Ch 102
The story progressed rapidly.
Except for the Elderly Councilwoman, who was left behind, unable to keep up with the pace set by the young people.
-You say you persuaded the Guard? Excellent.
-You say you persuaded all of Ga-dum’s Retainers to obtain the Deputy Council Member qualification? Excellent.
-You say there’s a powerful Black Mage among the Back Alley Big Shots? Oh, this is too good.
-Then, how about Lisir infiltrates the upcoming Back Alley meeting and pressures them? Ah, yes, this is excellent.
In fact, age may not be the issue.
It’s the inability to keep up with the unconventional flow of conversation.
Regardless of age or gender, how many Bondales citizens could follow that flow of conversation?
Probably everyone present here.
The Elderly Councilwoman felt the duty to object.
That issues related to Bondales’ criminal organizations are extremely sensitive matters.
That they couldn’t entrust everything to a youngster who had just had their Coming-of-Age Ceremony.
“Councilwoman Morin, do you have anything to say?”
“Uh? Oh… nothing.”
However, despite the intense call of reason, Morin remained silent.
She, the Elderly Councilwoman, possessed exceptionally developed Nunchi.
‘If I speak rashly in this atmosphere, it would be worse than saying nothing…’
Morin carefully observed the atmosphere.
“By the way, Guardrock—I’ve also heard about that Southern Back Alley dominator. Some say he wields powerful Black Magic that even the Magic Tower Masters or High-Ranking Adventurers can’t handle… Is it alright to send Lisir to a place like that?”
Thus, the opportunity arrived.
Bellas, a City Noble, cautiously raised a question.
‘That’s right! Finally, someone is thinking rationally!’
Morin readily joined him, intending to cultivate an opposing atmosphere.
“It’s fine.”
However, Lisir was one step ahead.
He declared confidently.
“Please trust me and send me.”
His confidence was so strong that at first glance, it seemed as if he was looking forward to facing the Black Mage.
‘…Indeed.’
There’s no way a person would be indifferent to facing a terrifying existence like a Black Mage.
The image he’s showing now must be a bluff to gain the other party’s trust.
A bluff isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
How many people could display such a magnificent bluff in matters related to a Black Mage?
Morin somewhat understood why they were enthusiastic about this young man.
Of course.
Separately, Morin had no intention of condoning his bluff.
Everyone would know.
That a Black Mage is not someone who can be dealt with by confidence alone.
Morin was certain.
That City Noble Bellas would react unfavorably to Lisir’s answer.
‘That will be my chance to intervene.’
Morin looked directly at Bellas.
Soon, Bellas spoke.
“Oh, if you say so—Alright! I’ll trust you!”
“…”
‘Before blindly trusting, I need to verify the basis!!!’
The Elderly Councilwoman felt a headache coming on.
As far as Morin knew, City Noble Bellas was not a fool.
Rather, he was politically astute and possessed sharp senses.
The fact that he cooperated with Ga-dum yet remained not deeply involved was proof of that.
Yet, he was showing an incredibly careless side.
‘Bellas, you’re not that foolish, why?!’
Before Morin’s confusion could be fully resolved, another City Noble, Galuan, expressed doubt.
“The problem isn’t just the Black Mage. Those attending the Back Alley meeting are big shots from the lawless world. Lisir, they will be different from anyone you’ve met before. Can you skillfully cope with such people?”
‘Yes, that’s exactly what I want to say!’
Galuan.
In Morin’s mind, he belonged to the category of ‘wise City Nobles’.
Morin, confident that her judgment was correct, once again intended to lead the atmosphere by taking advantage of Galuan’s displayed anxiety.
“You don’t have to worry about that. I’ve met people far more dangerous than them.”
“Hmm. That sounds plausible. Alright.”
Morin clasped her head with both hands.
‘Galuan, good heavens! Do you believe that!? Look at that child’s face! He’s just the same age as those who just had their Coming-of-Age Ceremony, where would he have such encounters and experiences!’
She couldn’t understand.
How did those wise City Nobles become fools who blindly believed the youngster’s bluff and boasting!
“Councilwoman Morin, you don’t look well…”
“Ah, it’s nothing.”
Morin awkwardly laughed at Lisir’s question.
She was about to go crazy with frustration, but the more so, she had to be cautious in her words.
In the One-Eyed Village, they say those with two eyes are abnormal, don’t they?
Appealing to reason in the current situation would undoubtedly backfire.
Therefore—
‘…’
Therefore—
…what should I do?
“Then, let me reiterate. Lisir will attend the upcoming Back Alley meeting as Ga-dum’s Proxy and pressure them. Any objections?”
“There’s no way!”
“Hahaha! Well said! There’s no way such incompetent people would be here!”
How on earth should I guide those incompetent people onto the right path?
“Finally, Councilwoman Morin, please say a few words on behalf of the City Council regarding this plan.”
“The City Council’s support and recognition… If this goes well, Lisir will receive appropriate treatment!”
“Of course! In this Bondales, who else works so hard for the city!”
“Is it just hard work? Lisir, in this short period, he has achieved more than I have in my entire career.”
“Hahaha, Ms. Lan—you’re praising him too much.”
“…By the way, Councilwoman Morin is silent.”
“Councilwoman Morin? Is there a problem?”
Deeply.
Countless requests for handshakes.
“…The City Council will never forget his dedication and efforts for the city.”
At their lively banquet, the Elderly Councilwoman almost lost consciousness.
✦✦✦
Brimfort.
Through smuggling, he built a huge organization encompassing the entire southwest of Bondales’ Back Alley.
A council member holding one of the seven seats at the Back Alley meeting, and the dominator of the Southwest Back Alley.
That man was Brimfort.
“Councilwoman Morin, what do you mean…?!”
Brimfort’s position recently faced a major change.
The dominator of the Western Back Alley—Guardrock, feeling threatened by the emergence of the ‘Master’ and the ‘Saint’, began expanding his influence, threatening Brimfort’s safety.
Guardrock’s influence, with drugs and mercenaries as his main commodities, was not something a mere smuggler could handle.
Guardrock intended to completely swallow Brimfort’s territory.
Feeling his life threatened, Brimfort sought various ways to survive.
Thus, he connected with Morin, a respected Council Member of the City Council, and formed a contract of sorts.
If Morin requests help with matters related to the Back Alley, he will definitely respond.
In return, it was complete protection under Councilwoman Morin’s name.
“Isn’t this what you wanted? If this goes well, I’ll help you secure a portion of your assets and leave Bondales. I can also help you establish a new position in a new city.”
A slender mustache and sharp features like a mouse.
A hopeful smile appeared on Brimfort’s face. It didn’t last long.
“No, no matter what…!! This youngster will participate in the Back Alley meeting on behalf of Ga-dum!? To pressure criminal organizations with Ga-dum’s authority!?! And you want me to assist him!?”
He expressed his feelings completely.
-Damn it, what the hell are you doing to me?
Such a voice seemed to be clearly heard.
“…”
Morin silently avoided eye contact.
It meant to imply that he should just understand.
“No…!”
Damn it.
He couldn’t grab the Council Member by the collar.
Brimfort fidgeted, finally turning his dissatisfied gaze to the young man who claimed to be Ga-dum’s proxy—
Lisir.
With a handsome appearance and a simple, youthful impression.
Looking at him, Brimfort couldn’t think of any other expression besides ‘youngster’.
Perhaps, most outlaws living in the underworld would feel the same.
‘This guy is Ga-dum’s proxy!? Damn it, what? What’s going on?’
Brimfort couldn’t imagine him attending the Back Alley meeting and raising his voice in front of the other Back Alley dominators.
Those who reign over criminals are never easygoing.
Even seasoned nobles would sweat profusely in front of them.
It was something only someone like Ga-dum could do.
Dealing with those beast-like outlaws as an outsider, that is.
‘But, what? This fluffy guy will act as Ga-dum and pressure the Back Alley dominators? And you want me to help?’
Soon, Brimfort made up his mind.
“Councilman Lan, I can’t do this. It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s impossible. I have absolutely no intention of risking my life for this little brat!”
Then Lisir smiled simply and said.
“Come on, let’s do it together.”
“Hey, kid. Do you know who I am?”
Brimfort said with intensity in his eyes.
Despite his slender, mouse-like features, there was considerable intimidation in his atmosphere.
He didn’t become the dominator who ruled the Back Alley simply because of his business acumen.
“Of course. Aren’t you Mr. Brimfort, who will help me this time?”
“Huh, look at this guy? This young punk dares to challenge me? Does he think he’s invincible because Councilman Lan has his back?”
“Mr. Brimfort, do you know who I am?”
“Huh! Look at this kid? Alright, tell me. You. Who are you? What kind of guy are you, to get involved in this without knowing your place? Do I have to tell you? If you go there, you’ll most likely not even get your bones back. While I’m still speaking nicely—”
“Dogal.”
“Yes, Deputy Council Member Lisir.”
“?”
Brimfort’s mouth, which had been flapping, stopped.
Guard Captain Dogal, who had been waiting nearby.
Thinking that Morin had naturally brought him, he immediately approached at Lisir’s call.
“Do you know anything about Mr. Brimfort?”
“He’s a criminal who built his influence through smuggling in the Back Alley.”
“Criminal, isn’t that a bit strong?”
“I’m just stating the facts. Considering the city laws he’s broken, arresting him immediately wouldn’t be a problem.”
“Uh…”
Underworld criminals are broadly divided into two categories.
Ga-dum’s business partners.
Those under Ga-dum.
The standard is how vulnerable they are to the Guard’s martial prowess.
It might have been different in the past, but now that Brimfort has lost most of his power due to Guardrock’s pressure, he couldn’t be free from the Guard’s pressure.
Separately, there was another reason why Brimfort was confused.
‘That Dogal…?’
The sight of the Guard Captain, whom even Ga-dum couldn’t completely control, approaching and bowing respectfully was enough to throw Brimfort into confusion.
“What will you do?”
Lisir asked.
“…”
Next to him, Guard Captain Dogal glared with shining eyes.
“…”
Brimfort nodded sadly.
And that night.
The Back Alley meeting was convened, and the time and place of the secret meeting were conveyed to them.
✦✦✦
This Back Alley meeting added an unprecedented special rule.
“Masks are allowed?”
At Lisir’s question, Dogal nodded.
“It seems to be in consideration of the new meeting participants.”
“Me?”
“No. I’m talking about the Saint and the Master. Those who suddenly appeared, pushed aside the existing dominators, and began to govern the area in a new way are uncomfortable presences to the existing dominators.”
“In what way?”
“To put it bluntly, they seem to be taking steps to eradicate crime in the area. Perhaps, the main purpose of this meeting for the other dominators is to gauge the intentions of the Master and the Saint.”
“Oh, I see.”
Underworld big shots who strive to eradicate crime.
‘Master and Saint… I wonder what kind of people they are.’
Lisir’s eyes gleamed with interest.
“Let’s get going.”
Soon, Lisir put on a mask that only revealed his lower face and headed to the meeting place.
The means of transportation was Ga-dum’s carriage.
The only permitted companion was Guard Captain Dogal, Ga-dum’s escort.
The place they arrived at was a house in a wealthy residential area.
Entering the living room through the back door, a round table was placed in the wide space.
“…”
Lisir recalled what Dogal had said before arriving.
-Guardrock’s faction will probably already be there.
As he said.
Even though Lisir had left early, four seats at the round table were already occupied.
Huddled together despite many empty seats, they stopped talking and turned their gazes towards Lisir as he appeared.
“…”
Their eyes narrowed behind their masks, forming crescents.
“We heard Ga-dum’s proxy was some punk—”
A small chuckle came from the gaps in their masks.
Lisir immediately sensed that their feeling towards him was not ‘caution’ but ‘pleasure’.
Of course, it wasn’t pleasure in a positive sense.
To them, Ga-dum was a useful collaborator and a troublesome business partner at the same time.
In that sense, it was indeed a pleasing situation.
That troublesome Council Member had disappeared, and a youngster had appeared in their place.
There was something that couldn’t be hidden even by a mask.
The simple and youthful atmosphere emanating from Ga-dum’s Proxy.
The dominators immediately became predators looking at their prey.
“Lord Guardrock, Brimfort has arrived.”
Brimfort, who arrived next, stood side by side with Lisir.
“Don’t just stand there, come and sit.”
He was a man like a huge crow.
Guardrock gestured towards Brimfort and Lisir.
“…”
Dogal furrowed his brow.
‘The bastard is looking down on us.’
It was an arrogant attitude that Ga-dum hadn’t shown.
“Gladly.”
Lisir sat down without a word on the opposite side.
“…”
“…”
“…”
At Lisir’s appearance, the smiles of the dominators behind their masks deepened.
Afterwards, they exchanged glances.
Ga-dum, who had lost the influence of Lagan and Cadogan and had begun to be pressured by Lan, suddenly disappeared and appointed a youngster as his proxy.
It was the right time to execute the plan.
“Before we begin—”
Guardrock opened his mouth.
“Let’s deal with the rats among us first.”
Whoosh.
It happened in an instant.
“Wh-what!? Aaaack!!!”
Brimfort’s body was engulfed in black fire.
“Mr. Brimfort!”
Brimfort’s escort rushed to put out the fire—
“Damn it! Guardrock! What are you doing!”
The black flame burned even more fiercely at the interference.
“Help, help me…!!!”
Brimfort’s scream.
“…”
“…”
“…”
The other dominators and their escorts intimidated by Guardrock.
And Guardrock smiling behind his mask.
The protagonist of the meeting was decided, and no one questioned it.
Snap.
The youngster who claimed to be Ga-dum’s proxy.
Until he snapped his fingers.
“…What?”
The flames that had consumed Brimfort disappeared instantly.
“…”
Guardrock looked at Brimfort with a bewildered expression.
Then, his gaze turned to Lisir.
To him, who was smiling meaningfully.
✦✦✦
Translator’s Blog
Blog
- Kimonos, Cosplay, and Cultural Cancels: Nezuko’s Demon Slayer Saga in China
- Are You Lowkey an Emo Kid, But Like, in a Good Way?
- Is My Brain Turning Into a Pile of Mush From All This Light/Web Novel Reading?
- The One Thing I Gotta Do Before I Kick the Bucket: A Bucket List For The Rest of Us
- Did Uncle Steve RAID Your Snack Again?
Leave a Reply