Age of Arcane

Chapter 176 The Cape Port Controversy (6000)

When Lambert arrived at Cape Harbor with his 500-strong Cape Secret Service Second Squad, Luke's detective convoy arrived just as well.The two teams of imperial agents joined together and entered the port area aggressively.

The gangs on the pier saw Inspector Meteor Star put on such a formation, although they didn't know exactly what happened, they responded positively.All of a sudden, a large group of people swarmed in, and the sturdy guys stood in front, building up momentum for Inspector Meteor.

The armed merchant ship docked on the pier occupied the inner waters of Cape Harbor under the command of Mrs. Tasia. The gun door on the side of the ship was opened, and the muzzle of the black artillery protruded from it.

Aim at a fleet in the port.

That fleet belonged to the Saxon Engineering Company, with a total of four ships, all of which were the latest steam-powered warships.

Luke who came to the dock also saw these four most advanced warships.

Adonis-class steam battleship: Displacement 2745 tons, speed 7 knots, equipped with 20 post-loading artillery developed by Saxon Engineering.

Although the main structure of the hull is still made of wood, a steel armor plate with a thickness of 80 mm is added to the outside of the hull.Therefore, when facing the superior number of armed merchant ships in Cape Harbor, the four Adonis-class steam battleships did not panic at all.They left the pier where they were docked, and calmly formed a defensive formation.

Come prepared!
Before Luke met the people of the Saxon Project, he had already felt their strength.If I don’t make it right today, I’m really going to make a killing here!

At Pier 9, Luke meets one of Yomington's followers.

"Hello, Inspector Meteor." The entourage of the Saxon Engineering Fleet facing away from the sea saluted Luke, but his expression was very arrogant: "My lord and Mr. Edgar of the Saxon Engineering are waiting for you on the Coral Reef. You want to see them both, and we have a boat ready for you."

Luke saw the small boat moored to the edge of the pier, with four sailors sitting in it with oars.

He lit a cigarette for himself first, and then said to Yomington's entourage: "I will give you an hour, and let Yomington and Edgar come to my Lucky Princess to find me. If the time comes, I will I haven't seen the two of them..." Luke took out his pocket watch and looked at the time on it: "The thugs at sea will attack your four ships. If something unfortunate happens, all I can do is Reported the death to Lord Shoufu and Saxon Engineering."

The entourage didn't expect Luke to make such a blatant threat, he said angrily: "Master Inspector, you are facing four of the most advanced warships in the sea, and the guns on those ships can't penetrate the armor of our warships at all. "

Luke spit out a smoke ring, chuckled lightly: "How to destroy you, that's the business of the sea thugs, don't associate me with the thugs. Let me remind you...every word you say to me here counts time .”

Although the attendant was annoyed, he didn't dare to waste any more time.It seems that one hour is more than enough, but with the round trip in a small boat and the disembarkation, in fact, there is not enough time for Yomington and Edgar to think about it.

The consequences are not something that a small follower of him can bear.

The entourage hurriedly boarded the boat and urged the sailors to row hard towards the Coral Reef.

Luke boarded the Lucky Princess docked.

In the captain's room of the Lucky Princess, Luke met Mrs. Tasia and the core captains of the armed fleet who were making an attack plan.

After Luke sat down, he asked the backbone of his fleet: "The enemy is there, and we need you to have a plan to wipe them out."

Mrs. Tasia spread out a topographic map of Cape Harbor in front of Luke, and the staff officers and captains used models to set up a map of the situation between ourselves and the enemy.

"Master Inspector..." Mrs. Tasia pushed four merchant ships forward from her own fleet, and the other ships lined up behind the four ships: "The battleships of the Saxon Project have very strong defense and firepower. The artillery can't penetrate their shields. Fortunately, they are trapped in the inner waters of the port. We can fight them on board with some casualties.

Killing them all is no problem.

The only concern is... whether there are other warships of the Saxon Project in the outer sea, and the reaction of the Imperial Navy stationed in the naval port of Raging Waves City.

Our fleet is not yet capable of fighting either of them. "

Luke was also thinking... Fight!consequences that will arise.

The navy should not have to worry about their intervention. The military does not participate in the internal affairs of Raging Waves City. As long as the war does not break into several important urban areas of Raging Waves City, the army will not move.

But the Saxon project is a behemoth that is difficult to fight against the existing strength of the cape area.

The Saxon Project is the leading private military-industrial complex in the Golden Shield Empire. Its main business direction is freighters, warships, ship-related equipment, and overseas colonization.

In order to control the overseas colonies, the Saxon Engineering subordinates set up a private fleet, the equipment level of which was not weaker than that of the regular navy.

For the Saxon Project, the Adonis-class steam battleship is nothing more than an offshore frigate, but for the current Yanyang Armed Fleet, it can only use the most primitive tactics to win in this specific environment .

If it is placed on the sea to fight a regular naval battle, the Yanyang Armed Fleet is estimated to be completely wiped out.

At this moment, Luke has never been so eager to have a powerful fleet.At the same time, he also realized that even if he controlled Cape Harbor, without the protection of a fleet, others could strangle the sea artery at any time.

The "first machine" is still purchasing equipment, so don't expect it to come to the rescue now.

But no matter what, today's step must not be taken back.

Retreat is a dead end.

"Just fight the war I tell you to fight." Luke made up his mind to fight if he couldn't talk about it: "If you have to fight, try to capture these four Adonis-class steam battleships as intact as possible, which will help us deal with the war. Follow-up reprisals of the Saxon Project."

"Yes, Inspector!"

Luke set the tone, and Mrs. Tasia led the captains to continue to formulate a specific attack plan.

In the captain's room of the Coral Reef, Edgar, the representative of Yomington and the Saxon Project, was also discussing... Would Inspector Meteor dare to launch an armed conflict.

Edgar is a middle-aged strong man with a military look, sitting there is very oppressive.He listened to Yomington's entourage relay Inspector Meteor's warning, and then said to Yomington: "As you said, Meteor is very unruly. Do you think he will attack us?"

Although Yomington had expected Luke's reaction, this straightforward military threat was beyond his expectations.

He asked Edgar: "Can your fleet stop the attack of those mobs?"

Edgar didn't think too much: "In the open sea, my fleet can easily destroy them. But here...as long as they are willing to pay a certain sacrifice, they can fight with my fleet. Neither firepower nor defense can be played.

The opponent will win, but the sacrifice must be very great.

Then the head office will send more warships to avenge us. "

Edgar's answer was very rational, and he didn't have any worries that he might die here.

Yomington asked again: "Do you think the opponent is bluffing, or is he really going to attack when the time comes?"

Edgar said with a smile: "This is what you need to judge. The order I received is to obey your arrangement. But I think Inspector Meteor will never come to the Coral Reef anyway, and he doesn't cherish the so-called 'thugs'." life."

From this point of view, there is a high possibility that Inspector Meteor will fight.

But doesn't he know the consequences of the fight?
Yomington knew what kind of follow-up impact this battle would cause. No one could bear the military and political chain reaction caused. Even if Meteor was valued by the eldest princess, he would not suffer any punishment.

Does he dare to fight?
Think rationally, he dare not fight!
But Inspector Meteor is definitely not a person who can use reason to judge.Yomington recalled the series of events he had come into contact with with Meteor. He is a person who can do anything.

While Yomington was still thinking, Sui reminded him in a low voice: "My lord, Inspector Meteor only gave you one hour, and the time was already counted before I left the pier."

Yomington looked at Edgar, he was a retired naval officer, he was only responsible for military operations, and he still made decisions by himself.

"Prepare the ship. Mr. Edgar and I will go to see Inspector Meteor." Yomington made a decision.

"Yes, my lord." The entourage left.

Edgar asked Yomington: "You also judge that meteorites will attack us?"

"He is a lunatic!" Yomington said helplessly: "I'm sorry, I should have your fleet deterrent outside the port."

"If the ships of the Saxon Project dare not even enter the cape port, what's the use of deterring them outside the port? This is also an attempt, at least we know the determination of the opponent. Lord Yomington, let's go... Let's go see Inspector Meteor."

"Please, Mr. Edgar."

When Yomington and Edgar boarded the boat heading for the Lucky Princess, they could see that the armed ships surrounded by the outer circle had already formed a shock formation.Just as Edgar judged, these dual-powered wooden ships did not line up the battle lines of conventional naval battles, but aligned their bows like land battles.

As soon as the attack begins, the lead ship attracts the attack and covers the approach of other ships.There are also a large group of sailors sitting in the small boats on the coast, preparing to use swarm tactics to carry out a breakthrough and boarding battle against the four warships in the middle.

In the face of dozens of times the enemy's attack, the Saxon Engineering fleet has no chance of winning.

Luke got his wish and met Edgar, a representative of Yomington and Sachs Engineering, on the Lucky Princess.A crisis has not erupted for the time being, but the tense atmosphere in the entire Cape District, and even in Raging Waves City has not eased in any way.

Inspector Meteor's warning has reached the ears of the city's leading officials.

Inspector Meteor's violent reaction was beyond everyone's expectations.In the face of the Saxon project coming from the imperial capital and the thunderous judgment of the city council, Inspector Meteor Star not only did not accept the facts, but showed the fierceness of fighting to the death.

The Haijiao District has entered a closed state under the control of the Secret Intelligence Bureau, and it is difficult to pass on information from inside, and it is also difficult to pass on information from outside.Everyone waited anxiously outside, fearing that the powder keg in Haijiao District would be detonated, and the entire Raging Waves City would be affected.

Councilor Ible, Mrs. Mihir, and Viscount Iscoran used all their energies in Raging City to lobby.If Inspector Meteor really caused the turmoil in Raging City, all three of them would be involved.

At the same time, they also know...if they can't save the situation and take back the Haijiao Harbor repair project, then they will lose completely.

Swords are on the verge of breaking out in Cape Harbor; all parties in Rage City are wrestling; on the deck of the Lucky Princess, Luke puts out a grand banquet.

There are three seats on a dining table, and on the grill next to the dining table, a fat cook is grilling large pieces of fish.Surrounded by heavily armed sailors and imperial spies, Luke looked like a black boss, knocking on Erlang's legs with a cigarette in his mouth, and casually said to Yomington and Edgar who were boarding: "Sit down, two... I heard you I came to Haijiao Port for inspection, and I came to see you without even eating breakfast. Let’s talk while eating, and hope that after breakfast, we can reach a satisfactory result.”

As soon as Luke waved his hand, a sailor stepped forward to set two oak glasses full of beer for Yomington and Edgar.

The grilled fish is also cut into pieces and placed on the table.

After sitting down, Yomington asked angrily, "Inspector Meteor, what do you mean? Do you know what you are doing?"

"I know what I'm doing! I'm afraid you don't know what you're doing! I've paid so much for Cape Harbor Renovation... money, I put in; people, I mustered; equipment, materials, I All are booked. Just wait for this project to be completed, which can drive the recovery of Haijiao District.

You suddenly jumped out and took away the meat on my plate... If you were me, what would you do? "

Luke brought the whole plate of roast meat in front of him, picked up a fork and put a bite of meat into his mouth, his eyes fixed on Yomington.

Yomington replied: "Detective Meteorite, doing business requires fair competition. Saxon Engineering is an old-fashioned engineering company with a history of 200 years and has very strong technical strength. And as a company mainly engaged in the shipbuilding industry, Saxon Engineering knows the direction of future ship discovery and what kind of ports are needed in the future.

What is the Yanyang trading company you support?
Building a port is a technical project, and the city council of Rough City has decided to hand it over to a professional company. Is there anything wrong with that? "

What Yomington said is well-founded and hard to argue with.

Luke did not follow the rhythm he started: "Our construction of Cape Port is not simply a port repair. I have a whole set of infrastructure projects in the Cape District to be implemented. I am not here to stop Saxon Engineering from taking over this project. If Saxon Engineering is willing to invest in my Cape recovery plan, and Cape Harbor can be repaired by anyone."

Yomington immediately remembered the fact that he bought Vergil from Inspector Meteor. Could it be that he occupied the Cape Harbor repair project, or was he trying to make money?

Yomington was a little confused about the detective's purpose.

"Could you talk about your plans for the recovery of the Cape? If it turns out to be profitable, I think Saxon Engineering might be interested."

"The location of Raging Wave City, as long as there is no investment, it will make money." Luke ate the meat, and said: "All the roads in the Cape District will be rebuilt according to the standards of the central city, and all the civil systems of water conservancy, electricity, and transportation will be benchmarked against the center. urban area.

Build a heavy machinery factory, a smelting factory, a large shipyard, a textile factory, a chemical factory, a steam engine factory..."

Luke opened his mouth and asked for the price.

After he said that he wanted something, Yomington asked again: "If Saxon Engineering is willing to invest in these projects, what kind of return can it get?"

"Isn't it a reward for you to build Cape Harbor?"

Yomington's face darkened instantly.

It turns out that these things you offer are all for nothing, and even those factories don't plan to share some shares.

Play fools!
"Master Inspector, you are very dishonest!"

Luke smiled and said, "No, I'm very sincere! As long as the Saxon Project takes out the money, I'll take people back immediately, and the port will be given to you."

Saxon Engineering will certainly not take advantage of this.

Yomington said solemnly: "Meteor, don't continue to make trouble for no reason. The City Council of Rage City has already made a decision. You belong to the Imperial Bureau of Secret Affairs and have no right to interfere in the city's government affairs.

If you insist on obstructing the normal progress of Cape Harbor's repair project, Saxon Project will sue you in the Supreme Court of the Empire. "

Regarding Yomington's threat, Luke snorted and continued to eat, ignoring it.

And Yomington thought that Luke was timid, so he took advantage of the victory and pursued: "Detective Meteor, accept the fact. Although you have an important mission, Raging City is not something you can pry. Be a detective here for a few years in a safe and sound way. Wouldn't it be nice to leave the job safely with a considerable amount of wealth?
That's what other Secret Service detectives did, knowing they couldn't fight the way history was going. "

Luke didn't speak.

When Yomington was about to continue persuading, an imperial agent came to report: "Inspector, a professor from Oulu College who claims to be Bruce Ban is here."

Luke picked up the napkin and wiped his mouth: "Professor from Oulu College? Let him come over."

"Yes, Inspector!"

A moment later, Bruce Bann boarded the deck of the Lucky Princess.He saluted Luke and said, "Hello, Detective Meteorite!"

Luke nodded back: "Hello, Professor Ban, what do you want to see me for?"

Bruce Ban replied: "I came here on the order of Professor Qing Kong, the head of the Oulu Academy's Department of Occult Arts. A few days ago, our Department of Occult Arts discovered an unidentified girl who claimed to be Kestrel and lost her memory.

When we checked the Kestrel, we found that her brain had been fitted with a transformation device, and her whole body's bones had been replaced with alchemical metals.Dean Willred was very angry that a poor girl was treated so inhumanely, and asked Professor Clear Sky to investigate the matter.

I am here this time to invite Mr. Yomington to Oulu College.

Professor Clear Sky has some questions for you. "

Bruce Ban's last words were addressed to Yomington.

And listening to Yomington's ears undoubtedly revealed too much information.

Dean Willred expressed his attitude...very angry!
This is the attitude of Oulu Academy.

But isn't the Oulu Academy extremely cautious in politics?Master Oulu only engages in academics, and does not stand for any position.

Yomington explained: "Kestrel is my adopted daughter, and she was already like that when I adopted her. I've been looking for someone who killed her..."

Bruce Ban interrupted Yomington's explanation: "I'm sorry, Mr. Yomington. It's Professor Clear Sky who wants to see you, and your explanation to me won't help. Please come with me... It's night at Oulu Academy, don't Let Professor Qingkong wait for a long time."

Yomington didn't want to go.

This is clearly a trap!
The entire city of Raging Waves knows that Fairy Clear Sky and Mrs. Mihir are good friends, and Mrs. Mihir is from Meteor's side.

Qingkong didn't come to find him early or late, but he came up at this time.Yomington didn't believe it, she just asked about the kestrel.

"I'm sorry, I don't have time right now, I still have very important things to talk to Inspector Meteor."

Luke said: "What do you and I have to talk about! The representative of the Saxon Project is Mr. Edgar, we can talk here. Master Yomington, you can go."

"I……"

Just as Yomington was about to find an excuse to stay, Bruce Ban took out his magic wand: "Mr. Yomington, I'm not a person who is good at words. Professor Clear Sky asked me to take you back, so I have to take you back. If force is needed, I will use force."

The scene immediately became tense, and Yomington knew that he had to go to Oulu Academy.Without knowing the true attitude of Oulu Academy, one must not offend this behemoth.

"Okay, I'll go to Oulu Academy with you, and I'll explain it to Dean Willred in person." Yomington got up and turned to warn Luke: "Detective Meteorite, don't think that your little tricks can do anything to me. In the same way, I don't believe that the Oulu Academy will interfere in the government affairs of Raging Waves City. You must have deceived Dean Willred.

Closing in time is the most correct choice for you! "

Luke cast a glance at Yomington: "Goodbye, Yomington...I think Miss Skylight will treat you well."

"Don't be too happy, Oulu Academy's behavior is different from yours. I will be back soon."

Yomington followed Bruce Ban to leave.

Edgar, who had been silent since boarding the boat, was left.

Luke continued eating, pushing the empty dinner plate forward after he had finished the large plate of grilled fish.

"My appetite is this plate of meat, and no one can take away a piece. In the muddy waters of Raging Waves City, is the Saxon Project really going to come in? Can you bear the price?"

Edgar picked up the wine glass, drank the whole glass of beer in one gulp, wiped the foam from the corner of his mouth, and replied to Luke: "We are all pawns in the royal game, you have your mission, and I have mine.

My mission is to lead my fleet under the command of Yomington. Now that Yomington has been taken away by the people of Oulu Academy, I cannot make a decision. "

Luke smiled and asked his men to serve Edgar with a plate of grilled fish.

"I'm afraid you'll need to make a decision. Yomington won't show up again until I get the Cape Harbor repairs."

Edgar couldn't help but be surprised by Luke's words: "What do you mean? Oulu Academy will detain Lord Yomington! He is the chief aide of Lord Chief Assistant."

Luke said very meaningfully: "I just told you that the water in Rage City is very deep, and you can't grasp it. Let alone Yomington, it's useless even if Mr. Chief Assistant comes...

Take your fleet with you after eating the meat, the water in Cape Harbor is not safe at night. "

(End of this chapter)