The Bizarre Detective Agency

Chapter 240: The Investigators' Commission

The lead-gray ocean stretched to the horizon, vanishing into the unseen distance. Several sailors scooped water from the sea, drenching the deck again and again with full buckets.

The sailor in the crow's nest peered into the distance. The sky, still dim and overcast, had yet to brighten, but visibility was good.

Lu Li stepped out of his cabin. The cool sea wind met his face, instantly sweeping away any lingering warmth.

He saw an elderly man stretching his joints by the railing not far from the cabin.

Noticing Lu Li, the man did a few squats and walked over.

"Got to stretch, keep the old bones from getting rusty," he remarked, fastening the top buttons of his coat. "Did you rest well?"

"Well enough," Lu Li replied, gazing out at the ocean.

"Where are we?"

"Less than twenty nautical miles from Port Roadster. A little farther, and you'll see Belfast."

As they drew closer to shore, other vessels began to appear on the water. On the decks of some of the nearer ones, figures could be seen staring with curiosity at the steamship, which had left during the night only to return in the daylight.The sight of these ships dispelled the loneliness of those who had traveled through the night.

A song drifted from a nearby radio: "...I don't care how high the sky, how deep the earth..." The sudden burst of music startled a sailor who was fiddling with the device.

Lu Li narrowed his eyes, looked away, and asked, "Tell me about the rescue team."

Despite Lu Li's impassive expression and even tone, the elderly man caught a hint of interest in his voice.

"What do you want to know?"

"For instance, what's the weekly pay."

"There's no pay. We old-timers join the rescue team voluntarily."

Hearing this, Lu Li dropped the line of questioning. "I have no more questions."

But the old man wasn't ready to let it go.

"You need money?" he asked curiously.

Lu Li nodded. Building the shelter and stocking up on supplies required substantial funds.

"Investigators have a lot more freedom than the Night's Watch. In your spare time, you can take on private cases. Once you gain more experience, you can take on more complex jobs. Even a ten-percent information share can net you dozens of contribution points. Or you could become a private exorcist."

"A private exorcist?"

"Supernatural phenomena have become more frequent, and many wealthy men and aristocrats are willing to hire an exorcist for protection. For the short term or the long term. You're an investigator, so you'd be more valuable to them—and more expensive."

The information the elderly man provided was important. Lu Li nodded.

"I'll think about it."

"I see Belfast!" came an excited cry from the mast.

The elderly man raised his head to look at the sailor pointing ahead. Lu Li's gaze, however, went straight to the horizon.

There, beyond the lead-gray ocean, the silhouette of the city emerged.

Two days after his scheduled meeting with Anna, Lu Li had finally returned.

...

Belfast, Port Roadster.

The fishing boats that had been anchored all night began to leave the port. It was less congested now, with only a few cargo ships at the docks, loading and unloading goods.

In the distance, a steamship's horn sounded—a common occurrence in the port. The workers didn't even look up. Only the dispatcher on the pier waved a flag, guiding the early-morning arrival toward its berth.

The steamship docked, and the gangway was lowered to the shore.

A tall figure descended the gangway, stepping onto the wooden planks of the pier.

Two carriages and a steam car were waiting at the pier. From the waiting group, a middle-aged man with deep wrinkles on his face stepped forward. Removing his top hat, he said with a smile:

"I am the head of the Investigators' commission. Welcome back."

"Thank you," Lu Li replied, his gaze sweeping over the three-eyed crow emblem on the man's chest. The crow's eyes were golden, which meant he was facing a third-rank investigator—an agent.

Knowing from the elderly man that an inspection and questioning would follow, Lu Li asked:

"Can I go home first?"

"It's best not to. If there are any traces of contamination on you, it could pose a danger to the city."

"Contamination" was the general term used to refer to any supernatural influence.

Lu Li understood this, so he suggested another option:

"In that case, could I write a letter home?"

"The same principle applies," the man smiled regretfully. "Some types of contamination can be transmitted through text or even conversation, warping people's minds. It's a precaution. Don't worry, we just need to record your report of what happened. It won't take long."

Before Lu Li could reply, footsteps sounded on the gangway. Someone had come up behind him.

"Uncle," the man said to the newcomer.

The "uncle" turned out to be the leader of the rescue team, the very same elderly man.

Lu Li's gaze shifted from one to the other. They did share a certain resemblance, such as the distinctive wrinkles etched into their faces.

Sensing Lu Li's gaze, the elderly man explained, "The team undergoes an inspection after every rescue mission. You know, these things are always treacherous and unpredictable. And if you're wondering about the other thing... Yes, I'm this fellow's uncle."

Lu Li nodded without a word. "Let's go."

However, the elderly man didn't follow them. As Lu Li got into a carriage, both carriages immediately pulled away from the pier.

Passing the steam car, Lu Li saw several people get out and head toward the elderly man and the steamship.

They wore black uniforms, and on their sleeves was an emblem of a half-open eye.

It was the Night's Watch.

"We greet the people; the Night's Watch conducts the inspection. Everyone has their duties," the head of the commission explained.

"Won't I be inspected?" Lu Li asked.

"You're an investigator, you don't need one," the commission head replied, pulling a bamboo cylinder from his pocket and removing the lid.

From the darkness inside the cylinder, a golden insect resembling a ladybug crawled out. It spread its wings and began to fly around the cramped carriage.

"If it lands on you, it means you're contaminated."

Lu Li watched the insect in silence. Time passed, but while it continued to circle, it never landed.

"What does that mean?" Lu Li asked.

"Nothing. It's just very slow."

Just as the commission head had said, the insect only completed its inspection by the time the carriage stopped in front of the Friendship and Love Repair Shop. It immediately darted back into the bamboo cylinder.

"Excellent, you're clean," the commission head said with a relieved smile.

"We're here. Let's get out."