Morel did not reach out to take the severed arm.
The severed arm still gripped the cash box tightly. Blood smeared the metal clasp and dripped down the corner of the case.
His gaze passed over the short-haired woman and settled deep within the pipes.
Shuto lay beside the pooled water, half his body pressed against the base of the wall. His left arm had been severed midway up the upper arm, yet there was not much blood nearby. It seemed the wound had been cauterized the instant it was cut, the flesh fused together as scorch marks ran up into his upper arm.
That was a quick way to stop bleeding.
But it was cruel enough that even if he was rushed to the hospital, reattaching the arm would be impossible.
Seeing that he would not take it, the short-haired woman placed the severed arm atop an iron crate beside her.
"Lina Pokkle."
She tugged at her red scarf, apparently finding the atmosphere uncomfortable. The man before her put far too much pressure on her.
"I run this place. I also collect the take from several streets under the Fourth Prince's name."
Morel bent down, picked up Shuto's torn clothing from the water, and wrung it out twice.
"Did I ask for your name?"
Lina paused.
Six people emerged from the pipe behind her. Some carried blades, while others held short guns. Their heels splashed through the water as they spread out and took both sides.
"Mr. Morel, the Fourth Prince instructed us in advance that someone would come today to investigate the Deep-Sea Incubation Chamber, the Royal Hospital, and the underground transport routes."
Morel draped the wet coat over his shoulder.
"You know me?"
"We couldn't be certain until just now."
Lina raised a hand and pointed at