Chapter 22: The Storm Approaches

Luke hadn't expected that his visit to Cape Corner as Qing Kong yesterday would have such a significant impact on the area. Although most of the maritime trade in Stormtide City no longer took place in Cape Corner, the Cape Harbor still held a substantial share of the trade. Especially for illicit smuggling, it had the protection and support of various factions in Cape Corner, allowing for smooth operations.

Thus, control over the harbor became the core interest in Cape Corner, and the Axe Gang held a significant portion of the docks.

With the giant tree dead, the Axe Gang was leaderless, presenting a perfect opportunity for everyone to take a bite.

But Luke was concerned... If a large-scale conflict erupted in Cape Corner, would it jeopardize his own safety? The previous chief detective of the Intelligence Bureau in Cape Corner had died under mysterious circumstances.

If he took the lead in the fighting, would he become the target of everyone's wrath?

Luke didn't immediately respond to Lambert's question but instead reviewed the information related to Cape Corner on his phone. As the largest port city in the Gold Shield Empire, Stormtide City was incredibly prosperous in maritime trade, making it the wealthiest city in the empire.

It had earned the nickname "Money Bag of the Empire."

Furthermore, the major profits from the extensive smuggling in Cape Corner flowed into the wealthy districts of Stormtide City. City council members, officials, nobles, merchants, and celebrities—everyone was involved. The power struggle within Cape Corner was merely squabbling over a few grains of sand that slipped through their fingers.

Luke viewed the situation in Cape Corner from a higher perspective, beyond what Lambert and Shelley could see.

The Intelligence Bureau, as a direct agency of the imperial court, wasn't favored by the city's elites. After all, their actions involved taking advantage of the empire and evading taxes.

As a smuggling hub, the presence of the Intelligence Bureau in Cape Corner made people uncomfortable. Even if the Intelligence Bureau was involved in smuggling through Cape Corner, it was definitely safer to rely on their own people.

The Cape Corner Public Security Agency was affiliated with the Stormtide City Public Security Bureau and served as the violent arm of the City Council's faction—their golden child!

This was a golden opportunity for the Public Security Agency to snatch control of the entire Cape Harbor from the Intelligence Bureau. They wouldn't hesitate to take it.

To add insult to injury, if another chief detective from the Intelligence Bureau were sent to Cape Corner?

Although it would be a slap in the face, it was not beyond their capabilities.

However, if they let the Public Security Agency take over the Cape Harbor, the Intelligence Bureau in Cape Corner would be completely trapped. With their support crumbling and their forces scattered, they wouldn't even be able to escape danger.

Difficult!

But it wasn't a hopeless situation.

As long as the conflict in Cape Corner remained internal, external forces wouldn't easily interfere. After all, the wealthy elites in the central district didn't want the situation to escalate, and they were hesitant to expose their connections to smuggling.

With the power currently held by the Intelligence Bureau in Cape Corner, they could still contend with the Public Security Agency.

Everyone in the room waited for the new chief detective's response.

"War?" Luke said. "If it's inevitable, then we can only face it head-on."

Hearing the new chief detective mention war, the core members of the Axe Gang became excited. If the Intelligence Bureau in Cape Corner was willing to organize mercenaries, they would have a chance to hold out until reinforcements from Fishbone Island arrived.

Lambert and the core members of the Axe Gang stood up and bowed to Luke. "Chief Detective, we thank you once again for extending your help to us. As long as we survive this crisis, we will remember your kindness."

They all echoed, "We will remember your kindness."

"I've heard you," Luke said. "I hope you truly remember. Please sit down... Shelley, can I entrust the task of contacting mercenaries to you?"

Shelley replied, "Please rest assured, Chief Detective. You can leave it to me."

Luke stood up, leaned on his cane, and addressed the members of the Axe Gang. "I can't assist you with the specifics of defending your castle, so I won't be a hindrance here. Now, I'll go meet the chief of the Public Security Agency and see if I can help alleviate some of the pressure on your end."

The core members of the Axe Gang accompanied Luke and respectfully saw him off through the door.

Outside, the undercover agents of the Intelligence Bureau continued to face off against the law enforcement officers of the Public Security Agency.

Captain Bazel stood alongside a man with gold-framed glasses. He wore the uniform of a high-ranking law enforcement officer and had bright, golden hair.

Luke approached, holding his cane, and extended his right hand to the man.

"Chief Holt, greetings. I am Luke, the newly appointed chief detective of the Intelligence Bureau in Cape Corner. From now on, we will be colleagues, and the work of the Intelligence Bureau in Cape Corner will greatly depend on the support of the Public Security Agency."

The golden-haired man was Chief Holt of the Cape Corner Public Security Agency.

Having just returned from the central district, he had rushed over upon hearing that the new chief detective of the Intelligence Bureau had publicly come to support the Axe Gang. His anger couldn't be contained.

Ignoring Luke's outstretched hand, Chief Holt questioned, "Chief Luke! I understand that you have just taken office and want to assert your authority. But your authority doesn't mean trampling over the Public Security Agency or sheltering criminals! I'm issuing you a stern warning right now—do not obstruct the investigations of the Public Security Agency. Immediately leave with your people, or you'll bear the consequences!"

Luke maintained his smile and said to Chief Holt, "Indeed, I came here because the murder case that occurred yesterday is related to a national security case our Intelligence Bureau is currently investigating. As the newly appointed chief detective, there are many things I don't understand about Cape Corner. If I have offended anyone, I apologize to my colleagues in the Public Security Agency. If there's a chance, I would like to invite all of you to the bakery on Silver Avenue, number 267, in the central district. I've heard their pastries are incredibly delicious."

When Luke mentioned the bakery on Silver Avenue, Chief Holt's expression immediately changed. He asked, "How do you know about that place?"

Luke replied, "As a member of the Royal Intelligence Bureau, we know more than you can imagine. Regarding the situation here, I'd like to discuss it privately with you. A storm is about to make landfall, and I believe you also don't want too many innocent people to be affected."

Chief Holt angrily said, "If you dare touch them..."

"Their safety is in your hands. Rest assured, I also hope the storm remains within manageable limits. Come... Let's talk inside the car."

Luke walked toward his car with his cane.

Chief Holt instructed his subordinates not to act recklessly and followed Luke into the car.