Ch 101
“Excuse me, but why is Mr. Lisir the Deputy Council Member?”
Lisir’s question was immediately resolved.
“Ah! That’s the thing━”
As Lisir’s expression contorted, questioning this, Dogal, frightened beforehand, hastily began his explanation.
✦✦✦
Immediately after meeting with Lisir, Ga-dum prepared to flee Bondales. Secretly and swiftly.
However, despite that secrecy, Dogal knew the man called Ga-dum too well.
“He’s so scared, yet he sends the Guard out of the mansion? This brat…”
Sensing something amiss, Dogal stationed his associates at all the gates of Bondales, then strongly instructed them.
-Stop any carriage attempting to pass the checkpoint using its power!
As expected, the fish was caught in the net.
-Dogal! What are you doing?!
-You should know that well enough.
The checkpoint at the gate is under the Guard’s jurisdiction.
Guard Captain Dogal could easily manipulate the documents.
『Around 9 PM, Councilman Ga-dum’s carriage left the city. Reason unknown. A large amount of money was loaded in the carriage.』
Thus, Guard Captain Dogal ‘cooperated’.
Ga-dum’s city ‘escape’ became a certainty.
Afterward, Dogal confined Ga-dum in another location and headed to his mansion.
-What do you mean, Councilman Ga-dum tried to abandon us and escape?!
And he first contacted Ga-dum’s butler.
-See this?
-That’s…!
-Yes, one of Ga-dum’s most cherished collectibles—he constantly boasted about it. It was in the carriage Ga-dum secretly tried to escape in. And it wasn’t the only thing. Ga-dum’s personal vault is probably empty now. By now, you understand, don’t you? How the situation is unfolding. Ga-dum tried to escape alone.
-Why would Councilman Ga-dum…
-You should know better than I do? What happened at the mansion yesterday and today.
-…
-This morning. You know where the guests who were driven out of the mansion went, right?
-Ran’s Mansion…
Soon, all the retainers of the mansion joined the conversation.
-Right. He followed that woman. What did they talk about in the annex in the middle of the night? And why did Ga-dum let those people go? I realized. That he had reached his limit.
-Could it be that 『Left Hand Holds Wine』 is also related to Ran?
-It’s more than related. It was probably Ran’s doing. To be precise, it was Ran’s ‘friend’.
-Friend? Could you be referring to that Honorary Mage, Lisir?!
-Yes. In effect, Ga-dum was escaping not from Ran, but from that man.
-What, what do you know, Dogal! Tell me what you know!
-Let me just say that Ga-dum touched a man he should never have touched.
-Oh my god…
It was a story coming from the Guard Captain, no less.
-Dogal! It’s true! Councilman Ga-dum’s personal vault is really empty!
And Ga-dum’s escape on top of that.
The emotions Dogal felt towards Lisir smoothly spread to them.
They couldn’t bring themselves to judge and asked Dogal’s opinion.
-Then what should we do now?
After observing their reactions, Dogal brought up the story he had prepared.
-What we should do from now on… isn’t it already decided? Councilman Ga-dum left instructions for us before leaving the city.
-What kind of-
-He said that while he was away on personal business, he appointed Lisir as his proxy. Isn’t that right?
-…Will we be able to keep our positions this way?
-Who is that man moving with?
-Ran Pellos…
-Right. When this is over, there will be no place for us.
-Then why…
-First, we need to survive, don’t we? Survive and plan for the future.
-The future…?
-You never know. The ‘Deputy Council Member’ might become attached to that title.
-…
They looked around.
The interior of Ga-dum’s mansion was luxurious, among the best in Bondales.
Ga-dum’s power that made all this possible-
The position of Deputy Council Member was more than enough to entice people.
They thought.
With this, they might be able to manipulate that dangerous existence to their will.
And thus, they might be able to preserve their positions.
✦✦✦
Dogal explained the whole story with all his might, hoping to receive recognition for his merit.
‘So, he cut ties before being cut off━ is that it?’
Thanks to this, Lisir was able to accept the tremendous title of ‘Deputy for Councilman Ga-dum’.
Separately. He was confused.
‘And, that whole mess happened entirely because of me?’
Lisir looked at Dogal.
He felt immense respect and awe in his appearance.
A familiar face.
‘Could it be, Teacher too?’
Lisir realized.
That Ga-dum, like the City Nobles, was influenced by some of his actions, and was sending him endless respect.
Ga-dum was probably the same.
Because of him, this mess happened.
‘What on earth did I do?’
Feeling a sense of injustice, Lisir began to ponder his future course of action.
Then, a voice suddenly echoed in his mind.
-Good.
It was Klana.
-This way, you don’t need to be under that woman Ran anymore.
“…What do you mean?”
Lisir instinctively asked back.
‘Damn it, what now!?
Without even noticing the Guard members, including Dogal, distancing themselves from him as he suddenly muttered to himself.
-That Councilwoman Ran you follow. Weren’t you at the mercy of that Ga-dum guy? That’s why I’m saying this. Seize Ga-dum’s influence that has fallen into your lap and reign as the powerholder of this city.
“So, you’re telling me to continue acting as Ga-dum’s proxy?”
The immense power and wealth of a Council Member.
Lisir was momentarily tempted by Klana’s words. Of course, it was only for a moment.
Crime and corruption.
To maintain Ga-dum’s influence, which was based on this, it was necessary to continue Ga-dum’s business as it was.
Lisir could say for sure.
That he wouldn’t have the talent for that.
“It’s an interesting offer, but I’ll decline. I’m confident I can succeed by working honestly.”
Klana burst into laughter, exasperated.
It was a far too weak way of thinking for a murderer.
But why? Klana’s appearance, laughing in her inner world, seemed somehow joyful.
She didn’t object to or question Lisir’s judgment.
‘Okay, let’s go find Ms. Ran and report.’
Having sorted out his thoughts through his conversation with Klana, Lisir faced a new dilemma.
‘Will the Guard members cooperate willingly?’
They were Ga-dum’s subordinates, no less.
Those who moved purely for profit, not for honor or duty.
There was no way those people would change their minds without any expectation.
‘They probably secretly hope I’ll continue Ga-dum’s business…’
In that situation, how would they react if I suddenly asked for cooperation from Ran, the symbol of Bondales’ integrity?
‘It won’t be a good reaction.’
It could even spark another betrayal.
Keeping all that in mind, Lisir cautiously spoke.
“W-would there be any objection!”
“?”
But contrary to expectations, the Guard members’ attitude was extremely cooperative.
Lisir didn’t know.
How his ‘muttering’ with Klana was conveyed to them.
-…What do you mean?
-So you’re telling me to continue acting as Ga-dum’s proxy?
-It’s an interesting offer, but I’ll decline. I’m confident I can succeed by working honestly.
From their perspective, it was a mutter that burst out convulsively.
And the content.
The Guard members immediately understood the intention behind the mutter.
It was a warning.
-I know what you expect.
-You expect the same thing from me as you did from Ga-dum.
-You’d better give up that expectation.
-I won’t move as you wish.
A warning about their subtle expectations.
They thought.
They might be able to manipulate this man to their will.
And thus, they might be able to preserve their positions.
But his ‘warning’ changed their minds.
At this moment. They abandoned all greed.
“We will actively follow Councilwoman Ran’s instructions!”
Survival became their only goal.
It was the moment when Bondales’ Guard transformed into an iron-fisted public service group free from bribery.
✦✦✦
『The event has been deactivated.』
『The event has been deactivated.』
✦✦✦
Ran wanted to follow the proverb, “Strike while the iron is hot.”
She gained the strong support of the Three Big Shots.
She persuaded Ga-dum’s friends.
She obtained the Secret Ledger of 『Left Hand Holds Wine』 as a weapon.
Now, it was time to sway the City Council.
That was why Ran invited Councilwoman Morin to the mansion.
Morin, who had served as a council member for the longest time in the current City Council, was a figure with strong speaking power within the council.
If she could only gain her support, the plan to oust Ga-dum from the City Council would be complete.
Thus, Ran conveyed her plan to Morin at a gathering of Ga-dum’s friends.
The stern-looking old woman frowned and said,
“Amazing, Ran. You persuaded all these people, and even secured the secret document that will decisively pressure him. Your plan is certainly rational. It has considerable feasibility.”
“Then━”
“Nevertheless, I can’t help but advise you to reconsider.”
“Councilwoman Morin?!”
“Let’s assume, according to your plan, that Ga-dum is driven into a corner? Pressure Ga-dum inside and outside the City Council to oust him, then drag him to court to face the judgment of city law. So far, so good. Then, what’s next?”
“What do you mean by next━”
“Ran. Do you think Ga-dum will remain silent when cornered? He will use the Guard to express his dissatisfaction with all his might. The Guard will go on strike or protest, and the city’s public order will be paralyzed in an instant. Ga-dum is a cunning man. He will make the citizens believe that the chaos caused by this is the fault of our City Council. Can you handle that?”
“I can handle it. But━”
“Yes. The other council members will think differently.”
“…”
Ran fell into anguish.
The old woman looked at the young councilwoman with a complicated expression and opened her mouth.
“Furthermore, I’ve received information that a Back Alley meeting will be convened soon.”
“…They’re going to gather?”
“Yes. The 『Left Hand Holds Wine』 incident has stimulated them. Think about it. If Ga-dum doesn’t show up there, how do you think they will react.”
“…”
“Right now, they are extremely dissatisfied because their territory has shrunk due to the appearance of the Saint and the Master. In that state, if Ga-dum, who guaranteed at least some profit, disappears━”
“A war will break out…”
“That’s right. Citizens will die every day. Until we find and wipe out the leader of those hidden in this vast city. Ga-dum is ousted by the City Council’s decision, the Guard goes on strike, and criminals suddenly start running rampant. Ran. Think about it. In this case, whose voice of blame will the citizens direct?”
“That’s━”
“I know what you want to say. To heal a wound, you must cut out the affected area━ you must willingly accept the damage━ you’ll say something like that. But Ran━ think carefully. Do we have the strength and leisure to endure that pain?”
“…”
“Don’t underestimate him because of his despicable nature. Ga-dum. He is far stronger than we think. You can see that from the fact that he so easily bribed the Guard, while we are racking our brains because we can’t even think of doing it.”
As if the story was over, Morin got up from her seat.
Then, she smiled wryly and said to Ran.
“I always admire your upright conviction. But Ran, reality is merciless. Most people except you are realistic thinkers. What you should think about is not how to convince yourself, but how to convince them. So, Ran, if you come up with a good solution to convince them, call me again then.”
In other words, it meant not to come to her until she had a solution.
Thus, the elderly councilwoman left words of warm yet cold comfort to the young councilwoman and was about to leave.
-W-what is it, Dogal…! Why are you here!?
The old councilwoman’s wrinkles deepened.
The owner of the urgent voice from outside the door was her escort.
Soon, the door opened, and Dogal and several Guard members entered the room.
“Lisir…!”
Ran got up from her seat and called the name of the man standing with the Guard members.
“Lisir…”
Morin repeated the name.
“So, the young man you mentioned is that━”
Morin sighed deeply.
That Lisir, who had encouraged the young councilwoman, had ultimately caused a problem.
The situation was clear.
‘Did he finally cross the line, provoking Ga-dum and providing an opportunity…’
The Guard storms into the council member’s mansion with troops.
It was impossible without solid evidence.
‘It’s a pity, such a pity.’
In Morin’s eyes, Councilwoman Ran’s political life was over.
The old councilwoman said with sincere regret.
“Ran, you shouldn’t trust people so easily━”
“You did it, Lisir!”
“?”
Morin doubted her ears.
It wasn’t just her ears. She doubted her eyes too.
Because Ran was smiling brightly.
Morin was astonished and asked her.
“Ran, what is this…”
“Councilwoman Morin! It seems Lisir persuaded the Guard!”
“Huh…!”
Morin sighed.
It seemed that the young councilwoman had lost her mind because she couldn’t accept reality.
The conclusion that comes first in this situation is ‘persuading the Guard’.
Unless she’s insane-
“It happened that way.”
“?”
Lisir gestured to Dogal.
Then, he bowed to Ran.
“No…”
The elderly councilwoman couldn’t keep up.
✦✦✦
『The event has been deactivated.』
✦✦✦
With Lisir’s participation, the discussion took a new turn.
“Ga-dum appointed you as his deputy? That’s hardly possible━”
“Lisir! You’ve secured all of Ga-dum’s retainers!”
“It happened that way.”
“…”
Morin’s life also took a new turn.
Feeling the extreme cognitive dissonance of her decades-long life being completely denied, she struggled to follow the flow of the conversation.
Thanks to this, the discussion came to a certain conclusion.
“Understood. I will infiltrate the Back Alley meeting as Ga-dum’s proxy.”
✦✦✦
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