Rangers

Someone had beaten them to it?

According to Editor-in-Chief Donald's explanation, those people had also presented badges from the Hall of Order and were accompanied by actual blue uniforms.

Donald had been in the middle of accompanying a group searching Donnie's office when the front desk called him out, which was why he had looked so thoroughly confused upon arriving.

Why would someone rush to fight over a task as mundane as fixing a toilet for villagers? Had real officers from the Hall of Order actually come knocking?

Lynch gave the lady officer an inquiring look, only to find Officer Natalie looking somewhat puzzled as well, though mostly annoyed.

“Before they destroy anything of value,” the lady officer said in a chilled tone, lifting her sword, “take us up.”

Editor-in-Chief Donald instinctively took a step back, looked at her sword, and silently turned to lead the way.

“Do you know them?” Lynch kept his hand slipped inside his coat, gripping his pistol as he followed closely beside the lady officer.

“Probably those people—the Rangers, the investigative department directly under city hall.”

Before her voice faded, the two had already been led to the second floor. Turning from the staircase, they spotted several blue uniforms standing guard in the hallway outside an open doorway.

Officer Natalie let out a cold snort and strode over.

Clack. Several blue uniforms clicked their boot heels together, standing at rigid attention.

“You three from the Rangers—get out here.”

At the sound of footsteps, three men in formal suits draped in black cloaks emerged. Lynch could sense the mysterious filth within them, but there was no intense agitation; at most, none were higher than rank three authority.

Leading them was an emaciated man in his thirties. Squinting at the pair, he sneered, “Well, well, if it isn't last night's distinguished heroes? Fast as lightning, saving the authorities' reputation overnight. Why aren't you out basking in the glory instead of running around here dragging a private detective behind you?”

“Humph. Walker, you Rangers have no authority to pry into the Watchers' operations. You're interfering with our investigation right now—back off.”

“What a shame. Under Lande law, this uncanny death took place within Rhine City. It's not yet the place of the kingdom's direct Watchers to take over; a local department like ours is more than enough. If you want to investigate, that's your prerogative, but you have no right to obstruct our work. Who told you to show up even later than a bunch of 'useless slackers' like us? Heh, why don't you hurry along with your private detective to collect your commendation? Leave this place to us.”

With a mocking expression and a sarcastic tone, Walker chuckled in a low voice. Behind him, the two black-cloaked figures chuckled along.

“Hiss, so sour.”

Lynch clutched his cheek, making a face as if he had a sudden toothache.

He understood the situation completely. The incident had been preliminarily resolved overnight, bringing a moment of glory and widespread acclaim to the kingdom's special forces, the Watchers, and the Hall of Order. In stark contrast, the Rangers, who held similar duties, looked all the more incompetent, undoubtedly enduring ridicule and mockery from all sides—especially immense pressure from city hall.

And so, a world where everyone was happy except the Rangers was achieved.

Unfortunately, the people of this world didn't grasp the concept of "sour grapes." Walker from the Rangers merely shot Lynch a frosty glare.

“I don't know why you've set your sights on this place, but the truth behind Donnie's death is complicated and potentially extremely dangerous. From what I know, it has already caused several mysterious events,” Officer Natalie said, keeping her emotions in check with a taut face. “If you want the credit, we can yield it to you, but this matter is far too much for the Rangers' strength and resources—”

“Hah, what a joke! We are hunters too. The Rangers' strength and resources aren't for you to judge.” Walker gritted his teeth, forcing laughter through the gaps. “We have no right to stop your investigation, so do as you please. However...”

As he spoke, several blue uniforms hauled two large, packed crates out of the room, looking visibly heavy.

“...however, we also have jurisdiction to investigate, so we're taking the items here with us first. Who told you to be a step behind us? Haha, you should just head back to collect your reward. You aren't needed here, and we won't waste any more time chatting. We have evidence to sort through, and we're very busy. Heh, excuse us...”

With a wave of his hand, he turned and led the blue uniforms away. As he passed Lynch, he shot him a venomous glare.

“Wait, this case is very likely connected to—” The lady officer glanced at Editor-in-Chief Donald beside them, unable to elaborate openly. “Many people have already died. Every day we delay finding the truth could cost more innocent lives.”

“Which is precisely why us salary-stealing thieves need to work hard on our investigation. As for whether you figure it out or not, that's none of our concern.” Walker laughed with immense satisfaction. “Take your time looking around. I hope you find plenty of clues. Best of luck, haha.”

Officer Natalie's hand rested on her sword hilt, but she slowly let go, clenching her fist at Walker's retreating back. Still, she shouted after him, “This case involves at least a rank six... it's extremely dangerous! Do not take it lightly!”

“No need to fret over us, losers. We're professionals too.”

The three black-cloaked Rangers broke into low jeering laughter and swaggered off with the two large crates.

Officer Natalie kicked the wall in fury, the impact shaking down a fine shower of plaster dust.

Peering through the open door, the room was in utter disarray.

Every piece of furniture had been shifted from its place. Aside from the furniture, not a single scrap of paper was left behind—it had been picked outrageously clean.

Certain spots even bore traces of deliberate wiping and destruction. It was clear these people had not only hauled away every object, but intentionally destroyed anything that might have served as a clue.

Refusing to give up, the two quickly searched the room, but came up empty-handed. Officer Natalie looked out the window at the departing group, her face flushing crimson as she clenched her fists tightly.

“Don't be angry. We still have a chance to turn things around.”

Lynch found it rather amusing—to think toxic workplace infighting existed even in another world. And were these people former thieves? How had they cleaned the place out so thoroughly?

“I have no interest in getting angry over such petty squabbles, but all those bastards care about is snatching credit and benefits. They never consider what consequences will follow, or what harm will come to the kingdom and the public if this incident isn't resolved promptly.”

Officer Natalie slammed her fist onto the windowsill, hanging her head and speaking in a low, muffled voice.

“It doesn't matter. Just a few infighting fools—hardly enough to ruin anything.” Lynch patted Officer Natalie on the shoulder. “Even if they really carted off every clue here, they won't necessarily stop us. Besides, destroying all the clues isn't that easy.”

“Huh?” The lady officer jerked her head up, her eyes flashing as she stared at Lynch. “There are still clues to be found here?”

“I'm not capable of pulling something out of thin air here, but nobody ever said this room is the only valuable place in the entire newspaper agency.” Lynch shrugged and turned to Editor-in-Chief Donald. “They only searched this office, right?”

“Yes. Donnie's belongings were all in here. No one in our agency keeps the materials they're responsible for anywhere else.”

“Then what about Maya's office? Did they search that?”

“Huh? Something happened to Maya too?”

“Heh, just as I thought.”

Lynch smiled at Officer Natalie, placed a hand over his chest, bowed, and made an inviting gesture toward the doorway.