Chapter 439 (2/2)

“Ignore him and just pretend that you’re sweeping the snow,” Vader said calmly. “He didn’t bring any goods, which means he’s only here to check on the situation.”

“Gold” was the code name of their current target. The Ministry of Justice received a report two days ago that a serf was trafficking grains. His Excellency Carter attached great importance to this issue and immediately assigned the task to Vader. He demanded that the serf was arrested alive together with the goods, and called this the “Gold Hunting Mission”.

However, the mission did not start out smoothly. After making some inquiries, they began to uncover the identity of the target. Subsequently, a team of six people took turns to monitor the temporary housing area, but not a single trace of the target was found.

To Vader, it was clear that the reason for the lack of development was because the policemen’s uniforms were too conspicuous. He had lived in the Western Zone for some time, and naturally knew that whenever a City Hall official was in the area, news of it would spread rapidly among the residents. It was no different in the Eastern Zone. The people who lived here were serfs, and thus the black uniforms of the policemen were as striking as fireflies in the night sky.

That explained why he was adamant that Firehead and Whistle should take off their uniforms and put on a tattered coat. In this way, they could disguise as snow sweepers and stand on the thoroughfares of the Eastern Zone and Border Town. The suspect would not be able to escape their sights as soon as he appeared.

They saw Gold walking around the Eastern Zone briefly before returning to a cave dwelling. When he reappeared, he was carrying a large sack on his back.

“He’s indeed trafficking wheat…” Whistle clenched her fists tightly.

“Damn it! He simply doesn’t respect what His Highness has said.” Firehead cursed angrily. “We shall arrest him right now!”

“Don’t be rash,” Vader said and beckoned with his hands. “His Excellency Carter said that he wanted the target arrested alive together with the goods. We shall split three ways and act.” His instructions were in accordance with the previous operation to surround Rat. “Firehead, you’ll mobilize immediately and go to the old city wall area first. There’s only one route for him to enter the inner city.”

“Yes.”

“I’ll follow the target. This requires a lot of skills, and thus I’m the most suitable for this role.” He licked his lips in anticipation. “Lastly, Whistle, you shall stalk me from about a 100 steps back. Remember not to make eye contact with Gold.”

“Understood.”

“Then, let’s begin!”

Although the three policemen were similar in rank, they acted in full compliance with Vader’s plan.

Vader carried a broom and calmly walked a couple of steps in front of Gold. According to his experience, following the target from behind would easily arouse the target’s suspicions. Instead, by “leading the way”, the target would be much less cautious. If he was fairly certain of where the target was heading, this would be the safest method of tracking. He fully concentrated on Gold—he was confident that the instant that he heard a slight change in the target’s footsteps, he could trip the target and prevent him from fleeing.

After passing through the old city wall, Gold stopped walking and rested by the corner of a street. He was ostensibly aware that if he headed towards the center of the town, there would be a high chance of encountering policemen. Vader took a dozen more steps forward and turned into a side path, where he waited for the buyer to show up.

A short while later, a local who was pushing a handcart appeared. He looked around the vicinity before he slowly walked up to the serf. After inspecting the contents of the sack, he took out a handful of coins to close the deal. At that very moment, Vader gestured for the two policewomen to act.

The three of them dashed towards the target from different directions. The dealer was so dumbstruck that he did not move at all.

Vader pressed the serf down on the ground, accompanied by the clinking sound of coins scattering all over. He yelled, “You’re arrested!”