The Demon King's Paladin Part 2. All Out War.

Chapter 492. Useless Reports, Useful Supplies

" Ah, the Hero Party, I apologize for the wait, but an emergency came up right before you arrived that I had to attend to. Please, sit, can I offer any tea? Coffee? Water?"

After waiting around an hour and a half, we were finally brought into the office of the Lord of Phoenix Wing. Duke Walter Cottingham was his name. He was a somewhat chubby looking older man. It seems that all of the work has made him stress eat from time to time and the amount of time he must spend running a town this size must stop him from going out and exercising. However, he didn't look unhealthy, so there must be some kind of exercise he does. His hair was dark red with a few patches of white here or there and he had green eyes. He wore a warm smile as he invited us in, but it was the same smile that the Nobles would wear whenever we went to one of those useless parties in Whitestone.

" Thank you, but we were hoping to just get any information we can and be on our way to the where the Demons were sighted, Duke Cottingham."

Jessie answered the Duke's questions. It's become his natural role it seems during the times that he and the fool head off to complete quests in other towns and the like. I was thankful since I didn't have the patience to deal with Nobles.

" Very well, please sit, I believe the reports are... Yes! In this drawer."

We did as the Duke asked and sat in quite comfortable chairs as he rummaged through his desk looking for the paperwork related to the Demon sightings. He found them eventually. Once they were in his hands, he quickly handed them to Jessie.

" You've neglected to send any Scouts to take a look since the original sighting?"

Jessie's tone as he asked the Duke that question was quite accusatory. I couldn't blame him. From what I recall, the Dukes are supposed to send Scouts to be sent and look for the current locations of Demons if they're sighted somewhere close to their towns. Jessie's tone seemed to upset the Duke somewhat.

" I'd would've loved to, but you see, I've received orders from King Roman to leave everything up to the Hero Party. It's actually caused quite the stir for our City Guard and Militia. To say they're none too pleased to have had to sit back and wait for the Hero Party is an understatement. For that reason, I suppose you might say you're lucky that I've been forced to follow Our King's request. I don't think Phoenix Wing's Military would be too happy to try and show you all up to prove you're unnecessary for my Town's protection. "

" Should we take it you're of a similar opinion, Duke Cottingham?"

Jessie continued to ask questions of the Duke. It didn't matter much to me at this point. Sure, Jessie informed us that there might be some idiocy we'd need to deal with here in town, but to think that idiot king actually ordered them to not even help gather information... To think of him as an imbecile wasn't enough... As I held back a very loud sigh, no doubt I'm not the only one, Duke Cottingham replied to Jessie's question.

" To be honest, I'm neither hot nor cold. If the Demons had come knocking at our door, I would've crushed them with the full force of my men's power. However, as it stands, it's been quite peaceful for the most part. The only issue has been that there's been a slight decrease in travelers coming from the Northern parts."

" I take it that the Demons were spotted North of here then?"

" Yes and no, they were spotted Northwest of the city. About a day's travel up to the mountain range that eventually leads to the Western Border. However, the Western Border is around 100 miles away from the mountain range."

" Right... What were they called again?"

" The Serene Mountains, Mr. Hawk."

" I see... Well, this is certainly a predicament... And the reports tell us nothing of value... Alright, I guess all we can do is head out and see what happens. I trust you have the supplies we'll be needing?"