Griss tentatively asked, "After I cooperate, do I still come back to report?"
"With your track record, do you think you could get back into that unit?" his female boss scolded irritably. "You’re not even good enough for odd jobs!"
"That’s not for certain," Griss responded, unfazed, "I am, after all, an expert on the White Ghost."
Yang Ming stretched and pushed open the large gate of the manor villa.
The recently redone decor made the interior look more cozy, and in the corners were some green plants costing several thousand Emperor Star Coins, blooming with Lady Daly’s favorite flowers.
The one thing that had not changed was the somewhat neglected manor.
Viscount Godoy felt that he couldn’t appear too wealthy, so he had to resist the urge to repaint the outer walls.
Otherwise, it could raise suspicion, not to mention difficulty in explaining it to Lady Daly.
"Come and eat," Lady Daly called softly, taking Yang Ming’s coat from him.
They were no longer uncomfortable with each other.
After Yang Ming had gifted his ’younger siblings’ a pile of textbooks and mock exam papers, Lady Daly had sincerely accepted him as the eldest son in the household.
The family’s evening meals had gradually become more substantial.
Viscount Godoy made the excuse that he had lined up several big jobs online and had signed a remote work agreement with a shipyard, resulting in staying up late every night... playing holographic games in his study.
"Ming, I saw it all," said Viscount Godoy with a smile, "you helped the police crack a big case today, didn’t you?"
"It wasn’t much of a case," laughed Yang Ming. "It’s interesting, it brings me some fame, and it keeps life on Saka Star from being boring."
"Thanks to you," Godoy said, serving Yang Ming a bowl of hot soup, "I’ve been getting continuous party invitations, even private family gatherings. Luckily everyone knows I’m poor, so I just say, ’If you invite me to parties, I’ll need to buy new clothes, and that would get me killed by Daly.’"
Yang Ming laughed heartily.
"It’s necessary to socialize," said Lady Daly with a hint of resignation. "You need to think about the children, dear."
"Don’t rush," Godoy said. "Those who helped us when we were struggling are our true friends. These people who flock to us now that we have new influence, would abandon us again without hesitation if we fell."
Lady Daly gently nodded her head.
"I might have to leave," Yang Ming said softly.
"Hmm?" Godoy froze, his recently youthful face took on a pensive look. "Indeed, it’s time for you to leave. Have you made plans on where to go?"
"Emperor Star Circle," said Yang Ming. "I’m looking for a job in the police system. I’ve already secured a recommendation letter from the Saka Star Chief of Police."
"Right, you’re quite famous now; they’ll make good use of you there."
Godoy put down his spoon and looked up at Yang Ming, clearing his throat.
"Go ahead, you can always come back if the career path doesn’t suit you. This is your home, young man."
Lady Daly pursed her lips, "I’ve heard the Emperor Star Circle is very insular. The nobles there don’t treat outsiders with respect. I think... I think you should solidify your Baron title before going there to further your career."
"Thank you, ma’am, but I’ve already made my plans."
"Alright then," Lady Daly sighed gently. "You’ll be liked by everyone; you’re outstanding, far more so than those young nobles."
Yang Ming felt somewhat embarrassed by the praise.
His glasses buzzed slightly.
Quickly, Yang Ming grabbed the glasses and put them on his nose. The lenses showed a subtle reflection as he saw a stream of messages.
[Boss, there’s a strange ship approaching Saka Star. Should we hide for a while?]
Yang Ming blinked, and the glasses interface refreshed automatically, showing a new image.
It was a sea urchin-shaped ship, and at the sight of it, Yang Ming’s muscles tensed.
An Imperial Poisoned Stinger Ship!