Chapter 50: Adding More Pressure

Seawall Port, once among the first ports of Storm City, had a long period of glory.

However, with the city center's relocation, Seawall Port gradually lost its former splendor. With gangs moving in, fighting for control, and nobles using the port for smuggling, the Empire found it increasingly difficult to manage the port effectively.

Over time, as long as Seawall Port paid its taxes, the city administration allowed it to operate under its own kind of order.

The gangs in the Seawall District controlled the port through dock workers, and some large fleets also held significant influence at the docks.

Yesterday, Captain Hansel of the Lucky Princess was killed by the newly appointed Secret Intelligence Bureau Inspector Meteor, causing quite a stir at Seawall Port.

Following this, evidence of Hansel's involvement in the assassination of the former Inspector was revealed, leading to the Bureau confiscating all of Hansel's assets.

This included the four cargo ships of the Lucky Princess.

The Lucky Princess was a large wooden merchant ship powered by both sails and a steam engine.

With a total tonnage of 5,500, it was equipped with ten smoothbore cannons.

Its waterline was covered with a layer of steel armor.

By the time Lucas arrived by car, Zane had already secured the dock area, with Imperial agents occupying all strategic points on the Lucky Princess.

The negotiation with Chief Holt was set to take place on the deck of the Lucky Princess.

A table, two chairs, and a sunshade were set up.

After a short wait, a convoy with the Security Bureau insignia arrived at the berth of the Lucky Princess.

A large group of sheriffs secured the area, and Chief Holt boarded the ship.

The display of power by the Secret Intelligence Bureau and the Security Bureau drew the attention of the entire port. Soon, everyone in the district knew something significant was happening that concerned everyone in Seawall District.

"Chief Holt, please sit."

Lucas warmly shook Holt's hand and invited him to sit on the other side of the negotiation table.

Karina served them a cup of coffee each and then stood behind Lucas, her hand discreetly gripping a wand hidden in her sleeve.

Zane stood on the bridge, his eyes scanning the sheriffs who had boarded with Holt.

Other Imperial agents had their hands on their weapon handles, ready for action at any moment.

Seeing the formidable presence of the Secret Intelligence Bureau, Holt was displeased and said to Lucas, "Inspector Meteor… you and I are both senior Imperial officials. Our meeting should be held in a formal setting.

This setup resembles that of a gang, damaging the Empire's dignity."

Lucas took a small sip of his coffee and then set the cup down.

"Chief Holt, you misunderstand. I happened to be here investigating Hansel's involvement in the assassination of the former Inspector, and you urgently wanted to see me, so I chose this location for our meeting.

If you feel discussing this here damages the Empire's dignity…

We can wait until I finish my investigation and then arrange a meeting in a more suitable location."

Wait until another time?

This afternoon, the entire Security Bureau and Secret Intelligence Bureau would shift their focus to capturing the elf Ela. The higher-ups had already stated that the struggle over the Seawall District docks could be postponed, prioritizing the city's safety.

Ela now possessed the "Heart of Red Dragon Nielcolone," the Book of Calamity, and the Rehud Staff.

Given her ability to confront Willard, who knew what terrifying actions she might take in Storm City?

The city's elite had heard of how Ela killed over a hundred people in the Seawall District in one night.

Such an event might be tolerable in the Seawall District. But it was absolutely unacceptable in the affluent districts!

Holt had sought out Lucas this time to join forces in suppressing the gang conflict over the docks.

"Inspector Meteor, we don't have the luxury of time. The city administration is focusing all efforts on capturing the elf Ela. We must set aside our differences and ensure the safety of Storm City first."

If Holt couldn't resolve this matter before the city administration meeting in the afternoon, his position would likely be at risk.

Holt was under immense pressure.

"Inspector Meteor, the situation is urgent, and there's no need to arrange another time. You should already be aware of what happened at Arcanum Academy last night.

The elf Ela is extremely dangerous, and the city administration's afternoon meeting aims to mobilize all forces to capture her.

The conflict involving the Mad Axe Gang is disrupting the coordination of all city security departments.

As key institutions in the Seawall District, the Security Bureau and the Secret Intelligence Bureau have a duty to quell this disturbance quickly. You and I should issue orders right now."

Lucas responded with a light laugh, "I've always said not to start a fight, but some people were too greedy.

Since you are calling for a stop, I can grant you this favor. But how will we divide the docks?"

Holt said, "As Imperial officials, the docks are not under the jurisdiction of the Security Bureau or the Secret Intelligence Bureau. I suggest we follow the existing arrangements—whoever controls what now keeps it."

Lucas's smile grew more disdainful.

The Mad Axe Gang had withdrawn completely from the docks after the death of their leader, Jumu, and their interests had been thoroughly seized.

Even the dock interests controlled by other Secret Intelligence Bureau personnel had been significantly encroached upon. Whoever controls what now keeps it.

Did the Mad Axe Gang guard their headquarters for two nights and lose so many people for nothing?

"Chief, you're not being sincere."

Lucas then fell silent, leisurely sipping his coffee.

Holt said, "Let's go with the current distribution for now and discuss further after we've dealt with the situation with Ela."

"Hmph!"

Lucas wasn't interested in engaging further.

If they managed to deal with Ela, he'd have even less reason to negotiate with Holt.

No rush, Let the Mad Axe Gang and Shelley "speak" first.

Seeing Lucas continuously drinking coffee, refilling cup after cup, Chief Holt grew anxious.

But he didn't want to show it, so he tried to maintain his composure, hoping to secure more benefits from the dock interests.

However, before Lucas finished his second cup of coffee, a sheriff hurriedly boarded the ship and whispered urgently into Chief Holt's ear.

Holt's face turned extremely grim as he questioned Lucas, "Inspector Meteor, what are you trying to do? Why are the Mad Axe Gang members killing people all over the Seawall District? Why is Mamba leading agents in the attacks?

Aren't you afraid the city administration will hold you accountable for causing chaos during this critical period?"

Lucas replied, "The Storm City administration has no authority to hold me accountable unless they overthrow the Argent Royalty.

So, watch your words, or the Secret Intelligence Bureau will investigate your stance.

Captain Mamba is carrying out my orders to search for Ela in the Seawall District. This is a task assigned by the city administration to the Seawall District Secret Intelligence Bureau. I have the original commission letter, and you can view it if you like.

As for the Mad Axe Gang…

Ela killed their leader, Jumu. It's natural for them to seek revenge against her.

Regarding the deaths, we need further investigation. Just because you claim they killed someone doesn't make it so.

If they manage to capture Ela, I might even consider nominating them for the Good Citizen Award."