Cape Port had been one of the first ports in Raging Wave City, and it had enjoyed a long period of prosperity.
But after the city center moved, Cape Port gradually lost its former glory. On top of that, gangs had moved in and fought over the area, while the powerful needed it for smuggling. The filth and chaos made it difficult for the Empire to regulate the port effectively.
Over time, as long as Cape Port paid a certain amount of tax on schedule, City Hall simply accepted that the place operated according to a different set of rules.
The gangs in Cape District controlled the port by controlling the dockworkers, and some large fleets held considerable influence at the docks as well.
Yesterday, the captain of the Lucky Princess, Hamilton, had been shot dead by Meteor, the newly appointed detective chief of the Secret Intelligence Bureau. His death had caused quite a stir in Cape Port.
Soon afterward, the "evidence" that Hamilton had taken part in the assassination of the previous detective chief of the Secret Intelligence Bureau was made public. The Bureau then confiscated all of Hamilton's property.
That included the four cargo ships belonging to the Lucky Princess.
The Lucky Princess was a large wooden merchant ship powered by both sails and a steam engine.
She had a total carrying capacity of 5,500 tons and was equipped with ten smoothbore naval cannons.
A layer of steel armor plating covered her waterline.
By the time Luke arrived by car, Pisco, who had gotten there earlier, had already brought men to secure this stretch of docks. Imperial Secret Agents occupied every vantage point aboard the Lucky Princess.
The meeting with Chief Holt was to take place on the Lucky Princess's deck.
There was a table, two chairs, and a sunshade set up over them.
Luke waited for a while before a motorcade bearing the Security Bureau's insignia pulled up at the berth where the Lucky Princess was docked.
A large group of security officers secured the area as Chief Holt came aboard.
The Secret Intelligence Bureau and the Security Bureau had made quite a show of force, drawing the attention of the entire port. Before long, everyone in the district knew that something major involving all of Cape District was about to happen.
"Chief Holt, please sit."
Luke warmly shook Holt's hand, then invited him to take the seat on the other side of the table.
Kailina brought them each a cup of coffee, then stood behind Luke, one hand secretly gripping the Magic Wand concealed in her sleeve.
Pisco stood on the bridge, his eyes constantly sweeping over the security officers who had come aboard with Holt.
The other Imperial Secret Agents kept their hands on their sword hilts, ready to fight at any moment.
Seeing the Secret Intelligence Bureau's show of force, Holt addressed Luke unhappily. "Detective Chief Meteor... You and I are both senior imperial officials. We should meet in a proper setting.
"You look more like a gang member. It's beneath the Empire's dignity."
Luke took a small sip of coffee, then set down his cup.
"Chief Holt, you've misunderstood. I just happen to be investigating Hamilton's assassination of the previous detective chief of the Secret Intelligence Bureau here, and you were in a hurry to see me. That's why I chose this place for our meeting.
"If you think talking here is beneath the Empire's dignity...
"We can set another time after I finish the investigation, and find a place more fitting for our positions."
Set another time?
By this afternoon, the Security Bureau and the Secret Intelligence Bureau would be shifting their focus to capturing Elf Clear Sky. The higher-ups had already said that the struggle over the docks in Cape District could wait; the city's safety came first.
Clear Sky now had the Heart of Red Dragon Nilcolon, the Book of Calamity, and the Ruihuo Wand.
Given her ability to fight Wilfred, who knew what terrifying things she might do in Raging Wave City?
The city's powerful had all heard that Elf Clear Sky had killed over a hundred people in Cape District in a single night.
That could happen in Cape District.
But it absolutely couldn't happen in the Rich District!
Holt had come to see Luke because he wanted to join forces and rein in the gangs' struggle for the docks.
If they couldn't settle things before the meeting at City Hall that afternoon, Holt could very well lose his position.
Holt was under a great deal of pressure.
"Detective Chief Meteor, this is urgent. There's no need to meet another time. You should already know what happened at Aolu Academy last night.
"Elf Clear Sky is extremely dangerous. City Hall is holding a city security meeting this afternoon to bring all our forces together and capture her.
"The fighting over at the Mad Axe Gang will interfere with cooperation among every security department in the city. As important institutions in Cape District, the Security Bureau and the Secret Intelligence Bureau have a duty to put an end to this unrest as quickly as possible.
"You and I should issue the orders now."
Luke replied with a chuckle, "I already said that we shouldn't fight. Some people were just too greedy.
"Since you're asking us to stop, Chief Holt, I can do you that favor.
"But how are we going to divide the docks?"
Holt said, "We're both imperial officials. The docks don't fall under the authority of the Security Bureau or the Secret Intelligence Bureau. I think we should stick to their own rules: everyone keeps whatever they've currently occupied."
Luke's smile turned even more contemptuous.
After Jumu's death, the Mad Axe Gang had withdrawn from the docks entirely. Their interests had long since been seized. Even the interests at the docks controlled by other Secret Intelligence Bureau personnel had been encroached upon.
Everyone keeps whatever they've occupied.
The people at Mad Axe Gang Headquarters had held out for two nights and lost so many men. Had they done all that for nothing?
"Chief, you're not being very sincere."
After that, Luke fell silent. He picked up his cup again and slowly sipped his coffee.
Holt said, "Let's divide things according to the current situation for now. We can talk again after we deal with Elf Clear Sky."
"Hmph!"
Luke couldn't be bothered to answer him.
If they could deal with Clear Sky, there'd be even less for him to discuss with Holt.
No rush.
He'd wait for the Mad Axe Gang and Shelley to "speak up."
Seeing Luke drink one cup of coffee after another, Holt grew anxious.
But he didn't want to show it. He could only hold his ground, hoping to secure more benefits for himself in the division of the docks.
Before Luke could finish his second cup, however, a security officer hurried aboard and leaned close to Holt's ear to report something.
Holt's expression instantly turned grim. He challenged Luke, "Detective Chief Meteor, what are you trying to do? Why is the Mad Axe Gang killing people all over Cape District?
"And why is Black Mamba taking Secret Agents along to join the attacks?
"You're stirring up chaos in Cape District at a time like this. Aren't you afraid City Hall will hold you accountable?"
Luke replied, "Raging Wave City's City Hall has no authority to hold me accountable unless it overthrows the Golden Shield Imperial Family.
"So watch what you say. Otherwise, the Secret Intelligence Bureau will investigate where your loyalties lie.
"Captain Black Mamba is carrying out my orders to search Cape District for Elf Clear Sky. This is an assignment City Hall gave to the Secret Intelligence Bureau in Cape District. I have the original letter of authorization. You can look at it if you want.
"As for the Mad Axe Gang...
"Elf Clear Sky killed their leader, Jumu. There's nothing wrong with them seeking revenge.
"As for the deaths, we'll need to investigate further. Just because you say they killed people doesn't mean they did.
"If they manage to capture Elf Clear Sky, I'll consider helping them apply for a Good Citizen Medal."
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