Volume 5 Chapter 39 Stirring Up Waves
Through investigations utilizing the information network of the local Jingin Family and personnel from a mercenary group, Reed conducted a survey around Narinki, biding his time. The troublesome part was undoubtedly the two guards Narinki had hired, known as 'Bael' and 'Weiss', with little information available besides their names. However, there was no doubt about their formidable skills.
"The Kahlua Family isn't under the influence of Jingin. So, they've grown this big by indiscriminately incorporating small-time mafia. But it's not just money that they used."
Not everyone was pleased with Narinki's methods, and there were families that strongly opposed him. However, they were all brought to their knees without exception. It wasn't just the increase in personnel funded by money, but the presence of Bael and Weiss that made a significant impact.
"For now, my mercenary group managed to cleverly manipulate a random mafia and made them clash with Kahlua. I tried to spy on the situation from a distance, and it was a mess."
"Well, you're pretty messed up too."
Reed casually said, but his methods were quite ruthless. He used the mafia as a pawn to assess the strength of the Kahlua Family—ultimately, Bael and Weiss.
"No matter what, sooner or later this territory would have been absorbed by Kahlua. So, by weakening Kahlua's forces while also gathering intelligence on the enemy, we can kill two birds with one stone."
Although I wanted to speak up, it made sense, so I couldn't say anything more.
The conflict between the Mafia and the Kahlua Family, which had escalated to a point where it could no longer be called a mere conflict, was one-sided. By choosing to oppose the expanding Kahlua Family, the other Mafia family must have been confident in their strength. Even from Reed's perspective, there seemed to be someone quite skilled in fighting.
"But, we couldn't do much against Bael and Weiss. From a distance, it was clear that they were easily taking down the other Mafia as if it were child's play. It was far beyond the level where mere street fighters could make a difference."
There were guards by the pig side who were not just skilled but at a level where mere skill wouldn't be enough. Even Reed couldn't recklessly intervene and had to come up with a plan.
While gathering information and considering their next steps, they saw us casually visited Eubarest on a sightseeing trip.
"From there on, as you nerd know... I never imagined things would progress so smoothly and quickly."
"This was quite a nuisance because of you!"
I know it's too late to complain now, but shouting won't get me punished, right?
I guess that's the explanation of the situation so far.
Taking a breath, Reed restrained his smirk and looked at me and Aina with a serious gaze like never before.
"Now, my patience has run out. Cooperate with me, Black Blade."
Reed said, his imposing presence making it sound like an order to me.
"With what I have now, I can't reach Narinki, frustratingly. But with you guys, it's a different story. This time, I'll definitely get that pig's head on a noose."
If I refuse, it feels like he's about to draw his sword. There's no trace of the cheap atmosphere from when he was persuading Kyunei. It's clear that he means business.
Glancing at Aina, despite being under Reed's pressure, she smiles gracefully and looks back at me silently. She already knows the answer I will give, and I realize she trusts me completely.
I looked up at the ceiling once, took a deep breath, and then spoke.
"──I'm not working for free."
In response to my short remark, Reed smirked.
"Of course. Just a little bit of sneaking from Narinki's fat belly won't get us caught, right? We were bouncing a few minutes ago, and we might as well take a little from the stash we've built up in Narinki's fat belly."
It seems like one of the main reasons he can't rise to the 1st rank is his bad behavior, which I can totally agree with. It's not just the wickedness of the monsters he has taken down, it seems like he's also up to various other tricks.
"I owe you one, bro."
"We're not brothers. By the way, which one of us is the big brother? ...We played a part in last night's commotion getting out of hand. We can't just ignore that."
Normally, I would have been a bit more reluctant, saying "I'll pass on the trouble," but this time the situation was a bit different. The way the Kahlua Family acted last night didn't sit right with me. Aina must be feeling the same way.
Moreover, abandoning Nikyou and the Jingin Family here would leave a bad taste. Even though I've only known them for a day, they seem like good people. I'm still not used to being called "bro," but it doesn't feel bad either.
'Just to add, if you force yourself to leave the city, I don't know what Narinki might resort to, partner.'
With the help of the Jingin Family, escaping Eubarest is possible. If we return to the royal capital and head to the Mercenary Guild, we'll have not only Mikage, who ranks 2nd, but also me, who is well-regarded in the guild's upper echelons. Most importantly, there's Aina, a former royal family member. Our plea will surely reach the royal castle through the guild.
However, it's safe to assume that Narinki already knows the identities of me and the others. They should be able to anticipate the actions of the group that escaped Eubarest.
When that happens, I don't know what Narinki will do. Perhaps, the appearance of monsters that were summoned to the tavern yesterday might spread throughout the entire city.
If I hear about that, I can't just back down even more, damn it. There's no way to reduce the damage except to restrain Narinki.
'Aina probably understands that as well... But, partner, having you is really crucial, huh.'
Gram murmured deeply.
'As soon as you arrived in Eubarest, the stalemate situation suddenly accelerated, partner. Narinki declaring war on Nikyou might be influenced by you clashing with Kahlua's underlings in the city, parner.'
It's like they're blaming me. They're practically calling me a walking disaster.
'It's not like that. The existence of Yukina, or you, may indeed be calm and gentle during peaceful times. However, once you are caught in the whirlpool, it will transform the waves into something even more powerful and intense, eventually reaching the center of the great vortex. Honestly, being with you like that never gets boring, partner!'
I couldn't figure out how to respond to Gram's cheerful voice, unfortunately.
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