Chapter 61: Joining the Team

When Lucas said those words, everyone looked at him. The restaurant fell into extreme silence.

There was shock and a bit of doubt...

Karina nudged Lucas with her elbow, reminding her inspector: these words should not be said lightly.

But Shelley and Zane stood tall, looking down at the "fools" who did not know the true identity of their inspector.

Did the inspector say anything wrong?

If one day the Grand Princess ascended to become the emperor of the Argent Empire, the inspector would be a prince.

What our inspector says would be the law of the empire!

After a while, Lady Tasya awkwardly asked, "Inspector, do you have the authority to pardon us?"

Lucas answered, "Lady Tasya, you don't understand the Argent Empire's Secret Intelligence Bureau. Theoretically, our power is boundless, second only to the royal authority. It's just that the royals and officials don't want us to abuse our power, so we senior agents exercise restraint and avoid doing anything excessive. My situation is quite special; I can cross some boundaries."

Shelley couldn't help but add, "Let me tell you, our inspector has powerful backing.

This afternoon, our inspector scolded Councillman Virgil at the City Hall, and Councillman Virgil had to give our inspector 80 million Imperial Marks to calm his anger. Pardoning you pirates is just a matter of our inspector signing a notice."

Wow! Everyone in the room looked at Lucas with a newfound respect.

He scolded a councilman of Storm City, and the councilor had to pay him.

80 million! How many ships would we need to plunder to get that much money? The backing of Meteor Inspector is extraordinary!

"Ahem..." Embarrassed by Shelley's praise, Lucas coughed to cover it up but continued to maintain his stance:

"Those are minor matters. Getting the Secret Intelligence Bureau in the Seawall District to issue you legal identification is also minor, but you will no longer be able to freely rob Imperial ships."

Lady Tasya, having Fishbone Island as a haven, was very restrained in her pirate activities to avoid angering the Imperial Navy and had committed no major crimes.

Therefore, Lucas's promise was quite generous.

Now that the Secret Intelligence Bureau in the Seawall District had expanded, ensuring the people of Fishbone Island could move freely within the Seawall District was achievable.

For Lady Tasya, shedding the pirate identity and accessing mainland civilization was a great opportunity.

But no more robbing...

"Inspector, aside from robbing... we know nothing else."

"If you don't know, you can learn..." Lucas waved a fork with a piece of grilled fish in front of Lady Tasya, saying,

"At least fishing should be very easy for you. Moreover, I plan to establish a merchant fleet directly under the Seawall District Secret Intelligence Bureau. This fleet can facilitate trade between the Seawall District and Fishbone Island, as well as sell our bureau's specialties to make money."

"Specialties of the Secret Intelligence Bureau?" Lady Tasya was puzzled.

What can the Secret Intelligence Bureau produce other than Imperial spies?

"Lambert, show Lady Tasya our good stuff."

"Yes, Inspector!" Lambert took out a bottle of potent berserk potion, placed it on the table, and pushed it towards Lady Tasya, explaining,

"This is a potent berserk potion produced by the Imperial Pharmacists' Association. It played a significant role, along with the reinforcements sent by the inspector, in defeating the invaders before your support arrived."

"I have personally tested this potion. It works quickly, and the side effects are manageable—it's not something you can easily find on the market.

Our inspector can acquire this potent berserk potion in large quantities through private connections. If your fleet can sell it worldwide, you can make a fortune."

Lady Tasya grabbed the blue potion bottle and examined it closely. Her pupils dilated with excitement.

If they could sell this potion, why continue being pirates? Selling this stuff would be far more profitable than robbery!

Inspector Meteor indeed has powerful connections.

"Inspector, my lord... can we really sell this potent berserk potion?"

Lucas corrected, "Not sell—transport. And you would need to join the smuggling group I'm forming, the Flaming Sun Smuggling Group. All profits will be distributed based on contributions. Are you interested in joining, Lady Tasya?"

Although the idea of joining a smuggling group proposed by an inspector of the Secret Intelligence Bureau seemed odd, in this context, it felt perfectly fitting.

"Of course!"

Lady Tasya agreed without much thought.

An inspector with such powerful backing leading them to make money through smuggling was like being pulled out of the sea and having gold shoved into their laps.

Could they refuse? Absolutely not!

Lucas raised his glass to Lady Tasya: "On behalf of my colleagues in the Flaming Sun Smuggling Group, I welcome you and your friends from Fishbone Island.

When we make enough money, I'll buy you fully metal warships to sail the seas."

Fully metal warships!

Lady Tasya knew that various nations were researching these revolutionary ships, but she couldn't imagine a fully metal warship floating on the sea.

However, she could envision that once such warships appeared, they would be invincible at sea.

With such capable backers, the inspector might actually obtain such warships.

Excited, Lady Tasya raised her glass and clinked it heavily against Lucas's, causing the wine to spill.

"Thank you, Inspector! You have saved my Fishbone Island and my people. We will always remember your kindness."

"May our friendship last forever!"

"May our friendship last forever!"

Lucas and Lady Tasya downed their drinks in one go, and the atmosphere in the restaurant immediately became lively.

Several pirate leaders came forward to toast Lucas, who welcomed each one, drinking with them without hesitation.

This display of camaraderie further strengthened the bond between them.

After a round of drinks, Lucas said to Lady Tasya, "Have your people leave; I have something important to discuss with you."

Hearing Lucas speak so seriously, Lady Tasya signaled to her subordinates. The pirate leaders quickly gathered the pirates and left.

Soon, the large restaurant was empty except for the mess on the tables, Lucas's team, and Lady Tasya.

Lady Tasya asked Lucas, "Inspector, what do you need us to do? Rest assured, anything at sea, we can handle for you!"

Lucas pushed his empty plate aside, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and casually said, "Lady, you and your people arrived in Seawall District so quickly—does that mean your fleet is waiting outside Storm City for the armed airship Clover?"

Though Lucas's voice was soft, it struck Lady Tasya like a thunderclap.

"Inspector, who told you this?"