Kalina was a special alchemical modified human, whose function was to transform her brain into a "database"-like storage unit. They had exceptional memory capabilities and wouldn't easily forget what they had learned.
They were highly competent for secretarial-type work.
Due to their exposure to sensitive information, an "loyalty valve" was installed deep within their brains to prevent them from being manipulated. When someone who wasn't a "loyalty subject" asked them sensitive questions, the "loyalty valve" would remind them not to answer.
The "loyalty valve" also had the function of burning their brains if necessary.
Luke was relieved that he hadn't said anything inappropriate just now, as it would have greatly damaged his position as an investigator.
"No need to apologize, it's your duty... I think you don't need those glasses. You're beautiful and charming, the only thing you lack is confidence. Many people in this world have been forced to change their bodies, but you don't have to feel inferior because of it. Forget the past and face your present self to start anew."
Kalina, who was about to put on her glasses, looked up at Luke in astonishment and asked, "Detective, do you know about my past?"
Luke smiled and replied, "I know some, but not much. To regard those who have undergone body modification as inferior is a distorted mentality held by those so-called superior individuals. I sympathize with your family's circumstances; it must have been a tremendous change for a noble young lady like you. Now that you have chosen this path, you need to let go of the thoughts of the upper class. Your new life has just begun."
Kalina looked at the glasses in her hand, hesitated for a moment, and then threw them into the trash bin.
However, she untied her hair and used the fallen strands to cover her right ear.
"Thank you, Detective. I will try to change myself. Now that you have my loyalty, I can introduce you to the security system here."
When the Secret Bureau's headquarters was under attack, the investigator's residence would automatically enter a sealed state, with gates tightly shutting the doors and windows.
If the intruders managed to break in, two offensive alchemical puppets would be activated in the living room.
There was also a secret passage in the bedroom that would allow the trapped investigator to escape safely.
"Detective, I have recorded your voice pattern in the security system here. You can give orders to activate or deactivate all the functions of the security system."
Luke asked, "Can I try it now?"
"Yes, you can."
"Activate the secret passage."
As a series of chain noises came from beneath the floor, a part of the bedroom's floor gradually descended, forming a staircase leading downward.
At the other end of the stairs, a dim light turned on, illuminating a narrow passage.
Luke asked Kalina, "Where does this secret passage lead?"
"I'm sorry, Detective. I don't know. This secret passage can only be used by the investigators of the Cape District's Secret Bureau. I only know of its existence but can't open or use it."
"I see." Luke commanded the secret passage to close and then asked Kalina, "Is there anything else you need to tell me?"
"Not at the moment, Detective. Your dinner is on the table in the living room. Good night to you."
"Good night."
After Kalina left and the door closed, the room returned to silence.
Luke was very satisfied with this residence, much better than Shelley's place. Besides, there were imperial agents on duty outside, and inside, there was a practical-looking security system.
Especially the secret passage, which allowed him to leave without alerting anyone.
Luke glanced at his charging phone in his consciousness.
Battery level: 92%
It would be fully charged in another two hours.
But first, dinner.
Luke opened the food box, revealing a plate of braised beef with potatoes, three grilled fish fillets, a large piece of bread, two sausages, and a bowl of vegetable salad.
There was a military-grade water bottle filled with rum.
Not bad, quite a feast.
...
Lighthouse Street, the concealed Assassin's Tavern in the shadows.
The small window on the closed door was open, revealing a pair of yellow eyes peering out into the street.
However, the usually bustling Lighthouse Street was devoid of people at this time.
All the nightclubs, gambling dens, brothels... were closed. The sea breeze rustled the debris on the road, creating an atmosphere of solemnity.
When a familiar figure jumped down from above to the entrance of the Assassin's Tavern, the door immediately opened.
Tyce raised one of his antennae and bowed to the approaching Elf.
"Magnificent and generous Miss Clear Sky, good evening. You're our first customer tonight, and maybe the only one."
Luke, in the character of Clear Sky, halted his steps toward the inside of the tavern.
"Is business that slow tonight?"
"It's all because you killed the Giantwood. The Berserker Gang suffered a heavy blow, and the vacant dock interests attracted many contenders. Who knows how many deaths there will be tonight. The 5,000 gold coupons that took control of the dock from the Berserker Gang became the most successful investment by the bounty issuer."
Luke handed Tyce a silver coupon.
"I don't care about the ownership of the dock. I just want to know if my money is ready."
Tyce happily accepted the silver coupon. "Thank you for your generosity, Miss Clear Sky. Your reward is ready inside, and our boss is there too. He wants to discuss further cooperation with you. A powerful assassin like you is a much-needed partner for us."
The tavern's boss is also here!
Luke said, "I don't want to meet him right now."
"That's your choice. If you don't want to talk to our boss, you can just take the money from Billy. Our boss is very kind and won't trouble you."
"Yes, your boss is a very kind person."
Luke continued to walk toward the bar counter.
Inside the tavern was indeed quite empty.
Tonight and the next few nights would be a rare sight in the Cape District. Assassins would seize the opportunity to complete contracts and earn a substantial amount of money.
There was no time to drink here.
In the dimly lit tavern, there was only one man sitting alone in a corner, wearing an old-fashioned noble's attire. He had a small braid in his fiery red hair, a hairstyle characteristic of the old nobility.
The fallen aristocracy still clung to its fate, destined to be abandoned by the times.
Luke merely glanced at him and then sat down at the bar counter.
The lizardman, Billy, poured him a drink.
"This one is on the house, courtesy of our boss. He..."
Luke interrupted, "Please thank your boss for me, but I'm not a professional assassin, so I'm not sure if I'll come here to drink again. I've come to collect the bounty that belongs to me."
Billy glanced at his boss and then took out a heavy bag from under the counter.
"Miss Clear Sky, this is your bounty for killing the Minotaur Demonseed, Giantwood. A total of 5,000 gold coupons, and as per your instructions, I exchanged some of them for silver coupons and imperial marks. All the money is completely clean, and you can deposit it in any reputable bank."