pirate?!

The topic that Luke brought up again was unexpected by Ambassador Webster, but the officials of the Republic of Rio have long had a mature rhetoric on this type of issue.

Ambassador Webster answered calmly: "Pirates are the public enemy of the world. As far as I know, the Republic of Rio has never sponsored pirates. Of course, I do not deny that some pirates are citizens of the Republic of Rio, but I think

The Golden Shield Empire should reflect on why pirates are so rampant.

The Imperial Navy of the Golden Shield has serious biased law enforcement against trade ships at sea, which makes Leo's maritime merchants pay more costs to pay additional fees.

Some poor people even went bankrupt because they were uncompetitive due to higher product costs.

Rio businessmen have repeatedly negotiated with your country through our government, but they have not received a satisfactory answer."

Luke couldn't help but sigh, Webster was indeed a professional diplomat, and he put the responsibility on the empire with just a pout.

But Luke is not a vegetarian: "The Imperial Navy is responsible for maintaining the safety of international waterways and collects escort fees from passing merchant ships. There is no problem. The escort fees paid by our maritime merchants have been added to the national tax, but your businessmen do not.

You have to pay taxes to the empire and escort fees." Seeing Ambassador Webster still want to argue, Luke, who didn't want to get into this fruitless verbal dispute, stopped what he wanted to say and continued: "Taxation and

The issue of escort fees is not within my jurisdiction. What I am concerned about is the issue of piracy...

The Nutao City Secret Intelligence Bureau has established a maritime anti-smuggling fleet. In addition to investigating and punishing illegal trade at sea, it is also the responsibility of the Nutao City anti-smuggling fleet to exterminate pirates.

I hereby warn the Republic of Rio not to continue to provide any support to pirates. If this leads to a military conflict between the two countries, the responsibility lies entirely with the Republic of Rio."

Ambassador Webster asked seriously: "Chief Inspector Meteor, are you declaring war on the Republic of Rio?"

Luke said tit for tat: "I made it very clear... If the Republic of Rio continues to harbor pirates, you can understand that this is a declaration of war; if the Republic of Rio cuts off from pirates, we will still be friendly neighbors."

"This seems to be beyond your authority."

"My scope of authority is decided by me."

Webster's ambassador stood up angrily: "The result of this meeting far exceeded my expectations. I need to return to Rio immediately to report the attack on the consulate and the threat from the Meteor Inspector General to the National Congress.

.

Goodbye Chief Inspector Meteor.

I am grateful for your life-saving grace, but I will not show any favoritism in the face of national interests."

Luke did not stand up to see Webster off. He said calmly: "Goodbye... Do your best to convince the Leo Council to avoid the deterioration of the incident."

Viscount Iscolan stood up quickly: "I'm sending you... Ambassador!"

After a while, Viscount Escolan returned anxiously. He said worriedly: "Chief Inspector, is your warning to the Republic of Rio meant by Her Royal Highness the Princess?"

Luke picked up the tea on the table and sipped it slowly.

At the same time, he replied to Iskran: "No, this is what I mean. In addition, I have also informed His Highness of my thoughts."

Hearing that this was the claim made by the Meteorite Chief Inspector without permission, Viscount Iskolan became even more panicked.

"This... this is a major matter related to the diplomatic relations between the two countries. If it is not handled properly, it will lead to war!

Ambassador Webster's airship hasn't taken off yet, I'm going to stop him."

"Viscount..." Luke patted the seat next to him and said to Iskran: "Sit down and listen to me talk about my thoughts."

Iskran had no choice but to sit down and pretend to listen.

Luke said: "I have direct correspondence with Her Royal Highness the Princess. Her Royal Highness told me that Saxon Engineering has organized a fleet and is gathering towards Raging Waves City. The fleet will be assembled in one month at the earliest and two months at the latest.

Will arrive at the open sea.

This fleet is definitely not here to do business with us. I estimate that they will attack ships entering and leaving the Cape Port in the name of pirates. If this fleet is given to me to command, I will also use the benefits to lure other pirates and attack the sea.

The port is blocked.

Haijiao Port is still under repair, and many supplies need to be transported in by sea. If the shipping route is cut off and the port repair is delayed for a few years, the debt will crush us."

Iskran thought deeply and said, "We can ask the navy for help."

"Your Majesty is now very dependent on the new nobles. Although what we are doing in Raging Waves City is in the interests of the empire, it is unknown whether the navy will be on our side by then."

Viscount Escolan nodded. He knew very well that the piece of cake that the Meteorite Chief Inspector led his people to cut from Raging Waves City was the limit of what the new nobles could endure. The emperor's attitude towards Raging Waves City was hard to fathom, and the navy

Whether it will help the Reform Society, I really can’t place too much hope on it.

"But... Chief Inspector, does this have anything to do with what you said to Ambassador Webster?"

Luke put down the tea cup: "What do you think our anti-smuggling fleet has to win against the Saxon Engineering fleet?"

Viscount Iskran replied: "It depends on the size of the fleet sent by the Saxon Engineering Fleet. However, the Saxon Engineering Fleet has a mercenary nature and often replaces the Imperial Navy in regional naval battles. The experience of regular naval warfare must exceed that of Lady Tasia."

people, and the performance of the warships of the Saxon engineering fleet also exceeds ours."

Iscolan analyzed with a sad look on his face.

He knew that the Secret Service had established an anti-smuggling fleet and was training intensively for a possible naval battle. Representative Ibur's shipyard was also working overtime to build ships for the anti-smuggling fleet.

But the time is too short, and no one knows how much combat effectiveness the anti-smuggling fleet will have when the Saxon engineering fleet arrives.

To be pessimistic... there is a high probability that it cannot be defeated.

Luke tells Viscount Isklan his ultimate goal.

"I have great expectations for the newly built 'Unit No. 1' all-steel, all-steam-powered battleship, but we must also prepare for the worst. If the construction deadline of 'Unit No. 1' is delayed or the performance does not meet the requirements,

The anti-smuggling fleet could not break the blockade of the Saxon engineering fleet.

I'll have Lady Tasia attack Leo's navy."

ah!

Viscount Iskran had a big mouth and couldn't believe what he heard.

"Chief Inspector... let Madam Tasia attack the Leo Navy. This will trigger..."

Luke said nonchalantly: "I have warned Ambassador Webster, but I think the Republic of Rio will not stop funding pirates, and they will prepare the Rio Navy for war.

When I order Lady Tasia to attack the Leo Navy, the Leo Navy will definitely attack the Imperial Navy. At that time, whether it is the pirates or the Saxon engineering fleet, they will all be destroyed together."

Viscount Iskran did not expect that the purpose of the Meteor Inspector to anger Ambassador Webster was actually to lift the blockade of Cape Port by the future Saxon engineering fleet.

For this purpose, a comprehensive maritime conflict between the two countries will be triggered!

Is the Chief Inspector crazy?

"Chief Inspector, have you made things too big? If the eldest princess...your majesty knows that you started this war, he will definitely punish us."

Seeing Iscolan's pale face, Luke couldn't help but smile. He comforted: "Didn't the thing not happen yet? We may not be able to use the anti-smuggling fleet to solve this crisis. What I mentioned is just a preventive plan."

"Even if it's a prevention program..."

Luke suddenly said seriously to the panicked Viscount Iscolan: "The Cape District is the foundation of our survival in Raging Waves City. The Reform Society can stand firmly here, and it will only be good for Her Royal Highness the Princess. No matter who wants to deal with it,

We all, first look at the increase in tax revenue we bring to the empire.

If we can't make money for the Empire, there is no point in the existence of the Reform Society.

If a war between the two countries really breaks out, I will be responsible for resolving the blame from the higher-ups. Your task...

A group of Leo's exiled nobles have come to Raging Waves City, and they must be in contact with the Watchers. Contact them and ask them what they need. It shouldn't be difficult for you."

When asked about his major, Viscount Iscolan answered confidently: "It's not difficult. What does the Chief Inspector need them to do?"

"You can do whatever you want...as long as you don't cause trouble for us in Raging Wave City. Don't they want to restore the country? Let them go to Rio and try to satisfy them with money and weapons."

"I know what to do, Chief Inspector."

"Okay, I'll leave this matter to you. I'll go to Representative Ibur's place to have a look."

Luke left the Sisisay Palace and went to the residence of Senator Ibur. After discussing the direction of public opinion control in the future, the two went to the shipyard under the name of Senator Ibur.

Time is very tight for building and launching ships, installing weapons and equipment, and training to form combat effectiveness.

Externally, Luke actively cooperated with the newspaper to release smoke bombs against the new aristocrats.

The Leo Consulate hostage rescue operation was a perfect crisis management in the eyes of the citizens of Raging City.

Except for the guard who died at the beginning of the attack, all the hostages were rescued alive, and all the kidnappers were killed... impeccable.

Coupled with the fact that newspapers have been publishing rescue details declassified by the Secret Service for days, and combined with the magical images printed in newspapers regardless of cost, the citizens of Raging Wave City are as entertained as watching a TV drama every day.

As the protagonist of the story, Luke's image among the citizens is that he is tall, wise, and brave...

But while the citizens were having fun, an infuriating news appeared in the newspaper.

The Republic of Rio put all the responsibility for the attack on the consulate on the security department of Raging Waves City, and sent a diplomatic note to the Empire, demanding that all personnel who neglected their duties be severely punished and the wanted criminals of the Republic of Rio were extradited.

A diplomatic turmoil did not subside because the Meteorite Chief Inspector successfully solved the consulate attack incident. Instead, it intensified and caused the relationship between the two countries to take a sharp turn.

The citizens of Raging Wave City were filled with indignation, while the new nobles were celebrating.

When they first saw that the Secret Service had solved the attack on the Leo Consulate so simply, they thought that the matter would be settled by the meteor. Who would have thought that the Republic of Leo did not intend to settle the matter, but instead made a big fuss about this incident.

For a time, the security department and the Secret Intelligence Bureau of Raging City were put at the forefront of the diplomatic storm.

Of course, the new nobles will pursue their victory, manipulate newspapers to guide public opinion, and verbally criticize the city security department and the Secret Intelligence Service. If the relationship between the empire and the Republic of Rio seriously deteriorates or even breaks off due to this diplomatic turmoil, the responsibility lies with the city security department and the Secret Intelligence Service. On the General Intelligence Bureau.

The war of words in Raging Wave City was as noisy as a boiling pot.

Princess Agatha, who is far away in the imperial capital, reads all the newspapers delivered to Raging Wave City every day, feeling extremely anxious.
To be continued...