The forest near Wrihull City wasn't very large by any means.
It took Shun one whole day to find a cave. The Ardor he sensed in that cave felt very demonic. Moreover, he also saw a Demonic Totem in that cave.
Shun couldn't help but wonder 'Was this the demonic being's lair? Despite the presence of Demonic Ardor in the surroundings, there are no clues. Because of the flow of time, there are no clues. This location was most likely last used a few months ago.'
After understanding that he wouldn't find any more clues around in this lair, Shun investigated the forest even more thoroughly.
It took Shun another half a day to find a den. From the Ardor, Shun felt that this location was used by an elite beast.
He entered the den and after inspecting it for a few minutes, Shun had a smile on his face. He found the clues inside this den.
The first clue was a few strands of hair. These strands were of Blonde and Black Color. Considering their length, Shun easily deduced that they were woman's hair. Moreover, the two colors of hair indicated that two women lived in this cave.
He remembered that the Elf Princess was blonde. Moreover, he had heard that the demon had also brought a succubus along. The black hair should belong to her.
The second clue was signs of a campfire on the ground. They probably lit it up to cook their food.
On the walls, he also noticed two vertical lines that were drawn by using a stone. Shun guessed that these two women were counting days.
'Why would they count days if they were only here for 2 days? That's something they can do in their heads easily.' This question instantly appeared in Shun's head.
Atleast, he didn't think an average individual would mark somewhere to count the days.
'Perhaps the two women weren't told anything. They thought they would have to live here for quite some time but surprisingly, it was only for 2 days.'
However, Shun found something odd about this place as well.
'I can understand why that demon chose this place for a hideout. But why didn't he destroy the clues? Was he in a hurry?'
'He's been very careful not to leave any signs that may lead back to him up until now. So why would he be so irresponsible as to leave so many hints in this place? Were these placed by him to trick others?'
Shun was quite confused. There was a forced smile on his face as he wondered 'Or is it a bluff? Perhaps he is using reverse psychology.'
Shun thought for some time and sighed out.
'I need to gather more information. Specifically, the precise date when Tiana Rhodes vanished from the Rhodes Estate. Also, I need to investigate Edwin Rhodes more.' Shun was somewhat happy that he had some clues now.
He could proceed with his search.
Moreover, even though he wasn't sure what to conclude after seeing this cave today, he knew that the Elf Princess had indeed arrived in this place a month ago.
Atleast, she was still in the Sinyalian Kingdom.
However, Shun also knew that gathering information about Tiana Rhodes along with Edwin Rhodes wouldn't be easy.
Jonas wouldn't easily allow it.
But Shun knew he had to be quick about this. He was already quite late for the investigation. If he wasted any more time then the Elf Princess would really be out of his reach.
'How can I outsmart the demon? How can I accomplish my motives in the fastest time possible?'
Soon, there was a bitter smile on his face as he muttered, "I have no other choice than to do this."
~~
5 hours later, Jonas Rhodes could be seen flying towards the forest near the Wrihull City at his fastest speed.
Just a while ago, a messenger had informed him, "Milord, Sam Lee asked me to pass this slip to you."
"Sam Lee, huh?" Jonas calmly held the slip and read it.
He was utterly startled as he read the slip. The name of a location was written over that slip. Moreover, there was another line that stated "Meet me there alone --- Inquisitor Fox."
'Does he already has an idea of the perpetrator's location? That was too quick even for his standards.'
Jonas was immediately on the move.
It was rare for Inquisitor Fox to meet him and discuss something. He would usually prefer to do it through the Voice Communication stone.
'It must be a very serious situation.' Jonas thought.
After some time, Jonas reached the location given by Inquisitor Fox.
From the air, he noticed someone seated on a stone. The person was wearing a fox mask and he soon raised his head to look at Jonas.
Jonas landed on the ground and asked him slowly, "I am here. What is it you wanted to discuss, Inquisitor Fox?"
Shun calmly replied, "Let me first show you what I found here."
He pulled out two strands of hair from his pocket. One was a strand of long blonde hair and the other was a strand of long black hair.
Jonas glanced at those two strands of hair and immediately understood what they signified.
"The hair of Elf Princess and that succubus?!"
Inquisitor Fox nodded and added calmly, "Most possibly. There are also traces inside this den that they stayed here for 2 days."
He took Jonas into the cave and showed him the substantial evidence that backed up his claims.
"And now, you require my help?" Jonas casually asked Inquisitor Fox.
"That's correct. I need your assistance but in the form of information regarding two individuals. Only when I receive that information from a reliable source would I be able to take another step forwards regarding this case." Inquisitor Fox spoke with a serious voice.
As he confronted Inquisitor Fox, Jonas' demeanor became solemn. He knew that because Inquisitor Fox had summoned him to this location to obtain this information, it must be extremely valuable.
"What is it? I will give my response after hearing you out." Jonas spoke calmly. He wasn't going to promise carelessly.
Shun was already satisfied with this response, "I hope you will hear me out completely before making your mind."
"I need information regarding your son Edwin Rhodes and also want to know the precise timing when Tiana Rhodes vanished from your mansion." He spoke with a serious voice.
Before Jonas could say anything though, Shun continued with a strong voice, "I have my reasons to request this information from you, Marquis Rhodes."
"In this forest, I also found another location with a demonic statue. When you inspect it, you will understand that the last time it was used was probably two or more months ago. That's nearly the same time when your son Edwin Rhodes suddenly changed."
"Moreover, Edwin Rhodes' change was viewed after he returned from this forest. His servants did die here but they weren't killed by beasts."
Jonas frowned as he understood Shun's meaning.
"You mean that Edwin encountered that demon? The same demon who created this entire scheme to capture the Elf Princess? Is this what you want to imply?" Jonas asked him seriously.
"That's correct. My guess is that he encountered this demon and this demon forced Edwin to make a deal with him. I don't know how they exchange information yet. Perhaps the demon was blackmailing him or forcing him. However, it's also likely that Edwin willingly made a deal with the demon to become stronger. This demon is now instructing Edwin on how he should get stronger."
"I came to this conclusion since I heard that Edwin changed greatly after returning from this forest. He changed his diet and focused greatly on his cultivation. This sudden change is too fishy. But even if it is a genuine change then why didn't Edwin first ask for advice before changing his diet? Why would he just order the chef straight away to serve him different kinds of food? It's as if he was absolutely confident that it would be absolutely beneficial to his body without asking for someone's advice."
Jonas's eyes widened at those words. Even he hadn't thought so deeply about this situation.
"There is also the fact that he didn't ask anyone to teach him techniques. He just stayed in his room, focusing on his cultivation as if he wanted to say he knew everything. That can't very well be true. Thus, only a single possibility remains, he has made a deal with the demon." Shun finished speaking with a grim voice.
Jonas thought with a frown 'That's right. Now that I think of it, Edwin also went to participate in the Beast Raid within Kloras Town without informing anyone. Why would he go alone to that place?'
Shun noticed that Jonas was understanding his points. Now, it was time to move towards the next one, "There is another person related to this case. Your newlywed wife Tiana Rhodes. She vanished from your mansion near the same time when the Elf Princess was captured. If I know the exact time when she vanished then I feel like we will have another strong clue."
Jonas's eyes widened at those words. He never connected Tiana's case to the Elf Princess's capture.
"You are truly very intelligent." Jonas sighed out as he smiled at Shun.
Shun shook his head and replied, "Marquis Rhodes is, in fact, highly intelligent as well. It's just that this case involves your family and an outsider can see the entire situation more calmly and clearly without getting tunnel-visioned."
Jonas spoke, "I respect your intelligence and your clever mind. However, I can't give you any information regarding the members of the Rhodes House."
Shun had expected this response from Jonas. And was prepared to deal with him.
He spoke with an amused tone, "Marquis Rhodes, remember you once told me that everything has a price. The question is whether you are willing to pay it or not."
Jonas frowned as he heard him.
Soon, Shun raised his hands and placed them over his Fox Mask. And he slowly removed the fox mask.
Jonas's eyes widened in shock.
'What is he doing? Is he really revealing his face to me?! How can an Inquisitor reveal his identity to someone else? Is this the price is paying for the information?!'
Jonas had always wanted to know of the true identity of the Inquisitor Fox. But he had never imagined he would find out about it in such a manner.
Jonas couldn't help but gasp in shock as he looked at Inquisitor Fox's good-looking face, his purple hair that was combed neatly, and those striking pair of sapphire eyes that looked into Jonas's eyes.
This was not a face unfamiliar to him. In fact, he was too familiar with this face.
3 years ago, the Noble Houses had a meeting dozens of times and its purpose was to deal with this man.
"Shun Gordon, The Golden Mayor?!" Jonas exclaimed.
Shun smiled in return as he saw Jonas's shocked expression.