Chapter 281 - Summon (3)
A gloomy morning had dawned.
Verden, who had prepared to leave early, stepped out of the old-fashioned mansion.
As he passed through the garden, a black carriage and the group of smugglers were waiting in front of the main gate.
Padreld opened the door and spoke.
"As I mentioned yesterday, aside from one organization that had gone missing as expected, all have gathered at the assembly place. I will guide you."
"I'll leave it to you."
Verden boarded the carriage.
At that very moment, wrapped in light, the concealed Ainber revealed himself. He sat on the soft sofa, resting his chin on his hand.
The carriage set off.
***
The eastern residential district of the Midros autonomous territory.
In a run-down, filthy, and remote building that no one approached anymore, people had gathered.
The powers that each held a corner of the back alleys of the territory.
Among them was the owner of a brothel, thugs extorting protection money from citizens, those brewing moonshine to evade taxes, and nimble-fingered thieves.
To put it nicely, they were villains surviving in the darkness of the territory, to put it poorly, they were scum and parasitic groups.
Out of nine such organizations, eight leaders had gathered on the same day at the same time.
It was an unusual occurrence in the territory.
"Never thought I'd have to see so many unpleasant faces all at once. At least it's fortunate the rat didn't show up."
"He hasn't been around for quite some time, has he? Did something happen?"
"Whatever happened, who cares. It's just nice not to smell that sewer stench. Anyway, for the smuggler to call us all together like this, that must mean the new contraband he brought in is something remarkable."
Each spoke of their own interests.
Tif, the thief who sat silently with arms crossed, clicked his tongue irritably.
"No doubt he means to pit us against one another to drive the price up. Tsk, a mere smuggler getting uppity."
"Oh my, if you dislike it so much, you didn't have to come, did you?"
The madam of the brothel, Nereine, sneered.
"You dragged yourself here out of curiosity. Why do you always get so twisted whenever Padreld is mentioned? Don't tell me… you're still holding a grudge because you tried to steal from the smuggler before and ended up humiliated? Your pettiness is beyond small, it's nonexistent."
"…Your mouth runs too freely."
Tif glared and growled.
His twitching hand was ready at any moment to grab the throwing dagger hidden in his clothes.
But Nereine brushed aside the sharp hostility with laughter.
"Tif, have you heard the rumor? That the smuggler was ambushed on his way into the territory, by an alliance of smugglers and criminals. You sound like someone who'd know something."
"…What? What nonsense is this?"
"Well, think about it, you have a history. So of course you'd be the first one anyone suspects, isn't that right?"
Several gazes turned toward Tif.
Under the weight of countless eyes, he felt thoroughly disgusted.
Grinding his teeth, Tif shouted as if wronged.
"I really know nothing about it! I only heard that the smugglers have been fighting among themselves over money lately───"
"Money? So that's why you targeted Padreld? Hooh…"
"I only heard, don't twist it! I was merely watching, nothing more… I had neither duty nor loyalty to warn Padreld. Surely I'm not being treated as the culprit for that reason?"
"Why are you so worked up? If it isn't true, it isn't."
"You said it yourself just now!"
"Why should I take your side? I don't care to. Especially not for a bastard who's skipped out on paying the brothel time and again."
The quarrel between Tif and Nereine escalated.
Insults flew back and forth rapidly. In this group, there were indeed those who did not get along.
Among the worst enemies were Frankie and Baldar.
But today, strangely enough, those two were silent.
They simply sat with their heads bowed.
A glance at their expressions showed they looked grave. On top of that, cold sweat was trickling down.
"I heard you two made peace after fighting a war just two days ago… what happened?"
"…."
Someone asked, but there was no reply.
Just then, the door opened, and Padreld, who had convened the assembly, appeared.
Behind him stood a man clad in robes gleaming with platinum and gold.
'Who is that?'
Everyone, save for two, shared the same question.
Unable to grasp the situation, they sat staring blankly as the unfamiliar man took the seat of honor, Padreld standing respectfully beside him.
A silence stretched for several seconds.
Then Padreld, scanning the faces, spoke.
"Thank you all very much for coming. Aside from the Rat and Retz, everyone is here. It's a relief, one less hassle to deal with."
It was a strangely meaningful greeting.
Nereine, intrigued, spoke up.
"Skip the preamble, let's get to the point. I'm curious about the contraband you brought, sure, but more than that, I'm dying to know who that handsome man in your seat is."
"I was about to introduce him first. In fact, this gathering was made at his request."
Faces showed surprise.
Frankie and Baldar hung their heads even lower, while Padreld respectfully gestured toward the Magus of Infinity.
"This is Lord Asher, current ruler of Roafra."
***
In the Kingdom of Estiria, there are two kings.
One of them was Grond Veil di Validus, who reigned over the vast underground city, Roafra, and the pinnacle of Vintert.
His overwhelming power and cruel notoriety were known throughout the underworld of the eastern continent.
But Grond had recently died.
Not of illness, not of old age, not by accident… but slain by someone far more powerful.
The throne of the greatest criminal empire had been usurped, and the world was shaken.
At the same time, curiosity burned brightly.
Just who had crushed Grond and claimed his seat?
The rumors said he was a mage, with strikingly exceptional looks… but for those who never left the territory to risk venturing into dangerous Roafra, there was no way of knowing.
And now, who did they say it was?
"No way… Did all your wandering through the canyon rot your brain?"
"Ha ha, indeed. Jokes should have some limit, what's with this chill in the air?"
"Why? Isn't it amusingly absurd? To call some pampered noble brat the king of the underworld."
"Roafra, all of a sudden? Ridiculous."
They dismissed it as a joke, laughing it off.
But only Nereine and Tif instinctively sensed the strange current.
Padreld was not the type to suddenly spout nonsense.
Not when he had gathered all the underworld powers here… and Frankie and Baldar were visibly stiff and subdued.
'Men with pride like theirs would never just sit still.'
There was another oddity.
The stranger's appearance, far too striking to ignore.
'Gray hair, and those transparent blue eyes…?'
Never had they seen such features in their lives.
Realization struck, sparking half-remembered information, which soon coalesced into a single possibility.
Nereine and Tif.
The two stared wide-eyed at Padreld, who wore a smiling face.
"You… didn't you say you had something to tell us about the contraband? Isn't that why you called us together?"
"There is new black tobacco, but I had no intention of selling it. As you can see, this situation was the true purpose."
"So it was a lie?"
"A lie. If I'd told the truth, most of you would've been too afraid to come. I had no choice."
"Are you out of your mind?! How can you say that now?!"
Complaints poured out toward Padreld.
As the mood grew heavier, the smiles on faces vanished.
The noise grew quickly, voices clashing in disorder.
And then.
"Silence."
At that single word, silence descended.
The presence that flowed from the emotionless voice was not something that could be ignored.
Naturally, fingertips began to tremble.
The blue eyes moved.
Verden swept his gaze across the gathering.
"Since Padreld already gave a simple introduction, let us move straight to the point."
No one objected.
The oppressive weight that suppressed even the urge to resist pressed down on the air.
The survival instincts honed in the back alleys.
Whether Padreld's words were true or not, it was clear this was not someone they could dare oppose.
And yet, there are always those who cannot remain still.
"Could it be, truly you are…"
Siamon, the bartender who brewed moonshine, halted his words mid-sentence.
Because Baldar, sitting beside him, had gripped his wrist with a thick hand.
Just as he was about to cry out from the throbbing pain, Frankie, seated across, moved only his lips.
───Shut your mouth if you don't want to die, you idiot.
In their eyes shimmered both fear and killing intent.
A rare sight, Siamon blinked and twitched his jaw.
'What in the world happened for these two brutes to be so terrified?'
Were they beaten nearly to death? But they looked unharmed.
He had no idea why, but given the atmosphere, he could not continue his words.
Verden spoke.
"The reason I came to the Midros autonomous territory, and gathered you all through Padreld, is because I have one task for you to do."
"A, a task, what sort…"
"The Mamentus Merchant Guild, and the Rainbow-hued Inn incident. Focus on those two, and any other minor information is needed as well. Go and obtain it."
It was an uncompromising order.
All except Padreld were at a loss, exchanging glances in confusion.
Nereine stammered.
"T, this is all so sudden, I don't even know how to answer. I mean, not that I'm refusing… but why do you need such information…?"
"You need not know the reason."
But then.
"This, should be sufficient motivation."
Thud.
Verden drew out a thick bundle of banknotes.
***
Even with the title of king of the underworld, he knew well that people would not blindly obey the commands of someone they had just met.
Even if they did accept, efficiency would be lacking. Yet he had no intention of gripping their lifelines to threaten them.
There was an intuitive, reasonable, convenient method. Money.
Padreld spoke.
"His Excellency will provide basic activity funds, and further payment will be based on performance."
"Performance-based… you say?"
"The amount will match the importance of the information. According to Lord Asher's subjective judgment. But he has promised, 'I will not undercut the price'. So there is no need to worry on that account."
At that, heat began to rise in the chamber.
The leaders of the back alley factions whispered cautiously among themselves, while Verden waited at ease.
Then Tif raised his hand.
"If even trivial information counts… will you accept this? It's regarding the attack on the smuggler's carriage…"
"Speak."
Verden granted permission.
Clearing his throat, Tif continued.
"Recently, not in this city but in other parts of the territory, all sorts of goods are being sold at high prices. Weapons, armor, potions, magic items… even tobacco that can only be distributed in the central continent."
"Tobacco?"
The black tobacco, Faver, that had been in Padreld's carriage.
Were they aiming for that? Not exactly the information he desired, but it was not something to dismiss lightly.
Considering the items mentioned, it was as if someone were preparing for war.
'And an example is always important.'
With telekinesis, Verden floated the bundle of bills over to Tif.
"Take it, use it. If you uncover the details, I will pay several times more depending on the significance."
"Ah, thank you!"
Tif gripped the money tightly.
The thick weight. However he examined it, it was no counterfeit. The distinct paper scent pricked his nose.
The act of paying in cash had a great impact.
Not one person in this room was free of financial need. Especially in times like these.
The motive to obey was sufficient.
A determination to give their utmost arose. Light returned to their eyes.
Verden, staring straight at them, drove the point home.
"Whether you openly inquire or secretly gather the information, I do not care about the means. Exclude anything useless, and bring as much as possible, as quickly as possible, of what I mentioned. I will be the one to judge the value. Understood?"
Heads nodded rapidly.
So vigorously that proper answers did not even come out.
Seeing not one dissent, Verden leaned back against the chair.
"Then, dismissed."
Thundering footsteps!
All eight leaders rushed outside at once.
Their motivation seemed more than enough. Before long, only Padreld and Verden remained in the empty room.
"The territory will become quite noisy."
"That is what I want."
Only then will there be a reaction.
Whether from Bohemirn Magic Tower's hostile forces, or from anyone else.
***
Heat surged through the alleys of the territory.
Chaotic as it was, there was a common purpose.
Residents of different factions in the back alleys moved in competition.
"It's been over thirty days since we infiltrated the territory… and I've never seen anything like this."
"Exactly. Tch, what a nightmare."
Two figures in green robes whispered.
They blended perfectly into the streets of the territory, so no one realized they were outsiders.
Citizens passed by without so much as a glance.
The woman spoke in a low voice.
"For the territory to suddenly become like this… it must be because of him, right?"
"Yes, who else could it be."
The one they referred to was none other than Asher.
They already knew he was the usurper of Roafra, and a formidable mage.
And even of his outward appearance.
Biting her lip, the woman shrieked irritably.
"Why, why in the world would the man at the pinnacle of the underworld come here, to this territory?! And why stir up such chaos?! We had finally gotten a lead, and now it's all a mess!"
"Please calm yourself, Rebecca. Still, Asher is a mage. Perhaps he is the very talent we seek."
"Talent? The ruler of Roafra, where only scum live, a talent? Ethan, are you serious? Ha, we'd be better off taking in a beast!"
"But did not Master also say, never judge a person by appearances alone, always pierce through to the inside? And ruling the underworld does not necessarily make one a bad person."
"Hmph, this time will be the exception. Just wait and see."
Rebecca whipped her head away.
Her usual haughty demeanor. Ethan, her disciple, was well used to her petulance.
"…And Ethan, isn't it suspicious? At this moment, gathering the trash of the back alleys, ordering them to dig for every kind of information, without distinction? Especially here, of all places, where the forces hostile to Bohemirn Magic Tower and the arrogant towers are entangled."
"Of course it is suspicious. So much so that I cannot even guess what he is aiming for."
Ethan's narrow eyes curved into their usual crescent.
"That is why we must dig for information as well. It seems our stay in this territory will be lengthened."
"Ugh, seriously! This inn is the worst!"
Rebecca and Ethan strolled along the avenue.
As a group of people passed by, the two figures vanished from sight.
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