Mystery Detective of the Steam World

Chapter 342 An Unexpected Request

Led by the old butler, Levi met the head of the Cromwell family, Earl North Cromwell.

The count was over seventy years old. Although his hair and beard were all white, perhaps because of his military background, he stood up straight and exuded an imposing aura even when sitting behind his desk.

Upon seeing Levi enter the study, Earl Cromwell stood up straight and extended his hand to Levi.

"Welcome, Sir Levi. I hope you won't mind if I played a little joke on you."

“Of course I wouldn’t mind, Sir Cromwell.”

Levi extended his hand and shook hands with Earl Cromwell. Earl Cromwell then led Levi to sit on the sofa nearby. At this moment, the old butler brought in refreshments and tea for the two of them, then bowed and left.

"I think you didn't just come here as a joke."

"Of course, Sir Levi, in fact, I have a very important matter to ask of you, or as you detectives would say... a commission."

"Commission?"

Upon hearing Earl Cromwell's words, Levi raised an eyebrow.

"That's quite unexpected. May I ask what you wish to commission me to do?"

"It's very simple."

Earl Cromwell chuckled, then fixed his gaze on Levi.

"I entrust you to appoint the next head of our Cromwell family."

"………………………"

Upon hearing Earl Cromwell's words, Levi did not reply immediately. He first picked up his teacup and took a sip of tea.

"Hmm, this tea is quite good."

“If you like, I can give you everything, including this house.”

"Uh... I appreciate the offer, but I don't need it."

Li Wei silently put down his teacup.

"Could you tell me the reason, Sir Cromwell?"

"Are you aware of the current situation of the Cromwell family, Sir Levy?"

"I know as much as everyone else does."

“That’s enough. To tell you the truth, I don’t want that bastard to inherit the Cromwell family. We stand on the sword; that’s the Cromwell family tradition. A bastard who’s stinking for money has no right to tarnish our family’s glory.”

"I suppose you can choose someone else as your successor? Isn't that your right?"

“Money does indeed have a terrible power, Sir Levi. In fact, I’m not even sure which of these people around me I can still trust and entrust the whole family to. They’re all blinded by money, letting that bastard manipulate everything they do. If I were younger, I would have given all those bastards a good beating and kicked them out of the house!”

At this point, Earl Cromwell slammed his hand on the table, and coughed as if he had used too much force.

"But now... as you can see, I'm getting old, and I no longer have the energy to get involved in these things. Besides, I admit I'm just a soldier. I can do a good job of carrying out and obeying orders. But investigating interpersonal relationships is not my forte. I don't know what those bastards have been doing behind my back, or what they're thinking. Unfortunately, I don't have much time left to change all of this now."

Earl Cromwell took a breath, while Levi took the opportunity to think.

Although the Earl of Cromwell's explanation was vague, Levi could roughly guess the reason. It was clear that the Earl of Cromwell would have originally chosen someone else as his successor, but he may have discovered under certain circumstances that the other person had some financial connection with his son-in-law, which made the Earl of Cromwell very dissatisfied.

He is now unsure which of his potential successors is innocent and which is not.

So Earl Cromwell made a choice…

"why me?"

Levi looked at Earl Cromwell with a puzzled expression.

"We have never met before and are complete strangers..."

"But I know quite a bit about your deeds, Sir Levy. At the very least, I can assure you that you are a loyal, brave knight devoted to the Empire. And that fellow can't buy you with money. I believe you can make the best judgment for our Cromwell family. Of course, in return, I will give you one-fifth of the Cromwell family's assets and trust securities to do as you please."

“……………………………”

After listening to Earl Cromwell's words, Levi frowned. He now understood why the other party had asked him to do this.

In truth, the Earl of Cromwell was less seeking out himself and more seeking out the Queen, since Levy was a royalist and would naturally view the matter from his perspective. By entrusting the fate of the Cromwell family to Levy, the Earl of Cromwell was essentially demonstrating his loyalty to the Queen.

But why did he choose to pledge his loyalty to the Queen? This kind of thing usually only happens when one's loyalty is questioned, or even when there is a possibility that one might do something that would harm the interests of the royal family.

Is it related to that son-in-law?

Has the other party already infiltrated the entire Cromwell family and taken control of it? Did the Earl of Cromwell know he was powerless to stop it, so he used this tactic to bring me in? After all, the other party is just a capitalist, and no matter what, he wouldn't dare to defy the royal family.

No, that's not right, it's not a guess.

Levi narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Earl Cromwell. The Earl likely already knew something, but he couldn't reveal it directly. To do so would be treason. However, if Levi could choose an heir, as long as he remained silent, the secret might remain a secret forever, harming no one. For example, suppose Earl Cromwell learned that his son-in-law was plotting a rebellion and had rallied other members of his family. He couldn't simply go to the Queen and say, "My son-in-law is rebelling," as that would only bring disaster upon the Cromwell family. The Queen would certainly eliminate any potential threats.

The best solution would be to eliminate the entire son-in-law faction through other means. This would prevent them from successfully rebelling and force them to bury their thoughts deep within their hearts. As long as they don't turn their ideas into reality, it would be as if the whole thing never happened.

The Cromwell family was thus able to survive.

Now, Li Wei was quite curious about what secret Earl Cromwell knew that made him willing to pay such a high price to protect his family.

It's impossible that they're really planning a rebellion, hahaha...

Li Wei took another sip of tea, remained silent for a moment, and then looked at Earl Cromwell.

"This is a really tough responsibility."

“I admit it’s a bit irresponsible, but it’s the only way I can think of. I’m just a soldier, not a detective, at least not as quick-witted as you.”

"They might not listen to me."

“I have made a will, which states that I entrust you with the power to appoint the head of the Cromwell family. This will was made in the presence of two lawyers from the law firm of David and William and Judge Calfas, and was signed by me. It is now sealed in safe deposit box number 351 at the Royal Bank.”

"You've really thought this through."

Li Wei smiled again.

"So, are you planning to officially announce this news at your birthday party the day after tomorrow?"

"As expected of a famous detective, yes, I actually wish I could give you more time, but unfortunately, there isn't enough time..."

Earl Cromwell shook his head as he spoke.

"At least today, all those qualified to inherit the Cromwell family are present. I will introduce you to them at the dinner later. Of course, they will not know your purpose for coming. I hope that you can examine these candidates one by one, while keeping your identity confidential, to see if they are qualified to inherit the family."

"Only one day?"

"I'm sorry, but I believe in your abilities as a renowned detective."

"I'm a detective, not a fortune teller. What if I choose the wrong person?"

"Perhaps this is the fate of the Cromwell family."

Earl Cromwell leaned back on the sofa and let out a long sigh.

“I have done everything I could, even things that seem incredibly crazy to you. This is all I can do for this family right now. As for what will happen next, that depends on whether the Holy Lord will continue to protect us.”

This can be considered another version of doing one's best and accepting one's fate.

"………………………"

Li Wei fell silent. He had to admit that he was quite interested in the matter. Although getting involved in other families' succession disputes was indeed a bit troublesome, but... so what?

It's not me who's in trouble.

Moreover, Levi is now very eager to know what secrets Earl Cromwell is hiding.

Gossiping and enjoying the gossip are part of the spirit of exploration, aren't they?

"Since you've already put it this way, I have no reason to refuse."

Li Wei raised his head and looked at Earl Cromwell, whose eyes were fixed on him, calm and composed.

"I am willing to accept this commission, Sir Cromwell."

"Thank you very much, Sir Levi. With this, a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Although it may not be the best way to put it... I feel much lighter now."

"However, there may be times when I still need your assistance, is that alright?"

"of course."

Earl Cromwell extended his hand, and Levi grasped it.

"I hope we can work together successfully, Sir Cromwell."

"It's a pleasure to work with you, Sir Levi."

The two shook hands and then smiled at each other. Just then, there was a knock on the door, followed by the old butler's voice from outside.

"My lord, it's time for dinner."

"I understand, we'll be there soon."

As he spoke, Earl Cromwell stood up and looked at Levy.

"Then please come with me, Sir Levi. It is time to introduce you to my family."

(End of this chapter)