A Shadow Pact and the Smuggler's Ship
“As long as you don't go blabbing about your dealings with us, it won't get out. Even Colonel Eden here by your side is living just fine without any issues.”
He flicked his eyes toward Eden.
“Is the colonel part of Vesnia too?”
“Have you even been listening? It's a business relationship. Not exactly a proper organization, but you can't deny they're competent.”
Their competence was beyond doubt, that much was certain.
An organization expanding its influence—not just surviving, but thriving—despite being enemies of both empires.
Under the assumption they won't get caught, there's no downside to linking up with them.
“If Colonel Eden vouches for it, then let's make it official. Honestly, I'm curious about their intel anyway.”
“Heh heh, a wise choice.”
“Do we need to sign some contract or...?”
“Nothing like that. Instead, we give you this.”
Yorn pulled a fist-sized magical device from an inner pocket.
“What's... this?”
“A magical tool that points to the nearest Vesnia branch. Follow it whenever you need us.”
“Does it calibrate to my location?”
“Can't get into the details, but something like that.”
Palan examined the device at Yorn's words.
This is basically just a map app's navigation feature.
Given the secrecy, it probably used proprietary circuits Vesnia had developed exclusively.
And that wasn't the end of its functions.
“If you don't mind, could you prick your finger and give us two drops of blood?”
“Pardon...? Why?”
Palan tilted his head at the sudden, absurd request.
“Vesnia branch locations are a closely guarded secret. This ensures no one but you can use the device.”
“Ah... so it has that function too.”
It was a fairly well-known circuit, one Palan was familiar with.
Costs a pretty penny in licensing fees per use, from what I recall.
Circuits had copyright protections—mess with them carelessly, and you'd be in deep trouble.
Of course, whether an extralegal outfit like Vesnia gave a damn about copyrights was another story.
They definitely don't.
If they did, they'd be operating in the light, not the shadows.
“Ngh.”
Drip. Drip.
He nicked the tip of his index finger and let two drops fall onto the device.
Vrrr.
It hummed and glowed blue. The circuit had activated, locking it to him alone.
“Thank you for your cooperation. Here's to a fruitful partnership.”
“Likewise.”
Palan shook the hand Yorn offered.
Feels like I've just signed a deal with the devil.
Side characters in novels always knew better than to pact with demons, even if it meant outpacing the protagonist and tumbling into ruin. He'd never gotten it as a reader, but now that he was in the thick of it...
It's too damn tempting.
Especially since he was about to quit the military and go full-time merchant. Information was power to a trader, and this connection's value would only skyrocket.
“Now, then—mind telling me why an assassin squad had me in their sights?”
“Heh heh, knew you'd ask. Pay the price for the info, and it's yours.”
No such thing as a free lunch, as expected.
Don't new members usually get one on the house?
Stingy bastards.
“How much?”
He was willing to pay, as long as it wasn't outrageous.
I have to know. Something's off here.
As Eden had said, fooling Sadis once didn't warrant a kill order.
“Money's fine, but we've got something specific in mind for this intel.”
“Not money? What, then?”
“Weren't you poisoned by enemy toxins back in the 3rd Division, hovering on death's door?”
“Uh... yeah, that happened.”
No idea how they knew, but it was true.
I really thought I was done for.
The memory still haunted his nightmares.
“We want the antidote that saved you—as payment for the info.”
“The antidote? Hm...”
It had come from an emergency kit he'd bought at the shop.
Not a bad trade.
Fifty points wasn't cheap, but worth every one.
“I can provide it, but what about the source or recipe?”
“This one's just the antidote. If you want more later, we'll make an offer then—no need to worry.”
Trusting them blindly was irrational, yet somehow, he did.
“Got it. It'll take time to procure, so I'll deliver it back in the Empire.”
“Ah... you don't have it on you?”
Disappointment flickered across Yorn's face. Eager to get it now, apparently.
I could, but how do I explain a kit dropping from thin air in this cramped space?
No way to make that plausible.
“Yeah, didn't think I'd need it, so I left it behind.”
“I see. Please visit a branch as soon as you can.”
His tone was calm and polite, but something felt off.
They're in a hurry.
His words came faster, eyes darting with unspoken thoughts.
Time to play merchant?
What was a trader's creed? Maximum profit for minimum cost.
“I'll handle my pressing matters first, then swing by.”
“Pardon? Pressing matters...”
“Bad superior's got work piled up to the breaking point.”
He shot a glare at the quietly seated Eden.
“Wouldn't it be better to trade first? Being a target for assassins is dangerous.”
“What, I've survived this long—think something'll happen in a few days? I'll be safe in base anyway.”
Yorn's composure cracked bit by bit.
Palan couldn't afford Truth Eye to confirm, but the man was clearly sweating internally.
Come on, pony up more if you want rocket delivery.
Even express shipping cost extra, right?
“Heh heh, you got me.”
Yorn shook his head with a wry chuckle, seeing through the haggling.
“Was planning to dangle that for the recipe or source later, but bring it within two days of arrival, and I'll spill.”
“You gotta tell me what it's about.”
“It's tied to the danger heading your way. Critical intel even Intelligence hasn't sniffed out.”
He glanced at Eden—practically a drama teaser.
Imminent danger? Can't pass that up.
The guy would sell out on late-night shopping channels for sure.
“If you're that invested, I'll squeeze it into my schedule.”
“Heh heh, much appreciated.”
The mood settled into quiet afterward, time slipping by until, about an hour later, the carriage emerged from the forest onto the beach.
“Load 'em this way.”
“Gotta shove off soon! Move it!”
Dozens of men were already out, hauling mystery crates onto a vessel larger than a fishing boat.
These guys aren't smugglers, are they?
Dawn's murky light.
A ship anchored not at a pier, but the beach.
Smugglers, plain as day.
“Board that ship and it'll take you across to the Empire.”
“Tempted to round them all up.”
Eden glared like he might whip out an arrest warrant any second.
“Use the route I busted my ass to open for you.”
“Fine. Lose your value, though, and you'll face justice that day.”
“Noted. Safe travels.”
Palan dismounted and followed Yorn to the smugglers.
“Hey, old timer! Thought you weren't coming today.”
A burly man who looked more lumberjack than smuggler grinned wide at Yorn.
“Guest ran late. Still room?”
“For you? I'd toss cargo overboard. The pay's too good.”
“Heh heh, much obliged. Two today—treat 'em right.”
Yorn nodded toward Palan and Eden.
“Got it! Payment?”
“Now or later.”
“Now, if you can. Gonna blow it on the way back.”
“Young blood's got energy. Here.”
Clink.
Two heavy pouches landed in the man's hands.
“Whoa, how much is this? You saved my ass, old timer.”
“A little extra—grab some food on the road.”
“What, you the emperor? I'll roll out the red carpet.”
He thumped his chest.
Palan had figured smugglers were shady, but this guy was the opposite.
Wonder how much he shelled out for that reaction.
Smugglers raked it in—had to be at least 100 gold.
“Trust you have it. Oh, and the stuff from last time's in the carriage—take it.”
“You da man, old timer! Hey, someone grab it!”
“Yes, sir!”
Strapping lads hauled crates from the carriage to the ship at his call.
“Time to sail—board, you two. Say goodbyes quick.”
Yorn's eyes shifted to Eden at the urgency.
“Don't know your business here, but good luck achieving it.”
“Thanks. Next time, bring progress.”
“I'll try.”
Yorn gave a cryptic reply, then turned to Palan.
“Long journey ahead—safe return.”
“Yeah. I'll get that antidote ASAP, no worries.”
“Heh heh, thanks. Told 'em to give you the VIP treatment.”
Palan shook his offered hand.
“Hope we cross paths often.”
No thanks. Once is plenty—like a finisher move.
Frequent contact was a one-way ticket to doom.
“Ha... haha, if business calls.”
“Plenty of that ahead. Board before we delay further. Farewell.”
With that, Yorn drove off into the dawn.
“Let's go.”
“Right.”
Palan followed Eden aboard with the smugglers.
“Your room's here.”
A decent-sized cabin at the stern: one bed, two chairs. Luxe for this tub.
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