdsong outside the window broke the indoor silence.

"Sheriff Sharan, we’re not here to offer congratulations. The new chief of police, the chief you brought back, is running amok in Naranya, your once beloved homeland."

Verlet’s eyes became serious; what seemed like a lighthearted joke to lift spirits was not amusing to the others.

"I understand the severity of the problem, so, what are your plans by coming to me?"

The hesitant crowd finally succumbed to the omnipresent pressure, and the oppressed stood up.

"We all know there are many questionable points in the case that once brought down the Bennett family. Sheriff Sharan, you are the real chief of police in our hearts, not some gloomy man who’s allergic to pollen. We understand your relationship with the new chief, but for the people of Naranya, for our homeland, please fulfill your past vow. We will support the Bennett family’s resurgence just as we support you becoming the new chief again."

Verlet propped her chin up, her long legs crossed underneath the table.

"You plan to defy the kingdom’s arrangements. Ralph is legally the chief of police of Naranya."

"But we can’t stand him anymore. He’s made Naranya terrible. For the sake of the people, we must do this. Lady Sharan, we’ve prepared the ransom and smoothed the relationships. As long as you agree, Bennett Master, your father, will see his prison ordeal end very quickly."

Verlet’s interlaced fingers on the table reflected the unrest in the sheriff’s mind. As if having reached a decision, Verlet stood up, her tall figure looking eye to eye or even down at those present.

"Ralph is indeed a difficult man to get along with, who ignored my affections. To be honest, I too am a bit tired, and his disdain for Naranya upsets me, but I never thought that he would have such a significant impact on my homeland."

Verlet’s face showed a look of profound sadness. She clapped her hands, and other sheriffs left their seats, standing by the side of the crowd as if an army of rebels was assembling. Ralph, not skilled at management, found that these colleagues from the security office, like the people of Naranya, still followed Verlet’s commands.

"Now, I can only make this regrettable decision."

"Arrest these rebels!"

It wasn’t until the collective petitioners to the security office were violently pinned to the ground by the sheriffs that the smug looks in their eyes were replaced by shock.