Karina was a specialized alchemical cyborg, with her brain modified to function as a "database." She had excellent memory capabilities and wouldn't easily forget what she learned.
This made her and her peers ideal for roles like a confidential secretary.
Because they were exposed to so much classified information, an alchemical probe embedded deep in their brains was equipped with a "loyalty valve" to prevent them from being exploited.
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 capability to destroy their brain.
Lucas was relieved he hadn't said anything inappropriate earlier, which would have seriously undermined his authority as an inspector.
"No need to apologize. It's your duty... I don't think you need those glasses. You're very attractive and charming. All you lack is confidence.
To survive in this world, many people are forced to change their bodies. You have no reason to feel inferior because of it. Forget the past and embrace who you are now for a new beginning."
About to put her glasses back on, Karina looked up at Lucas, surprised, and asked, "Inspector, do you know about my past?"
Lucas smiled slightly. "I know some, but not much. Seeing modified people as inferior is a distorted mentality of certain so-called high society people. I sympathize with what happened to your family. A noblewoman having to endure such a fall...
Since you've chosen this path, you need to set aside those upper-class notions. Your new life is just beginning."
Karina looked at her glasses, hesitated, and then threw them into the trash bin.
She let her hair down, using it to cover her right ear.
"Thank you, Inspector. I'll try to change. Now that you have my loyalty, I can brief you on the security system here."
In case of an attack on the Secret Intelligence Bureau, the inspector's dormitory would automatically lock down, with barriers sealing the doors and windows.
If intruders broke in, two offensive alchemical automatons would deploy from the living room ceiling.
The bedroom had a hidden passageway to allow the inspector to escape.
"Inspector, I've recorded your voiceprint in the security system. You can now issue commands to activate and deactivate all security functions."
Lucas asked, "Can I try it now?"
"Yes."
"Open the hidden passage."
With a sound of chains beneath the floor, a section of the bedroom floor descended in layers, forming a staircase leading downward.
At the other end of the staircase, a dim light illuminated a narrow passage.
Lucas asked Karina, "Where does this passage lead?"
"Sorry, Inspector, I don't know. This passage is for the Seawall District Secret Intelligence Bureau inspector only. I know of its existence but cannot open or use it."
"I understand." Lucas ordered the passage to close, then asked Karina, "Is there anything else I need to know?"
"Not for now, Inspector. Your dinner is on the table in the living room. Good night."
"Good night."
Karina left, and the room fell silent once the door closed.
Lucas was very satisfied with this dormitory; it was much better than Shelley's house. Moreover, outside were the diligent Imperial Secret Agents on duty, and inside, there was a seemingly very effective security system.
Especially the hidden passage, allowing him to leave unnoticed if necessary.
Lucas glanced at his phone charging in his mind.
Battery level: 92%
Another two hours and it would be fully charged.
First, dinner.
Lucas opened the meal box, revealing a plate of stewed potatoes with beef, three pieces of grilled fish fillet, a large loaf of bread, two sausages, and a bowl of vegetable salad.
There was also a military water bottle filled with rum.
Not bad, quite a feast.
…
Lighthouse Street, the Assassin's Tavern hidden in the shadows.
The small window in the tightly shut door was open, and a large yellow eye peered out at the deserted street.
The usually bustling Lighthouse Street was now empty.
All the nightclubs, gambling dens, and brothels were closed. The sea breeze blew debris down the street, adding to the tense atmosphere.
When a familiar figure jumped down in front of the Assassin's Tavern, the door immediately opened.
Tess raised one of her tentacles to greet the approaching elf.
"Good evening, powerful and generous Miss Ela. You are our first, and possibly our only, customer tonight."
Lucas, in the role of Ela, stopped as he entered the tavern.
"Is business really that bad tonight?"
"All because you killed Jumu. The weakened Mad Axe Gang has attracted many to vie for their dock interests. I don't know how many will die tonight.
Offering 5000 gold notes to seize the Mad Axe Gang's docks turned out to be a very successful investment for the task's issuer."
Lucas handed Tess a silver note.
"I don't care about the docks. I just want to know if my money is ready."
Tess eagerly accepted the silver note with her tentacle. "Thank you for your generosity, Miss Ela. Your bounty is ready inside, and our boss is here as well.
He wants to discuss deepening our cooperation. A powerful assassin like you is a partner we urgently need."
The boss of the Assassin's Tavern is here!
Lucas said, "I don't want to meet him right now."
"That is your choice. If you don't want to talk to our boss, you can take your money from Billy and leave. Our boss is very kind and won't trouble you."
"Yes, your boss is a very kind person."
Lucas walked further inside. The tavern was indeed very empty.
Tonight and the following nights would be rare spectacles in the Seawall District. Assassins would seize the opportunity to take as many contracts as possible, making a lot of money.
Naturally, they had no time to sit around drinking.
In the dimly lit tavern, only one man, dressed in an old-fashioned noble outfit, sat drinking alone in a corner. His fiery red hair was tied into a small braid, a style typical of old nobles.
Fallen nobles still clinging to traditions destined to be abandoned by the times.
Lucas glanced at him briefly and then walked to the bar and sat down.
The lizardman Billy poured Lucas a drink.
"This is from my boss. He..."
Lucas interrupted, "Thank your boss for me, but I'm not a professional assassin, and I don't know if I'll ever come here to drink again.
I'm here to collect my bounty."
The lizardman Billy glanced at his boss, then retrieved a heavy bag from under the bar.
"Miss Ela, this is your reward for assassinating the bullhorn demon Jumu. A total of 5000 gold notes, some of which I exchanged into silver notes and imperial marks as per your instructions.
All the money is very clean, and you can deposit it in any reputable bank."