Mystery Detective of the Steam World

Chapter 168 Summoning
To be honest, Levi was somewhat surprised that the Queen allowed Olivia to use this power in public. But upon reflection, he couldn't help but understand the Queen's thinking.

Li Wei had always been involved in eliminating such things, so he subconsciously assumed that the Empire's approach to these mysterious entities was primarily suppression and elimination. However, from Olivia's answer, Li Wei sensed something else entirely. Perhaps the Empire's attitude towards these things wasn't simply one of relentless suppression as he had assumed?
Or is it about making choices and trade-offs?

If that's the case, then this queen is truly amazing.

Li Wei had indeed considered this question: would simply covering it up really be effective? Especially if other countries realized they couldn't defeat the Empire through steam-powered machinery, they might try to overtake it through unconventional means. For example, the Franciscan Republic might be secretly colluding with the Holy Bishop to utilize mystical powers. When these things actually came to light, it wouldn't be a problem that science could solve.

Now it seems that the Queen was more tolerant of these mysterious ideas than to reject them outright.

This means that the Discovery newspaper may not be as simple as just a reference to "Approaching Science".

In fact, Li Wei had also considered this issue. The reason why "Approaching Science" became a meme is because everyone knows that no matter what it is, it will eventually be explained by science. It's like a movie; everyone knows the ending from the beginning. Watching it once or twice is fine, but after watching it many times, everyone is familiar with the formula, and no one cares anymore.

Moreover, if mysterious events occur too frequently, simply resorting to science will not be enough.

But what if it really exists and is recognized?

For example, the Discovery newspaper publishes investigations into ten mysterious events a year, nine of which are determined to be fake, but one is determined to be real.

In that case, the "Exploration" newspaper is not just a "Science in Action" magazine that plays with memes, but more like an official endorsement from the empire, isn't it?
This would leave the imperial citizens with the impression that mysterious phenomena certified by the "Exploration" newspaper are real, while those not certified are simply explained in the newspaper. From this perspective, if anyone else mentions a mysterious event, the imperial citizens will naturally think that since the "Exploration" newspaper doesn't acknowledge it as true, it must be fake.

After all, if it were true, the Discovery newspaper would definitely verify it, right?
Indeed, this is more credible than outright denial. And coincidentally, this era differs from Livy's, a time of profound belief that science was everything; people here are more open and receptive to all sorts of ideas and beliefs. Spiritualism, alchemy, shamanism—these might seem far-fetched to scientists, but the general public is quite enthusiastic about them.

but……………

Li Wei thought about it for a moment. In fact, he had proposed something similar at the beginning, but it was rejected at the time.

But now the Queen's attitude is... the threat of discovering mysterious things is not as great as imagined?

Li Wei also knew that he wasn't the only one in MI7, or rather, his entire team, including Li Wei, were unofficial members. MI7 also had its own teams responsible for investigating and eliminating mysterious threats. The old butler hadn't told Li Wei much about those mysterious teams, but judging from the Queen's current reaction, it was clear that trained individuals, with proper teamwork and powerful weapons, could also eliminate mysterious threats, giving the Queen considerable confidence.

If you really can't handle it, you can always find outside help.

In other words, the Queen was very confident in the Empire's steam-powered mechanical technology, believing that it could suppress the mysterious forces causing trouble, and therefore intended to gradually make it public.

That makes sense, though. Mysterious things are indeed very mysterious and have strange effects, but they are really of little use to a country.

Olivia obviously knew this too. Indeed, Cerberus was powerful, and Levi knew it well, but what use was it for governing the territory?

Will it bring favorable weather and abundant harvests? Or will it allow DeLicott to accelerate planting and harvesting?
In Li Wei's opinion, aside from the fantastical ability to change size at will, Cerberus was at most comparable to the power of an Imperial Knight mech.

If you encounter the firepower of a warship at the level of an air fortress, you should run.

So even if Olivia has Cerberus, she still has to come to the Steel City to buy machinery.
From an individual's perspective, this is impressive enough, but from the perspective of a national ruler, it's a different story.

Especially in the present empire, it would be impossible to exist without steam-powered machinery. This isn't just limited to military weapons; steam-powered machinery has entered every household and become an indispensable part of people's lives.

Li Wei remembered reading a novel set in modern times, divided into a magic faction and a science faction. The magic faction even vowed to completely defeat and eliminate the science faction.

Li Wei scoffed at the idea.

Defeating and annihilating the scientific camp? In the 21st century? What does that mean?
Does this mean that unless everyone goes back to a primitive society where they eat raw meat and drink blood, without electricity, cars, airplanes, manufacturing plants, or machinery... is that even possible?
This is of course impossible.

Which magic faction would dare say that to your face? Believe me, everyone would turn on you. What's the difference between that and starting a war with the whole world?
Even if you say there are substitutes for magic tricks, why should we change them when everyone else is using them just fine?

The Queen's confidence likely stemmed from this very reasoning. The Empire's steam technology was currently unparalleled, and many of its innovations seemed like science fiction to Li Wei. Moreover, the improvements to the lives of the Empire's citizens were tangible; for most, a stable life was what they truly desired.

Those who like to dress up like cult members and perform cult rituals in underground tombs are ultimately a very small minority.

But is it really okay to do something like this in a steel city?

Levi looked at the smug Olivia beside him, who claimed that she had Her Majesty the Queen's permission. Levi thought that Olivia should not be confused about this.

But... it's ironic that the crisis has to be resolved by summoning mysterious creatures in the steel city that symbolizes steam machinery in the empire.

These thoughts raced through Li Wei's mind, and at the same time, the group arrived at the police officers' side.

"Quickly, keep attacking, don't stop!"

At this moment, the police officers in front were still launching futile attacks, but they also knew that their weapons were completely useless against these huge mechs.

Construction machinery is often far more powerful than ordinary machinery.

"Hey, who are you? Don't come any closer!"

Soon, the officer in charge saw Levi and Olivia and rushed forward to stop them. However, Olivia was not as polite to the officer as she was to Levi. She tilted her head back and stared at the officer in front of her.

“I am Lady Baskerville, the Lady of Delicat, and you shall not be disrespectful!”

"Ah, lord? Duchess?"

Olivia was taken aback by Olivia's reprimand, but quickly realized what she meant.

"Sir, please leave immediately! The thugs have seized the central data tower, we..."

"I'm here to help you solve this problem."

Olivia snapped her fan shut, interrupting the latter's words with a "snap," while Levi glanced at her, then smiled and looked at the officer.

Have reinforcements been requested yet?

"Communications are currently in complete disarray. We've sent people to the vicinity for assistance, but transportation seems to be in the same predicament..."

"Then let's solve this problem."

"You? But...those mechs..."

"Of course we have a way."

Li Wei interrupted the police officer.

"To avoid causing a disturbance, I would like everyone to step back first."

"Well... okay, I understand."

Whether they felt it was a pointless argument or they were genuinely overwhelmed, the officer quickly gave up arguing, turned around and blew his whistle. Then, the police officers who had been confronting the rioters at the gate quickly retreated as if granted a pardon—which was understandable, since this was originally supposed to be the military's job.

If communication lines and transportation hadn't been disrupted, the army would have been invading to suppress the unrest by now.

If there are no problems...

"Excuse me, are you going in?"

Just then, another voice rang out. Li Wei turned his head and saw Qi Ya staring at him with a pale face, asking a question.

“That’s right, what’s wrong, Miss Qiya?” “I… I think I can help you…”

Qi Ya clenched her small fists and stared at Li Wei.

"I've already analyzed that card and I'm very familiar with how it works. The other cards... should work on a similar principle. Perhaps I can find a way to reverse them..."

"Then please."

Li Wei did not object to this. His original plan was for him and his men to storm in, clear out the rioters inside, and then find someone else to deal with them.

After all, who understands this stuff?

Now it seems that only Qi Ya understands.

The situation is urgent, and every second counts; there is not much time to waste.

"Who is this?"

"This is Dr. Tester's granddaughter, Miss Kia Tester."

Li Wei introduced Olivia to her.

"She has some understanding of the source of this problem and may be able to help us solve it."

"Is she capable?"

Olivia's attitude towards anyone other than Li Wei was always arrogant and complacent. Her eyes narrowed and swept over Qi Ya, who trembled in fear and dared not speak loudly.

"I don't know, we'll find out if we try."

"Alright then, as long as she doesn't run away in fright, it'll be fine."

As they spoke, the police officers stepped back, and Olivia nodded to them before stepping forward and putting down the puppy in her arms.

"Little Black, show these fools what you're made of!"

"………………………"

This name is really... well, Olivia likes it, so let's just call her that.

Li Wei silently complained to himself.

At this moment, the others also saw the little puppy that Olivia had put on the ground, and they were all surprised—clearly, they couldn't imagine how such a small creature could deal with those terrifying mechs.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, the puppy took two steps on the flat ground, shook its head, and then tilted its head back.

"Awooo—!"

That was a volume that a puppy couldn't possibly make; the howling even drowned out the steam in the distance. Even the thugs at the entrance of the central data tower instinctively turned their heads to look in the direction from which the sound came.

Then, a cloud of pitch-black mist suddenly erupted, causing everyone around to instinctively back away. Only Olivia remained standing there confidently, and was instantly swallowed up by the mist.

A moment later, the fog dissipated, and at the same time, a terrifying creature emerged from it.

It was a three-headed dog.

It remained as majestic as when Li Wei first saw it, its three long heads scanning the surroundings, its scarlet eyes cold and ruthless, filled with a terrifying pressure that captivated the soul.

"Whoa!"

"What kind of monster is that!?"

Faced with the three-headed dog, the surrounding police officers were immediately terrified and retreated in fear, with some even raising their guns.

"quiet!"

However, at that moment, Olivia's voice rang out again. Everyone looked up and saw Olivia riding on the three-headed dog, staring at them with the imposing presence of a knight.

"This is the guardian of our Baskerville family. Anyone who is disrespectful to it is disrespecting the Baskerville family!"

"………………………"

It has to be said that this young lady is quite imposing in front of outsiders.

Looking at the imposing Olivia, Levi raised an eyebrow, and the latter then looked at Levi and extended her hand to him.

"Please come up, Mr. Li Wei, and that young lady as well."

"Alright, let's go, Miss Qiya."

"Huh? Huh!?"

Qi Ya clearly hadn't expected to ride on such a terrifying monster. She was so frightened that she froze on the spot, like a puppet that had lost consciousness, as Li Wei lifted her onto the body of the three-headed dog. Then Li Wei himself sat on top of it.

"Miss Olivia."

"Huh? What's the matter?"

"This isn't the first time you've done this, is it?"

Seeing how skilled she was, Li Wei guessed it.

"Of course, I ride Little Black out for a walk every day in Delicat. Even the horses run faster and more energetic than usual when they see Little Black."

That's right, if we don't fight desperately, we might get caught and eaten by the other side.

Levi silently mourned for a second for the Baskerville horses.

"Alright, Little Black!"

Olivia sat sideways on the three-headed dog, raised her closed fan with a triumphant air, and pointed forward.

"Let these fools taste the wrath of the Baskervilles!"

"Wang Wang Wang!!"

At Olivia's command, the three heads of the Cerberus all looked toward the gate of the central data tower, then roared and sped forward!

　I wonder what kind of chicken you all like to eat? My favorite is chicken boiled in plain water without any extra seasoning, especially small chicken drumsticks. After cooking, they are not only very fragrant, but the soup also doesn't have too much oil. With a little processing, you can make a pot of light chicken soup.

　　But the rest of my family doesn't like it, saying the chicken has no flavor... Sigh, I think the best is just the chicken with a light, subtle flavor.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)