The banquet was gradually drawing to a close.
Before leaving, Davey still needed to meet one person.
That person was Mr. Jean Marc.
"Mr. Land, Mr. Jean Marc is already waiting in the backyard garden."
"No one will be allowed to approach the area. I've had it sealed off. Please follow me."
Seizing the right moment, Trappett stepped up beside Davey and spoke in a low voice.
Davey nodded. With Trappett in control of security throughout the mayor's mansion, arranging something like this was hardly difficult.
Following Trappett, Davey soon arrived at the backyard garden.
Every passageway was guarded by police officers. Until Davey finished his meeting, no one would be permitted to enter.
"Mr. Jean Marc, it's truly a pleasure to finally meet you."
"My apologies—perhaps we should have met somewhere else, but I simply couldn't wait any longer."
Davey stepped forward with a warm smile, his expression full of enthusiasm.
Even though this was their first meeting, it felt as though they were old acquaintances who had known each other for years.
"I'm also very pleased to meet you, Mr. Land."
"My apologies, but I do have some doubts—specifically regarding Officer Trappett. I don't quite understand why Mr. Land would choose to help me."
Jean Marc asked the question directly. It was a bit impolite and didn't quite align with proper social etiquette.
"All right, Mr. Jean Marc."
"This information came to me by chance. I discovered that the mayor seemed intent on targeting you, which struck me as strange."
"After looking into it, I learned that you were secretly collecting evidence of the mayor's criminal activities."
"However, the mayor has already become aware of this. That's why I asked Mr. Trappett to ensure your safety."
Jean Marc was surprised. He had assumed it was due to his own connections—he hadn't expected the reason to be the mayor himself.
Still, he had indeed sensed the mayor's growing wariness toward him. Many matters were no longer entrusted to him and were instead handed off to others.
What Jean Marc never imagined was that the mayor would ultimately arrange for his death.
"Thank you for your help, Mr. Land."
"But I'm more interested in knowing what motivates you to help me."
There was no such thing as a free lunch, and Jean Marc understood that well.
Moreover, Davey was already cooperating with the mayor on the moonshine business—something Jean Marc was fully aware of.
That was precisely why Davey's decision to help him felt puzzling.
It didn't seem necessary at all.
Davey looked at Jean Marc deeply before finally revealing his true intent.
"Saint Denis is the vanguard of civilization, the greatest civilized city in the West."
"And yet such a magnificent city has a municipal government buried in debt, even facing the risk of bankruptcy. It's truly absurd."
"The mayor has never cared about what becomes of this city. All he cares about is how many dollars end up in his own pocket."
"Mr. Jean Marc, as the mayor's secretary, I don't think I need to explain these things to you."
"People must have ideals. Perhaps, in your eyes, it sounds ridiculous for a former Western outlaw to say something like this—but it's the truth."
"I will help you, Mr. Jean Marc. For the people of this city, and for a better future for Saint Denis."
Davey's voice was low as he spoke slowly and deliberately, even though he found the idea somewhat ironic himself.
Only by overthrowing the mayor could the order of Saint Denis be rewritten. During this reshuffling, Davey would also gain more resources and influence.
Saint Denis, as it stood, was locked down in too many ways. The distribution of interests had long since been completely carved up.
Trying to profit through normal means now would only mean taking from others.
Davey wasn't afraid of that—but it would offend too many people and leave behind countless hidden dangers.
After all, Saint Denis's upper class wasn't made up of locals. Most came from the East, and behind them stood powerful families and factions.
Replacing the mayor was the most effective way to reshuffle everything.
Once Jean Marc took office, he would inevitably move against certain people. The interests they left behind would naturally flow into Davey's hands.
It was the most convenient approach.
That was why Davey spoke so earnestly about the future of Saint Denis and its people.
Jean Marc was deeply moved by it, because he was an idealist.
He longed to build a Saint Denis governed by law and order—a truly civilized city.
Henri Lemieux's obsession with lining his own pockets had long filled Jean Marc with resentment.
"Mr. Land, I apologize for my earlier misunderstanding."
"I truly didn't realize that you shared the same ideals as I do."
"Yes, under Lemieux's leadership, this city has grown rotten. Law and order no longer exist, and even the city government is on the verge of bankruptcy."
"My upbringing makes it impossible for me to forgive such behavior. That's why I've been secretly collecting evidence of Lemieux's crimes."
"Thank you for your help, Mr. Land. With Mr. Trappett's protection, I believe I can gather even more useful evidence much faster."
"For a better tomorrow for Saint Denis."
Jean Marc extended his hand, his expression filled with emotion.
"For a better tomorrow for Saint Denis."
Davey reached out and firmly clasped Jean Marc's hand.
In that moment, they reached a shared goal.
...
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