Detective Guide to the Steam World

Chapter 14 The Unveiling of the Mystery

"I don't know much about the Sissippi Company. I think the boss's name is Porter? I've never heard anyone mention his last name."

As the sailor recalled the events, he remarked, "However, this company is quite famous in the port area because their fleet consists of four steamships—quite impressive!"

"Potter..."

Rean silently repeated the name, took out his wallet, pulled out a one-shilling bill, and handed it over.

"continue."

"Congratulations, generous sir!"

Seeing that they actually received money, the sailor's eyes lit up. He took the money and examined it carefully in the light before cautiously putting it into his pocket, his expression becoming even more enthusiastic.

"The main business of the Xixibi Company is transporting specialties from the Western Continent to sell here. I've heard the profits are very high!"

Kent pressed further, "What specific local specialties are you referring to?"

"Um... I'm not too sure about that either."

The sailor looked somewhat embarrassed. "I just heard from people that they were some specimens and handicrafts or something."

As he spoke, fearing that Rean and the other man might be dissatisfied, he quickly explained, "Gentlemen, you may not know this because you don't work in the port area, but the Sicily Company never recruits sailors from outside; we only employ our own people."

"Moreover, the sailors of the Sicily Company rarely appear in the dock area and almost never interact with people like us."

Upon hearing this, Rean and Kent exchanged a glance, both sensing something amiss.

Although none of them had ever been sailors, living in a port city like Fog Harbor, they all had some understanding of maritime transport.

Four steamships capable of long-distance trade require a considerable number of sailors, typically ranging from several dozen to a hundred.

Even if we take the middle number and say 50 people per ship, that's still 200 sailors.

Long-distance trade was no child's play; the danger involved was so great that it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that one's life was tied to their belt. Almost every long-distance voyage resulted in the loss of a sailor.

Therefore, it is quite illogical that the Sicily Company never recruits sailors from outside the company to supplement its manpower.

In addition, the working environment of sailors on long voyages was too boring, so it can be said that almost every sailor was good at drinking and bragging.

If you could endure the loneliness and boredom of a long voyage without interacting with outsiders, then everyone would have to be depressed.

So the most likely explanation is not that the sailors of the Sicily Company didn't want to communicate, but that they were put on a gag order and dared not communicate with others!

The reason they don't recruit from outside is most likely for the sake of secrecy.

"Sailor, besides the specimens and handicrafts you mentioned, does the Sicily Company have any other news?"

As he spoke, Rean pulled a one-pound note from his wallet.

This time he didn't hand it over, but held it in his hand, smiling as he said, "There are no secrets in the world. I'm sure you know something else. Just tell me, and this pound is yours."

The sailor stared intently at the banknotes in Rean's hand, his throat bobbing as he swallowed hard.

That's a whole pound!

He worked hard at sea for a month, but only earned 1 pound, and he still had to pay taxes.

"Sir, are you sure you'll really give it to me if I answer?"

Seeing the sailor's expression, Rean's smile widened: "Of course, but only if your answer satisfies me."

Upon hearing this, the sailor hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and led the two to a deserted place.

Then, after glancing around to make sure no one else was nearby, he lowered his voice and said:

"Gentlemen, you should know what the most profitable business in the Western Continent is; it's exactly what the Xixibi Company does!"

"The most profitable business?"

Kent was taken aback at first, then his eyes widened suddenly. "Fuck! Don't tell me this company is actually involved in human trafficking!"

"That's right, this is it."

The sailor looked nervous. "Actually, quite a few people know about this, but no one dares to say it."

Why not...?

Kent was about to ask a question, but he stopped mid-sentence, realizing what he was doing, and his face turned somewhat grim.

Why don't you dare to say it...?

A little thought reveals that this is almost self-evident.

The Sissippi Company had four steamships, and if they were indeed engaged in human trafficking, each ship could carry at least 500 slaves!

Four ships, that's at least 2000 people!

The large number of slaves transported to Fog Harbor could not be kept secret from the sailors and porters who made a living in the port area.

Kent had never heard of these things before, nor had he ever seen them in the newspapers.

Clearly, someone must have blocked the news; otherwise, there would have been a complete silence.

At this moment, without Rean's prompting, Kent remembered the other identity of his employer, Baron Jesper—

A municipal councilor in Bukit Harbour!

"Damn it! Rean, tell me this can't be happening!"

"Nothing is impossible. Once you've eliminated all the impossibilities, whatever remains, however unbelievable, must be the truth."

Rean shrugged, his tone relaxed. "That's a famous quote from a detective in my hometown. Besides, didn't you already guess it yourself?"

He had previously speculated about Baron Jesper's business, so he wasn't too surprised to hear the sailor's words.

Just as he had previously deduced, the mystery surrounding the Fletcher family affair has finally begun to unravel.

Only the staggering profits from human trafficking could have prompted Baron Jesper's business partner to send such expensive gifts.

The so-called handicrafts and specimens of the Sicily Company, in retrospect, were nothing more than a cover for their exorbitantly profitable business.

Human trafficking is a unique business in the Kingdom of Leonard. Because the interests involved are so huge, the nobles at the top keep revising the laws, which keeps this business in a gray area between legality and illegality.

Regardless of whether it's legal or not, they will be charged a hefty tax that will make their hearts ache.

To bypass this tax, one naturally needs to do some overt work.

So, was Cyril's death a revenge killing caused by the Fletcher family's involvement in the shady business?

Or is the conflict a result of the distribution of benefits?

Or is there some other, deeper reason?

"Sir, do you have any other questions?"

The sailor's eyes were fixed on the pound note in Rean's hand, and he rubbed his hands together impatiently. "If we don't have it, the money..."

"One last question."

Bringing his thoughts back, Rean asked, "Where is the Sissippi Company located?"

The sailor quickly pointed in a direction: "It's over there. Walk along this road for ten minutes, and you'll see the Sicilian Company's sign."

Thank you for your answer.

Rean nodded slightly, stuffed the pound note into the sailor's arms, ignored the sailor's overjoyed words of thanks, and strode off in that direction.

"Wait, Rean!"

Kent caught up from behind, his face full of worry. "Rean, do we really need to investigate ourselves? It's far too dangerous!"

"Since it involves human trafficking, it must be related to those damn gangs! And that guy doesn't seem to be lying. Old Henry's investigation should be finished tomorrow, we..."

"I only believe what I see."

Rean replied casually and quickened his pace again.

Watching that retreating figure without turning back, Kent stood there hesitating for a long time, his face turning pale and then flushed.

In the end, he touched the gun holster under his arm and gritted his teeth to follow.

"Damn Rean! You'll get me killed one day!"