Lucas hadn't expected that his actions as Ela in the Seawall District last night would have such a significant impact.
Although most maritime trade in Raging Tide City was no longer centered in the Seawall District, Seawall Port remained the old port and still handled a large share of maritime commerce.
Especially illicit goods, which, under the cover of various factions in the Seawall District, moved in and out smoothly.
Thus, the dock interests at Seawall Port had become the core interests of the Seawall District.
The Mad Axe Gang controlled a significant portion of Seawall Port's docks.
With Jumu dead, the Mad Axe Gang was leaderless, presenting a prime opportunity for everyone to take a bite.
However, Lucas was considering... If large-scale fighting broke out in the Seawall District, would his safety be jeopardized?
The "previous" inspector of the Seawall District's Secret Intelligence Bureau had died under mysterious circumstances.
If he led a war, would he become a prime target?
Lucas didn't immediately respond to Lambert. Instead, he mentally reviewed the information on his phone regarding the Seawall District of Raging Tide City.
First, Storm City was the largest port city in the Argent Empire, with thriving maritime trade, making it the wealthiest city in the Empire. It was known as the "Empire's Purse."
Secondly, the large-scale smuggling in the Seawall District benefited the wealthy residents of Raging Tide City.
City council members, officials, nobles, merchants, celebrities... all participated. The internal conflicts over interests in the Seawall District were merely for the crumbs falling from their fingers.
Viewing the situation from a higher perspective, Lucas saw the events in the Seawall District differently than Lambert and Shelley, who could only see what was right in front of them.
The Secret Intelligence Bureau, as a direct arm of the royal family, was clearly disliked by the city's elite. After all, their activities amounted to fleecing the Empire and evading its taxes.
The Seawall District's Secret Intelligence Bureau, as a thorn in the side of smuggling, would make people very uncomfortable.
Even if the Seawall District's Secret Intelligence Bureau was dragged into smuggling, it wouldn't be as reassuring as having their own people in charge.
The Seawall District's Security Bureau, affiliated with the Storm City Security Bureau Headquarters, was a violent institution directly controlled by the city council. The city's elite's favored son!
Given the chance to wrest control of the entire Seawall Port from the Secret Intelligence Bureau, the Seawall District's Security Bureau would undoubtedly fight to the death.
Sending another Secret Intelligence Bureau inspector to his demise?
Although it might be a slap in the face to the Grand Princess, it wasn't beyond their capabilities.
And if the Security Bureau took control of Seawall Port, the Seawall District's Secret Intelligence Bureau would be completely cornered.
Disbanding their people would make it hard to lead the team. In times of danger, escaping might not even be an option.
Difficult! But not hopeless.
As long as the conflict in the Seawall District remained an internal affair, external forces would not easily intervene.
After all, blowing things up wasn't in the interests of the elite, who didn't want their smuggling connections exposed.
With the current strength of the Seawall District's Secret Intelligence Bureau, it was possible to maneuver against the Security Bureau.
Everyone in the room waited for the new inspector's decision.
"War?" Lucas said. "If it's unavoidable, then we have no choice but to fight."
Hearing the new inspector declare war, the core members of the Mad Axe Gang were instantly excited.
As long as the Seawall District's Secret Intelligence Bureau was willing to organize mercenaries, they had a chance to hold out until reinforcements from Fishbone Island arrived.
Lambert and the core members of the Mad Axe Gang stood and saluted Lucas. "Inspector, thank you for extending your hand to help us once again. If we survive this crisis, we will never forget your kindness."
Everyone said in unison, "We will never forget your kindness, Inspector."
"I heard you. I hope you truly remember. Now, everyone, please sit down..." Lucas waited for the members of the Mad Axe Gang to be seated, then said to Shelley, "I'm not familiar with the factions in the Seawall District. Can I leave the task of hiring mercenaries to you?"
Shelley replied, "Rest assured, Inspector. Leave it to me."
Lucas stood up, picked up his cane, and addressed the Mad Axe Gang members, "I can't help you with the specifics of defending your castle, so I won't cause you any more trouble here. I'm going to meet the chief of the Security Bureau to see if I can ease some of the pressure on you."
The core members of the Mad Axe Gang respectfully escorted Lucas to the door.
Outside, the Secret Intelligence Bureau's agents continued to stand off against the Security Bureau's officers.
Standing beside Captain Basel was a man with gold-rimmed glasses, wearing a high-ranking officer's uniform without a hat, his golden hair gleaming.
Lucas approached, tucked his cane under his arm, and extended his right hand to the man.
"Chief Holt, hello. I'm Meteor, the new inspector of the Seawall District's Secret Intelligence Bureau. From now on, we'll be colleagues, and we'll need the support of the Security Bureau for our work here."
The blond man was the chief of the Seawall District's Security Bureau.
Having just returned from the central district, he had rushed over upon hearing that the new inspector of the Secret Intelligence Bureau was openly supporting the Mad Axe Gang.
Learning that the new inspector had issued a kill order against his officers, his anger was barely contained.
Ignoring Lucas's outstretched hand, Holt demanded, "Inspector Meteor! I know you've just taken office and want to assert your authority. But your authority doesn't come from stepping on the Security Bureau's face or protecting criminals!
I am issuing you a stern warning: do not obstruct the Security Bureau's investigation. Leave immediately with your men, or bear the consequences!"
Lucas maintained his smile as he replied to Chief Holt, "I'm here because the murder that occurred last night is related to a national security case we are investigating.
I'm new to the Seawall District and may have made some mistakes. I apologize to my colleagues in the Security Bureau.
When you have time, please visit the bakery at 267 Silver Avenue in the central district. I've heard their pastries are very, very delicious."
When Lucas mentioned the bakery at 267 Silver Avenue, Chief Holt's expression changed dramatically, and he asked, "How do you know about that place?"
Lucas replied, "We are the Royal Secret Intelligence Bureau. We know more than you think. I'd like to discuss the situation here with you privately. A storm is about to come ashore, and I believe you don't want too many innocent people caught in it, right?"
Holt angrily responded, "If you dare harm them..."
"Their safety is in your hands. Don't worry, I also hope the storm remains within controllable limits. Let's talk... in the car."
Lucas walked towards his car, leaning on his cane.
Holt signaled his men not to act rashly and followed Lucas into the car.