"Do it!"

BAMM!!!

A loud bang and crack, followed by flying debris and wooden splinters made everyone look in shock and curiosity. The doors of the inn were kicked open by the Caerleon guards.

The huge, two-story building was an inn designated for adventurers, be it local or from elsewhere. The place looked simple, but there were enough tables and chairs for each adventurer team to sit comfortably, while the bar was stocked with food and drinks.

A cacophony in such a quiet evening quickly brought the attention of everyone who was staying at the inn, along with the Caerleon civilians nearby.

"Seth, you may have the honors." Tristan whispered. The thin-looking lancer took a deep breath and shouted.

"Adventurers Connor and Myre! Both of you are under arrest for the murder of the former Caerleon mayor, Elas Dortoris!"

No one spoke up, but even more people gathered at the area, curious about what was going on.

Tristan glanced at Seth and said.

"One more time, Seth. Louder."

"ADVENTURER CONNOR AND MYRE-"

Not long after the people started gathering in front of the inn, the 'hero' with golden hair, Connor, along with the brown haired lady, Myre, stood up from their seats. All eyes were trained on them, and whispers could be heard, some expressing disbelief, some expressing glee, and others expressing rage.

With confidence in each step, Connor walked forward and said.

"My Lord Mayor, there must be a mistake! I did not do such a thing!"

Myre and the other adventurers followed Connor and shouted their complaints together. The shouting attracted even more civilians, and when they realized what was happening, they joined in the chorus of enraged people as well.

Before Tristan could say anything, the gold-haired man raised his hand and shouted. "Everyone, please calm down! I believe the Mayor was just misinformed. There is no need to bring violence onto this."

"There was no misinformation." Tristan stepped forwards with confidence, looked up and down at the man, and said. "We have brought a witness."

He glanced at his teammates and called out for the archer woman. The girl was blood-sealed, and she will say anything he asked for but no more. The girl pointed at Connor and Myre, and told the story Tristan had prepared her to say beforehand. She even added some half-truths to make it more dramatic.

However, the golden-haired hero still didn't budge, and his annoyingly confident smirk still graced his face. With a calm expression, he looked at the girl and said.

"My Lord Mayor, this girl was a liar and a thief, she was known amongst us adventurers for being slippery." As Tristan expected, all the adventurers nodded and supported his story.

Tristan was equal parts annoyed and bewildered, angry because the man in front of him still had the audacity to talk back and bewildered at the crowd's insistence on defending him.

"Lord Mayor, please," Connor spoke politely. "I hope you will not fall for rumors from such a person."

Unwilling to accept defeat, Tristan took a deep breath and said.

"Mr. Connor, it was not just her. Your buddy Jim had also confessed his own wrongdoings, along with your involvement in this crime."

Upon hearing that, the golden-haired adventurer was unable to hide his surprise. Tristan added something about how Jim was killed in a fight when he tried to run.

The idea was to trick the 'hero' into flying in rage and attack him. But, it seems that he couldn't be easily provoked.

In short, this guy really could act. He could show off such a sorrowful expression from the death of his friend. He fell onto his knees and wailed.

"Jim! Please, my Lord! This is an injustice! I have been falsely accused!"

His acting was really something on a Hollywood level and were Tristan someone who could be easily swayed, his hatred towards this so-called hero would have evaporated in an instant. This guy really deserved two big thumbs up.

Thanks to the commotion, the streets were now full of Caerleon citizens. From a quick glance alone, there were at least a few hundred of them. Connor was quite charismatic, and there was no way the man was unaware of it, as every single word from his mouth riled up the crowd to vouch for his innocence.

Uriel approached Tristan and whispered in concern. He tried to persuade Tristan to stop and find another way to deal with the cunning man, but he firmly refused.

As a mayor, his words should have weight, and the current order of things must change. He was ready to pull out his sword, when suddenly the crowds parted, revealing three men wearing luxurious clothes. They are the three mine owners.

"Yes! This is perfect!" Tristan whispered under his breath.

He could see that they came to defend the so-called 'hero', but Tristan had other plans for them. Before they could say anything, he walked towards them and said.

"Here! The three elders have come to clear up the situation!"

Tristan touched the three and used his overpowered skill secretly,

[Blood Seal]

A red mist came out from his body and entered their body. Luckily, the commotion was able to hide the mist, and no one noticed what happened.

Only Seth, Uriel, and the golden-haired adventurer realized what happened. Connor was about to say something, but Tristan cut in and said in a loud voice.

"Please, elders. Tell them what happened."

To his surprise, the elders really did tell everyone what really happened without Tristan using his control abilities. They talked about how Connor has given them some extra coins to give their workers in exchange for some side jobs involving orcs. They even added that some of the orc attacks were fabricated by the adventurer, as it was him who angered the orc and made them attack.

The three spoke in almost perfect synchronization, each completing the other's answer, and Tristan smiled. Spending 300 blood essence for them all was worth it.

Now, Connor's expression had completely changed. He was cornered.

With a wicked smile, Tristan said. "If you are not involved in this… step away, now!"