Chapter 102
Chapter 102
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Translator: crow
Chapter Title: The New Master of the Back Alleys
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The story flowed along at a breakneck pace.
Except for the elderly councilor, who couldn't keep up with the tempo set by the young people and was left behind all alone.
-You've bought off the guards? Good.
-You've bought off all of Gadum's vassals and secured the position of councilor proxy? Good.
-There's a powerful black mage among the back alley bosses? Oh, perfect.
-Then, how about Rishir sneaks into the upcoming back alley meeting and pressures them? Ah, yes, perfect.
In fact, age might not even be the problem.
The real issue was failing to keep up with this conversation flow that mocked all common sense.
How many citizens of Bondales, regardless of age or gender, could follow that?
Probably just the ones here in this room.
The elderly councilor felt duty-bound to raise an objection.
Issues involving Bondales' criminal organizations were extremely sensitive matters.
We couldn't entrust everything to some novice who had just undergone his coming-of-age ceremony.
"Sir Morie, do you have something to say?"
"Eh? Ah... no."
However, despite the fierce screams of reason ringing in her head, Morie held her tongue.
As an elderly councilor, she had an exceptionally keen sense for reading the room.
'If I speak up rashly in this atmosphere, it'll be worse than staying silent...'
Morie carefully gauged the mood.
"By the way, I've heard about Gaderok—that ruler of the southern back alleys. Rumor has it he wields black magic so powerful that even mages from the tower or high-ranking adventurers can't touch him... Are we really sending Rishir to a place like that?"
Thus, her chance had arrived.
City noble Belas had cautiously voiced his doubts.
'Yes! Finally, someone thinking straight!'
Morie planned to join him and build up the opposition.
"It's fine."
But Rishir beat her to it by a beat.
He declared it with unwavering confidence.
"Please trust me and send me in."
His confidence was so intense that, at a glance, it almost seemed like he was looking forward to facing the black mage.
'...Impressive.'
No one could be truly nonchalant about confronting a monstrous existence like a black mage.
What he was showing now had to be pure bravado, meant to inspire trust in others.
And bravado wasn't always a bad thing.
How many people could pull off such convincing bravado when it came to black magic?
Morie could somewhat understand why they were all so enthusiastic about this young man.
Of course.
That aside, she had no intention of letting his bluff slide.
Everyone knew one thing.
Black mages weren't something you could handle with confidence alone.
Morie was certain.
City noble Belas would give a lukewarm response to Rishir's answer.
'That'll be my moment to jump in.'
Morie fixed her gaze on Belas.
Soon enough, Belas spoke.
"Ooh, if you put it that way—alright! I'll trust you!"
"..."
'You need evidence before blindly trusting him!!!'
The elderly councilor felt a headache coming on.
As far as Morie knew, city noble Belas wasn't a fool.
On the contrary, he was politically astute and sharp as a tack.
The fact that he cooperated with Gadum without getting too entangled was proof of that.
Yet here he was, displaying unbelievably sloppy judgment.
'Belas, you're not that kind of fool, so why!?'
Before Morie could sort out her confusion, another city noble, Galluan, raised an objection.
"The black mage isn't the only problem. The attendees of the back alley meeting are big shots from the lawless world. Rishir, they won't be like anyone you've met before. Can you handle them with finesse?"
'Yes, that's exactly what I've been trying to say!'
Galluan.
He fell into Morie's mental category of 'wise city nobles.'
Confident that her judgment was spot-on, Morie prepared to latch onto his unease and steer the mood.
"No need to worry about that. I've dealt with far more dangerous people."
"Hmm. Sounds like you. Alright then."
Morie clutched her head with both hands.
'Galluan, good lord! You're buying that!? Look at the kid's face! He's barely out of his coming-of-age ceremony—where's he supposed to have had those encounters and gained that experience!?'
It made no sense.
How had these wise city nobles turned into idiots who swallowed a kid's bluff hook, line, and sinker!
"Sir Morie. Your expression looks off..."
"Ah, it's nothing."
Morie gave Rishir an awkward smile.
She was frustrated to the brink of insanity, but that only made her more careful with her words.
In the land of the one-eyed, those with two eyes are the freaks, or so they say?
Appealing to reason in this situation would only backfire.
So—
'...'
So—
...what now?
"Then, let's go over it one more time. Rishir attends the upcoming back alley meeting as Gadum's proxy and pressures them. Any objections?"
"As if!"
"Hahaha! Well said! No idiots like that here!"
How on earth was she supposed to guide these idiots back to the straight and narrow?
"Finally, Sir Morie, as the council's representative, please say a few words on this plan."
"The council's support and recognition... If this works out, Rishir will get the treatment he deserves!"
"Obviously! Who else in Bondales has done this much for the city!"
"Just effort? Rishir's accomplished more in this short time than I've managed in my entire career."
"Hahaha, Miss Ran—you're hyping him up too much."
"...By the way, Sir Morie still hasn't spoken."
"Sir Morie? Everything alright?"
Relentlessly.
Endless requests for handshakes.
"...The council will never forget his dedication and efforts for the city."
In the midst of their boisterous celebration, the elderly councilor nearly passed out.
Brimport.
He had built a massive organization spanning the entire southwest back alleys of Bondales through smuggling.
A councilor holding one of the seven seats at the back alley meetings, and the ruler of the southwest back alleys.
That was the man known as Brimport.
"Sir Morie, what do you mean...!"
Recently, his position had undergone a massive shift.
The western back alley rulers, sensing crisis from the emergence of the 'Master' and 'Saint,' saw Gaderok expand his forces, threatening Brimport's security.
Gaderok's organization, dealing primarily in drugs and mercenaries, was no match for a mere smuggler.
Gaderok intended to swallow Brimport's territory whole.
Feeling his life on the line, Brimport desperately sought a way out, exploring every avenue.
In the process, he forged a connection with the highly respected councilor Morie and struck a deal.
He would provide aid without fail if she requested help with back alley matters.
In exchange, full protection under Councilor Morie's name.
"Isn't this what you wanted? Handle this well, and I'll help you grab some assets and slip out of Bondales. I can even assist in setting up a new base elsewhere."
Rat-like thin mustache and sharp features.
A hopeful smile spread across Brimport's face. It didn't last long.
"No, even so...! This kid is going to the back alley meeting in Gadum's place!? Pressuring criminal organizations with Gadum's authority!?! And you're telling me to back him up!?"
He laid bare every bit of emotion he felt.
-Fuck, what the hell are you trying to pull with me?
His voice seemed to echo clearly.
"..."
Morie silently looked away.
Meaning, that's how it was.
"No way...!"
This fucking—
He couldn't grab the councilor's collar.
Brimport paced anxiously before finally turning his frustrated glare toward the young man claiming to be Gadum's proxy.
Neat appearance, modest and boyish vibe.
Brimport was certain he couldn't come up with any word for him other than 'kid.'
Most outlaws surviving in the underworld would probably feel the same.
'This punk as Gadum's proxy!? Fuck, what's going on? What the hell is happening?'
Brimport couldn't picture him showing up at the back alley meeting and raising his voice in front of the other bosses.
Those who lorded over criminals were never pushovers.
Even nobles with years of savvy would break out in cold sweats before them.
Only someone of Gadum's caliber could manage those beast-like outlaws as an outsider.
'But what? This fresh-faced brat acting like Gadum to pressure the back alley bosses? And you're asking me to help?'
At last, Brimport made up his mind.
"Sir Ran, I can't do it. Not because I don't want to—it's impossible. I have zero intention of risking my neck for some kid!"
Rishir responded with a modest smile.
"Aw, come on. Let's do this together."
"Hey, kid. You know who I am?"
Brimport put force into his glare.
Despite his rat-like sharp features, the atmosphere carried real intimidation.
He hadn't risen to rule the back alleys solely on business smarts.
"Of course I do. You're Brimport, here to help me out. And you, Brimport—do you know who I am?"
"Hah! Get a load of this guy. Fine. Go ahead, say it. Who are you? What gives you the balls to stick your nose in this? Do I gotta spell it out? Head in there, and nine times outta ten, you won't even leave bones behind. While I'm being nice—"
"Dogal."
"Yes, Proxy Councilor Rishir."
"?"
Brimport's momentum cut off mid-rant.
Guard captain Dogal, who had been waiting nearby.
He had assumed Morie brought him along, but here he was, rushing over at Rishir's call.
"Anything you know about Brimport?"
"A criminal who built his gang through smuggling in the back alleys."
"Criminal—a bit strong, don't you think?"
"Just facts. Considering the city laws he's violated so far, we could haul him in right now, no problem."
"Uh uh..."
Back alley meeting attendees fell into two broad categories.
Gadum's business partners.
Gadum's underlings.
Back in the day, maybe not—but now, with most of his forces lost to Gaderok's pressure, Brimport had no protection from the guards.
Separately, the real reason Brimport was panicking was something else.
'That Dogal...?'
The guard captain whom even Gadum couldn't fully leash.
Seeing him meekly bow to a kid plunged Brimport into chaos.
Rishir.
The momentum he'd built over the past few days had been shockingly swift.
Excluding those directly involved, countless people didn't even know of his achievements—let alone his existence.
Brimport had been no different.
He knew nothing about Rishir.
But not anymore.
"What'll it be?"
Rishir asked.
"..."
Guard captain Dogal glared at him with gleaming eyes from the side.
"..."
Brimport had no choice but to nod obediently.
And that very night.
The back alley meeting was called, and the location and time of their secret gathering were relayed to them.
This back alley meeting came with an unprecedented special rule.
"Masks are allowed?"
Dogal nodded at Rishir's question.
"Likely to account for new attendees."
"You mean me?"
"No. The Saint and the Master. Those who appeared out of nowhere, shoving aside the established rulers and starting to govern territories in a whole new way—they're a massive thorn in the side of the old bosses."
"How so?"
"To put it bluntly, they're making moves that look like they're eradicating crime in their areas. For the other bosses, I'd bet the main goal of this meeting is to gauge the Saint and Master's intentions."
"Oh ho."
Big shots in the underworld working to stamp out crime.
'The Master and Saint... wonder what kind of people they are.'
Rishir's eyes gleamed with curiosity.
"Time to head out."
With that, Rishir grabbed a mask that exposed only his lower face and made for the rendezvous point.
The ride was Gadum's carriage.
The sole permitted companion was also Gadum's guard: captain Dogal.
They arrived at a house in the affluent residential district.
Through the back door into the living room—a spacious area with a large round table at the center.
Several seats were already taken.
Even with plenty of empty spots, they had clustered together; as Rishir entered, they all fell silent and turned their gazes toward him in unison.
"..."
Among them, the most brazen stare came from a man in a black mask.
Black hair, black eyes—like a massive crow.
Gaderok. His eyes narrowed as he regarded Rishir, then curved into a crescent smile.
'Wondered what kind of punk Gadum's proxy would be—'
Gadum's vassals had swiftly spread rumors to legitimize the proxy councilor position.
Rumors that Gadum had appointed his proxy and left the city.
Right now, in this moment.
Gaderok's suspicions hardened into certainty.
'Something's gone down—Gadum's faction is crumbling.'
The very existence of this pathetic stand-in was proof.
That boyish, modest aura couldn't be fully concealed even by the mask.
He knew the man Gadum well.
If he were in any decent shape, there's no way he'd prop up a kid like this as his proxy.
A satisfied chuckle leaked from beneath Gaderok's mask.
He had made his judgment.
Now was the perfect moment.
"Brimport's here."
Brimport arrived next and took up position beside Rishir.
"Don't just stand there—come sit."
Gaderok beckoned them over.
"..."
Dogal let out a mocking snicker at Gaderok's slovenly demeanor—the kind he'd never shown around Gadum.
Soon, Rishir and Brimport took seats directly across from Gaderok.
"By the way—"
Gaderok spoke up to match the moment.
"The mood's a little chaotic for serious talk, don't you think?"
He flashed a smile at Brimport.
"Let's deal with the rat in our midst first."
Whoosh.
It happened in a flash.
"Wha—what!? Uwaaaah!!!"
Brimport's body was engulfed in black flames.
"Mr. Brimport!"
His guard immediately tried to smother the blaze by stripping off his coat—but
the black fire, as if lying in wait, devoured the guard as well.
"Brimport. Can't have that. Can't have you secretly cozying up to another councilor behind our backs."
Gaderok's satisfied voice cut through the screams filling the room.
This was an execution.
And an act of intimidation.
Gaderok turned to Rishir.
"Now the mood's finally right. Don't you think?"
Gaderok had taken his first step toward dominating the entire underworld.
The meeting's star was decided, and no one questioned it.
Until the flames consuming Brimport abruptly flickered out.
"Uwaaah, please spare me—... Huh?"
"..."
Gaderok's gaze, chasing the flames, shifted to Rishir.
"..."
He wore a deeply satisfied smile.
Gaderok had no idea what that smile meant.
The eyes behind the black mask wavered.
At that moment.
New carriages pulled up to the house's front and back gates, respectively, while the meeting raged on inside.