Mystery Detective of the Steam World

Chapter 426 Leisurely Vacation
Her Majesty's confiscation of the Rothsfield family's property has one advantage for Levy—he can now openly and legitimately access their files.

That's right, Li Wei hadn't forgotten that the flesh and blood tree that appeared in the botanical garden was just a clue. He had always wanted to investigate and figure out what that flesh and blood tree was all about and where its true form was. However, Li Wei was too lazy to sneak into such a large place as the Rothsfield family to investigate like a thief. Now, he could sit directly in the chair of the Rothsfield family patriarch, drinking tea while flipping through the Rothsfield family's files.

They are relaxed and carefree, and not afraid of being discovered.

Unfortunately, after scouring the Rosefield family's records, Li Wei didn't find many clues about the Flesh Tree. However, he did find information about the White Cloud Peak, which attacked Port Drei. According to the intelligence records, the White Cloud Peak was registered in a small country in the south. Li Wei then checked the White Cloud Peak's entry and exit records in the Empire and found that the White Cloud Peak did not stop at any Imperial port. According to the navigation records, after leaving the port of that small southern country, it went directly to Port Drei.

Lord Klopp's guarantee was merely a formality; the ship never actually docked at any port in the Empire.

Considering that the White Cloud Peak came from the East Linden Trading Company, and that the flesh and blood sapling in the botanical garden was also transported there by the East Linden Trading Company, and that the soldiers on the White Cloud Peak's journey to Port Delai also developed symptoms similar to those of being parasitized, hmm... it seems that the answer Li Wei is looking for might be found in that small southern country.

Unfortunately, Li Wei doesn't have the time or the means to investigate. The Empire is still at war, and someone of Li Wei's high rank and power is not allowed to leave. After all, there are no cell phones in this era. If the Empire has an urgent matter that requires Li Wei's attention and they can't reach him, by the time he returns, it might be too late.

So during this time, Li Wei stayed at home to rest and spend time with the girls.

Alice, as always, was cheerful and lively, always bickering and making quite a scene with Katie. Sophia, the former princess, was not so lively in comparison. Perhaps because of her past experiences, she was always somewhat introverted and timidly embarrassed to speak when she was around Levi.

The little mermaid has now developed a habit of listening to the radio. Since the radio plays music every day, she always runs to the radio to listen to the music on time, and she seems to enjoy it very much.

As for Qi Ya... perhaps it was because she was too tired from working late into the night. After finishing her work and submitting the finished code, she became like a useless person, lying lazily on the sofa and unwilling to move.

I feel like I've burned out completely.

Since everyone had nothing better to do, Li Wei decided to take them all on vacation.

To be honest, the battlefield wasn't a pleasant memory. Back in the Mist City, Li Wei felt much more relaxed. Plus, there weren't any urgent matters he needed to handle recently. The Queen was currently pushing forward with the implementation of various policies and regulations in an orderly manner. Li Wei felt he could take this opportunity to go out and travel. After all, if the intensity of the war in the Empire increased later, he probably wouldn't have this kind of time.

As for where to go on vacation? Levi remembered that the Queen had bestowed upon him a manor villa, which he recalled was in Delicat, ruled by the Baskerville family. Before, Levi was alone and too lazy to go and stay there, but now that he had a large group of people, it would be nice to go and have some fun.

So Levi contacted Olivia, who warmly welcomed him when she heard he was coming for a vacation, and said that she had been sending people to clean and tidy the manor, and that Levi could move in anytime.

So Li Wei happily drove the Phantom II, leading a group of people, to Delicatul.

By the way, the little mermaid went too. It's not difficult for her to go out. She just needs to put on human clothes, sit in a wheelchair, and cover her lower body with a blanket. After all, the little mermaid isn't a real fish and won't die from being out of water for too long, so there's no need to worry about that.

And so, Levi, along with several young maids and servants including Eileen, left the Fog City and arrived in Delicatul.

And Li Wei finally saw the manor villa that the Queen had bestowed upon him.

The villa is located by the lake, not far from forests and streams, and even a vineyard. Olivia said that the original owner here loved to drink wine and even grew his own grapes to make wine.

However, the owner was later sentenced to death for some reason, and the property was taken over by the royal family. It was only now that the Queen has bestowed it upon Livy.

"I must say, the environment here is quite nice."

Looking at the beautiful mountains and clear waters around him, Li Wei stretched comfortably. Being located in the mountains had the advantage of high altitude; despite being by the lake, there were hardly any mosquitoes. The surrounding trees were lush and green, making it look quite cool and comfortable.

It has to be said that this is the hottest time of late summer and early autumn, so coming here to relax is a good choice.

"But speaking of which, Sir Levi, you seem to be surrounded by more and more girls."

Standing next to Li Wei, Olivia looked at him and spoke.

"Sigh, I guess it's just fate. After all, there are always so many things going on..."

Li Wei sighed. Alice, the little mermaid, and Qi Ya had all been forced to stay with him due to some mysterious events. Sophia's identity was also unclear; Her Majesty the Queen intended for him to take her with him for the time being.

"I feel like I'm not a detective, but more like a babysitter."

"Hehe, it seems you quite like them?"

"Who doesn't like a well-behaved and cute child? If it were a brat, I would have thrown it out long ago."

Looking at the small animals chasing and playing on the lawn, Li Wei spoke up.

By the way, after arriving here, Qi Ya's little cat reverted to its old ways, acting all smug and as if it was planning to cause trouble. As a result, it's currently being double-teamed by Betty and Olivia's little black cat. Right now, it's screaming and desperately trying to escape, while Betty and the little black cat are chasing it from the left and right, having a great time.

Unfortunately, Qi Ya was playing in the lake with the others and was completely unaware of the miserable state of her unlucky companion.

"Actually, my family is advising me to find a husband."

Olivia watched the two dogs and one cat playing around, then suddenly spoke up, and Levi glanced at her as well.

"Is there such a thing?"

"After all, the family is currently dwindling in number, and everyone hopes that the Baskerville family can grow and prosper."

Olivia shrugged and began to speak.

"what do you think?"

"I……………"

Olivia glanced at Levi, then scanned the surroundings to make sure no one was nearby before moving closer to him. Levi could even smell a faint fragrance emanating from Olivia. "I think this might be a little dangerous, so I want to think about it first."

"Danger?"

"Some of Her Majesty's recent actions feel a bit off."

As Olivia spoke, she sighed and looked at the lake in front of her.

"Perhaps the Baskerville family will no longer be the lords of Delicat."

"………………………"

Levi remained silent. Indeed, he knew the Queen intended to further centralize power, especially in a place like Delicat. Levi still remembered when he first came here to investigate, the Delicat police chief acted as if "my vassal's vassal is not my vassal."

To put it bluntly, for them, the lord beside them was more trustworthy than the queen in the distance.

However, the Queen clearly did not intend to let this situation continue, and Levi also felt that the Queen might intend to resolve this issue completely before Princess Louise ascended the throne.

This was clearly not good news for the lords in various regions.

As Olivia said, perhaps the Baskerville family will no longer be the lords of Delicat.

If Olivia were to take a husband and have several more children at this point, she might have to do things against the Queen for the sake of the Baskerville family's prosperity. After all, at the level of a lord, one cannot act arbitrarily; one must consider the interests of one's people and family members. Otherwise, what's the point of being a patriarch?
Therefore, remaining single for the time being and not discussing marriage can at least reduce the threat level in Her Majesty's eyes.

Being a lord isn't easy.

At this point, Olivia looked at Levi and blinked.

"Maybe I'll have to rely on you to support me in the future."

"welcome any time."

Li Wei looked at Olivia and answered. The latter raised an eyebrow and puffed out her cheeks.

"Oh? Really? What if I need you to support me for the rest of my life?"

"It's not impossible, provided I'm not destitute by then."

With Li Wei's current wealth, supporting several people would be a piece of cake.

"That's what you said."

Upon hearing Li Wei's answer, Olivia's lips curled into a smug smile.

“If that day ever comes, you can’t just leave me to die, Sir Levi.”

“I will do my best, Miss Olivia.”

"Then it's settled!"

Olivia looked at Levi with a grin and extended her right pinky.

"Hook!"

"All right………"

Although Olivia's action seemed a bit childish and inconsistent with her usual assertive attitude, Levi didn't mind. Instead, he reached out, hooked his hand around Olivia's little finger, and made a pinky promise.

Having received Li Wei's assurance, Olivia returned to her usual demeanor. She turned her head and looked towards the lake, watching the girls playing.

"Actually, I'm quite envious of Miss Katie."

"is it?"

“Yes, the lord’s job is really tiring. I also hope to be able to travel around with you, like Miss Katie, to solve some interesting cases and encounter some interesting creatures… Miss Muse is the Water Fairy, right? I never thought the Water Fairy actually existed…”

"It's interesting, but it's also very dangerous."

However, after thinking about it carefully, Li Wei realized that although Olivia didn't have Katie's superhuman strength, her three-headed dog was still quite powerful.

Unfortunately, Olivia could only ever be a lord; she could never come to my side as an assistant like Katie.

At least for now.

What happened next... Li Wei also looked towards the lake and happened to see the girls having a happy water fight.

Let's talk about the future later.

(End of this chapter)