Ten minutes later, the police and fire departments from Eternal City's Tribute District had all arrived. Hundreds of firefighters and police officers silently filed in and out of the utterly wrecked Mao residence, clearing away all the corpses and unconscious officials.
They remained silent and efficient throughout, their movements so cold and precise that they seemed like robots simply following a set procedure.
So were these people really police officers and firefighters?
Prime Minister Konoe couldn't help wondering, but naturally he didn't dare show it. As he hesitated, he clearly saw a middle-aged man with unremarkable features and the rank insignia of deputy chief of police striding over to Mao Yuanzuo. The man bowed slightly and said, "All the sniper teams outside the residence have been taken care of. We didn't alert the residents."
Although he wore a police uniform, he didn't salute, and there wasn't the slightest trace of a disciplined force about him.
"What about the city?" Mao Yuanzuo asked. He didn't seem to care at all that Prime Minister Konoe and his own nephew were listening nearby.
The identity-unknown "officer" showed a sinister grin. "As things stand in Eternal City, the residents don't have time to worry about a little matter like this."
"Very good. Thanks for your effort." Mao Yuanzuo remained seated and replied in a reserved tone.
"You're too kind. I only hoped to see more fires, and you helped me make that happen." The "officer" bowed again. He showed great respect for the old Co-prosperity Party politician, but his own manner lacked the bearing expected of a member of a disciplined force.
That guy definitely isn't a police officer! Prime Minister Konoe thought, then realized he'd just stated the obvious.
He couldn't help recalling what he'd heard before passing out: that big shot Mao