They all call me Great Master

Firecrackers!

Or rather, firecrackers!

The 'Cold Winter Festival' had passed, how could they not set off firecrackers!

And this had not been a problem for Arthur.

After the incidents involving Nicole (Grandma Andor) and Cotton, how could Arthur not be well-prepared? He had previously asked Merlin to place an order for plenty of fireworks at the grocery store.

And since they were buying fireworks, firecrackers naturally came along with the purchase.

Although the world before them didn't have the custom of setting off firecrackers during festivals, they did use them in circus performances. Some clowns would even wrap themselves in firecrackers, light them and amidst the sounds of the firecrackers and their own continuous screams, they would earn the laughter of the audience. The more pitiful the screams, the happier the crowd.

Sometimes, happiness is just that simple.

While Ms. Anna and Marinda were still serving up dishes, Arthur winked at Linda and Malz.

Isn't it time for the 'Winter Banquet'?

The pair didn't understand, but they still followed Arthur.

When the two arrived in the courtyard, Kuliqi and Kiri had already carried two boxes of firecrackers and fireworks from the safe house in the basement and were squatting next to Arthur.

"Fireworks and firecrackers?"

Linda was taken aback.

"Mm-hmm."

Arthur nodded repeatedly as he picked up some fireworks and walked out of the courtyard, standing directly on Cork Street—there were no people on Cork Street at that time, and the patrol officers standing on the side of West Mok Avenue were completely unaware of what was happening here. Even though they had just carted off a charred corpse, it didn't cause any extra ripples in their hearts, after all, anything could happen at the doorstep of No. 2 Cork Street.

If you appear there, you definitely need to be mentally prepared for anything.

So, after the two patrol officers handed over the body of the journalist struck dead by a winter thunderbolt, they returned to their post.

And then...

The two people gazed blankly at their distant homes, lost in a reverie.

Without doubt, they were thinking about their loved ones at home and the taste of the 'Winter Banquet'.

At such times, no one would blame them.

Even if it was seen, it would also inspire a sentiment that patrol officers have it tough—

Whoosh, bang!

After a muffled sound, dazzling fireworks illuminated them.

Similarly, Arthur and Malz were lit up as well.

Upon seeing Arthur and Malz, the two patrol officers immediately came back to their senses.

Almost instantly, not only did the two patrol officers straighten up, but they also jogged over to Arthur and Malz.

"Your Excellency the Advisor, Police Chief!"

The two patrol officers saluted.

With time passing by, and after taking Dico, Andy, Looney, and Simon under his command, along with the cooperation of Middel and Gite, the two original fifth-level police officers, the entire Shire District Police Station had been made impregnable by Malz, especially since Malz was willing to show consideration for his subordinates.

Thus, the entire Shire District Police Station held a considerable amount of respect for Malz.

And Arthur?

As Arthur's reputation grew day by day, especially after he earned the title of 'Champion' at the South Los Swordsmanship Competition and acquired the status of 'Knight,' the people at the Shire District Police Station grew increasingly reverent towards their advisor.

However, looking at Arthur setting off fireworks and firecrackers during the 'Cold Winter Festival,' the two patrol officers were still utterly puzzled.

Noticing the confusion of the two patrol officers, and the neighbors on Cork Street peeking around, Malz, being Arthur's good friend, immediately stood up—

"This is one kind of 'Spirit Medium' ritual, which can drive away calamities and bless everyone."

Malz immediately said.

This was certainly a 'well-meaning lie' to protect his good friend.

Moreover, the old sheriff was very tactful; he knew well what people liked and disliked.

Upon seeing his subordinates' sudden realization and the neighbors showing an expression of understanding, the old sheriff promptly lit a string of firecrackers and threw them into the air.

Pop pop pop!

A series of crisp sounds.

Along with the fireworks Arthur occasionally lit.

Instantly, a look of longing filled the eyes of the children from the neighboring families on Cork Street.

Some parents, who pitied their children, immediately mustered the courage to come closer.

"Um, um, could you give me a firework?"

"I can pay for them!"

Mr. Duer spoke haltingly, his eyes fixed on the slender fireworks in the box; he wasn't eyeing the better-looking, larger fireworks shaped like stumps.

He was worried Arthur wouldn't let him have them.

"Take this one.

It's enough to ward off bad luck and pray for blessings."

Arthur picked up a string of firecrackers and also handed a firework similar to a Magic Bullet to his neighbor.

"Thank you, thank you."

Overjoyed, Mr. Duer placed a Suo in the box and then, holding the Magic Bullet, ran towards his son and daughter. In front of the two little ones, Mr. Duer puffed out his belly, looking like a general returning in triumph, his face conveying a look of 'Isn't dad amazing? Quick, come and praise dad!'

"Dad is so amazing!"

The crisp shout from his little girl almost melted the old father's heart.

"Come, daddy will carry you!"

He picked up his little girl and let her sit on his shoulders, then lit the Magic Bullet with one hand.

As for his son?

Not important.

Whoosh, bang!

Whoosh, bang!

One by one, the Magic Bullets soared into the sky, and the children around became noisier, tugging at their parents' clothes. With Mr. Duer leading by example, the middle-class residents of Cork Street naturally didn't hesitate to start exchanging money for fireworks, just like Mr. Duer.

And at high prices.

Arthur didn't refuse.

To gain something, there must be a cost.

That was his philosophy of life.

So, he wasn't so generous as to give them away for free.

Because—

Doing so would only result in a few quickly forgotten words of praise and nothing else. Sometimes, it might even backfire,

With all kinds of unbelievable rumors being spread by certain people, and others believing them without doubt.

This is human nature.

Being well aware of these things, Arthur would never do such a thankless thing.

He just wanted to have fun with the fireworks.

After finishing with one string of firecrackers in his hand, Arthur raised his hand to take another one.

And at that moment—

Ding!

A clear sound rang out.

It was the sound of a Gold Coin.

Arthur was all too familiar with it.

But at that moment, he tensed up completely.

Because, before that sound emerged, he hadn't sensed anyone there at all.

A man as paranoid as Arthur, who practically wished to sleep with his eyes open, how could he not be vigilant with so many people around?

So, it might look crowded, but Arthur was aware of each and every person.

But,

The person just now wasn't among them.

A Large Gold Coin fell into the box.

A pale hand reached into the box and took out a stump-shaped firework.

Arthur maintained a calm demeanor and continued to reach for the firecracker he had set his sights on.

As he lit the firecracker, Arthur finally cast a glance from the corner of his eye at the figure that hadn't been in his perception.

And then—

Huh?!!!!