Before dawn, the mist had not yet dissipated.
A group of people from the Inspection Bureau arrived early at the Lapu Textile Factory, led by none other than Chief Inspector Goff.
"What a strong stench!"
In the crowd, someone, covering their nose and mouth, exclaimed, "All the fish in the nearby river are dead, and the color of the water has changed! Is this a place fit for humans?"
"It’s said to be because of the latest technology. The cloth needs high-temperature steaming and dyeing, so the water gets contaminated, and the odor is strong," someone explained. "Of course, I don’t understand it very well; I’ve just heard people say so. Though, there’s certainly a lot of thick smoke being emitted."
Everyone looked up toward the towering chimneys from which thick black smoke was being belched high into the sky. This black smoke would eventually become part of the air, enveloping the entire city of Sigerno.
Someone muttered quietly, "No wonder the air quality in the city has been deteriorating over the past few years. Factories should be farther away from the city."
Before they could finish their discussion, a man emerged from the factory’s main entrance, bowing enthusiastically. "Goff, my friend, why didn’t you let me know you were coming? I would have prepared."
"Jack," Goff responded with a faint smile, "this time we’re here to investigate a case, and we might need your cooperation. Is it possible to halt the factory’s operations for today?"
"Halt operations?" Jack’s expression changed dramatically. "Goff, you must be joking, right? The machinery in my factory is different from others; it takes a long time to adjust when starting or stopping. The wages for so many workers, and the maintenance costs for the machinery, would amount to at least several thousand pounds. Who’s going to pay for that?"
Several thousand pounds?
The people present exchanged glances. They had no idea that simply stopping the machinery could have such serious consequences.
"Jack!" Dana stepped forward, saying, "We’re not here to negotiate with you. Female workers disappear from this textile factory every month. We must conduct a thorough investigation."
"You are...?" Jack turned his head to look.
"Dana!" Dana stated firmly. "Dina Yeager."
"So, you’re the daughter of the Yeager family." Jack nodded, his previously amiable expression suddenly turning serious. "Then you should know what this textile factory represents, shouldn’t you? The clothes it produces are sent to the frontline. Do you want our warriors there to have no clothes to change into?"
Turning around, he swept his gaze over the people present. "The Lapu Textile Factory is a distinguished industry of Sigerno City. Members of the Noble Council, like Frank, the Foster family, and others, all hold shares in it. I’d like to see who dares to shut it down today!"
The scene fell silent. People exchanged glances, their eyes showing hesitation.
Goff frowned slightly in displeasure but didn’t force the issue. The people Jack mentioned carried too much weight; even as Chief Inspector of the Inspection Bureau, he couldn’t help but be cautious.
"Alright then!" Sighing, Goff gestured. "Let’s go inside, take a look, and ask a few people some questions. That shouldn’t be a problem, should it?"
"Of course!" A smile returned to Jack’s face as he extended a hand, inviting them inside. "Welcome!"
「On the second floor of the factory.」
Cesar Foster, holding a walking stick, watched the inspectors milling about below, his eyes filled with gloom. "Recently, the inspections in the city have been very strict."
"As they should be." Pharmacist Robert appeared behind him and nodded. "The suicide attack by the Fire Stealers caused heavy casualties among the city’s nobles, made Earl Barro lose face before Princess Sake, and even destabilized the morale on the front lines. This is no trivial matter. Besides, this place is bustling with people. Since you sheltered those individuals, it’s inevitable that some information has leaked out."
Fire Stealers! This is what the people of Kolon call those who can manipulate fire. They are devotees of the Sun, also known by the Gando people as the Thieves of Fire.
Pharmacist Robert, Sigerno City’s renowned and successful merchant, was actually involved with an enemy faction. And it wasn’t just him; the Foster family was involved too.
"What should we do now?" Cesar asked, looking down. "Will they find that place?"
"Don’t worry, they won’t," Robert reassured with a smile and a wave of his hand. "As long as the factory machinery keeps running, the passage is blocked by spinning propellers. No one can get through. As for that other secret passage... not only is it difficult to find in the first place, but I’ve also set up Witchcraft Traps there, making infiltration even harder."
Cesar nodded slowly. After a pause, he added, "But this isn’t a sustainable solution. Inspectors and police officers are already focusing on the North City. They’ll find out there’s a problem sooner or later!"
"Indeed!" Robert sighed. "And the deadline that person gave us is too tight—only ten days. It’s really difficult for us. Otherwise... perhaps we could create some kind of disturbance to divert their attention?"
Dana carefully inspected every floorboard and every room in the factory, her gaze constantly sweeping around.
"Let’s go!" Goff came over and called out, "On to the next one."
"Chief Inspector," Dana followed closely, speaking softly, "I feel something isn’t right here. Carey mentioned before that his fiancée’s disappearance was also related to this textile factory."
"Hmm." Goff hadn’t become Chief Inspector solely due to his status; his keen insight into cases was equally indispensable. "You’re right. The Lapu Textile Factory is definitely hiding something, but we can’t uncover it right now."
"Chief Inspector..." Dana’s eyes brightened. "You mean?"
"A covert investigation," Goff lowered his head, his voice heavy. "I have a feeling the Thieves of Fire’s suicide attacks are just the beginning; it’s very likely the matter isn’t over. If my intuition is right, they must have a stronghold within the city."
With that, he looked up toward the second floor, his keen perception alerting him to a faint, almost unnoticeable killing intent from moments earlier.