Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 101 'Excuse me, but when did I become a Council?' Risir's question was immediately resolved. "Ah! You see, the thing is—" When Risir's expression twisted as he voiced his confusion, Dogal, who had already grown frightened, hastily began his explanation. *** Gadum had immediately begun preparations to flee Bondaless right after his confrontation with Risir. Secretly and swiftly. However, rendering that secrecy meaningless, Dogal knew the man called Gadum all too well. 'You're that terrified yet you send the Guard Corps away from the mansion? This bastard...' Sensing something amiss, Dogal positioned his close associates at all the gates of Bondaless and gave them firm instructions. -Make sure to detain any carriage that tries to pass through the checkpoint by flaunting authority! As expected, the fish was caught in the net. -Dogal! What is the meaning of this! -You know that better than anyone. The checkpoints at the gates were under the Guard Corps' jurisdiction. Guard Captain Dogal could easily manipulate the documents. [Around 9 PM, a carriage carrying City Councilor Gadum departed the city. Reason unknown. Large quantities of gold and valuables were loaded in the cargo compartment] Thus, with Guard Captain Dogal's 'cooperation'. Gadum's 'escape' from the city became an established fact. Afterward, Dogal confined Gadum in another location and headed to his mansion. -What do you mean, Lord Gadum tried to abandon us and flee! And he first made contact with Gadum's butler. -Do you see this? -That's...! -That's right, one of the most precious items in his collection that Gadum would boast about constantly. This was loaded in the cargo compartment of the carriage he tried to secretly escape in. And this wasn't the only thing. Gadum's personal vault is probably completely empty right now. By now you must understand, right? How the situation is unfolding. Gadum tried to flee by himself. -Why would Lord Gadum... -You know better than I do, don't you? What happened at the mansion yesterday and today. -... -This morning. You know where Gadum's guests who were driven from the mansion went, don't you? -Ran's mansion... Eventually, all the retainers of the mansion joined the conversation. -That's right. They followed that woman. What kind of conversations did they have among themselves at the annex building during the night? And why did Gadum just let such people go? He realized it. The fact that this was as far as he could go. -Don't tell me Ran is also involved in [Left Hand Has Liquor]? -It's probably not just involvement. Ran likely orchestrated it. More precisely, Ran's 'friend' did. -By friend, you don't mean that Honorary Mage called Risir!? -That's right. In reality, Gadum is fleeing from that man, not from Ran. -What, what do you know, Dogal! Please tell me what you know! -I'll just say that Gadum touched a man he should never have touched. -Dear God... These were words coming from none other than the Guard Captain himself. -Dogal! It's true! Really, Lord Gadum's personal vault is empty! Add to that Gadum's flight. The emotions Dogal felt toward Risir smoothly infected them. They couldn't dare make their own judgments and asked for Dogal's opinion. -Then what should we do now? Dogal observed their reactions and then brought up the story he had prepared. -What we should do from now on... isn't it already decided? City Councilor Gadum must have left us instructions before leaving the city. -What do you— -He said that while he's away from Bondaless on personal business, he's appointing Risir as his proxy. Isn't that right? -...Will that allow us to keep our positions? -Who is that man moving with? -Ran Pelros... -That's right. When this matter is over, there won't be any positions left for us. -Then why... -Isn't surviving first the priority? Survive first, then plan for the future. -The future...? -Who knows? The 'Acting City Councilor' might become attached to that title. -... They looked around. The interior of Gadum's mansion was luxurious enough to be counted among the finest in Bondaless. Gadum's power that made all of this possible— The position of Acting City Councilor was more than enough to bewitch a person. They thought, with this, they might be able to manipulate that dangerous existence according to their will. And thus, they might be able to preserve their own positions. *** Dogal explained the entire course of events with great enthusiasm, seeking recognition for his accomplishments. 'So he cut ties before being cut off—is that it?' Thanks to this, Risir was able to accept the tremendous title of 'Acting City Councilor Gadum.' Separately, he was confused. 'And all that chaos happened entirely because of me?' Risir looked at Dogal. He could sense infinite respect and reverence from his demeanor. It was a familiar sight. 'Could it be that even you, sir?’ Risir realized that, like the city nobles, this guy was under the influence of some action of his, showing him infinite respect. Gadum was probably the same. And because of that, this whole mess had occurred. 'What on earth did I do?' Risir felt an injustice that wasn't quite an injustice and began pondering future policies. Then, a voice suddenly echoed in his mind. -Good timing. It was Clana. -Now that things have turned out this way, you won't need to be under that woman called Ran anymore. "...What do you mean by that?" Risir reflexively asked back. 'Damn it, what now!?' Unaware that Dogal and the other guards were backing away from him as he suddenly began talking to himself. -I'm talking about that City Councilor woman called Ran that you follow. Wasn't she struggling against that Gadum fellow? That's why I'm saying this. Seize control of Gadum's forces that have rolled into your lap, and rule as a power holder in this city. "So you're telling me to continue acting as Gadum's proxy from now on?" The tremendous power and wealth of a City Councilor. Risir was momentarily tempted by Clana's words. Of course, it was only momentary. Crime and corruption. To maintain Gadum's forces, which were based on these foundations, he would need to continue Gadum's business as it was. Risir could assert with certainty. That he had no talent in that area. "It's an interesting proposal, but I'll decline. I'm confident I can succeed through honest work." Clana burst into laughter, finding it absurd. From a murderer's perspective, it was far too weak a way of thinking. But why was it? Clana's figure laughing in the Inner World looked somehow pleased. She neither objected to nor questioned Risir's judgment. 'Alright, let me go find Miss Ran first and report to her.' Having organized his thoughts through his conversation with Clana, Risir faced a new concern. 'Will the guards cooperate willingly?' They were none other than Gadum's subordinates. People who moved purely for profit, not for honor or duty. Such people wouldn't have switched allegiances without any expectations. 'They're probably secretly hoping I'll continue Gadum's business as it was...' In such a situation, how would they react if they suddenly heard a request to cooperate with Ran, the symbol of integrity in Bondaless? 'It probably won't be a good reaction.' Perhaps that could spark another betrayal. With all of this in mind, Risir carefully brought up the topic. "There's, there's no question about it!" "?" But contrary to his expectations, the guards' attitude was extremely cooperative. Risir didn't know. How his 'monologue' with Clana had been conveyed to them. -...What do you mean by that? -So you're telling me to continue acting as Gadum's proxy from now on? -It's an interesting proposal, but I'll decline. I'm confident I can succeed through honest work. From their perspective, it was a monologue that had burst out erratically. And its content. The guards immediately understood the intent behind that monologue. It was a warning. -I know what you're expecting. -You're probably expecting the same things from me that you expected from Gadum. -You'd better abandon those expectations. -I will never move according to your wishes. A warning about the subtle expectations they harbored. They had thought that perhaps they could manipulate this man according to their will. And thus, they might be able to preserve their own positions. But his 'warning' changed their minds. At this very moment, they abandoned all their greed entirely. "We will actively follow City Councilor Ran's instructions!" Survival became their only purpose. It was the moment when Bondaless's Guard Corps was reborn as an iron-willed public service group that couldn't be bribed. *** [Event has been deactivated] [Event has been deactivated] *** Ran wanted to follow the saying "strike while the iron is hot." She had gained three powerful supporters. She had won over Gadum's friends. She had obtained the weapon of [Left Hand Has Liquor]'s secret ledger. Now, it was time to move the hearts of the City Council. This was why Ran had invited City Councilor 'Morin' to her mansion. Morin, who had served as a councilor for the longest time in the current City Council, was a person with strong influence within the council. If she could just gain her support, the plan to expel Gadum from the City Council would be complete. Thus, Ran conveyed her plan to Morin in the presence of Gadum's friends. The stern-looking old woman frowned as she spoke. "Remarkable, Ran. Not only have you convinced all these people, but you've even secured secret documents to decisively pressure him. Your plan is certainly rational. It has considerable feasibility." "Then—" "Even so, I'm afraid I must advise you to reconsider." "Lord Morin?!" "Let's assume we corner Gadum according to your plan. We pressure him both inside and outside the City Council, expel him from the council, then drag him to court to face the judgment of city law. That's fine up to that point. So, what happens next?" "What do you mean by next—" "Ran. Do you think Gadum will just sit still when cornered? He'll use the Guard Corps to express his displeasure with full force. The guards will go on strike or protest, and the city's security will be paralyzed instantly. Gadum is a cunning man. He'll make the citizens think that the chaos that ensues is the City Council's fault. Can you handle that?" "I can handle it. But—" "Right. The other councilors will think differently." "..." Ran fell into anguish. The old woman looked at the young councilor with mixed feelings and spoke. "Furthermore, I've received information that a Back Alley Council will be convened soon." "...Those bastards are gathering?" "Yes. The [Left Hand Has Liquor] incident must have provoked them. Think about it. If Gadum doesn't show up there, how do you think they'll react?" "..." "Right now, they're at the peak of dissatisfaction as their territory has shrunk due to the emergence of The Saint and The Owner. In that state, if Gadum, who guaranteed them minimum profits, disappears—" "War will break out..." "That's right. Citizens will die day after day until we find and completely eliminate the leaders hiding throughout this vast city. Gadum gets expelled by the City Council's decision, the guards go on strike, and criminals suddenly start running rampant. Ran. Think about it. In this case, who do you think the citizens' voices of criticism will be directed at?" "That's—" "I know what you want to say. To heal a wound, you must cut out the infected part—you must willingly accept the damage—that's what you'll say. But Ran—think carefully. Do we have the strength and leeway to endure that pain?" "..." "Don't underestimate him because of his vile nature. Gadum. He's much stronger than we think. You can see this from how we can't even dare to attempt bribing the Guard Corps, something he accomplished so easily, which is why we're having such headaches." As if the conversation was over, Morin rose from her seat. Then she smiled bitterly and spoke to Ran. "I'm always amazed by your upright convictions. But Ran, reality is merciless. Most people, except for you, are realistic thinkers. What you need to think about isn't how to convince yourself, but how to convince them. So Ran, if you come up with a good strategy to persuade them, call me again then." In other words, don't come looking for her until that strategy came to mind. Thus, the elderly councilor was about to leave after offering warm yet cold words of comfort to the young councilor. -What, what is this, Dogal...! Why are you here!? The old councilor's wrinkles deepened. The owner of the urgent voice from outside the door was the escort she had brought with her. Soon, the door opened and Dogal along with numerous guards entered the room. "Risir...!" Ran rose from her seat and called the name of the man who was with the guards. "Risir..." Morin repeated that name. "I see, so the young man you mentioned is that—" Morin let out a deep sigh. That Risir fellow who had filled the young councilor with false hopes had finally caused trouble. The situation was clear. 'Did he finally cross the line and provoke Gadum while providing him with an excuse...' The Guard Corps storming into a councilor's mansion with troops. It would be impossible without solid grounds. 'What a pity, truly a pity.' In Morin's view, City Councilor Ran's political life ended here. The old councilor spoke with sincere regret. "Ran, that's why you shouldn't carelessly trust—" "You did it, Risir!" "?" Morin doubted her own ears. Not just her ears. She doubted her eyes too. Because Ran's face was beaming with joy. Morin asked her in bewilderment. "Ran, what is this now..." "Lord Morin! It seems Risir has won over the Guard Corps!" "What...!" Morin sighed. It seemed that young councilor had lost her mind, unable to accept reality. The first conclusion she reached in this situation was 'winning over the Guard Corps.' Unless she wasn't in her right mind- "It just happened to turn out that way." "?" Risir gave Dogal a look. Then he bowed his head toward Ran. "No way..." The elderly councilor couldn't keep up with the situation. *** [Event has been deactivated] *** With Risir's participation, the discussion entered a new phase. "Gadum appointed you as Acting City Councilor? That's preposterous—" "Risir! You've recruited all of Gadum's retainers!" "It just happened to turn out that way." "..." Suddenly, the topic of discussion had shifted from 'expelling Gadum' to the next stage: 'dealing with Back Alley criminal organizations.' Morin felt severe cognitive dissonance as her decades of life experience were being completely negated, and struggled to somehow follow the flow of conversation. "...As such, there's a high probability that there's a powerful Dark Mage among their collaborators, so if you're thinking of approaching them rashly, keep this point in mind." "Understood. Then how about I infiltrate that Back Alley Council?" "Thinking rationally, that would be right." "..." The elderly councilor and her companions complained of headaches.