Chapter 6: Start as a Minor Official (Seeking Recommendations)

The next morning.

As soon as Levebelle, the Paris Municipal Commissioner, saw the Chamber of Commerce President, his jowls shaking as he waved, he greeted him briefly and then said,

"By the way, what are your thoughts on the case the Crown Prince solved yesterday?"

Freselle replied with feeling, "The Crown Prince's wisdom and talent utterly shocked me; I truly look forward to the day he leads France."

"Who wouldn't, right?" Levebelle responded with a smile, "After careful consideration, I feel His Highness is completely capable of serving as Police Commissioner."

Following his persuasion, Freselle was ultimately convinced. After all, since the Crown Prince himself wanted to hold a position in the Police Department, why not grant him this favor?

Meanwhile, Joseph had just passed through the City Hall doorway when the rotund mayor greeted him with a broad smile and said,

"Your Highness, yesterday the Police Commissioner of the Saint Antoine District, old Similion, took a long sick leave. I was wondering, would you be interested in taking on the role of Police Commissioner?"

"Saint Antoine District?" The Chamber of Commerce President hesitated for a moment before lowering his voice to Levebelle, "Why didn't you mention earlier that it was *there*? That place is far too chaotic! What if something happens to His Highness…"

The Municipal Commissioner interrupted him quietly, "The Crown Prince isn't going to patrol; nothing will happen."

Though Freselle wanted to object further, the rotund mayor blocked his way and said, "Your Highness, Similion left behind people who are quite skilled. You don't need to worry."

Joseph was somewhat surprised by how quickly the two men had changed their tune, but he immediately agreed, "All right, I'll accept the position."

Yesterday, he had learned that a Police Commissioner oversees all law enforcement within a major district, with the next ranking position above being the Director of Police Services. However, the City Hall was unlikely to appoint him as Director at this point in his life—given his age.

Levebelle immediately launched into a round of flattery, accompanying the Crown Prince all the way to the Police Headquarters, personally ensuring the issuance of official appointment documents before finally leaving, satisfied.

Joseph wasted no time. Escorted by Director of Police Services Gizo and his men, he rode straight to Saint Antoine District to assume his duties.

After traveling in the carriage for over an hour, they entered the Saint Antoine District's boundaries, where the surrounding scenery immediately turned even more dilapidated.

The expressions of the residents were blank; makeshift shelters teetered on the verge of collapse, sending up a foul stench, as the homeless sprawled in corners. Half the shops were shuttered, and the sparse street vendors seemed disheartened. Only the poorly dressed streetwalkers soliciting clients here and there brought a hint of vitality to the area.

Not far into their journey, Joseph witnessed several instances of "protection money" being collected, followed by street brawls between rival gangs that left the ground awash in blood. Pedestrians fled hurriedly without a glance back, heads lowered, while no police officers intervened throughout.

Gizo, however, seemed entirely accustomed to the scene, cheerfully discussing an upcoming ball and encouraging the Crown Prince to attend a masquerade next month.

*p>*Joseph pondered darkly: No wonder this place was the first to erupt into revolt during France's Great Revolution. Anyone living in such impoverished conditions for years would accumulate an unbearable resentment. When it explodes, the destructive power is staggering.*

He sighed deeply, realizing that his decision to come to the Saint Antoine District was indeed the right one.

About half an hour later, the carriage stopped in front of a small yard enclosed by mismatched wooden planks. Inside, a dilapidated building with no visible signage stood.

Gizo gestured eagerly to the carriage outside, "Your Highness, this is the Saint Antoine District Police Station."

A police officer outside, spotting the unexpected arrival of the Director of Police Services, hurried inside to report. Moments later, several police station officials, followed by a group of subordinates, rushed out to greet them.

Gizo bowed to Joseph first before turning to the group in front of him. Clearing his throat, he announced loudly, "His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, has arrived and will henceforth serve as Police Commissioner here." His assistant immediately displayed the appointment documents.

Everyone in the Saint Antoine District Police Station was frozen in shock. *Why on earth would someone of such high status come to this backwater? But wasn't the Crown Prince only thirteen years old? Good heavens, he's going to be our Police Commissioner? The station is bound to be thrown into disarray now…*

After a long pause, a gaunt, hollow-eyed man stepped forward, respectfully bowing and saying, "Your Highness, your presence graces our humble district! I, Bono, assistant to the Police Commissioner, sincerely welcome you on behalf of everyone here."

He then moved aside to introduce the others, "Your Highness, this is Security Inspector Magone of Team Two, and this is Security Inspector…"

Several Security Inspectors stepped forward to bow, and Joseph smiled as he returned their greetings one by one. He had noticed in the City Hall documents that a Police Commissioner's assistant was the second-in-command at the station, while Security Inspectors directed the dispatch and patrol of officers. Each typically oversaw a team of more than ten subordinates, making them the middle management of the police station.

Led by Bono and flanked by many others, Joseph was ushered into the police station. Magone hurried forward with an admiring expression and said, "Your Highness, I've heard from Cesar that you solved a murder case yesterday in just over ten minutes—it put us, ten-year veterans, to shame!"

Joseph hadn't expected the news to spread to Saint Antoine District so quickly and hurriedly downplayed his accomplishment.

Once inside the station's ramshackle building, Joseph turned to the trailing group of officers and frowned. He instructed them to return to their respective duties instead of following him, dismissing even Gizo.

Finally, the area fell quiet, and, guided by Bono, Joseph arrived at the Police Commissioner's office. He surveyed the room before taking a seat at the wide oak desk.

Bono offered with a cheerful face, "Your Highness, would you like some tea or hot cocoa? I'll immediately arrange for a banquet as well."

"Thank you, but there's no need to trouble yourself," Joseph interrupted, waving his hand. "Please gather information about the district, along with case and personnel files, and bring them to me."

Bono was somewhat taken aback. He had assumed the Crown Prince was simply here to play around for a few days—he hadn't expected him to mean business!

The documents arrived swiftly, and Joseph had hardly flipped through a few pages before his brow furrowed deeply—just last month alone, the Saint Antoine District had reported 28 murders, 63 robberies, and 220 thefts…

And the population here was only 80,000!

These figures were only for reported cases—who knew how many went unreported? The situation was worse than he had imagined.

Joseph picked up the police personnel files: The Saint Antoine District had a total of 181 officers; 120 had bought their positions, while only 61 had been recruited or inherited their roles.

Additionally, there was a civilian patrol team consisting of roughly 200 unpaid volunteers.

*He recalled documentaries he had seen, detailing how the Paris Police of this era were notorious for extortion—from vendors to criminals to victims. Crime fighting? Only if there was time—the priority was recouping the cost of buying the position, wasn't it?*

*As for maintaining public safety, much of that responsibility fell on the civilian patrol teams. However, they lacked enforcement authority, had rudimentary weapons, and could only intimidate criminals rather than apprehend them.*

So, the truly functional police force consisted of those 60-odd recruits.