As the first batch of ports in the former Nutao City, Cape Harbor had once enjoyed a glorious period of time. However, with the migration of the city center, Cape Harbor gradually lost its former splendor. The presence of gangs, power struggles, and the need for smuggling by the privileged class made it difficult for the empire to effectively regulate this place due to its dirtiness and chaos.
Over time, as long as Cape Harbor paid its taxes on time, the City Administration Office would turn a blind eye to the alternative order running here.
The gangs in the Cape District controlled the harbor by manipulating the dock workers, and some large fleets had a significant presence at the docks.
Yesterday, the captain of the Lucky Princess, Hanson Ellton, was shot dead by the newly appointed chief inspector of the Secret Intelligence Agency, Falling Star, causing quite a stir in Cape Harbor.
Shortly after, the "evidence" of Hanson Ellton's involvement in the assassination of the former chief inspector of the Secret Intelligence Agency was released, and the Secret Intelligence Agency immediately confiscated all of Hanson Ellton's assets, including the four cargo ships of the Lucky Princess.
The Lucky Princess was a large wooden merchant ship powered by wind and steam engines.
With a total carrying capacity of 5,500 tons, it was equipped with ten breech-loading cannons.
A layer of steel armor covered the waterline area.
When Luke arrived by car, Piscow had already taken control of this section of the dock, and Imperial spies occupied advantageous positions on the Lucky Princess.
The negotiation between Luke and Chief Holt was set to take place on the deck of the Lucky Princess.
A table, two chairs, and a parasol were set up.
Luke waited for a while until the convoy with the emblem of the City Security Bureau arrived at the berth where the Lucky Princess was located.
A large number of security officers surrounded the area as Chief Holt boarded the ship.
The grand show put on by the Secret Intelligence Agency and the City Security Bureau attracted the attention of the entire harbor. Soon, everyone in the city knew that something big was about to happen concerning all the residents of the Cape District.
"Chief Holt, please have a seat."
Luke warmly shook hands with Holt and invited him to sit on the other side of the negotiation table.
Kaylina served them a cup of coffee and stood behind Luke, discreetly gripping the magic wand hidden in her sleeve.
Piscow stood on the bridge, his gaze constantly scanning the security officers who came aboard with them.
Other Imperial spies had their hands on their sword hilts, ready for a battle at any moment.
Holt, seeing the grand display of the Secret Intelligence Agency, expressed his dissatisfaction to Luke, saying, "Inspector Falling Star... We are both senior officials of the empire, and our meeting should take place in a more formal setting. You look more like a member of a gang, and that undermines the dignity of the empire."
Luke lifted the coffee cup, took a small sip, and then placed it back down.
"Chief Holt, you have misunderstood. I am just coincidentally investigating the case of Hanson Ellton's assassination of the former chief inspector of the Secret Intelligence Agency. You were the one in a hurry to meet me, so I chose this location for our meeting. If you think it undermines the dignity of the empire..."
"We can wait until I finish the investigation and then schedule another meeting in a place that suits our status."
Wait for another meeting?
The entire City Security Bureau and Secret Intelligence Agency would shift their focus to capturing the elf Clear Sky tonight. The higher-ups had already stated that the disputes over the docks in the Cape District could be put on hold, with the city's security taking precedence.
Clear Sky now possessed the "heart of the Red Dragon Nilcolon," the Book of Calamity, and the Ruihuo Magic Staff. Given her power to confront Willede, who knew what shocking things she would do in Nutao City.
The city's elites had heard that Clear Sky had killed over a hundred people in the Cape District in one night.
Such incidents could happen in the Cape District.
But they absolutely could not happen in the affluent districts!
Holt sought out Luke this time to join forces in suppressing the dock disputes among the gangs in the Cape District.
If this matter couldn't be resolved before the city's safety meeting at the City Administration Office in the afternoon, his position was highly likely to be at risk.
Holt was under a lot of pressure.
"Chief Holt, time is of the essence, and there's no need to wait for another meeting. You should already know about the incident at the Olu Academy last night. Clear Sky, the elf, poses a significant danger. The City Administration Office is convening the city's safety meeting this afternoon to concentrate all our forces on capturing Clear Sky. As important institutions in the Cape District, it is the duty of the City Security Bureau and the Secret Intelligence Agency to quickly resolve this matter. Let's issue the orders now."
Luke replied with a faint smile, "I already said not to fight, but some people were too greedy. Since Chief Holt wants to stop, I can give you that face. But how do we divide the docks?"
Holt said, "As imperial officials, the docks are not under the jurisdiction of the City Security Bureau and the Secret Intelligence Agency. I believe it's best to let the rules of the docks determine who currently holds how much."
Luke sneered with disdain.
The Axebearer Brotherhood had completely withdrawn from the docks after the death of Jumu. Their interests had long been taken over. Even the dock interests controlled by the lower-ranking members of the Secret Intelligence Agency had been encroached upon.
Let the docks decide who holds how much?
The Axebearer Brotherhood had guarded for two nights and lost so many people. Was it all in vain?
"Chief Holt, you lack sincerity."
After saying that, Luke stopped talking and instead picked up his cup again, slowly sipping his coffee.
Holt said, "Let's divide according to the existing results for now. We can discuss further once we resolve the Clear Sky matter."
"Hmph!"
Luke didn't bother responding.
If you can handle Clear Sky, then there's no need for us to have any further discussion.
No rush.
Let's wait for the Axebearer Brotherhood and Snowlai to make their "speech."
Seeing Luke continuously sipping his coffee, finishing one cup and then pouring another, Chief Holt became anxious.
But he didn't want to show it. He could only endure it, hoping to secure more benefits for himself regarding the dock interests.
However, before Luke could finish his second cup of coffee, a security officer hurriedly boarded the ship and whispered something into Chief Holt's ear.
Holt's expression immediately turned sour, and he questioned Luke, "Inspector Falling Star, what are you up to? Why is the Axebearer Brotherhood killing people all over the Cape District? Why did Black Mamba and the Imperial spies participate in the attack? Are you not afraid of being held accountable by the City Administration Office for causing chaos in the Cape District at this time?"
Luke replied, "The City Administration Office of Nutao City has no authority to hold me accountable unless they overthrow the Golden Shield Royal Family. So, be careful with your words, or the Secret Intelligence Agency will investigate your stance. Captain Black Mamba was acting on my orders to apprehend the elf Clear Sky in
the Cape District. This was a commission from the City Administration Office to the Secret Intelligence Agency in the Cape District. I have the official correspondence with me. If you want to see it, you can go ahead. As for the Axebearer Brotherhood..."
"We need to further verify the issue of the deaths. We can't just assume they are responsible because you say so. If they can catch Clear Sky, I will consider helping them apply for the Good Citizen Medal."