Chapter 9, Infiltrating the Inspector's Home

Dark Small Medium Large Original Scroll to Bottom

Udinese fell into deep thought. After a moment, he turned to the person and said: "Find out who the new leader of that group of pickpockets is. I want to meet him."

"If it were someone else, I would tell them it is absolutely impossible; magic cannot be achieved through shortcuts, it can only be accomplished step by step." The old man spoke with his mouth full of salad, his words unusually vague.

The silvery light suddenly converged, and a shadow burst forth from the swirling mass of flies.

Perhaps Rape should go buy a firearm for self-defense

"Be careful, that pot up there is about to fall!" Lapei shouted, pointing at the top of the cabinet. Indeed, there was a pot placed there, with a small part protruding, looking rather unstable.

The large dog stared at the wand, its eyes darting back and forth, gradually becoming more and more dazed.

The detective did not notice that behind him stood a blood-soaked ghost

"Very well, if you insist on this." Mrs. Marvin had to compromise; she was well aware that her husband had already taken a step back, and she too had to make an appropriate concession

More than an hour had passed when Jiya finally returned in the carriage. When he saw Lape, the ground was already covered with a thick layer of dead flies, and the dark "clouds" that had shrouded the filthy ditch had become much thinner.

Upon entering the warehouse area, Lape immediately sensed the chaos; people were coming and going everywhere, most of them dressed in overalls and pushing small carts, presumably dockworkers. There were also some individuals standing nearby, some of whom were cargo owners, but more were brutish-looking figures with menacing expressions. These individuals occasionally cast glances at the horse-drawn carriage, clearly intrigued by the sight of a child like Jiya driving it. However, the pitch-black carriage and the brass plaque affixed to its rear dissuaded them from pursuing any thoughts, as it was a police carriage.

Without a moment's hesitation, La Pei immediately replied: "A curse"

The warehouse area is located to the south, while the quarry is situated to the north, directly traversing the entire Talen.

Just now, when delivering the package, Lape made some modifications to the lock. This type of door lock is equipped with a bolt, and once it is engaged from the inside, it cannot be opened with a wire.

The four-eyed individual was very obedient. He walked to the center of the room, raised his right hand, and made a gesture as if holding a sword. Immediately afterward, he began to swing his right hand, first mimicking several thrusting movements, followed by a few sidestepping and blocking postures. Finally, he traced an arc with his right hand, performing a motion as if sheathing the sword

"We haven't done anything to bother the police, so why are they coming to trouble us?" Udinese had a headache; he was not afraid of the police, but he absolutely did not want to be at odds with them

Lapei was contemplating what preparations to make when suddenly, the sound of a chair being moved came from the study next door

This house has been around for some time; the floorboards creak when stepped on. However, Rape did not make a sound on the floorboards, which was due to the cloak he was wearing

"Be quiet for a moment, what is wrong with you?" Detective Ma Wen scolded with a stern face as he took out the key to unlock the door

Taking advantage of the break during the barbecue, Lape began to prepare the sauce and make the salad. He not only multitasked but also occasionally checked on the lamb shoulder, sometimes turning it over, and he spoke while working.

Just now, Big Will was right next door, standing at the inspector's bedside. The inspector woke up in shock and sounded the alarm. It was too late for La Pe to escape, but it was quite easy to cover up the traces and hide.

"Alright, alright." Lapei felt helpless; since he was already here, he might as well fulfill this guy's wish

Old man Fole sat alone in the living room, perched on that rocking chair, gazing at the dining table. Usually, at this time, the table would be filled with delicious food, but today, Lape had not yet arrived

Taking advantage of the absence of the mistress, Lapei strolled into the kitchen, pretending to be enchanted as he said: "It smells wonderful, your culinary skills are impressive"

Your skills have improved greatly. The old man's voice of praise came from the living room

"Have those two chicken coops been torn down?" Lape asked

Rapei opened the postman's satchel, took out a set of thief's clothing, quickly changed into it, and then stuffed the removed uniform into the satchel.

Sigh... you naughty dog, so disobedient, you will sleep in the garden tomorrow. Detective Ma Wen shook his head; he had no choice but to chase after his dog

Let us go. " Rapei greeted Jiya.

Udinese shuddered all over; after the assassination incident, they had worried that this matter might implicate them. Therefore, as soon as the fat man spoke, he immediately became alert and loudly questioned: "When did Hoff die?"

"How is it going? Do you have any clues?" Lape asked

"Yes, I will go right away." Four-Eyed Fei dashed out the door like the wind

The higher one goes, the colder it feels. It is now late autumn, and Talen is close to the seaside, with the warehouse area situated right next to the ocean. The sea breeze, laden with moisture, blows against one’s body, making one feel a chilling cold that penetrates to the bone

I am experimenting with some complex cooking techniques. In the future, I might be able to open a restaurant," Lapei said unenthusiastically

The Secret Sword of the Randos Dynasty, just as I guessed

This should not be the work of the police. Udinese is also experiencing a headache, but the reason for his headache is different

Lape has fallen into the trap

The inspector did not carry a firearm; in indoor combat, a longsword is more useful. He approached the bedroom door and gently opened it. After exiting the room, he slowly moved to the study door, and then suddenly opened the study door.

For him, these are very important. If the height of the roof varies too much, he may not be able to jump up. The difference between the sloped roof and the dome is also significant; on the sloped roof, one can only walk along the ridge, while on the dome, one can step anywhere.

The hostess of this household was equally taken aback. Mrs. Marvin appeared quite young, seemingly in her thirties. She was not particularly beautiful; her forehead was too high, and her cheekbones were also prominent. However, she possessed a reassuring presence that made one feel at ease upon first glance

The dog suddenly barked loudly

Udinese thought: Is it the police who wish him harm, or is that guy named Hoff just looking for trouble, using the police's influence to make things difficult for him

Boss, the taste seems a bit off. I don't know who that guy on top is, but there's another little fellow below, who should be one of Hoff's subordinates. Hoff, nicknamed 'Ribs', was originally a pickpocket, but later became the boss himself, managing dozens of small pickpockets under him. This was reported by the bespectacled guy.

The warehouse area is the territory of Udinese, and it is unclear how many people are working for him. His informants are everywhere, and there are even quite a few of his people within the fire department, so those who seek information returned quickly.

Being able to uncover so much information within two small websites, the capabilities of the four-eyed individual are undoubtedly top-notch

However, the old man misunderstood; he thought that Lape was the illegitimate son of the king's envoy, seeking revenge for his "biological father," and that the gold coin was a treasure passed down through their family for generations

After a moment, Detective Ma Wen wrote down several names on a piece of paper. After a while, he crossed out a few with his pen and then added new names.

No one could have imagined that the two rooms were decorated in an exceptionally luxurious manner. Hoff's room was already quite nice, but it could not compare to this one at all. The room below was clearly the living room, entirely in the Rococo style, with exquisite sculptures visible everywhere, and a ceiling painting titled "The Nymph in the Forest" above. The walls were adorned with oil paintings, and unlike the works of second-rate artists found in Hoff's room, these oil paintings were all masterpieces.

They may disregard the police, but when it comes to the secret police, they feel uncertain.

At this moment, waves of fragrance wafted out from the kitchen

The cloud of flies was suddenly blown away, and many dead flies fell to the ground, all of them pierced by a single sword

Jiya immediately ran to the side of the carriage, pushed the driver aside, and sat in the driver's seat

Suddenly, a burst of furious barking came from the study

Rapei pushed the door open and entered. This room was adjacent to Detective Marvin's house, and the fat man was lying on the bed, snoring loudly.

Suddenly, Lape thought of something, and his expression became exceptionally fierce. After a long pause, he said: "Have them replace the lime projectiles with iron nails, flatten the tips, then put a leather cover on them, and wrap them in cotton, with a bit of lime on the cotton..."

This is the benefit of being well-equipped

"In that case, am I an exception?" Lapei discerned the implied meaning behind the words

As soon as Inspector Ma Wen left, Big Will also floated out.

Although Winston Street is not under the jurisdiction of the Seventh Post Office, it is not difficult for La Pei to intercept a package. This is because the management of the post office is very lax; as long as you are wearing the post office uniform, no one will pay attention to your comings and goings. Moreover, packages usually arrive around 9 AM and are simply left in the lobby, which is absolutely empty at that time, as all the postal workers are out delivering mail.

Rape uses the technique of puncturing, which is an advanced skill of continuous stabbing

"Fortunately, you are here to take the wind," Lapei turned to Big Will and said

Court Secret Sword? Secret Police? That fat man was clearly a well-informed individual; upon hearing the term "Court Secret Sword," he immediately understood the meaning of the mysterious figure in the red robe

Suddenly, the curtain was lifted, and a large dog lay on the windowsill, glaring angrily at Lape through the glass

"Boss, you can rest assured," said the pickpocket, patting his chest. He had been in this line of work for a while; not only could he keep watch, but he could also scale walls with ease.

After completing all of this, Lape chatted with the maid for a while. Feeling that the time was about right, he stepped out of the kitchen and happened to hear the sound of the lady coming down the stairs

"Are you saying that I still have to take the risk?" Lape rolled her eyes

After a moment, footsteps echoed in the corridor as the inspector returned with the dog. He tied the dog in front of the fireplace in the study and then walked over to the desk. Still feeling somewhat suspicious, he picked up the file bag to take a look, untied the string of the bag, and flipped through its contents to confirm that nothing was missing. Only then did he feel relieved and return to his bedroom, lying back down in his bed. He still felt somewhat suspicious, so he picked up the file bag to take a look, untied the string of the bag, and flipped through its contents to confirm that nothing was missing. Only then did he feel relieved and return to his bedroom, lying back down in his bed.

This package was not forged by Lape, but rather it was something he managed to withhold

With a single breath, he revealed everything he knew, which explains why he had been out for more than two hours.

Detective Ma Wen left his seat, organizing the case files and putting things back into the case bag, while speaking to the dog: "Robin, behave tonight and don't make a mess in the study, or tomorrow you'll be tied up in the yard with the pipe placed on the fireplace." The detective then exited the study and returned to his bedroom. He changed into his pajamas in the bedroom and then lay down in bed.

There is this possibility The fat man is also chiming in beside

The smell here is indeed very unpleasant

Although the number of secret police is small, there are many experts among them, and more importantly, they represent the king

Suddenly, a mysterious figure standing by the window, shrouded in a red robe, spoke in a deep voice: "Boss, it seems that someone is watching us"

After pausing for a moment to confirm that every corner of the courtyard was covered in powder, Lape returned to the alley, and from then on, it was just a matter of waiting

Boss, this matter is a bit complicated

The person referred to as the boss is a short man in his forties, with a height of no more than 150 centimeters.

Fortunately, there are numerous ways to deal with dogs

Four-Eyed hurriedly said, "Boss, those two kids are riding in a police carriage"

Hoff has died, over ten days ago, and no one is willing to say who the new boss is. There are a few police officers who are in the know, but no matter what conditions I propose, they refuse to speak, as if they are quite wary of the new boss. That group of pickpockets has also stopped stealing on the streets; they have even purchased the abandoned quarry in the northern suburbs. I went to take a look, and it seems they are renovating it into a shooting range. I also heard that the Seventh Police Station has just allocated a batch of weapons there, with at least one or two hundred long guns and handguns, as well as longbows, short bows, and crossbows. They are also sending a few police officers to act as instructors. I secretly visited the lair of those guys and found that they were training, and what they were practicing had nothing to do with the police. At least I have never seen police officers use swords, nor have I seen them play with concealed weapons.

Lape no longer cares about the gecko suit. That item originally overlapped with the crawler tools, and he already possesses several crawler tools, so there is no urgent need for the gecko suit

"I am sorry, marrying a police officer is indeed a very challenging matter." The inspector kissed his wife's cheek. Just as this couple was sharing a tender moment, next door, the door opened silently, and Lape sneaked in.

"As you command, boss," Jiya replied, turning and running towards the carriage

A series of footsteps emerged from the kitchen, traversing the corridor, followed by the sound of a door opening. Someone entered the room, and then the door closed. It was the maid returning to her room to rest after finishing her work

Rapei snapped his fingers at Jiya, and the newly appointed second-in-command, a small pickpocket, immediately ran over. He was entirely different from Hand's reserved demeanor, displaying a completely sycophantic attitude.

"I am worried about hurting the two children, they are still so young..." Mrs. Ma's eyes were filled with pleading.

"Don't think about sleeping tonight," Lapei muttered. It is now nearly midnight, and it will take at least half an hour for Ma Wen to fall asleep. By the time I finish reviewing this data, it will probably be around 1:00 AM.

Rape's footsteps are not slow, yet they make no sound, for his feet tread upon a soft cushion made of cotton, which is the cat's paw pad

As soon as the dog jumped off the cart, it began to sniff around in all directions. Suddenly, it sneezed, and immediately afterward, it started to growl softly.

Taking a deep breath, Lapei once again plunged into the swarm of flies

Udinese was very dissatisfied, and he shouted loudly: "Is it really necessary to beat around the bush? Just come directly to the door."

"Did you see them practicing swordsmanship?" asked the mysterious figure in the red robe standing by the window in a low voice. He then added, "Imitate their movements and show me two moves."

Detective Ma Wen half-sat up, trying to wake himself a little more, then quietly got off the bed and reached for a long sword from the weapon rack on the wall.

Oh, it's so noisy, is it still possible to sleep?" Lape switched to an actor's persona, mimicking the voice of the fat man lying in bed as he mumbled and shouted.

Detective Ma Wen did not notice that there was something strange about the wall in the corner of the room. As soon as he walked away, that corner of the wall began to move, revealing something that looked like wallpaper, behind which La Pei was hiding

More than half an hour later, voices saying goodnight echoed from upstairs, followed by the sounds of footsteps, a door opening, and a door closing. Lape tiptoed out from the storage room, carefully closed the door of the storage room, and then silently ascended the stairs

A bespectacled individual, who appeared to be an accountant, responded affirmatively and stepped outside

In just a moment, Lape's body became completely clean

The inspector hesitated for a moment and finally said: "Alright, I will lock it in the study tonight. You should feel reassured now, right? It is warmer inside the room than outside"

Only Robin is walking back and forth in the study

There are people in the room, a large group of them, and they seem to be discussing something

The old man had heard that there were certain divine artifacts capable of protecting their masters

"Those insoles are indeed very good, but the physical exertion is also quite terrifying; just a little running makes me extremely tired," Lape complained.

Detective Marvin sat quietly, his brows furrowed, a pipe clenched between his lips, completely still. The only movement came from the pipe, which glimmered intermittently, occasionally emitting a spark.

In addition to climbing, the gecko suit has the benefit of being able to change color, allowing the wearer to blend in with the surrounding environment. To achieve this, Lape can employ other methods

"Even pickpockets are bullying us? What a world..." Udinese shook his head in self-mockery

A sudden silence enveloped the room, and everyone ceased their activities; those in their line of work are particularly wary of the police

There is a difference in slope at the top of the ramp; the steeper the slope, the more caution is required

Why not just go directly to Old Man Foller? You can at least sleep for three hours, and I will wake you up.

Lape took out the map from his pocket, then pulled out a pair of binoculars and leaned by the window to observe

I plan to go to the fire station in the warehouse area today, please help me arrange it said Lape

Master, you have returned? The old butler had already walked to the door and took the dog leash.

Hand replied promptly: "It has been dismantled, including the stones and soil underneath, all of which have been thrown into the stinking ditch to the north. Once this side is finished, I will have them fill in the ditch."

"With so many unrelated people, how can we practice?" Rapei shot a glance at Hand and then waved his hand, saying: "Let everyone return to their old nest; let's practice slingshot at home for the next couple of days"

Seeing the large dog subdued, Lape put away his wand and continued to thread the wire through the gap in the window. He hooked it onto the latch inside and gently pulled. With a soft click, the latch was disengaged.

The maid clearly found it quite satisfying, raising her chin and saying, "Of course, with my skills, I could easily open a restaurant."

In the blink of an eye, bubbles began to form all over Lape. Initially, they were very small bubbles, which gradually coalesced into larger ones, and their color deepened, becoming covered with all sorts of dirt.

Lape recalled the gathering of the dark sorcerers; tomorrow is the day of the assembly. He wondered what kind of gains he might achieve. Of course, he did not forget the old man's warning: dark sorcerers are not to be trifled with, and any unexpected events could occur.

Lape was unaware that Inspector Marvin kept a dog, but he considered this possibility. Therefore, the powder he scattered on the street was a type of hallucinogen that could excite dogs while also making them easily hypnotizable

"Certainly." The old man sat impatiently at the dining table

No one noticed that some powder leaked from Lape's pant leg, and with a gust of wind, it quickly dispersed, some drifting onto the street and some blowing into the garden

This time the duration was much longer, approximately over two hours. Rape had already come down from the watchtower, and that bespectacled man had just returned to the living room, his face filled with a look of panic.

Lape marked everything on the map with a pen, while also noting the approximate height of each warehouse

He looks quite young. Udinese saw Lape and turned to instruct, "Quickly send someone to investigate; I want to know who is up there"

The fire station is located on the outskirts of the dock area, with its bright red painted gate being highly conspicuous and visible from a distance

In the center of this warehouse area, there stands an unremarkable warehouse, its exterior dilapidated and the interior dark and cramped. Near the entrance, there is a wooden frame supporting two rooms, which appear to be the living quarters of the warehouse manager

Siyuan pondered for a moment and suddenly realized: "It seems to be the fourth day after the assassination."

The old man has become hungrier. Ever since he had the butler, La Pei, his appetite has become more refined. In the past, he would casually stuff a few pieces of bread into his mouth and then head upstairs to conduct experiments. Now, he prefers to stay in the living room, waiting idly.

It may be due to the sea breeze; I assure you, if it is still like this next week, I will take it to the veterinarian. The inspector had to concede once again.

I understand. "Jiya replied affirmatively.

Lape pushed open the floor-to-ceiling window and walked onto the balcony. The window next door was closed, and the light inside had already turned on; Detective Ma Wen was currently in his study.

I have contacted the dark sorcerers and heard that they hold gatherings on the nights of the full moon and the new moon. I plan to attend; could you give me some advice?" said Lape while flipping the lamb shoulder.

Lape placed the plate down, turned around, and returned to the kitchen; the items were still on the stove, and he did not dare to be away for too long

Lape tended to the fire while taking out the ingredients he had prepared in the morning. Dinner consisted of roasted lamb shoulder and Bohemian smoked chicken, so he retrieved two glass jars, in which the ingredients had been marinating all day, ensuring that the flavors had thoroughly penetrated.

"Don't you think it's too cold outside?" Ma Wen did not want to dampen his wife's spirits

What should I do? This is what Lapey is most worried about; the reputation of dark wizards is not without reason.

The maid, of course, was unaware. At the moment she looked up, Lape secretly sprinkled a pinch of powder into the soup. This was the sleep powder prepared by old Fole, which did not merely induce drowsiness but had an exceptionally effective sleep quality. Once asleep, one would feel nothing at all, sleeping soundly until dawn, and upon waking the next day, one would feel particularly invigorated.

"If you help me deal with Udinese, I will give you something that should be very helpful to you," the old man said vaguely, as he continued to whet the appetite of the listener.

"I asked you to keep an eye on that house. What is the situation?" Lapeyre inquired

Lapei listened in the kitchen; the old man's advice perfectly matched the memories contained within the lucky coins. It seems that the old man truly had good intentions.

Dear, I would like to discuss something with you. Could we tie Robin in the yard tonight? she asked her husband in a low voice

This package was received three days ago and has been kept hidden at home by La Pei.

"Cursing magic harms others without benefiting oneself, and it is more prone to backlash than other types of magic. Why did you choose it?" the old man couldn't help but ask

This is a type of "good" medicine, but in the hands of certain individuals, it can also become an accomplice to crime

His head is quite large, with high cheekbones, yet his eyes are small. A patch of goatee adorns his chin. His attire is very refined, but his face and hands are rough, marked by the traces of wind and frost

Secret police?" Everyone else in the room exclaimed.

It is only 7 o'clock now, and the people in the house have not yet gone to sleep. However, Rape is not worried; he quickly slips into a small room at the bottom of the stairs, which is a storage area that he discovered during his first visit.

The hostess of this household was also in the kitchen; she took the package and went upstairs with the signing sheet

Lape climbed in through the window, quickly walked to the desk, took the file bag, untied the string that bound the file bag, and poured out all the data inside... Meanwhile, in the next room, Detective Ma Wen, who had already fallen asleep, suddenly opened his eyes. He was very alert while sleeping, and would wake up at the slightest sound. The faint sound just now, which others would hardly notice, was extremely jarring to him.

I will find a way to convey your meaning

Looking at the exceptionally noisy construction site, Lape felt somewhat disheartened, not expecting to have made the trip in vain. What should he do now?

1. Two hundred long and short guns, as well as long and short bows, crossbows, and even hidden weapons, along with swords... This is to form an army! A stout man murmured to himself, and after a moment, he suddenly opened his eyes wide: Could it be because of the assassination that happened earlier?

Lapei quickly ascended to the third floor, where he listened attentively; the sounds of snoring were emanating from both rooms

Inside the carriage, La Pei quickly changed into the postman's uniform. His satchel contained a package, and the mailing address remained 358 Winston Street, which is right next to Detective Marvin's house

A pair of binoculars had already been handed to Udinese by someone nearby

The maid looked up and replied nonchalantly, "It's fine."

Alright. The old man agreed: "However, I cannot give you the gecko suit"

Lape climbed up the spiral staircase

"Wait a moment, I need to go in. You help me with the wind," Lape instructed.

"I can make some arrangements on the roof so that you can come here every night. Over time, you will definitely gather more clues." Rape was unwilling to take the risk

Enduring the foul stench emanating from the sewage ditch, the little fellow Jiya shouted from a distance: "Boss, I am back. I have made the arrangements, and you can head over now."

Archers, crossbowmen, and musketeers have always been the nemeses of wizards; it seems that Lape can only rely on this thing

"Well done," Rape praised Jiya while taking out a bottle and spraying it on his head, body, hands, feet, and also on the two staffs.

Leaving No. 358, Lape crossed the road and slipped into a small alley on the opposite side, where the pickpocket he had sent to watch Detective Ma Wen's house was hiding in the alley

The old steward was taken aback

After more than an hour, another carriage stopped at the entrance of Gate 357. A tall, slender middle-aged man with chiseled cheeks, sunken eye sockets, and exceptionally bright eyes descended from the carriage. Following closely behind was a large dog, pitch black in color, with a shiny back and short, dense fur. This dog had a long body, with shoulders and thighs composed of taut muscles, exuding explosive power, and its short, broad front gave it a somewhat fierce appearance

Where is that pickpocket leader? I would like to meet him. Udinese is not interested in making wild guesses; he prefers to clarify matters directly

I want to take revenge for someone who was killed by a top assassin. That assassin possesses terrifying strength, capable of cleaving fireballs with a sword; ordinary mages are utterly ineffective against him. It is said that only curse mages can restrain him. This time, Lape is speaking the truth

As before, after La Peira rang the doorbell, the maid rushed out to open the door. However, this time, the maid did not stare at him but immediately ran back to the kitchen

Suddenly, Lape took a swift step, and the sword staff in his right hand transformed into a flickering silver light

In a rush, La Pei could not possibly learn to mimic perfectly; however, the voice of a person who is abruptly awakened from sleep and becomes angry will certainly be somewhat distorted, so he is not worried about being exposed

"Boss, the fire tower is right behind us, and there is no one around now. You can go up directly." Jiya opened the car door.

Mrs. Ma sighed lightly and no longer mentioned the matter of the dog: "It is time to eat, I will have the two children come down."

"Robin, be quiet! Robin, calm down!" Inspector Marvin scolded loudly

The old man understood after a moment's thought. His dedication to research did not mean he was oblivious to the world outside; he had heard a little about the news of the king's envoy being assassinated. Reflecting on the fact that he first met La Pei the day after the assassination, the old man seemed to gain some insight.

There is no way around it; that assassin is like a heavy stone on Lapeyre's heart, which he must remove.

Complicated? Udinese scratched his head; he feared complexity the most. For smugglers, the more complicated things are, the more likely problems will arise

This is troublesome. Do they think that the assassin was hired by us? Udinese tugged at his hair forcefully, and given that he already had very little hair on his head, he accidentally pulled out several more strands.

"You need not worry; that coin can ensure your safety." The old man cast a envious glance towards the kitchen. He certainly would not tell Rape that he had once secretly cast a spell, only to find that the three types of magic—"surveillance," "reconnaissance," and "charm"—were ineffective against Rape, to the extent that he could not even place a magical mark on him.

The thrust includes a sword-retracting motion, utilizing the strength of the forearm and wrist. In contrast, the jab relies on the flick of the wrist, allowing the tip of the sword to change direction rapidly, with smaller movements and greater speed. Consequently, the lethality is reduced, making it effective only against small targets like flies

Suddenly, Lape recalled the promise made by Old Fole last night

Lape took out the staff sword, gave it a shake, and straightened both staff swords with a flick of his wrist

There are several suspects, but unfortunately, I can only see the documents he opened said Biggle Will with a look of regret

Time passed slowly. First, a carriage stopped in front of door number 358. A stout man, dressed in a checkered overcoat and wearing a bowler hat, got down from the carriage and then entered the house, whereupon the lights inside were instantly turned on

A dog!" La Pei frowned; for someone who wanted to sneak into someone else's house, a dog was the most detestable thing.

"Dark sorcerer?" The old man frowned. "You should be cautious of dark sorcerers; they are likely to cast spells on you in secret."

Rape must be prepared to escape amidst the hail of bullets

Upon reaching the top of the tower, Lape realized that the metal shed at the summit was quite small, accommodating at most three people standing inside

"You will be a good cook." The old man took it seriously

Lape dismounted from the carriage and looked around.

Beagle Will said lightly that he did not care at all

Is there no one? Am I being overly sensitive? Detective Ma Wen walked to the window, he looked at the curtains, and they were fine. He then checked the window latch, and it was also in good condition

Jia Ya went to contact the firefighters, which would certainly take some time. La Pei intended to find something to do, and at that moment he noticed someone repairing the wooden sheds

No problem. Rapei readily agreed.

After a moment, Hand rushed over. Upon seeing Lapei, he immediately nodded and bowed, saying: "Boss, are we still practicing today? Everyone is already waiting."

The stinking ditch is somewhat distant from the quarry; upon arrival, one can hear a buzzing sound, with countless flies enveloping the area like a dark cloud

"This move is quite impressive." Big Will couldn't help but exclaim

Flies are much smaller than mailboxes, and they are alive, moving quickly, and their numbers are so vast that they seem endless

The old man was slightly taken aback and glanced again in the direction of the kitchen. He truly could not understand why this young man had chosen that direction. Even among dark sorcerers, few were willing to deal with curses

The relationship between Jiya and the fire brigade is evidently very close; this fellow waved his hand at the entrance of the fire station, and the gate opened, allowing the carriage to drive straight in

The old man sat in the living room, and he did not respond immediately

It is almost five o'clock now, and every household is preparing dinner. The maid was originally busy in the kitchen. Rape deliberately chose this time to come over

Suddenly, a nail appeared in Lape's hand

The medicine prepared by Old Man Fole is quite effective; indeed, one falls asleep as soon as one touches the pillow

This short man is the biggest smuggler in Udine, Tarun. This warehouse is his stronghold, and the seemingly unremarkable goods piled inside are worth enough to purchase the entire warehouse district

"Magic is truly wonderful!" "It's so amazing!" Hand and Jiya both murmured to themselves, their eyes filled with envy

"Shall we start with some salad?" Lapei came out of the kitchen holding a plate; the roasted meat and smoked chicken would take time, and he knew the old man was already starving

Looking at the mottled marks on his body, La Pei felt nauseated. Fortunately, he had changed into a complete set of thief's clothing, which left no gaps whatsoever, even his eyes were shielded by lenses; otherwise, he would have definitely been unable to bear it

"It is probably another of Vackley's subordinates; that guy is always restless." Udinese stood up and walked to the window

The tailing pickpocket answered with great trepidation: "The man of that household returns home at 7:00 PM, and the study light turns on at 8:00 PM, remaining lit until 10:00 PM, after which he goes to bed. His study is on the left side of the third floor, while the bedroom is on the right side. The second floor contains the rooms of his two children, with his wife's room on the right side, and the ground floor consists of the living room and the maid's room. In addition to his wife and two children, there is also a butler and a cook in the house; the butler stays up quite late, while the others go to bed early. The house also has a dog that accompanies him to work during the day and patrols the house at night.

Unlike yesterday, there are many people here at this moment. Some are leveling the ground, some are driving wooden stakes, and there are large trucks unloading sand.

Yesterday, La Pei saw flies buzzing around the chicken coop and was inspired by this to think of a method for practicing swordsmanship

Compared to the Post Office, the fire station's building is much more modest, consisting of only three floors. The ground floor is completely open, housing several fire engines, and there is a hole in the ceiling with a pole in the middle, designed for firefighters to slide down as quickly as possible. The first and second floors are clearly dormitories, while the third floor is likely used for offices and storage. Lape glanced at the small courtyard behind. The courtyard is indeed very small, measuring only five or six meters in length and less than three meters in width, yet within this tiny space stands an iron tower. The first and second floors are clearly dormitories, while the third floor is likely used for offices and storage. Lape glanced at the small courtyard behind. The courtyard is indeed very small, measuring only five or six meters in length and less than three meters in width, yet within this tiny space stands an iron tower.

"How? Are you using it?" The voice of the old man Foller came from the living room

"Do you want to go home, or to Mr. Foller’s place?" Jiya cautiously asked as she drove the carriage away from the warehouse district

Big Will can only come out at night, and he cannot stray too far from the lucky coin. This was originally a limitation, but at this moment it has turned into a blessing, as that lucky coin is resting on the windowsill of Detective Marvin's study

I apologize, there were some matters at the office today, which caused a delay. I will prepare something to eat right away. As soon as La Pei entered the door, without waiting for the old man to complain, he immediately went into the kitchen

Lape smiled, emerged from the alley, and stood in front of Detective Martin's door for a while

The entire yard is almost filled by the base of the iron tower. This iron tower stands over thirty meters tall, with a small metal shed on top, serving as a lookout post, from which one can overlook the entire warehouse area

First it was Hoff, then it was us, could it be..." The fat man pressed his forehead, his mind a bit chaotic. Dealing with Hoff was manageable, starting with the simpler tasks. But when it came to them, that was unacceptable. At the very least, they should clean up those small gangs below before taking action against them

"Cursing magic is indeed very effective against that kind of guy," the old man agreed. "Moreover, you don't need to practice it to a high level, but you must be proficient in silent casting, and it is best if you can achieve instant casting."

Mr. Foller, could you please give me that lightweight cloak first

"Help others to the end." Big Will made a gesture of request

Except for Lape, no one can see Big Will, not even Fuller. Therefore, allowing this guy to sneak a peek is the easiest and least error-prone method.

"Are you out of your mind?" Udinese exclaimed, his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets

The kitchen was filled with a cacophony of sounds, likely from the maid washing the dishes, while footsteps could be heard from the second floor. Lapei waited quietly, his patience commendable.

With a flick of his wrist, the wand suddenly appeared in his hand. However, he did not cast any spells; instead, he kept shaking the wand, swaying it back and forth rhythmically like a pendulum

Regarding La Pei's complaints, the old man was not surprised. Those insoles, like the strength gloves, also require extra stamina. The strength gloves are one thing; they are used for lifting objects, allowing for a break after a while. Running, however, is different; one cannot simply stop to rest after running a few blocks, as that would be less effective than walking.

Do not be misled by the fact that La Pei has killed a multitude of flies; in reality, he has missed even more. After just a short while, he had to retreat, waving his hands in a flurry to drive away all the flies on him

At that moment, Inspector Ma Wen saw Robin slip out.

Putting oneself in another's shoes, if an old man continuously casts spells on a young wizard but repeatedly fails, he would undoubtedly feel uneasy. Until he understands the other party's background, he would absolutely not dare to take action. That is why he said that Rapei need not worry at all

This is not an ordinary nail; the tail is not flat but has a cross shape, resembling the fletching of an arrow. This was custom-ordered by Hand from the ironworks at the port, and while it is slightly more expensive than regular nails, it saves a great deal of trouble

"Take me there," said Lape.

This is the reason why Lape sneaked in so early; just now, while hiding in the storage room, he was constantly imitating the voice of the fat man

What if the clues are cut off? Those suspects are likely to be silenced, or they might find an excuse to leave. It has already been over ten days; we cannot waste any more time. Big Will appeared somewhat hysterical

Because I was very well prepared in advance, La Pei was quite pleased with himself

The cloak is very light and soft, resembling a wisp of gossamer; this is the "Light Feather Cloak." Of course, it cannot truly be as light as a feather; it merely reduces some of the weight. However, this item can distribute the weight, which is why the stairs did not creak.

The Rapé danced with both hands flying, the silver light twinkling like countless stars, resembling an impenetrable net. In the blink of an eye, the ground was covered with a layer of dead flies

The scope of dark magic is vast; which specific type do you intend to specialize in?" Old Foller casually inquired

"It’s alright, I will ask Old Fole for a piece of light armor, and then pad the vital areas with iron plates; there should be no problem." Lape preferred to be well-prepared, after all, he was about to face a powerful smuggler. Even if this fellow had no skilled fighters around him, crossbows and firearms would certainly not be lacking.

Rapei now finally understands why no one is watching from the top of the tower; being responsible for lookout duty is undoubtedly a thankless task

On the morning of the second day, Lapei completed his work early once again. Just like yesterday, he took a carriage to the quarry in the northern suburbs

You will take me to 357 Weston Street. Then you will make a trip to Old Man Fuller’s house. Before you go, buy a turkey and a roasted salmon at the restaurant, and pick up some vegetables as well

The effective duration of this hallucinogen is only twelve hours, thus leaving no trace and preventing Detective Marvin from becoming suspicious

The lamb shoulder was placed on the red-hot grill, and upon contact with the grill, it immediately emitted a sizzling sound. The marinated fatty chicken was hung at the smoke outlet, with the hot air driving the fan, causing it to slowly rotate.

As the night deepens and the outside grows increasingly quiet, Lape has nothing to do but look up at the sky, gazing at the crescent moon that is nearly disappearing.

Suddenly, the old man heard the sound of a key turning in the lock.

Looking down from such a great height, La Pei saw nothing but rooftops. Coincidentally, he had been darting around on the rooftops all day yesterday, so the scenery that appeared monotonous to others held a different intrigue in his eyes

The carriage soon arrived at Weston Street. From a distance, Lapei spotted the familiar house and instructed the carriage to stop. He sent Jiya away and walked directly towards number 358

The room is surrounded by a circle of windows, all fitted with glass, yet it remains very cold inside, as if one has entered an ice cellar. A thick cotton coat hangs on the hook at the entrance, clearly prepared for the lookout. However, the lookout did not touch that coat, as due to the source of magic, his body is quite robust and more resistant to the cold than an average person

"You are very capable in handling matters," Lape expressed his satisfaction.

Isn't this too dangerous? Hand understood Lape's meaning, but he dared not follow through. Shooting the boss with that thing, if something goes wrong, it wouldn't just be an injury; it could very likely be fatal

Taking the telescope, Udinese looked towards the fire brigade's watchtower. There are many clever people in the world, not just Rape. If one wishes to monitor him, there is no better place than that watchtower

The roofs may appear the same, but in reality, they are not. Some warehouses, having fallen into disrepair over the years, have roofs where the tiles are completely shattered, exposing the underlying wooden structure, which may collapse with just a step. In contrast, other warehouses have been renovated, and their tiles are relatively intact. These tiles vary in type; the most common are ceramic tiles, while some are slate, and the least numerous are wooden boards soaked in tung oil.

"Robin, I am very sorry, but you will disturb everyone." Detective Marvin stood up, took a muzzle from the wall, and put it on his beloved dog. This device ensures that the dog will not bite and also prevents it from barking excessively. The night had grown quite dark, yet the light in the study remained on. Detective Marvin sat at his desk, where an envelope was placed, containing various scraps of paper.

Reining in the pickpockets... this does not seem like the approach of those old gentlemen at the city hall. The bespectacled man also felt a headache, having pondered this matter on the way here.

"That may not be the case; it is likely an attempt to coerce us into doing something," said the mysterious figure in the red robe

At this moment, La Pei still appeared in the attire of a postman, so although the pedestrians on the street saw him enter, they paid no attention.

After waiting for nearly half an hour, La Pei speculated that Inspector Ma Wen had already fallen asleep. Therefore, he cautiously climbed onto the windowsill opposite and extended a steel wire through the gap in the window.