Chapter 44: The Uninvited Guest Comes, the Unwanted Guest Stays (2)
Chapter 44: The Uninvited Guest Comes, the Unwanted Guest Stays (2)
Translation: Godtl
The incident where he knelt and begged for his life in Maple Garden spread far and wide through high society under the name "Rex's Humiliation."
It was simply too impactful an event.
Ever since that day, no one looked at Rex with the same fear and awe as before.
Mockery and ridicule had taken their place.
"Grrrrgh!"
Drunk, Rex stewed in his humiliation.
No. This wasn't just something to be dismissed as mere humiliation.
The power of the 'mafia' doesn't come from lineage or money.
It stems solely from extreme masculinity and fear.
The moment rumors spread that Rex had knelt before a noble lady, half his organization vanished.
The Grey Council sent him a notice of expulsion.
As a mafioso, Rex's life was effectively over.
"I'll kill them all."
Even though he'd anticipated this outcome, his stomach churned as if he'd swallowed a whole cactus.
"That bitch, right now—"
But every time his humiliation threatened to boil over into rage, he remembered them.
Those innocent crimson eyes, like a child burning ants with a magnifying glass.
Penelope Rosemore, watching Rex's disgraceful display of kneeling and begging for his life as if it were entertainment.
Each time those eyes surfaced in his memory, instead of anger, an icy chill that seemed to freeze his very saliva ran down his spine.
Rex knew exactly what kind of person had eyes like that.
Rex trampled others for money and power.
Penelope was different.
Like a cat toying with a mouse, she crushed people purely for amusement, reveling in the cruelty.
"Yeah, fuck, running is the right move."
So Rex was already preparing to leave Nortaris.
At least he wasn't dead yet.
His life wasn't over.
Salisbury Financial was selling off its bonds at rock-bottom prices for immediate cash conversion.
With no time to liquidate all holdings, they prioritized selling premium assets that could be quickly recovered or had solid collateral value.
Combined with the valuables, gold ingots from the vault, and hidden slush funds...
It was enough money to live in luxury for life.
He could start fresh somewhere else.
"..."
Rex stared blankly at the newspaper.
Since the three-month contract period hadn't ended yet, Berry Mix advertisements still filled its pages.
Would things have been different if he hadn't ordered Serena's kidnapping?
No, he never should have gotten involved in the beverage business in the first place after Chairman Marcus's warning.
Irreversible regrets and lingering attachments weighed on Rex like blocks of lead.
"Boss! Boss Rex!"
"What is it?!"
Before he could sink deeper into thought, a subordinate burst in.
"B-big trouble! Right now, some guys are gathering inside the mansion!"
"What kind of motherfuckers?"
"Well, uh... I don't know! But the vibe is off! You should see for yourself—!"
Sensing something amiss, Rex rushed to the lobby.
The massive front doors were already wide open.
Men in crisp suits stood holding large boxes instead of weapons.
An indescribable pressure kept the subordinates from even attempting to block them, leaving them floundering helplessly.
"Long time no see, Mr. Salisbury."
And one step behind them—
Gideon Belheim, standing as if he'd just coincidentally accompanied them.
Impeccably dressed in a tailored topcoat, Belheim held a briefcase and gave Rex a slight nod with a faint smile.
"Quite an art-filled lobby you have here."
"...Belheim."
Gideon Belheim.
Though nominally just the branch manager of Devbun Trust Bank, he actually wielded more power than the bank's president.
Rex had always considered Belheim a rival.
He'd even harbored ambitions of taking that position someday.
"Gideon, you here to laugh at me too? Brought your little entourage?"
"Misunderstanding, Mr. Salisbury. A gentleman doesn't laugh at another's misfortune. I'm here strictly on official business today."
As Belheim stepped slightly aside, stern-faced figures in uniforms marched in behind him.
Emblazoned on the banners they carried was a symbol no one in the financial sector ever wished to encounter.
A gold coin stamped with the mark of an eye.
The emblem of the Financial Supervisory Service under the Ministry of Finance.
"Rex Salisbury, by royal decree, we hereby deliver a special directive from the Financial Supervisory Service."
As Gideon Belheim subtly stepped back, the lead investigator stepped forward.
"Regarding you and all affiliated businesses under your de facto ownership and operation, including 'Salisbury Financial'—we are executing a search and seizure warrant for seventeen charges, including systematic long-term tax evasion, illegal usury, predatory debt collection involving threats, habitual fraud, and contract breaches. During the investigation period, your primary assets will be frozen. Please cooperate fully with all official proceedings."
The moment the notice concluded, the investigators dispersed without hesitation, flooding into the mansion.
The audit team from Devbun Trust Bank also swarmed in like a tide.
Some headed for the office, others to the study, some toward the vault, and still others began cataloging the artworks in the lobby.
They moved with the practiced efficiency of those who had done this countless times before.
In twelve hours, they would dissect Salisbury Financial and dredge up every last incriminating detail.
Rex's face turned ashen.
"This can't be... They promised at least three more days..."
"If you wanted to grease the wheels, you should have done it more thoroughly. Spending money on worthless ventures like the beverage business must have offended your friends, no?"
It was true—he had poured far too much into this market share war, leaving less than usual for "gifts."
But it had only been a minor oversight, a gap as small as the eye slit of a full helmet—hardly something that should have caused immediate trouble.
"D-don't screw with me... you bastard... This is your doing, isn't it?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm merely fulfilling my duty by cooperating sincerely with the Financial Supervisory Service's request."
That the authorities had struck at this precise moment was undoubtedly Belheim's handiwork.
He had wielded the sword of public authority to slit the throat of an already battered Rex.
But how?
In the financial world, the Financial Supervisory Service held near-absolute power.
"You vile bastard!"
"Raising your voice at me doesn't seem like the wisest choice. I had no intention of letting personal feelings influence this investigation, but I'm only human. If Rex Salisbury were to hang, I think my heart would ache terribly."
For the first time, Rex realized Belheim could smile so brightly.
The courteous gentleman's grin now resembled the bared fangs of a beast.
"I'll make sure to uncover the truth of your innocence, Mr. Rex Salisbury."
Just as Belheim patted Rex's shoulder—
A Devbun employee who had rushed to the office came running back in a panic.
"Director, we found a suspicious item in the office safe. It needs further analysis, but... it appears to be a Vermilion Cloth used by Black Mages."
"What kind of nonsense is this?! A Vermilion Cloth?! I've never even touched something like that!"
It was true he had hired a Black Mage from the Jet Black Group.
But what kind of idiot would stash a Vermilion Cloth in his safe unless he had a death wish?
While Rex was still reeling, an investigator emerged carrying something wrapped in cloth—an object resembling a large insect egg.
Even at a glance, it radiated ominous energy.
After examining it, the forensic expert from the Financial Supervisory Service declared:
"Confirmed. This is a 'Spider Web.'"
"This is a setup! A damn setup! Belheim... you... you—!"
For other charges, there might have been loopholes to slip through.
But once his connection to a Black Mage was confirmed, the gallows were inevitable.
"My, what a heartbreaking turn of events."
With a click of his tongue in mock sympathy, Belheim watched as Rex collapsed to his knees.
The sound of his last hope shattering echoed loudly in his ears.
Today, the move was complete.
A standalone house on the outskirts of Maple Garden.
A gift, no less, from none other than Penelope Rosemore.
It wasn't just the house—she'd even provided interior decorations and hotel-grade furnishings.
'You're a co-CEO too, so you can't possibly live in such a shabby place. What would that make me look like?'
Remembering Penelope's words brought a pleased smile to his face.
Though she'd added all sorts of unnecessary comments, in the end, it was still a gift, wasn't it?
Even though he'd done many things for her behind the scenes, Penelope didn't know any of that.
Yet seeing her express gratitude in her own way while still being unable to be completely honest somehow made her endearing in his eyes.
Her self-satisfied way of repaying favors was rather heartwarming too.
"She didn't give off that impression when we first met, though..."
Truthfully, Jurgen didn't care much about living conditions, but if there was one thing he particularly liked about this house, it was undoubtedly the kitchen.
A state-of-the-art refrigerator to keep ingredients fresh, various cooking utensils,
a high-powered stove, and a ventilation system with ducts—everything was there.
Seeing such a fully equipped kitchen made him wonder if maybe she just wanted to mooch some good meals off him.
Ding-dong.
The doorbell rang.
"Hmm?"
At this late hour, there shouldn't be any visitors.
"Good evening, Mr. Jurgen."
"A bit late for evening, but come in anyway."
"Thank you for your hospitality."
The unexpected guest was Director Belheim.
They weren't close enough for a housewarming visit, so this was undoubtedly about business.
Jurgen took the expensive wine Belheim had brought as a gift and sat down in the living room.
"I heard you recently moved. It's a fine house."
"Miss Penelope picked it out herself."
"I see. I can sense thoughtful consideration in every corner. You've found yourself an excellent business partner."
"Though I doubt you came just for a housewarming."
"Haha, killing two birds with one stone, I suppose."
After brief pleasantries, Belheim got straight to the point.
"Your idea to involve the Financial Supervisory Service was brilliant, Mr. Jurgen."
"You look considerably more at ease."
"Of course. It feels like pulling out a splinter that's been bothering me."
Belheim had dipped into his personal funds to lend 10,000 crowns to Y&P Trading Company.
He'd also provided connections for the "second scheme."
Everything was to strike while Salisbury Financial was reeling from their failed investment.
"Rex had more safety nets in place than I anticipated. Without the Financial Supervisory Service, it would've been difficult to find an opening through direct confrontation."
But the Financial Supervisory Service wielded considerable power even among the Ministry of Internal Affairs' subordinate organizations.
Not even Devbun Trust Bank could mobilize them like private troops.
To move them, they needed a more solid justification.
And it was Jurgen who provided that justification.
"I take it the information I gave you then proved quite helpful."
"Yes, it was the final nail in the coffin. I'm glad I decided to trust you."
When Jurgen had approached Belheim, he'd revealed that Rex was connected to the Jet Black Group and that there was a "priest"-level Black Mage among them.
He'd also mentioned that definitive evidence—the Vermilion Cloth—would be in Rex's secret vault.
Strictly speaking, the Vermilion Cloth in the secret vault had been placed there by Jurgen himself under cover of night, but that was beside the point.
"I'm surprised you believed such claims so readily."
"I have confidence in my ability to judge people."
From that point on, it had been Belheim's gamble.
If they reported that Salisbury Financial was funding the End Cult, the Financial Supervisory Service would have no choice but to act.
Black Mages were an absolute taboo in Britannia.
But what if no evidence had been found?
'You little bastard.'
'You said it was there.'
'The evidence.'
The elitist, authority-conscious Financial Supervisory Service would have been furious at being made to come all this way for nothing.
They would have turned the tables and thoroughly ransacked Devbun Trust Bank instead.
The results spoke for themselves.
Jurgen's information had been accurate.
They'd taken an even bigger bite out of Salisbury Financial than expected.
Belheim had no choice but to admit it.
"I was impressed. And I learned a great deal."
It was clean.
A clean and sophisticated way of handling things.
My estimation of Jurgen, already high to begin with, had just shot up by about five levels.
"You seemed intent on hiding your true identity. I'm curious why you'd reveal this much to me. Was there a reason you needed to crush Salisbury so badly that you'd go this far?"
"Let me see... I'll say it was personal animosity."
The reason for eliminating Rex wasn't that he was the vanguard of Berry Mix.
He had orchestrated Serena's kidnapping and joined hands with a Black Mage.
That was reason enough to go through the trouble of infiltrating Rex's office and planting the 'Vermilion Cloth' in his safe.
Moreover, based on experience, competent individuals like Belheim don't simply let such favors pass.
Not because Belheim is a good-natured man.
But because he understands that debts should be repaid quickly and cleanly before interest accumulates.
"Even so, the numbers don't add up. I'm a banker. My temperament demands precise calculations."
For this, Jurgen had already prepared a response.
"Actually, there's something I'd like to request."
"Please, go ahead."
"Can I count on you to remain on Y&P Trading Company's side going forward?"
Unfortunately, he couldn't stay forever to lead the culinary revolution.
There were still things in this kingdom that only 'Han-bin' could do, not 'Jurgen.'
If he were to leave Y&P Trading Company someday, Penelope would be left all alone.
Though capable and business-savvy, Penelope still had much to learn.
Having a solid supporter like Belheim would be a great asset.
"This is..."
Belheim, who had seemed willing to agree to anything, now wore an uncomfortable expression.
"That would be difficult due to circumstances. I'd prefer to repay you in another way."
"Surprising. I thought this arrangement wouldn't be disadvantageous for you either."
"Y&P Trading Company's growth is undoubtedly promising. But there are variables, aren't there?"
"Variables?"
"Falling out of favor with the Rosemore Count Family would be burdensome for me as well."
"Supporting Y&P Trading Company would make you fall out of favor with the Rosemore Count Family?"
Jurgen furrowed his brows.
He found this puzzling.
"To be more precise, maintaining 'consistently friendly' relations would do so."
According to Penelope, her family's rejection was closer to contempt for an 'underachiever.'
Wouldn't that contempt disappear once she proved her abilities?
Penelope's own wish was to 'remove the loser label and reconcile with her sisters.'
Belheim, who had been observing Jurgen's reaction, paused in surprise.
"I assumed you already knew... But it seems you were unaware."
"Could you explain in more detail?"
Belheim spoke with increased caution.
"I can't claim my information is absolutely certain. But circumstantially, I believe Lady Penelope is facing active suppression and pressure from her family. Likely due to succession issues and inheritance distribution..."
A story of internal strife over the Rosemore inheritance.
Coming from someone of Belheim's caliber, it couldn't be groundless.
"Hmm..."
After watching the pensive Jurgen for a moment, Belheim rose from his seat.
"You seem to need time to think, so I'll take my leave. We'll postpone settling accounts—this isn't me trying to wipe my mouth clean."
"That would be best."
"Feel free to contact me anytime."
After Belheim left, Jurgen found himself wrapped in complicated emotions.
Human greed knows no bounds.
When infinite wealth is within reach, greed grows in proportion.
What kind of massive desires would clash over the inheritance of the Rosemore Count Family, one of the north's foremost chaebol families?
Had it been someone else's affair, he might have dismissed it with cynical indifference.
But.
"This is concerning."
Penelope was Jurgen's business partner.
He considered her a 'comrade' sharing the same goals.
How would she react upon realizing that her cherished wishes—'reconciliation with her sisters' and 'family recognition'—were impossible from the start...
The thought didn't sit well with him.
As his worries deepened—
Ding-dong
The doorbell rang once more.
At this hour, there truly shouldn't be any visitors.
"Who is it?"
"Sorry for the late hour. Got a moment to talk?"
When Jurgen opened the door, he was met with a completely unexpected figure.
"Who is it?"
"Walter Keystone. Your competitor's representative."
None other than Baron Keystone, head of Keystone Company.