Busting the Demon in Disguise

At sun's early peak, the city of Mokomo was operating as normal, but the tense atmosphere among the task force personnel was palpable. Commander Sadie, her expression steely and determined, led the group through the narrow streets toward the town hall. Flanking her were her trusted retainer, a seasoned guard already ready for action, as well as Terran, Vin Stoke, and Princess Uriko—each prepared for what might come.

The town hall loomed ahead—a sturdy stone structure with high, reinforced doors and barred windows. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of old parchment, ink, and a faint undertone of something darker. Rumors had been swirling about a corrupt official—a merchant and government contractor—who was secretly siphoning funds meant for city maintenance and lining his pockets with the city’s money.

Sadie signaled to her team. “We go in quietly. Find the evidence and take him into custody. No unnecessary violence—yet. We want to expose him, not cause chaos unless we’re forced.”

She already had her task force scattered around town, in position to support each other and wait for enemies or chase down any runners fleeing this meeting. The people all knew what was expected of them and will capture anyone that looks suspicious. 

The group led by Sadie moved swiftly, slipping through a side entrance and into the hall’s shadowed corridors. The interior was full of narrow hallways, storage rooms, and offices. They pressed forward, their footsteps echoing softly as they approached the main office.

Suddenly, voices drifted from within—a hurried, sneaky conversation. Sadie signaled for silence. She pushed open the door. Inside, they found the corrupt official—a portly man with greasy hair, surrounded by ledgers, maps, and stacks of gold coins. He looked up in shock as the door swung open.

“Stop right there!” Sadie commanded, her voice commanding authority. Her retainer moved to flank her, drawing his weapon. Terran stepped slightly forward, ready to act if needed. Vin, eyes sharp, scanned the room for any hidden documents or evidence.

The official’s face was priceless. Full of surprise and contempt. He knew he could not escape. Challenging the raiding party, "What is this? More overreach of the imperial empire in this city!"

Sadie demanded silence, "Enough, your sweet lies Mr. Kestral Vaush is not going to work on me."

I was reading the room, there was only one person that seemed to be allowed in. It was the man before us. Enuma was explaining what he recognized to me in my ear. I waited for the right moment to speak up. 

Kestral continued to whine and complain, "Everything done is up to code, there is nothing illegal going on here. All you are doing is showing the empire is ready to conquer the people of Mokomo." 

Sadie just laughed, she looked at her retainer and gave the nod. Saying, "Mr Vaush, you clearly have direct connections to Gehanna. What is your benefit in all this?" 

Kestral laughed, "Is that all?" Kestral, the smooth-talking official, straightened his posture. His eyes gleamed with a practiced confidence, and his voice slid smoothly into a calm, persuasive tone.

“Ah, always so dramatic, aren’t you?” he said, flashing a slick smile. “Let’s not jump to conclusions. This”—he gestured around the room—“is simply the bustling activity of a merchant at work. Contracts, trade agreements, and yes, a bit of bookkeeping. Nothing illegal here.”

He paused, tilting his head slightly, as if weighing his words carefully. “You see, this is just standard practice, advanced logistics, really. I’ve got the necessary permits, the official documents. In fact, I’ve been working directly with the city officials, ensuring that everything is above board. You’re welcome to see the paperwork—transparency is my policy. The demons like Gehanna are approved by the city to work with.”

Kestral’s smile widened, though his eyes flickered with a darker, more calculating glint. “If you’re going to accuse me of corruption, I’d suggest you have the proof. Otherwise, I suggest you reconsider your approach.”

He leaned slightly forward, voice lowering as if sharing a secret. “Because I can assure you—poking around in my affairs will only bring trouble. And I’m sure you wouldn’t want to bring that down on the city, would you?”

Kestral’s words were smooth, confident, and layered with a dangerous charm—yet, beneath the surface, Sadie and the others could sense the subtle undercurrent of deception.

I then spoke up, "Can I say something? I figured out his game and plans." However, it was Enuma who figured it out. Sadie was astonished, thinking what die he figure out? 

She nodded and said, "proceed..."  as I tried to play a smart detective at first. "There seems to be a lot of traded goods to the demon realm, I am certain your paperwork will confirm that." 

Kestral chuckled, "Well, it is approved. I can have my people provide the necessary documents to appease you." 

Well, that is good. We appreciate your willingness to work with us." I said, keeping up the act. Which Kestrel, was getting annoyed, "Do you have a point?" 

"Okay, You have a lot of trade with many clients, and many are in the demon realm. They are now allies under the supreme commander of the demons Raifanto. You seems to even be a personal broker to Gehanna, is that right?"

Which Kestral confirmed with a smug smile. "Of course, all legal to a trusted ally." 

I nodded to Sadie with that confirmation. "I will continue, maybe someone lower in your company have been doing illegal work that you are unaware of."

This made Kestral nervous, "Well, if you have evidence. I will support you to investigate and expunge any bad apples in my company." Keeping up the smug confidence. I did not let up and gave a signal that only Sadie and Uriko would recognize. "Much appreciated, however, why do your eyes glow like that? They glow like you have herald eyes." 

"What?!" Kestral started to break his confidence. "I don't have such magic; I am a simple merchant that is capable." 

"Well, I can see the magic in your eyes. It must be very beneficial to merchant to use such secret ability. Either way, even if you doubt my ability to see. I just arrived in Mokomo with the commander here recently, which we came directly here from a certain facility that was run by Gehanna." and Sadie step up, channeled a magic attack to restrict the merchant Kestral's movement. She said, "Where the real face of Gehanna was unveiled." 

The demon Kestral lost his composure and block the magic attack from Sadie. It was too late, as I used my flicker step while he was distracted. Chopped his neck and knocked unconscious Kestral. I said, "We want to know why there is demon in disguise with such government contracts and stolen goods being traded to Gehanna." 

Sadie gave the command, "Start the extraction, arrest all on our list. We will interrogate them all. Be cautious in case any of them are disguised demons." and she turned to me and said, "Thank you for warning. Things could have gone much worse if you did not let us know that his secret."

As the task force went into action. Vin used her family name to get the company people to obey. Uriko approached me later and she was in awe. She said "I thought I knew everything about you. Yet you keep growing so strong that I do not know where you will stop. Your strength is so exponential." 

I replied, "I did not want to hold others back, so I worked to surpass everyone. Before I knew it, I am standing here with many accomplishments. Seems that you will have to look at my changes with new light." and Uriko with glinting with awe, she was so happy to see the little Terran she grew up with be so confident again. 

"Don't worry. The more you grow, the more I will love you. You will never a disappointment in my eyes. I am so glad you are growing and helping people." 

I was stunned; I heard the words. "Princess... I mean Uriko. Did you say ... that?"

Enuma mocked me harshly, "Boy, wake up. I only said you were dim. At least not dull." 

Sadie was still proceeding to direct the task force. She glances over her shoulder, saw the way Uriko and Terran were looking at each other. It was something she had not seen before. She was happy as she recognized such body language of those two. 

She also felt envy, as she remembered how Terran use look at her with those same eyes. She gave herself a little slap on the cheek and told herself it was not her responsibility. She always wanted her Little Man to grow up and be happy.