Carl's information was no idle rumor. Over the next few days, Renato could clearly feel the atmosphere in the Security Department growing increasingly tense.
His immediate superior was in a foul mood. Perez, normally refined and easygoing, had berated the office secretary again that morning, merely because his tea had arrived a little late.
Renato stood outside a tavern, where several members of the City Guard were arresting a bard.
Not a true bard like Reggie. The unfortunate man, beaten until his head was covered in lumps, was merely a street performer who knew no magic.
The reason for his arrest was simple: he had "criticized" the new Speaker in public. Under the law, his offense was insulting a noble.
Though Renato had no idea how a roadside singer could possibly offend Baron Albert, City Hall was furious and demanded immediate, severe punishment.
"Sir, the offender has been arrested. Awaiting your orders."
Looking at the unfamiliar young face before him, Renato waved a hand and said:
"Stand down. Take him back to the Security Department first, then submit your report to my office once it's finished."
Passersby hurried out of the guards' way, afraid they might also find themselves in trouble.
The blood on the ground made Renato frown. These new recruits had no sense of restraint. Even old hands like George were better than this.
The Security Department had recently launched a massive recruitment drive, bringing in many new guards and leaving quite a few veterans uneasy.
In the past, becoming a government employee like a city guard had been even harder than obtaining a public post as a constable.
After all, the job came with a fixed salary and a pension provided by City Hall after retirement. Applicants therefore had to have parents who were citizens of the