Kailina was a Special Alchemical Cyborg. Her function was to turn her brain into a kind of "database" for storing information. She had an excellent memory and rarely forgot anything she had learned.
She was perfectly suited for work like that of a confidential secretary.
Because she dealt with so much classified information, an alchemical probe installed deep in her brain had been fitted with a "Loyalty Valve" to prevent others from exploiting her.
When someone who wasn't a "loyalty target" asked her for sensitive information, the "Loyalty Valve" would remind her not to answer.
It could also burn out her brain.
Luke was glad he hadn't said anything careless just now. Otherwise, it would have been a serious blow to his authority as Detective Chief.
"Don't apologize. This is your duty... I don't think you need those glasses. You're beautiful and charming; all you lack is confidence.
"Many people are forced to change their bodies to survive in this world. You don't need to feel inferior because of it. Forget the past and face who you are now. That's the only way to make a fresh start."
Kailina, who had been about to put on her glasses, looked up at Luke and asked in surprise, "Detective Chief, do you know about my past?"
Luke smiled. "I know a little, but not much. Looking down on people who've undergone bodily modifications is a warped belief held by certain so-called elites. I'm sorry for what happened to your family. It must have been a huge fall for a noble lady like you.
"Since you've chosen this path, you need to let go of those upper-class notions. Your new life has only just begun."
Kailina looked at the glasses in her hand, hesitated, then tossed them into the trash can.
But she still undid her bun and used her loose hair to cover her right ear.
"Thank you, Detective Chief. I'll try to change. You have my loyalty now, so I can show you the Security System here."
When part of the Secret Intelligence Bureau came under attack, the Detective Chief's quarters would automatically seal themselves off. The gate would lock the doors and windows tight.
If intruders broke in, two Aggressive Alchemical Golems would be deployed from the living room ceiling.
There was a hidden passage in the bedroom, allowing a trapped Detective Chief to escape.
"Detective Chief, I've recorded your voiceprint in the Security System here. You can issue commands to activate or deactivate any of its functions."
Luke asked, "Can I try it now?"
"Of course."
"Open the hidden passage."
Chains rattled beneath the floor. A section in the middle of the bedroom floor sank layer by layer, forming a staircase descending underground.
At the other end, a dim lamp came on, illuminating a narrow passage.
Luke asked Kailina, "Where does this passage lead?"
"I'm sorry, Detective Chief. I don't know. Only the Detective Chief of the Cape District Secret Intelligence Bureau can use it. I know it exists, but I can't open or use it."
"I understand." Luke ordered the passage closed, then asked Kailina, "Is there anything else you need to tell me?"
"Nothing for now, Detective Chief. Your dinner is on the table in the living room. Good night."
"Good night."
Kailina left. Once the door closed, the room fell silent.
Luke was very pleased with these quarters. They were far better than Shelley's home. Imperial Secret Agents were on duty outside to protect him, and there was a Security System inside that looked quite practical.
The underground passage was especially useful. He could leave without alerting anyone.
Luke checked the phone charging in his mind.
Battery: 92%
It would be fully charged in another two hours.
He'd eat first.
Luke opened the food container. It held a plate of beef stew with potatoes, three grilled fish fillets, a large loaf of white bread, two sausages, and a bowl of vegetable salad.
There was also a Military Canteen filled with Rum.
Not bad. Quite a feast.
Lighthouse Street, home to the Assassin Tavern hidden in the shadows.
A small window in the tightly shut front door stood open. A large yellow eye peered out at the street.
But Lighthouse Street, usually livelier the later it got, was deserted now.
All the nightclubs, gambling dens, brothels... everything was closed. The sea breeze scattered debris along the road, lending the street a murderous air.
When a familiar figure jumped down from above and landed at the entrance to the Assassin Tavern, the door opened at once.
Tais raised one of his tentacles in greeting as the Elf walked in.
"Good evening, powerful and generous Miss Clear Sky. You're our first customer tonight, and probably our only one."
Luke, who had logged in as Clear Sky and arrived at the Assassin Tavern, stopped before going farther inside.
"Business is that bad tonight?"
"It's all because you killed Jumu. The Mad Axe Gang has been badly weakened, and now everyone's scrambling for the docks they left behind.
"No one knows how many people will die tonight.
"For 5,000 Gold Vouchers, the person who posted the bounty made the most successful investment imaginable."
Luke handed Tais a Silver Voucher.
"I don't care who owns the docks. I just want to know if my money is ready."
Tais happily took the Silver Voucher with a tentacle. "Thank you, generous Miss Clear Sky. Your bounty is ready inside, and our boss is here too.
"He'd like to discuss deepening our partnership. An assassin as powerful as you is exactly the kind of partner we need."
The Assassin Tavern's boss was here too!
Luke said, "I don't want to meet him right now."
"That's your choice. If you don't want to talk to our boss, you can just take the money from Billy and leave. Our boss is a very reasonable man. He won't give you any trouble."
"Yes, your boss is a very reasonable man."
Luke walked down along the side of the building.
The tavern was indeed almost empty.
Tonight and for the next few nights, Cape District would see a rare spectacle. The assassins were naturally seizing the chance to take jobs and make a fortune.
They had no time to drink here.
In the dim tavern, a man in an old-fashioned noble's formal suit sat drinking alone in a corner. His fiery red hair was tied into a short braid, another style unique to the old nobility.
The fallen old nobles still clung stubbornly to ways the times were bound to leave behind.
Luke only glanced at him before walking over to sit at the bar.
Billy the Lizardman poured Luke a drink.
"This one's on my boss. He..."
Luke said, "Please thank your boss for me. I'm not a professional assassin, so I can't say whether I'll come here for another drink.
"I'm here to collect my bounty."
Billy the Lizardman glanced at his boss, then took a heavy bag from beneath the bar.
"Miss Clear Sky, this is the bounty for assassinating Jumu the Horned Demonkin. It's 5,000 Gold Vouchers in total. As you instructed, I exchanged part of it for Silver Vouchers and Imperial Marks.
"It's all clean money. You can deposit it in any reputable bank."
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