As soon as Luke revealed his identity, the four individuals blocking their path deflated in stature.
They were merely a black magic pill workshop, lacking the capability to contend with the ruthless Imperial Secret Service.
The old man hurriedly bowed to Luke. "Inspector Yunxing, greetings. I am Ralph, and these three are my sons."
"We understand that our illegal production of magic pills violates imperial law, and we accept the consequences," Ralph admitted, his words flowing smoothly. It seemed they had received many visits from the Secret Service, and perhaps even from the Bureau of Public Security.
As long as they paid the fine, black magic pill production continued as usual.
However, Ralph couldn't anticipate that this time the chief of the Secret Service personally arrived at their doorstep. He wondered how much money it would take to send him away.
With that thought, Ralph's expression turned sour.
Luke smiled and said, "Old Ralph, I'm not here to impose fines. I'm here to discuss business with you."
"Discuss business?!" Ralph was bewildered.
"I, an Inspector from the Imperial Secret Service, can discuss business with a black magic pill workshop like ours?"
"Sir Inspector, please don't joke with me."
"What's there to joke about? This isn't the place to discuss business. Find somewhere else."
Ralph didn't know what the Chief of the Secret Service wanted to do, so he could only invite him to his office.
The combined alchemy and mixing room.
Glass tubes connected various vessels on the experimental platform, and a glass pot in the shape of a hemisphere simmered with green liquid.
Upon entering, Ralph first extinguished the oil lamp under the glass pot and had his son bring a chair before ushering everyone out of the room.
"Sir Inspector... We black magic pill merchants may appear profitable, but the profit margins are actually quite thin. Procuring materials, hiring labor, transportation, and various bribes leave very little money in our hands."
"If we were truly making money, we wouldn't still be living in Black Medicine Lane."
"Sir, please have a seat...," Ralph invited, but Luke didn't sit. Instead, he circled around the small alchemy room, examining the instruments.
"Old Ralph, other magic pill workshops probably don't have alchemical equipment as professional as yours," Luke commented.
Speaking of the equipment, Ralph couldn't help but feel proud. "Sir, most of the magic pill workshops here produce pills based on existing formulas. They are safe, but lack competitiveness."
"I prefer to make adjustments to the alchemical formulas, making the effects of the pills more intense."
"We specialize in producing enhanced stimulants, which are highly sought after in the wealthy district."
"But... people have died," Luke remarked.
Ralph immediately denied, "No, no, that deceased lord didn't drink our pills. Before finalizing the formula, I personally taste-test all the pills we produce."
"If someone were to die, I would be the first."
"You personally taste-test them?" Luke looked at the almost feeble Ralph, expressing disbelief.
"If you don't believe me, I can drink a bottle right now."
"No need, no need..." Luke stopped Ralph.
If there were truly wealthy lords in the affluent district who died from consuming black magic pills, someone would have already come knocking on their door. This rumor was likely fabricated by jealous competitors.
Or perhaps the death of that lord satisfied many, and those who profited didn't want any trouble.
Regardless of the truth, it had no relevance to Luke's purpose for coming here.
Luke sat down, and Karina stood at his side, clutching her magic wand.
"Please sit..." Luke gestured for Ralph to take a seat and continued, "I would like to invest in your magic pill workshop."
Ah! Ralph was greatly surprised. "Sir Inspector, am I not mistaken? You want to invest in my magic pill workshop?"
Luke said, "You heard correctly. As for the specific reasons, you don't need to ask. If you allow your magic pill workshop to be part of the investment, the profit... 20% for you, 80% for me."
"What I can provide is protection and a sales channel. All the magic pills produced here can be granted special product permits from the Cape District Secret Service and, under the escort of imperial spies, be shipped out of the harbor to be sold worldwide."
Luke's words instantly ignited excitement in Ralph.
With a special product permit from the Cape District Secret Service and an imperial spy personally escorting their goods, Ralph's family would become prosperous. This was equivalent to the royal spies stuffing gold bars into their pockets.
However, Ralph still had some doubts. "Sir Inspector, is this really okay? We are a black magic pill workshop, and what we do is illegal..."
"I'm here to make you legitimate. With the Cape District Secret Service and me backing you, what is there to fear? Do you want the opportunity, or should I find someone else?"
"Deal!"
That's right... the Chief of the Secret Service investing in a black magic pill workshop. What is there for me to fear!
"Excellent!" Luke pointed at the green potion that Ralph had just taken aside. "This is the main stimulant you specialize in, right?"
"Yes..." Ralph quickly brought over a test vial and proudly said, "This stimulant takes effect quickly, has a powerful kick, and doesn't burden the body too much. Its effect surpasses all similar products on the market."
"The lords in the wealthy district love it. If we can promote it worldwide... we're guaranteed to make a fortune!"
Luke took the vial, inspected it, and then handed it back to Ralph.
"Based on your previous formula, make another potion using the ingredients I will provide you. Reduce the mallow flower powder by 10 grams, increase the whale fat by 5 grams, add 8 grams of salamander mucus into the mixture before stirring, and roast it over a fire until it becomes pudding-like."
Ralph was surprised and asked, "Sir Inspector, how do you know my formula? It's impossible. Only I know the formula for this potion. Even my sons don't know!"
Luke mysteriously replied, "You don't need to concern yourself with where I obtained the formula. Just follow my instructions and make a potion. Then, evaluate its efficacy."
Ralph didn't dare to ask further questions and immediately proceeded to make the potion on-site, following the steps and modifications for the stimulant.
Karina whispered to Luke, "Inspector, as a senior official of the empire, personally engaging in the illegal production, transportation, and sale of potions... If, if it were to be exposed, it would certainly affect your career."
Luke said to Karina, "You should know that I am entrusted with a heavy responsibility at the Cape District Secret Service. Everything I do is for the completion of the task given to me by His Highness."
"I brought you along because I trust you."
Karina suddenly realized.
If the Chief Inspector was receiving such favor from the Crown Princess, then his actions must have a profound purpose.
As the confidential secretary to the Chief Inspector, all she had to consider was how to support him effectively.