Chapter 92: Praise
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 92: Praise
The second gift, as unexpected as it was, loosened Frank Fontaine’s tongue, prompting him to spill everything he knew.
After listening to his testimony, Ferda and Isabella realized one crucial fact.
“So, her promise to give you the Dandolo Merchant House meant she intended to hand over everything Tilda had prepared.”
It had seemed questionable how she planned to seize and hand over the Empire’s largest merchant guild. But as Frank Fontaine poured out his story, the outline finally became clear.
—She promised that if I cooperated, I would become a high-ranking executive at the Dandolo headquarters in a few years! In exchange, I was to hire and manage the assassins.
“He’s an absolute fool.”
One would think a merchant, at the very least, would have carefully weighed the risks and rewards before committing to such a scheme.
Suddenly, Ferda recalled something Stephan had said: the only reason Frank Fontaine hadn't succeeded in life was his utter lack of competence. That incompetence was on full display even in this rebellion.
Still, Ferda hadn't blindly believed that Frank was a complete idiot. He was a strange mix of clumsy stupidity and accidental cunning.
Frank possessed a document that could prove that while he had spearheaded the operation, the person ultimately responsible for the foul plan was someone else. The confirmation column for all the funding bore the seal of Henri Dandolo.
Tilda had been preparing to pin everything on the Dandolo Merchant House in the worst-case scenario. And now, Ferda could make use of this document as well.
“This means when the Black Bandana hands over the Dandolo Merchant House, they intend to use this document.”
“Do you think it will be enough?”
“It’s enough to ruin the Dandolo family’s credibility, but taking over the entire business entity is still a stretch.”
Regardless, thanks to that document and the testimony, Ferda’s task had become much easier.
Tilda Pascal would fall as Tilda Pascal. Henri Dandolo would fall as Henri.
Is Rico Dandolo really the client?
When the goal was simply to protect the business and his son from a wretched daughter-in-law, Rico seemed the most likely candidate. But the fact that this document was given to Ferda suggested he was willing to cut his son off from the business—or perhaps it was a move to save the business itself.
Ferda wondered if that was truly a choice a father would make.
“I’m not sure how you plan to give the merchant house to Lord Ferda, who is essentially a third party, but the backlash will be quite severe.”
“There’s no need to worry about that.”
Ferda held the ultimate bait: Magitech. Countless investors were salivating over it; if it were offered to the Dandolo Merchant House, the stakeholders would likely welcome a new manager with open arms.
“Still, I can’t quite imagine a way to seize it through normal means.”
“From an administrator’s perspective, should we call it a day?”
“It’s something that helps the finances, so how could I possibly tell you to stop? I’ll look further into the acquisition and prepare in advance.”
“See to it.”
Isabella pushed up her glasses and smiled. As someone who frequently lamented the state of their finances, this proposal was something to cheer for.
Amidst the general satisfaction, Ferda glanced at Ruri. “More importantly, what about you?”
“What about me, sir?” Ruri replied, her tone businesslike and blunt as always.
“Cooperating with a human’s plan. You don’t seem like the type to enjoy this sort of thing. Are you truly alright with it?”
Ruri answered, “I have my pride as a Dragon Spawn, but I am no fool. Why would I let pride get in the way of such matters?”
“Is that so?”
“Above all, if I am to resent anyone, it should be my master.” Ruri let out a sigh and grumbled. “Unlike other dragons, she never bothered to hoard treasure and lived like a total deadbeat. That is why we have reached a point where we must scrape together finances like this. So, shouldn't even a lowly servant like me take action?”
“You certainly had a lot bottled up against your master.”
“Do you have a problem with that?”
“No.”
Even if she badmouthed her master, she was acting for Valdrova’s sake. How could he not find that admirable?
“I am simply grateful to you for working so hard.”
Ferda reached out his hand toward her head. Seeing the hand, Ruri flinched slightly and lowered her head.
“Regent.”
Just before his hand could touch her hair, Isabella’s voice cut between them.
“What is it?”
“Were you just about to pat Miss Ruri’s head?”
“I was. Why?”
“Why on earth would you do such a thing?” Isabella’s voice turned sharp.
Startled by her unexpectedly emotional reaction, Ferda replied, “I heard this is the most effective way to praise a child.”
“That is indeed the correct way to praise a minor, but it is an action you must not perform on Miss Ruri.”
“Is it?”
“I am…”
“I trust you haven't forgotten that Dragon Spawn possess great pride?”
Ferda nodded, thinking her point made sense. Isabella continued her argument.
“Above all, Miss Ruri is an elder many times your senior, Regent. Though she has the immortal purity of a young, ever-blooming flower, you must not overlook the fact that she is an adult.”
“I suppose so.”
Though her words were filled with biased, flowery language, Isabella’s point was logical. Ferda turned his gaze to Ruri, asking for confirmation with his eyes.
“She is correct,” Ruri nodded. “I have lived hundreds of years longer than you, Lord Ferda. Did you really think I would enjoy such praise?”
Ruri seemed to agree with the logical argument, but her face betrayed a hint of inner dissatisfaction. However, Ferda mistook it for resentment over her wounded dignity.
“My apologies. It seems my method of praise was incorrect, so I shall refrain from patting your head—”
“No,” Isabella interrupted, as if she had been waiting for this moment. “There is a way.”
“A way?”
“As I said, it is a method of praise used by an elder toward a junior. Is that not so?”
“Yes.”
Isabella pushed up her glasses and said, “In that case, wouldn't it be fine if an elder among fellow Dragon Spawn praised the junior?”
“…?”
“…?”
Ruri and Ferda both wondered what on earth she was talking about. Isabella held her glasses high and declared, “Which is to say, as the elder, I shall be the one to praise Miss Ruri.”
“Huh?”
“…Hah?”
Ferda looked confused again, and Ruri’s expression soured. Both of them thought this had to be some kind of joke.
“What did you just say?”
“To repeat: I am saying I shall praise Miss Ruri by stroking her head.”
Isabella’s glasses glinted. She was more serious than anyone.
As Isabella took a step forward, Ruri instinctively took a step back, falling into a defensive posture.
“Do not come any closer.”
“There is no need to be shy. As your senior…” Her fingers wiggled. “I shall make sure to praise you thoroughly.”
Her finger movements were so fluid it was hard to believe she only handled paperwork and magic. They squirmed like tentacles rising from the depths of the abyss.
Finally, with a look of utter disgust, Ruri fled the spot as if running for her life.
“Ah.”
Isabella stared blankly at the spot where Ruri had vanished like the wind. A moment later, she returned to her stiff, professional demeanor.
Ferda remarked, “It seems that wasn't such a good idea after all.”
“…It would appear so.” Isabella looked genuinely disappointed.
* * *
The headquarters of the Black Bandana.
In truth, there was no fixed headquarters. For the sake of secrecy, they moved their base every three months, and even the low-ranking members wouldn't know where they were going until the day of the move.
The place they currently called home was deep within a small mountain in the eastern part of Serdes. It had once been a hideout for drug manufacturers and smugglers before they were wiped out, and now the Black Bandana used it as their sanctuary.
It was rare for outsiders to be brought into such a secret location. And it was even rarer for an outsider to be met with such murderous intent upon arrival.
In that sense, Jed Swallow was a first in the history of the Black Bandana.
“Jed Swallow. I’ve only ever seen you in drawings, but this is the first time I’m seeing your mug in the flesh, eh?”
“Haha, look at how smooth this punk’s skin is.”
Men with hands the size of pot lids fumbled over Jed’s body. Jed’s entire frame was stiff as he forced an awkward laugh.
“Haha, would you mind not grabbing my face so recklessly? I might not look it, but I put a lot of effort into my skincare…”
“Is that so? Then shall we take a look at your backside? We’ve got a guy here who enjoys the company of men, and if he sees your ass—”
“A face is just a face, it won't wear out from a little touching, right? Touch all you want! Haha!”
Realizing he’d made a slip of the tongue, Jed quickly tried to laugh it off. Internally, he lamented his life.
Why do I have to come all the way here and deal with this…
He resented Garnet for dragging him here. But most of all, he resented Ferda for selling him out.
Is that pittance of money really that important? Is a knighthood that big a deal?
After thinking it over, he answered himself.
Actually, yeah, it is. Dammit.
Jed had no choice but to keep smiling.
“Brother, I have a question.”
“What is it?”
“Why are you all so eager to tear this guy apart?”
“Oh? You haven't heard?” The man smiled brightly and began thumping the top of Jed’s head. “This guy ravished our Young Lady. You mean to tell me you don't know that famous story?”
“Oh? I think I’ve heard something like that, but this was the guy?”
“Yeah, this is him.”
“Oh… How dare he… how dare he touch our Young Lady…”
Just as even the innocent-looking man began to radiate bloodlust, Jed waved his hands and shouted.
“Wait a minute! That ‘ravishing’ part is a bit exaggerated!”
“Let’s hear your bullshit then.”
“That day, we had just finished a grueling mission, we were both exhausted, and we were comforting each other. One thing led to another—a man and a woman in a room, the mood was right, and I thought it would be rude for a man to back out at that point…”
“So, did you take responsibility like a man?”
“Well… if I had only known she was the daughter of a family like this…”
“Did you take responsibility?”
“…I ran away.”
“Then how is that any different from ravishing her, you pretty-boy gigolo?”
The hands gripping his face grew rougher. They held Jed firmly in place.
“Haha, what—what are you doing, brothers?”
“We don't want much. Let’s just put one scar on that face. After that, repent and marry the Young Lady.”
“Ahahaha! Could you put that dagger away?! I don't really like these kinds of jokes?!”
“What’s a joke to you is a true story to us. Boys, hold him tight.”
“What do you think you’re doing?”
A husky female voice cut through the circle of sweaty men.
“Oh, Captain’s here. We were just about to give him an initiation.”
“He’s not one of us, so why an initiation? And I’m pretty sure that’s not done with a dagger.”
“Aw, come on. We should work in a ‘family’ atmosphere, shouldn't we?”
Jed sent her a desperate plea for help with his eyes. Garnet sighed and shooed them away.
“Stop wasting time and get lost. Like it or not, Jed is the Regent’s knight.”
“Tch, consider yourself lucky.”
“I’ll be checking out that ass next time.”
At Garnet’s command, everyone withdrew. Jed, trembling like a gazelle surrounded by predators, looked at Garnet.
“Thanks for saving me.”
Garnet slapped him across the cheek.
Slap!
“Ack! Why? Why?!”
“That’s for the stupidity at Valdrova Castle.”
“I suppose I deserved that. Is that all? No other feelings?”
“None for now. I have a grudge against you, but it’s not so great that I’d let it ruin the job.”
“What? No woman says that after experiencing me…”
“…You want to get beaten to a pulp?”
“My apologies. Please, continue.”
Having not seen each other for years, there were many lingering emotions between them. They could have gotten straight to the point, but they decided to share the words they hadn't been able to say.
“You’re still shamelessly using the name Swallow.”
“Aren't you doing the same, Fiendteeth?”
“Don't use that nickname.”
“Why? It brings back old memories. It’s nice.”
“Didn't I break your nose for using that nickname back then?”
“Even with a broken nose, I used it on you plenty.”
Jed smiled slyly. Seeing that face, Garnet growled like a mad dog.
“Don't smile like that. Shallow women might like it, but it only makes my blood boil.”
“Yes, ma'am.” Jed immediately wiped the smile off his face.
Garnet took a deep breath and said in a cold voice, “I need your help with this job.”
“What kind of help, specifically?”
“Infiltration and retrieval.”
Jed waved his hand dismissively. “Infiltration? What kind of power do I have to do something like that? I can't.”
“You are the most suitable for this.”
“Based on what?”
“Based on a comprehensive judgment of your recent work and your time as a mercenary.”
“What did I even do as a mercenary? I didn't do anything special.”
When Jed continued to play dumb, Garnet sighed. “Do you remember the battle at Palestine Castle?”
“I do. It was brutal.”
“We were all captured, but you were the only one who wasn't. Everyone thought you’d run away, but you snuck into the castle and got us all out.”
“I was just lucky then.”
“You had that kind of luck seven times. Everyone else might not have noticed, but I know. I know you moved in the shadows to save us.”
“You’re overestimating me…”
In truth, Jed himself hadn't been fully conscious of it. He didn't think of it as 'infiltration'; he just felt it was what he had to do for his comrades, and he’d moved stealthily because he had to. He didn't think it was anything impressive.
When he continued to resist, Garnet decided to play her final card.
“Are you going to make me mention that you are the last descendant of the Red Eye Tribe?”
Jed’s face hardened.
“I didn't want to make things uncomfortable with something like this, but right now—”
“That information.”
“What?”
“Who else knows?” Jed asked, his face now radiating a lethal aura unlike before.
Garnet met his gaze and answered, “Only me.”
“If you’re planning to cover for someone, you’d better not. Even with our history, I can't let this slide.”
Garnet scowled and snapped back, “You idiot. Who do you think has been managing your information all this time? I’ve been personally controlling everything related to you.”
“My information?”
“You think you’ve been hiding it so well on your own? You think living like a gigolo somehow keeps you hidden? You fool. Without my help, you’d be dead by now. Do you understand? They would have figured it out, captured you, and put you on display like a monkey in a zoo!”
As Garnet huffed, Jed scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
“I—is that so? I thought you hated me enough to kill me.”
“Why would I want to kill you? Like it or not, you’re a comrade who’s faced life and death with me.”
“Oh.”
“Of course, those guys out there definitely want to kill you.”
“Uh…”
Jed tried to smile, but his face was pale and he was breaking out in a cold sweat. Garnet smirked at his pathetic state.
“So, what’s the specific job?”
“You need to infiltrate the mansion and find the medium for the Garden Contract.”
“A Garden Contract… I’d rather not get on a witch’s bad side again.”
“Your name is already on the kill list several times over, so what does it matter?”
“It is?”
“Are you an idiot, or just acting like one?”
Garnet looked at him with pity before returning to the task at hand.
“We believe the target has formed a contract with Yor Philias. I’ve judged that you are the most suitable for this. What do you think?”
“It’s the best judgment, honestly.”
To the Red Eye Tribe, known as 'Mage Killers,' those who use magic are easy prey. A real witch might be a headache, but the opponent was merely a wicked woman playing pretend.
“Then show me the blueprints of the places I need to infiltrate.”
Garnet pushed a thick stack of documents toward Jed.
A picture began to form in Jed’s mind. The blueprints and the suspected locations of the items. Through them, he pinpointed where the stolen goods would be and began formulating a plan.
Finally, as the outline became clear, Jed turned back to Garnet.
“But you know.”
“What?”
“This job doesn't have to be a complete stealth mission, does it?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m asking if I can do something a bit… messy.”
Garnet looked disgusted. “…Are you going to try and seduce Tilda Pascal?”
“No, why would I go through all that trouble?”
“Because that’s usually your way.”
“Haha, well now. You say you know me, but you don't know me at all.” Jed grinned. “Jobs like this, you see… they only get resolved when you stir up a real ruckus.”