Mystery Detective of the Steam World

Chapter 201 Before the Banquet
A few days later, Eileen and the other servants returned to the clock tower. To Levi's surprise, they were more accepting of the skull decoration than Katie, and didn't even see anything wrong with it, instead taking it for granted.

Perhaps in their eyes, it's normal for the people who fight mysterious monsters to be strange themselves?

"This is the list I have drafted, Master."

When Kane came to Levi again, he had fully embraced the role of butler. He glanced at Eileen standing behind Levi, then stepped forward and handed the list to Levi.

"This is?"

"This is the list of professional staff I've drafted based on the current state of this tower. Of course, considering that your job is somewhat...unexpected, is it necessary to keep it confidential?"

"Um……………"

Upon hearing Kane's question, Levi pondered for a moment.

"There's no need for special secrecy, but there's also no need to be talkative."

"clear."

Kane nodded.

"So, do you currently manage your finances through trust funds or similar means?"

"Currently, as a shareholder of Kailida Steam Machinery Technology, I receive dividends. As for the fund issue, I have not considered it at the moment."

“I think you need a property manager and at least two male servants, even though you and your car are already quite famous in the Fog City. But I suggest that if you are going to attend other nobles’ banquets, you should choose another car and have a driver take over… Please forgive my bluntness, but you don’t plan to drive that car to the New Year’s banquet, do you?”

"What? No?"

Li Wei was planning to take advantage of the New Year's banquet to drive the Phantom to the palace to show off, so why did he bother building this Batmobile? Wasn't it all for this moment?
Why drive a sports car if you're not trying to show off? Go drive a motorhome!
"If you insist, I have no objection, but I must remind you that the nobles of this country are very particular about certain traditions. They believe that driving is something that servants, not masters, should do, which might have some negative impact on your integration into noble circles..."

"Oh, I understand what you mean. It doesn't matter."

Hearing this, Li Wei understood why the steward had brought it up with him. He thought Li Wei was someone who had simply gained recognition and become a nobleman through merit, and therefore wanted to prepare him for entering the noble circle.

In fact, when he joined MI7, Li Wei was already considered a royalist. He was not accountable to either the reformists or conservatives among the nobles, but directly to the Queen.

Therefore, to some extent, Li Wei not only could not integrate into the aristocratic circle, but also had to stay away from it.

I didn't see any Imperial Guards or ministers putting their arms around each other, right?

Moreover, Li Wei believed that most nobles were actually unwilling to develop a close relationship with him.

Because he's a detective!
Especially a detective like Li Wei, who can guess which woman you slept with the day before yesterday just by shaking your hand, and if you invite him to take a tour of your house, his ancestors for eight generations could be investigated.

In fact, the Baskerville family had been thoroughly investigated by Levy, leaving them with nothing.

Therefore, Li Wei felt that even if he were granted a title, he probably wouldn't join the aristocratic circle.

The other party wouldn't dare either.

Which noble family doesn't have some sordid affairs? Li Wei dug them all out in one trip. How can anyone live like that?
Seriously, Li Wei didn't even need to threaten them. Just shaking their hands and smiling at them was enough to scare them to death.

Therefore, Levi felt that Kane didn't need to worry about his problems in aristocratic circles, as he most likely wouldn't have any interaction with them.

Fortunately, Kane didn't particularly plan to get everything sorted out at the moment, for a simple reason: Levi's investiture ceremony wasn't over yet.

Li Wei also learned from Katie that the investiture was not just a simple formality; there were a series of political matters that followed. The most important of these was choosing a family name and coat of arms.

According to Katie, if formally appointed, one must inherit the noble family name and coat of arms. Those with a lineage can gain imperial recognition by providing sufficient written documentation. However, a more convenient method is to choose a family name and coat of arms from a nobility lineage that has been discontinued within the empire.

That way, we can just use what's readily available.

In short, regardless of whether Li Wei intends to use his own or choose the Empire's, his vehicles, buildings, formal attire, and even everyday items such as tableware will need to be engraved with his coat of arms and family name.

That's how nobles behave!

Therefore, Butler Kane also indicated that there was no rush and that further details would be provided after everything had settled down.

After that, Li Wei enjoyed a period of peace.

Finally, with the arrival of the first snow in the foggy city, the New Year's banquet is just around the corner.

"Um……………"

Standing in front of the full-length mirror, Li Wei stared at the suit he was wearing. He and Katie had ordered it from the tailor shop together, and he had to admit that the old tailor's skills were quite good.

Actually, the clothes themselves weren't anything special; they were just very ordinary single-breasted tailcoats, with a black coat and white shirt, a black bow tie and top hat, and crocodile-skin shoes. The whole outfit was a perfectly tailored piece.

Looking at himself in the mirror, Li Wei felt quite refreshed. After all, he had worn suits before, but this was the first time he had ever worn a tuxedo.

"How is it, Katie? Is there a problem?" Levi turned his head and looked at Katie, who carefully examined him and nodded vigorously.

"No problem, everything is fine, hehe, what do you think, Mr. Li Wei? I have good taste, right?"

"Indeed, that old gentleman's skills are quite good."

Li Wei stretched his arms and legs and had to admit that the old man's craftsmanship was indeed superb, and the material of the tuxedo was also very sturdy. He had just tried to do some relatively vigorous movements, but the clothes did not tear or crack.

By the way, speaking of which...

"So we really can't bring weapons?"

"Of course not."

Katie stared at Levi speechlessly.

"You don't mean to bring weapons to Her Majesty's New Year's banquet, do you?"

"It's better to be safe than sorry."

Given the Empire's current situation, coupled with the Queen's powerful influence, assassinating her would be the most profitable deal for the Empire's enemies. Of course, Li Wei believed Her Majesty the Queen wasn't a fool and would undoubtedly be on high alert. But what if the assassin used some magical or mysterious means?
Just like the Imperial Bridge, am I supposed to fight bare-handed then?

"But if you bring it in, things could get complicated if something happens."

"OK then."

Katie's words made sense, and Levi had no choice but to give up.

"By the way, aren't you going to prepare?"

Li Wei glanced at Katie. Katie had arrived early this morning, but she wasn't wearing a formal dress; instead, she was dressed in ordinary everyday clothes.

"I'm not going to any New Year's banquets."

Upon hearing Li Wei's question, Katie shook her head vigorously.

“I hate these boring banquets the most. A bunch of people fawn over you, like a pack of lapdogs, practically wagging their tails. I don’t know what’s fun about this. I’d much rather stay in the house with my family, where we can all be happy together without any outsiders. That’s much more fun.”

"makes sense."

Li Wei wasn't really interested in the New Year's banquet. If he hadn't received the invitation, he would have just eaten and drunk with his servants in the restaurant, like Katie suggested, and had a normal New Year.

Unfortunately, the royal family had already sent an invitation and offered to award him a medal, so he couldn't very well turn down the invitation.

Li Wei doesn't have that much influence.

But then again, Olivia should be coming too… I remember she mentioned that she was going to announce her succession as head of the Baskerville family at the New Year's banquet, which is quite an important personnel appointment. That put Li Wei at ease; at least he wouldn't be completely alone in the banquet hall, which would be too embarrassing.

"Clang—clang—clang—"

Just then, the clock in the house rang, and Levi and Katie turned to check the time.

"That's about it, I'll be going now."

"Yeah, have a safe trip and have fun. Don't worry about those old men, just enjoy the good food and fun."

Katie waved to Levi, who smiled slightly at her before turning and leaving. Katie then went to the window, and a moment later, Levi's Phantom sped away and disappeared into the street.

"Ugh... This is so boring. Looks like there's nothing to do today. I always feel so idle at this time of year, even though everyone should be resting during the New Year."

Watching Levi leave, Katie yawned and stretched. Then she looked at Eileen and waved to her with a grin.

"Then I'll head back too. Happy New Year, Eileen!"

"Oh, and Happy New Year to you too, Miss Katie."

Upon hearing Katie's greeting, Eileen quickly bowed and then watched Katie enter the elevator, disappearing from sight a moment later.

But speaking of which, who exactly is Miss Katie?
Watching Katie leave, Eileen pondered with a sense of confusion. Katie seemed like a noble lady, but most noble ladies wouldn't wander around like that. Besides, it was New Year's Day; even if she wasn't going to the palace for the New Year's banquet, she should at least be home celebrating.

But Mr. Li Wei seemed unaware of this, or perhaps he didn't care...

Thinking of this, Eileen shook her head.

Never mind, this has nothing to do with me. I just hope that everything goes smoothly at my master's New Year's banquet.

(End of this chapter)