Mystery Detective of the Steam World

Chapter 293 Caesarblanca

The old capital, Caesarblanca.

Despite being a former capital, it doesn't have a very good reputation, because the period when Caesarblanca served as the capital coincided with the empire's most declining period.

Numerous territories declared independence, the empire teetered on the brink of collapse, and rebellions erupted one after another.

At that time, the entire empire even gave people the feeling that a great building was about to collapse and dark clouds were looming overhead.

And this, naturally, is inextricably linked to Casablanca. At that time, Casablanca was the imperial capital, a gathering place for the king, nobles, and the wealthy. The empire's transformation into that state was naturally connected to them. It seemed that the entire upper echelon of the empire had abandoned their duties, vying for power, forming cliques, and indulging in extravagant spending and pleasure.

This is why the city of Cairoblanca is extremely luxurious and extravagant. Everywhere you look, the buildings are incredibly opulent, dazzling, and beautiful.

A wide variety of art forms flourished from it.

Here you'll find the empire's largest opera house and stage, and a vast botanical garden that looks like it's been sculpted from crystal—it's a perfect place of extravagance and debauchery.

The empire remained in this state until Queen Victoria II ascended to the throne.

She led her army, slaughtering everyone in Caesarblanca, turning the city into a bloodbath. The blood of corrupt nobles flooded the beautiful streets, and their bodies were hung from the glittering lampposts. In just one night, the once dazzling city became a desolate graveyard.

Following this, the Queen initiated the plan to relocate the capital, moving the imperial capital to the Fog City. In her eyes, Caesarblanca was the epitome of the empire's decadence, evil, and depravity; she never intended to return. Along with the relocation of the capital and the shift of the political center, the beautiful city once supported by the entire empire gradually withered away.

Even now, strolling through the streets, you can still see the ruins of those once magnificent and splendid buildings.

As for why it was kept as is, the reason is quite simple.

No money.

The present-day Caesarblanca, known as the Old Capital of the Empire, has transformed from its former status as the capital into a city primarily focused on tourism and leisure. After all, this place lacks the agriculture of the Delicat region, the steam technology and industry of the Bisbaru region, and the mineral resources of the Rune Mines.

All they have left is the ability to enjoy life.

So nowadays, Cairoblanca can only rely on tourism and its entertainment and cultural industries to make a living.

Given Her Majesty's attitude towards Caesarblanca, she probably wouldn't even bother with it if it went bankrupt.

However, Li Wei felt that this place suited his taste.

After all, what he loves most is pleasure, and the comfortable environment in Cairo right now makes him feel very comfortable.

Here you'll find the best tea, the best food, the best stage, the best actors, and the most beautiful girls.

Of course, there is also the most delicious wine—but Li Wei would not drink it.

Incidentally, Katie didn't come this time because she said her family wouldn't let her come if they heard it was Caisa Blanca.

"Waaaah, you have to come back and tell me what interesting things happened..."

In the past, Katie would probably have rolled around on the carpet crying and screaming, but since getting the puppy, she now comes over to play with it all the time, and even her complaints don't seem so serious anymore. Levi is also happy to be able to distract Katie.

But not letting her come to Caesarblanca... It seems the imperial high command doesn't have a good impression of this place.

Livy had also read books about imperial history, including a very detailed account of Caesarblanca.

But not a single kind word was said.

It describes how extravagant, indulgent, and decadent the royal family was at the time. It portrays how arrogant and conceited the nobles in Caesarblanca were, and how even the common people of Caesarblanca were regarded as lackeys who licked the boots of the nobles, had no will to resist, and could only submit to them as slaves.

Well, at least Li Wei can be sure that the author of that book was definitely not from Caesarblanca.

After all, he described in great detail in the book how the people of Caesarblanca were arrogant and disdainful towards travelers from other places, and how they groveled at the feet of the imperial nobles like ants.

The vivid portrayal of the people of Caesarblanca as lapdogs makes it hard for Levi not to suspect that the author's personal feelings were mixed in.

Incidentally, this also involves Francis.

As mentioned before, the decline of the empire coincided with the rise of Francis, and with Francis's rise, his culture naturally spread to the empire.

The book also vehemently criticizes this, arguing that it was Francis's indulgent and decadent popular culture that, like poison, seeped into the empire, causing the imperial family to become what it is today.

Clothing began to become indecent, and people started engaging in promiscuous relationships. Even the nobles forgot their proper roles and began to imitate Francis's affected manners.

In short, the reason why the empire has fallen to this state is because of the invasion of Francis's toxic popular culture!
This was a consensus among most citizens of the empire, so after the queen moved the capital, the empire's popular culture changed completely.

Men's clothing is generally in black, white, and gray, while women's clothing is also mainly in deep, somber, and stable tones. They certainly wouldn't strike provocative poses like Francis, displaying their beauty like a peacock spreading its tail, because in the Empire, such behavior was considered undignified, unserious, indecent, and even vulgar and shameless.

The Franciscans were viewed by the Empire as scoundrels, playboys, and devils with honeyed words. They were seen as dissolute, beasts living only of desire.

There's even a saying in the empire: "Don't let your wife go to the City of Flowers (the capital of Francis) alone."

The meaning is quite clear: if you send your wife to Francis alone, she will definitely be corrupted by the Franciscans and become a promiscuous harlot who cheats on you!
Yes, in the eyes of the Empire, Francis was such a horrible place, and Caesarblanca was the most deeply poisoned and cancerous spot by Francis's culture. If they could, they would even like to cut it out completely and eradicate it entirely.

Alright, that concludes today's routine check-in. Let's get back to the main topic.

Li Wei snapped out of his thoughts and looked at the city before him.

He had to admit that this place was indeed quite different from Chongqing.

It was already nighttime, and the night in the foggy city was relatively quiet. Although there were lights, most of them came from large buildings such as the royal palace or the city hall, followed by streetlights and the twinkling lights of countless homes.

It looks very peaceful and relaxing.

But this place is completely different.

The city reminded Li Wei more of the neon-lit metropolises of his own time. Everywhere he looked, there were flashing lights—red, blue, yellow, green—illuminating everything around him, making the entire city brightly lit.

The surrounding shops were also open for business, and the place was bustling with activity.

You can also hear laughter and music from time to time.

It would be even more exciting if there were a madam standing outside, calling out, "Come and have some fun, sir!"

By the way, Li Wei is currently riding in a horse-drawn carriage. That's right, although the entire empire has begun to switch to steam engines as the main mode of transportation, Caesarblanca still insists on using horse-drawn carriages.

However, these carriages were indeed much more luxurious than those in other places, with soft and comfortable cushions and drinks and snacks on the small table in front.

It must be said that, purely from the perspective of the service industry, this place is indeed doing a good job.

No wonder people from other places say that it's best to find someone from Caisablanca to be your servant when they talk about Caisablanca.

Because they are the best at serving people.

Half of this was provocation and mockery, after all, when Caesarblanca was the capital of the empire, the people there were arrogant and looked down on outsiders.

Now look what's happened, the empire has moved its capital, and Caesarblanca is no longer the capital. Do you want to save face or make money?

If you want money, you'd better use the same flattery skills you had when you were sucking up to those nobles to serve me.

Ah, that's a good girl...

According to the old steward, many elderly people in Cairo are still unwilling to do these things because they consider themselves to serve nobles, not commoners. Especially those commoners from out of town—they'd rather starve to death or jump off a cliff than bow down to you country bumpkins for money!
However, the young people don't seem to have so many ideas; at least they seem to be quite professional at what they're doing now.

The carriage passed through the bustling main road and arrived at a street corner not far away. There was a house with a sign that read "The Exploration Newspaper Editorial Office"—yes, that's right. MI7 had established branches all over the country under the name of "The Exploration Newspaper Editorial Office." This place served as the newspaper's distribution center across the country, as well as the editorial office for transmitting information, and naturally, it also assumed the responsibility of conducting investigations in the area.

As a collaborator of the "Exploration Newspaper," it was perfectly normal for Li Wei to travel to the editorial department on business.

"Here we are, my lord."

"Well, thank you."

Li Wei, carrying his suitcase, stepped down from the carriage, nodded to the coachman, and flicked his finger. A gold coin reflecting neon lights flew up and landed steadily in the coachman's hand.

"keep the change."

"Thank you, my lord."

After putting away the gold coins, the coachman immediately drove away, while Li Wei, carrying his suitcase, arrived at the entrance of the editorial department, then reached out and knocked on the door.

"Squeak—"

However, the moment Li Wei's hand touched the door, it creaked open automatically, revealing a pitch-black interior.

"………………………"

Why do I have this bad feeling?
Li Wei sighed silently, then walked into the editorial department.

The editorial office was deathly silent.

The bright lights shone in from the windows, revealing large patches of blood on the floor and walls.

And corpses.

"Haa………………"

Li Wei sighed silently.

What a bad start!

(End of this chapter)