Mystery: Gray Walker

Chapter 115 The Hidden Rich Woman

St. George Hospice

Clarice sat alone behind her desk, a dark blue casual jacket draped over the back of her chair, wearing only a simple white shirt.

She put down her quill pen; the three documents spread out in front of her gave her a headache.

The first document was Olivier's diagnosis and treatment progress, which was exactly what she expected.

The second document is the team's daily management, task reports, and inventory list for the quarter.

Rex's training regimen, Eliza's purchasing, and so on—each item may seem simple, but they are all crucial. Previously, these were things the captain would sign off on, and she would at most make a phone call to coordinate. But now, all the pressure rests on her shoulders.

What troubled her most was the third document, a formal reply from the Church of the Night regarding her "Application for Expansion and Special Funding of the Oberhafen Night Watch."

Regarding the expansion of personnel, headquarters' opinion is:

[Given the recent upward trend in activity regarding extraordinary events in the Oberhafen area, it is agreed to consider expanding staffing. A rigorous assessment of the background, loyalty, and potential of new recruits must be conducted for at least three months, with a detailed report submitted.]

[Formal appointment is contingent upon successful evaluation and joint approval by the regional bishop and the Night's Watch command.]

The wording on the reply slip was very official.

What really put her under pressure was the part about funding.

She requested increased operational funding to cover daily expenses and to prepare for any extraordinary events that may occur in the future.

But the headquarters' response was very straightforward.

[Requests for additional funding will not be approved. Teams are requested to optimize resource allocation and improve efficiency within the existing budget. Any special expenditures must be submitted in advance with detailed justifications and a budget breakdown; execution is only permitted after approval.]

Budget framework? When has the Oberhafen squad ever had a generous budget? Optimize configuration? Are we supposed to have Rek destroy fewer training dummies, or have Eliza buy fewer outrageously expensive ancient language dictionaries?

What made her heart clench even more was the additional question at the end of the reply slip:

[Furthermore, according to the feedback from the last Cardinal's patrol inspection, the Oberhafen Squad reported the loss of a Level 3 Sealed Item, "Tears of Tranquility" (serial number 3-077). Several months have passed since then, why has no progress on its recovery been mentioned in any recent reports or applications? Please submit a specific explanation regarding this matter immediately, clearly outlining the subsequent handling plan and expected timeline.]

Clarice's gaze darkened.

That sealed artifact, that damned Lillian...

This was something that Captain Olivier had temporarily suppressed and was being secretly investigated by the team.

Not long ago, she almost caught her former best friend, but she still managed to escape. As a result, during a routine inspection by the headquarters, although the captain tried her best to cover it up, the missing items in the inventory records were still discovered, and she could only vaguely say that "the investigation is ongoing."

Now, this response brings the matter back to the forefront, and in an unavoidable, accountable manner. Clearly, headquarters is growing impatient with the delays.

She needed to write a report that explained the "reasonable" reasons for the slow progress of the investigation, offered a seemingly feasible solution, and reassured headquarters.

Clillie seemed to have vanished into thin air.

Just then, there was a knock on the office door.

"Please come in," Clarice said softly, her voice sounding somewhat tired.

The door was pushed open, and there was Green.

"Captain." Green nodded slightly.

"Vice-Captain," Clarice corrected with a smile, her face showing weariness, "Sit down, Green. Any progress?"

She now wishes it were herself, not Olivier, who was recuperating and on vacation.

Green sat down opposite him and gave a clear and organized report on his and Alvin's discoveries in Blackwater Alley, the key information provided by Lisa, and the clues about the "handprint" and "rat tail" alley.

He emphasized his speculation: behind Bob Sr.'s death, there is likely a well-organized group of extraordinary individuals, and that mark is their symbol.

"Therefore, we now need to launch a more covert investigative network."

Green concluded, "Through a reliable intermediary, spread the word in Blackwater Alley and offer a reward for information about the mark or the two outsiders. This will require... some funding."

He paused, then spoke with some difficulty, "Irwin said we can apply for an advance, so... I wanted to ask if we could get a partial advance? About 20 pounds should be enough to get the first phase started."

Clarisse listened quietly, her fingers unconsciously tapping on the receipt from headquarters. Funding... funding again.

The headquarters' rejection was still looming, but Green's clues were indeed crucial. Based on the description of that mark, it seemed to be related to extraordinary beings.

She paused for a few seconds, seemingly weighing something, before slowly saying, "Advance payment... isn't out of the question."

Green's eyes lit up.

"However," Clarice changed the subject, her tone tinged with helplessness, "Evelyn, who is in charge of the team's financial reimbursements, has taken leave these past few days due to family matters. The official advance payment process requires her signature, and it won't be until the day after tomorrow at the earliest."

Green's heart sank. The day after tomorrow? Time waits for no one.

Clarisse watched his eyes dim instantly, and the corners of her lips curved into a barely perceptible smile. She reached for a small, exquisite leather handbag on the corner of the table, opened it, and took out a stack of crisp new banknotes.

"However, I can pay you in advance in my personal capacity."

Green was stunned, staring at the stack of banknotes, his Adam's apple bobbing.

Clarisse didn't even count the money; she simply pushed the stack of banknotes in front of him: "Here's 100 gold pounds."

"100 pounds?!" Green nearly jumped up from his chair. This was far beyond what he had asked for.

"You seem to be short of money."

Clarice spoke casually, as if discussing a trivial matter, "According to the Night's Watch trainee's salary standard, you can receive an advance of about one month's salary. The remainder will be used as special operating funds for this investigation. Remember, every expenditure must be recorded, even if it's just a few coppers for the informant; you'll need to provide Evelyn with receipts later to deposit the money."

It means, "I have money, but you can't spend it recklessly."

Green looked at the banknotes printed with the king's portrait and intricate patterns, then looked up at Clarice's calm face, opened his mouth, and for a moment didn't know what to say.

£100! She casually slipped such a large sum of money into her bag and readily gave it to him in her own name. Clarisse's actions not only supported his work but also provided him with financial assistance during his most difficult time.

"What's wrong?" Clarice chuckled when she saw him staring blankly. "Too much? Or too afraid to take it? If you don't want it, then forget it."

As she spoke, she made a gesture as if to take it back.

"want!"

Green instinctively reached out and grabbed the banknotes, his movement so fast that even he was somewhat surprised.

He took a deep breath and gave an awkward smile: "Thank you, Vice Captain. This money... I will use it wisely, and I will keep a record of every penny."

Clarice nodded in satisfaction, letting him put the money away. But her finger tapped lightly on the table.

"However, I have one condition," she said languidly.

"Please say so, I will definitely do as you say," Green immediately replied. He was bound to be indebted to someone who had given him a large advance.

Clarisse stood up, picked up the dark blue casual jacket draped over the back of the chair, put it on deftly, and then draped a thick fur coat over her shoulders: "The condition is simple. Come with me to dinner."

Green: "???"

His mind flashed back to Alvin's winking expression and those lewd words about "the nourishment of love," and his ears inexplicably felt hot. This request... why does it sound so familiar yet so strange?

"Now?" He glanced at the darkening sky outside the window.

"Right now. I've been busy all day and haven't had dinner yet. I happen to have some things I'd like to talk to you about regarding the case... and other things as well."