Chapter 257 - Chapter 257: Chapter 247 The Investigation of the Night Watcher Captain (1/2)
Chapter 257: Chapter 247 The Investigation of the Night Watcher Captain
A gentle breeze swept by, and as the sun rose, it cast an orange-red glow through the clouds on the horizon, illuminating the entire town.
Early-risers on the streets hurried on their way while the stalls in front of various shops gradually opened, as shop owners busily prepared for the day’s business. Birds sung cheerily atop the trees, infusing the morning with a sense of vitality, enveloping the town in an atmosphere of tranquil serenity.
Nasir Town.
A black carriage was parked in the town, and a handsome mature man with a commanding figure stepped out, pulling open the carriage door and descending with steady steps.
His black tailcoat was crisp, and his brooding eyes took in everything around him, followed by three Night Watcher teammates of starkly different ages.
Lewis was the captain of Fein City’s first Night Watcher group, a Middle Rank Bloodline Knight of Transmutation.
He wasn’t a Cyart, but a Vallere citizen. In fact, all the Night Watchers in every city were transferred from outside the area.
It was a church policy to prevent locals and local nobility from colluding, which meant that the Night Watchers of any given city could never employ natives.
Although it was his first time in Nasir Town, Lewis had just stepped down from the carriage when he could clearly sense that this town was different.
Its development was perhaps a tad too impressive.
Having only toured for an afternoon, Lewis couldn’t help but marvel, able to feel the town’s booming growth.
“Among the Eastern Four Kingdoms, I thought Vallere and Carnia were the most developed nations, never expecting that Cyart too had numerous fine places,” he remarked.
Having strolled for a while, Lewis’s subordinates also nodded in agreement.
“Indeed, Captain, this town called Nasir looks fairly decent. Though it doesn’t compare to Fein City in population or size, it can barely be considered a small city now.”
Over the years, Nasir Town’s population had surged, and various industries had developed.
Before Byrne disappeared, he had speculated that once the railway construction was completed, Nasir Town could become a burgeoning city in short order.
Lewis took a deep breath, tasting the saltiness of the seaside, and murmured to himself, “Seaside towns hold such charm for an inland person like me; I feel like staying on indefinitely.”
However, they weren’t here for a leisurely vacation but on orders from Colonel Abel to investigate the Fischer family’s situation due to his report.
Meanwhile, Chief Carly would covertly investigate the Lion clan.
Many said Abel’s mental state had become abnormal, and the Night Watchers suspected this might be connected to extraordinary powers or even the work of a heretical cult.
“Let’s hope both our investigations turn up something, no, it would be better if they didn’t find anything at all.”
Lewis sighed and shook his head. Unlike the overly fervent Chief Carly, he felt mere duty in his job as a Night Watcher.
If they found special circumstances, Lewis would take them seriously, but if they didn’t find anything after a thorough investigation, he’d leave immediately without further fuss.
Arriving in their hotel room, the Night Watchers commenced a meeting about the following matters.
“In at most one month’s time, we need to uncover some clues, but if we don’t find anything within that month, we’re free to leave.”
“Overtime is out of the question.”
Lewis muttered to himself, then was overheard by his only female subordinate.
The woman grasped his arm, exclaiming, “Captain Lewis! We must strive for God’s sake! Keep it up!”
“Alright, alright, got it,” he replied.
Lewis took a deep breath and said with a hint of helplessness and weariness, “We mustn’t reveal our identities. During this time, we can’t wear our uniforms, and we need to operate covertly.”
“Let’s start with the ordinary folk around us, see if they know anything. Oh, and during this period, we shouldn’t make contact with any Extraordinary Exponents to avoid alerting the Fischer family.”
He paused, then continued, “Although it’s very likely there are members of the Fischer family among the commoners.”
“But such things are unavoidable.”
Firstly, Lewis began his inquiries at the hotel where they were staying, tipping the waitress a little extra that evening before starting his questions.
“Hello.”
The slender, frail-looking woman was a dragon descendant with a listless face, expressionlessly saying, “Sir, my name is Lily, a waitress at this hotel. Please call me at any time if you need assistance.”
“To be clear, I will not have any… physical contact with guests.”
Lewis took a large sip of wine, sizing her up with the courage of alcohol, noting the rare grey scales on her skin, and her clean, neatly-trimmed grey hair reaching down to her waist.
“Miss Lily, I’d like to inquire about some small matters,” he said.
Lily’s eyes brightened immediately as she nodded, “What is it? I’ll tell you anything for a tip!”
Lewis nodded lightly, then narrowed his eyes, smiling as he said, “Well, it’s about some things concerning this town. Have you heard of any strange happenings, like disappearances or mysterious rumors of that sort?”
To prevent the possibility of the townspeople sending warnings, Lewis did not directly target the Fischer family but first inquired about the local peculiarities.