The Shadow of Great Britain

53: Chapter 14 Duke’s Investigation Commission_2 53: Chapter 14 Duke’s Investigation Commission_2 Arthur placed his right hand on his chest, his left behind his back, and gave a slight bow, performing the royal court greeting.

“I am also very pleased to meet you, Your Grace.”

The Duke of Sussex extended his hand warmly, “I had thought you were just an upright and courageous police officer, but I didn’t expect you to also be interested in science.”

Arthur took his hand, “Science is also a part of police work.

You may not be aware, but the public order situation in the London area is quite grim.

According to data retained by Scotland Yard and the Home Office, over the past thirty years, the population of the London area has risen close to fifty percent, while the crime rate has surged by three hundred percent, with various heinous crimes emerging incessantly.

In order to solve those bewildering murder cases, we must introduce new scientific technologies to assist in the investigations, and continually learn and progress to inject new vitality into Scotland Yard’s law enforcement.”

The Duke of Sussex’s eyes brightened at this, smiling, he said, “I knew it!

Even if I can’t trust everyone at Scotland Yard, I can trust you!

You are indeed Great Britain’s finest policeman, and if I entrust you with the investigation of St Giles Parish, you will surely complete it successfully.”

“The investigation of St Giles Parish?”

A bad feeling surfaced in Arthur’s heart, sensing danger just from the name of the area.

The Duke of Sussex nodded, “Indeed.

Though I was only elected as President of the Royal Society this year, I haven’t abandoned my former responsibilities.

You may not know, but for years, I’ve been committed to investigating the criminal groups of St Giles Parish and the living conditions of local vagrants.

I’ve been working on this for five or six years, but recently, I came across a strange phenomenon.”

“What phenomenon?”

The Duke of Sussex spoke, “My hired private detectives told me that some of the vagrants they had been in contact with for a long time strangely disappeared after being incarcerated.

And there was also a portion of the beggars who begged in St Giles Parish year-round who vanished at the same time.

My private detectives found neither their bodies nor any trace of them leaving after investigating and visiting their temporary residences and discovered that they left even their meager belongings behind.

This isn’t a normal phenomenon; I suspect there might be foul play involved.”

Arthur’s brow furrowed, realizing the severity of the issue: “How many vagrants are missing approximately?

Have you tallied them up?”

The Duke of Sussex answered without hesitation, “About twenty or more are missing after being released from prison, and the number of beggars who disappeared from the streets is probably similar.”

“Have you reported this to Scotland Yard?”

The Duke of Sussex grew frustrated as he spoke, “Of course I reported it!

But the conclusion that those Scotland Yard policemen gave me after their investigation was: This is just the normal movement of vagrants, they have no fixed abode, go wherever they wish, and thus there’s nothing worth noting.

When I requested they further investigate, they told me that Scotland Yard’s law enforcement was severely understaffed and that they likely couldn’t spare enough manpower to conduct a large-scale investigation of this case any time soon.”

After hearing this, Arthur pondered, feeling something amiss.

After musing for a moment, he replied, “Actually what they’re saying isn’t wrong, Scotland Yard truly is desperately understaffed.

Investigating such cases might require the formation of a special investigative team for an extended investigation, and professionals to follow up and gather evidence for a lengthy period.

Given the current situation, Scotland Yard probably can’t afford to pay attention indeed.”

Hearing this, the Duke of Sussex’s face was filled with disappointment.

“So you’re saying, even you are unwilling to take on this case?”

Arthur wanted to refuse, but then he remembered the reply letter he received from Sir Peel.

At present, it seems nearly impossible to investigate Fred.

However, if he could crack the case of the Duke of Sussex, it wouldn’t be out of the question to consider it a feat.

After hesitating for a long time, he finally spoke up, “I can take on this case, but you must agree to one condition.”

Overjoyed, the Duke of Sussex hastily asked, “Please, speak.”

“First of all, St Giles Parish is not within my jurisdiction, so before I start investigating the case, I cannot accept your report in the name of Greenwich Police District.

Instead, I will conduct a private investigation in my name.

If I uncover the truth, I will submit the relevant evidence to the Greater London Police Department, and then you can request for Scotland Yard to formally take it over,” he said.

The Duke of Sussex nodded, “That’s no problem.”

Arthur continued: “To be candid, our Greenwich Police District is also short of officers.

So, if during this period, Greenwich Police District encounters any difficult cases, I would need the Royal Society to be able to send relevant experts to assist us in the investigation.

That way, we’ll be able to free up some personnel to focus solely on the St Giles Parish investigation.”

Upon hearing this, the Duke of Sussex nodded again: “Although I may not be able to persuade those top scientists, we have quite a few science apprentices here.

They may not be as learned as the scientists, but because they often assist in the laboratory, they have mastered quite a bit of basic practical knowledge.

I can try to persuade them, offer them some remuneration, and see if they are willing to help Greenwich Police District in solving cases.”

Arthur was momentarily caught off guard by how readily the Duke of Sussex agreed to his two requests.

At that moment, the Red Devil suddenly appeared, chanting behind Arthur’s back.

“Arthur, why do you think Scotland Yard isn’t investigating this case?

Take my advice, don’t mess with it.

One false step and you could shatter into a thousand pieces.

Some things are better left unknown than known.

You’re doing well now, no need to jump into this mire,” he hummed.

Arthur glanced at the Red Devil and whispered, “Agares, are you trying to play this game with me again?

Deliberately provoking me?

Heh…”

“You don’t fall for it?”

Arthur narrowed his eyes slightly, “No, I do fall for it.

Judging by your tone, you’ll be reaping quite a few souls this time, won’t you?”

The Red Devil, upon hearing this, grinned widely, revealing saw-like broken teeth: “Oh!

My dear Arthur, do you now understand why I chose you as my Contractor?

I…

I just love this about you!

Clean and decisive, if you don’t strike, so be it, but once you do, you’d bring Hell to me!

Hee hee hee hahaha!!!”

The Red Devil’s crimson saliva dripped onto Arthur’s boots, and the shiny polished surfaces faintly mirrored countless dim souls crying and screaming as if trying to drag all those in sight into the endless abyss of a bloody hell.

Arthur removed his hat and without hesitation, took hold of the Duke of Sussex’s hand: “Your Highness, I, Arthur Hastings, on behalf of the London Metropolitan Police’s East London division, Greenwich Police District, hereby formally enter into a secret investigative commission agreement with you.”