Yuan and Kali

Wei En took the materials he needed for the interview, locked the doors and windows, and prepared to head out.

"Oh, I almost forgot."

Wei En returned to the attic, lit a gas lamp beside the desk, rang the little bronze bell by the bed, then jogged downstairs and stood on a chair to pull the cord connecting the chandelier to the ceiling.

Once he had done all that, a flash of ghostly blue light swept through the room.

It was as though a thin film had appeared before his eyes, making everything he looked at seem blurry.

"So this is what it looks like when the Runic Array is activated."

Whenever Wei En had gone out before, he had followed this same procedure, but back then, he had felt nothing unusual.

Now, however, he could clearly sense something different. Presumably, it was because he had become a Wizard Apprentice.

Or rather, his heightened Mental Level had strengthened his perception enough for him to "see" these changes.

With that thought, Wei En looked around again.

He knew this Runic Array was meant for defense, mainly to prevent "thieves" from entering an Intelligence Officer's home while they were away.

According to the Intelligence Officer regulations, every workplace had to be thoroughly protected—first, to prevent internal intelligence from leaking, and second, to guard against strange entities breaking in.

If something like a Bone-Eroding Insect Parasite or an extraordinary profession entered the house, it would automatically issue a warning, preventing the returning Intelligence Officer from being ambushed!

As for how it notified Wei En—it was through the ring-shaped "Alarm" on his hand.

At the same time, it had another function.

If the Intelligence Officer died or removed it for more than a week, Shatland's Intelligence Department would receive notice.

They would then arrange for a new Intelligence Officer to arrive, while also notifying the Combat Department's wizards to recover equipment such as the "toolbox" pocket watch.

"Wei En?"

Hearing the voice, Wei En calmly locked the door before turning with a smile. "Miss Kali."

Kali Morris was one of the neighbors the previous owner of his body had known well.

She was a nun with golden hair, fair skin, sapphire-blue eyes, full sensual lips, and a lovely figure—the most devout believer of the Lord of Dawn.

He had heard that she attended Crims Academy, the Church of Dawn's school, where she achieved excellent grades.

It was worth mentioning that Wei En had been deeply impressed when he first met Kali.

She was an exceptionally Kindness girl, with bright, clear eyes and a gentle smile always on her face.

They said the eyes were the windows to the soul. Anyone with guilt in their heart would probably feel ashamed without even realizing it when meeting her gaze.

"Wei En, you look very handsome today."

Kali looked him over, a trace of confusion appearing in the purity of her eyes. "But you seem to have changed in some other way too?"

Wei En laughed it off. "Maybe I was too depressed before. I dressed up a little today, so I look more energetic."

Kali thought for a moment and smiled. "You really do seem much more energetic today."

"Is Uncle Yuan here? I've prepared all the materials he asked for." Wei En raised the bag in his hand.

"Yuan just went out on a house call. It's for Grandma Marie from the next street over. He should be back soon."

"That's good. I can thank Uncle Yuan before I leave."

"Wei En, you really don't need to be so polite. Yuan is a warmhearted person. As long as you perform well at work, I'm sure he'll be happy."

"Don't worry. I'll work hard."

Seeing the Church of Dawn nun's attire she wore—a minimalist-style dress—and the Covenant in her hands, Wei En asked, "Are you heading to Crimson Cathedral?"

Kali was holding the Church of Dawn's Covenant, a scripture recording legends and doctrines praising the Lord of Dawn.

At his words, Kali hugged the Covenant tighter and smiled. "A bishop from Kland will be leading the hymns today. I wouldn't want to miss such a grand occasion."

"From Kland? That's a big shot."

Wei En knew of Kland. It was the imperial capital of the Shetland Kingdom.

It was said to be four times the size of Kaster City-State, and many bards who had visited called it the "City of Miracles."

He wondered how much of that was exaggeration... Could it compare to Shanghai?

"Wei En, the bishop isn't some big shot. We are all believers of Dawn." Kali looked at him with a serious expression.

"But you call him 'my lord'?"

"That is because he has received Dawn's grace. Only the most devout believers can receive such an honor." Kali's expression dimmed. "I wonder when Dawn will answer me..."

"It will," Wei En said solemnly, serving up some poisonous encouragement. "You're the most devout believer in all of Kaster City-State. I'm sure the Lord of Dawn, that old—"

"Ahem. His Lordship will definitely answer you. Maybe He'll even grant you His grace and make you one of the Church of Dawn's Saintesses."

Though he found it difficult to understand Kali's faith, that did not stop him from saying things that pleased her.

Pure-hearted Kali did not catch the Blasphemy in his words. She said shyly, "I'm not as wonderful as you say, but... I'll work hard!"

"Kali, I think Wei En is right. You are the Pearl of Kaster. You should become a Saintess of the Church of Dawn."

At that moment, a handsome middle-aged man approached. He wore a gray suit, carried a black briefcase, and had the same golden hair and sapphire-blue eyes.

He was Kali's father, Yuan Morris.

"Father, even you're making fun of me..."

Watching Kali act spoiled, Wei En could only marvel.

So she called him Father to his face, but Yuan behind his back?

"That is simply the truth," Yuan said with an indulgent smile. "But Kali, you should be heading to the cathedral."

"Okay." Kali nodded obediently, then bid Wei En farewell. "I'll be going now. I look forward to your good news."

After she had gone some distance away, Yuan slapped Wei En on the shoulder and said displeasedly, "Wei En, don't get any ideas about my family's Pearl of Kaster. You're not worthy of her."

"..."

Wei En withdrew his gaze and teased, "Uncle Yuan, does the Pearl of Kaster herself know that you've used her title on Sister Kali?"

"That isn't important... Have you prepared those materials?"

"Everything's ready." Wei En patted the small bag in his hand.

"Very good. I hope you pass the interview. The Secret Investigation Bureau isn't so easy to join."

Wei En flattered him, "Isn't that what you're here for? Lord Yuan, wise, mighty, handsome, and dashing—could your recommendation letter get me out of the probation period?"

Yuan immediately shook his head, shattering his fantasy. "Absolutely not! Wei En, that is a dangerous idea!"

"I was just saying."

Wei En shrugged. Of course he knew it was impossible.

The weekly wage during probation was 3 Shillings, while full employees earned 5 Shillings a week. With such a big difference, the Secret Investigation Bureau would have to be idiots to exempt him from probation.

"But, Wei En, I have to remind you!"

Yuan said in a grave, serious tone, "The work of the Secret Investigation Bureau is extremely dangerous. Whether you are a full employee or not, you will constantly face dangers ordinary people cannot imagine."

"Are you truly prepared?"

All right, it took seven chapters of setup just to finish laying out the worldbuilding—three thousand words more than expected.

And that was after cutting a great deal of content. Otherwise, it would have taken more than twenty thousand words.

Next comes the plot.

Well, this book's pace won't be too fast, but it won't be overly slow either!

I hope everyone enjoys it!