Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 102 The story flowed along at breakneck speed, except for the elderly City Councilor who was left behind alone, unable to keep up with the tempo created by the young people. -You've won over the Guard Corps? Good. -You've won over all of Gadum's retainers and obtained the position of Acting City Councilor? Good. -There's a powerful Dark Mage among the Back Alley kingpins? Oh, that's excellent. -Then, how about Risir infiltrating the upcoming Back Alley Council to pressure them? Ah, yes, that's perfect. Perhaps age wasn't really the issue. It was failing to keep up with the flow of conversation that defied common sense. Regardless of age or gender, how many citizens of Bondaless could follow the flow of that conversation? Probably only those present in this very room. The elderly City Councilor felt an obligation to raise objections as was proper. Issues related to Bondaless's criminal organizations were extremely sensitive matters. They couldn't entrust everything to a youngster who had just undergone his coming-of-age ceremony. "Lord Morin, do you have something to say?" "Huh? Ah... no." However, despite her reason's fierce outcry, Morin exercised restraint. As an elderly City Councilor, she had developed the virtue of reading the room to an exceptional degree. 'If I speak rashly in this atmosphere, it would be worse than saying nothing...' Morin carefully observed the atmosphere. "By the way, I've heard stories about Gaderok—that Southern Region Back Alley ruler. Some say he wields powerful Black Magic that even Magic Tower Masters or high-ranking Adventurers can't handle... Is it really okay to send Risir to such a place?" (E/N: Magic Tower Masters != Magic Tower 'Lord') And so the opportunity came. The city Noble Belas had cautiously expressed his doubts. 'That's right! Finally, someone thinking normally!' Morin wanted to join him in building an atmosphere of opposition, thinking he was absolutely right. "It's fine." However, Risir was one beat faster. He declared with confidence showing. "Trust me and let me go." His confidence was so strong that at first glance, it seemed as if he was looking forward to confronting the Dark Mage. '...Indeed.' There couldn't be anyone who remained indifferent when facing such a terrible existence as a Dark Mage. What he was showing now must surely be bravado meant to inspire confidence in others. Bravado wasn't necessarily a bad thing. How many could display such excellent bravado when it came to matters involving a Dark Mage? Morin thought she understood, if only slightly, why they were so enthusiastic about that young man. Of course, that aside, Morin had no intention of overlooking his bravado. Everyone would know that a Dark Mage wasn't someone you could face with confidence alone. Morin was certain that city Noble Belas would show a lukewarm reaction to Risir's answer. 'That will be the moment for me to intervene.' Morin stared directly at Belas. Eventually, Belas spoke. "Oh, if you say so—I understand! I'll trust you!" "..." 'Before blindly believing, you should verify the evidence!!!' The elderly City Councilor felt a headache coming on. As far as Morin knew, city Noble Belas wasn't a foolish person. Rather, he was politically shrewd and possessed sharp instincts. The proof was that while he cooperated with Gadum, he hadn't become deeply involved with him. Yet such a person was showing an unbelievably careless side. 'Belas, you're not such a foolish person, so why!?' Before Morin's confusion could be fully resolved, another city Noble, Galuan, expressed his doubts. "The problem isn't just the Dark Mage. Those attending the Back Alley Council are kingpins of the lawless world. Risir, they'll be different from anyone you've met so far. Can you handle such people skillfully?" 'Yes, that's exactly what I wanted to say!' Galuan. In Morin's mind, he belonged to the category of 'wise city Nobles.' Confident that her judgment hadn't been wrong, Morin again tried to ride on Galuan's expressed anxiety to lead the atmosphere. "You don't need to worry about that. I've met people far more dangerous than them." "Hmm. That would be like you. I understand." Morin grabbed her head with both hands. 'Galuan, good heavens! Are you believing that!? Look at that child's face! He's of an age who just had his coming-of-age ceremony—where would he have had such meetings and experiences!' She couldn't understand what was happening. How had those wise city Nobles become fools who believed a youngster's bravado and boasting at face value! "Lord Morin, your expression doesn't look good..." "Ah, it's nothing." At Risir's question, Morin smiled awkwardly. She was so frustrated she could go crazy, but the more frustrated she became, the more careful she had to be with her words. Didn't they say that in a village of one-eyed people, the two-eyed person is abnormal? In the current situation, appealing to reason would clearly only backfire. So- '...' So- ...what should she do? "Then, let me go over this once more. Risir will attend the upcoming Back Alley Council as Gadum's representative and pressure them. Any objections?" "How could there be any!" "Hahaha! Well said! There couldn't be such a dim-witted person here!" How on earth could she lead those dim-witted people down the right path? "Finally, Lord Morin, please say a few words about this plan on behalf of the City Council." "The City Council's support and recognition... If this matter is resolved well, Risir will be able to receive appropriate treatment!" "Of course! In all of Bondaless right now, where is there anyone who works so hard for the city!" "Is it just working hard? Risir has achieved more results in this short period than I have accomplished in all my years." "Hahaha, Lady Ran—you're praising me too much." "...By the way, Lord Morin has been quiet." "Lord Morin? Is there perhaps some problem?" Persistently. Countless requests for handshakes. "...The City Council will never forget the dedication and effort he has shown for the city." The elderly City Councilor nearly lost her mind at their enthusiastic celebration. *** Brimport. He had built up a massive organization that encompassed the entire southwestern Back Alleys of Bondaless through smuggling operations. A councilor occupying one of the seven seats in the Back Alley Council, and ruler of the southwestern Back Alleys. That was the man called Brimport. "Councilor Morin, what are you saying...!" Brimport's position had recently undergone major changes. The western Back Alleys ruler—Gaderok—had felt threatened by the emergence of 'The Owner' and 'The Saint,' and as he expanded his influence, Brimport's safety began to be threatened. Gaderok's forces, which dealt primarily in drugs and mercenaries, weren't something a mere smuggler could handle. Gaderok intended to devour Brimport's territory whole. Feeling the threat to his life, Brimport sought various paths to find a way to survive. Thus, he came to be connected with Morin, a respected City Councilor of the City Council, and made a sort of Contract with her. He would definitely respond if Morin requested help with Back Alley-related matters. In return, he would receive complete protection under City Councilor Morin's name. "Isn't this what you wanted? If this matter is resolved well, I'll help you take part of your assets and leave Bondaless. I can also help you establish a new position in Bondaless." With his rat-like thin mustache and appearance, a hopeful smile spread across Brimport's face. It didn't last long. "No, even so, this is...! This kid is going to participate in the Back Alley Council in place of Gadum!? To pressure criminal organizations with Gadum's authority!?! And you're telling me to assist with that!?" He revealed exactly what he was feeling. -What the fuck are you trying to do with me right now? Such a voice seemed to ring out clearly. "..." Morin averted her eyes without saying anything. It meant he should know that's how it was. "No way...!" Damn it. He couldn't even grab a City Councilor by the collar. Restless and agitated, Brimport eventually turned his dissatisfied gaze toward the young man who claimed to be Gadum's representative. With his decent appearance and gentle, youthful impression. Looking at him, Brimport couldn't think of any other expression besides 'kid.' Probably most outlaws living in the underworld would feel the same. 'This guy is Gadum's representative!? Fuck, what is this? What the hell is happening?' Brimport couldn't imagine him attending the Back Alley Council and raising his voice in front of other Back Alley rulers. Those who ruled over criminals were never easy to deal with. Even experienced Nobles with years of experience would break out in cold sweats before them. Only someone of Gadum's caliber could manage such a thing. Handling those beast-like outlaws as an outsider, that is. 'But what? This soft-looking guy is going to act like Gadum and pressure the Back Alley rulers? And you're telling me to help with that?' Eventually, Brimport made up his mind. "Lord Ran, I can't do this. It's not that I don't want to do it—it's impossible for me to do it. I have absolutely no intention of risking my life for this kid!" Then Risir smiled gently and said, "Hey, don't be like that. Let's work together." "Hey, kid. Do you know who I am?" Brimport spoke with intensity in his eyes. Despite his rat-like thin appearance, considerable intimidation was infused in that atmosphere. He hadn't become a ruler dominating the entire Back Alley area simply through good business acumen. "Of course I know. You're Mr. Brimport who's going to help me this time. But do you, Mr. Brimport, know who I am?" "Ha! Look at this guy? Fine. Go ahead and tell me. Who are you? What do you do that makes you step into this kind of business without knowing your place? Do I have to spell it out for you? You go there and nine times out of ten you won't even leave behind bones. While I'm speaking nicely—" "Dogal." "Yes, Acting City Councilor Risir, sir." "?" Brimport's mouth, which had been running on with momentum, stopped. Guard Captain Dogal, who had been waiting nearby. The man who Brimport naturally assumed Morin had brought along came rushing over at Risir's call. "Do you know anything about Mr. Brimport?" "He's a criminal who built his power through smuggling in the Back Alleys." "Criminal—isn't that expression a bit harsh?" "I only stated the facts. Considering the city laws he's broken so far, there would be no problem arresting him immediately." "Uh, uh..." The attendees of the Back Alley Council were broadly divided into two categories: Gadum's partners and Gadum's subordinates. Unlike in the past, Brimport, who had lost most of his power to Gaderok's pressure, couldn't be free from the Guard Corps' pressure. Separately, there was another reason why Brimport was flustered now. 'That Dogal...?' He was a Guard Captain that even Gadum couldn't completely leash. Seeing him bow obediently to a youngster threw Brimport into confusion. Risir. The flow he had created over the past few days had been extremely rapid. Excluding those involved, countless people didn't even know of his existence, let alone his achievements. Brimport was the same. He knew nothing about Risir. But not anymore. "What will you do?" Risir asked. "..." Beside him, Guard Captain Dogal glared with gleaming eyes. "..." Brimport had no choice but to nod obediently. And that night, as the Back Alley Council was convened, the secret meeting location and time were delivered to them. *** This Back Alley Council had a special rule added that had never existed before. "We can wear masks?" At Risir's question, Dogal nodded. "It seems to be in consideration of the new meeting attendees." "You mean me?" "No. I'm talking about The Saint and The Owner. Having appeared suddenly and pushed out the existing rulers to begin governing their regions in new ways, they are troublesome existences to the existing rulers." "In what way?" "To put it bluntly, they're showing behavior that seems to eradicate criminal activities in their respective regions. Probably, for the other rulers, the main purpose of this meeting is to probe The Owner and The Saint's intentions." "Oh, really." Underworld kingpins who were trying to eradicate criminal activities. 'The Owner and The Saint... what kind of people are they?' Risir's eyes gleamed with interest. "Let's get going." Eventually, Risir took a mask that only revealed the lower half of his face and headed to the appointed location. The means of transportation was Gadum's carriage. The only companion allowed was Guard Captain Dogal, who had been Gadum's escort. The place they arrived at was a house in a wealthy residential district. Entering the house's living room through the back door, they found a round table placed in the spacious area. Several seats at the round table were already filled. Though many empty seats remained, those who had gathered closely together all stopped talking at once and turned their gazes toward Risir as he appeared. "..." Among them, the one sending the most blatant stare was a man wearing a black mask. With black hair and black eyes—he was like a giant raven. Gaderok. His eyes narrowing as he looked at Risir, forming crescents. 'I wondered what kind of guy Gadum's representative would be—' Gadum's retainers had quickly spread rumors to prove the legitimacy of the Acting City Councilor. Rumors that Gadum had appointed his representative and left the city. At this very moment, Gaderok's suspicions became certainty. 'Whatever's happening, Gadum's power is crumbling.' Right now, the existence of that pathetic representative was proof of that. That youthful, gentle atmosphere that couldn't be completely hidden even by a mask. He knew well about the man called Gadum. If his condition had been normal, he would never have put forward such a youngster as his representative. A satisfied laugh flowed from the gaps in Gaderok's mask. He judged that now was the right time. "Brimport has arrived." The subsequently arrived Brimport stood alongside Risir. "Don't just stand there, come and sit." Gaderok gestured toward the two. "..." Dogal smirked and let out a small laugh at Gaderok's behavior. It was a lax attitude he had never shown toward Gadum. Eventually, Risir and Brimport sat in seats opposite Gaderok. "By the way—" In tune with that, Gaderok opened his mouth. "Isn't the atmosphere a bit chaotic for having important discussions?" He smiled while looking at Brimport. "Let's first deal with the rat among us before we proceed." A fiery roar. It happened in an instant. "Uh, uh!? Aaaahhh!!!" Brimport's body was engulfed in Black Fire. "Lord Brimport!" His guard immediately took off his coat to try to extinguish the flames, but- The Black Fire, as if it had been waiting for just that, simply devoured the guard as well. "Brimport. That won't do. That's not acceptable. Colluding with other City Councilors behind our backs." Into the place filled with the screams of two people, Gaderok's satisfied voice was thrown. This was an execution. At the same time, it was seizing the initiative. Gaderok looked at Risir and said, "Now the atmosphere is finally being set right. Don't you think so?" Gaderok had taken his first step toward seizing control of the entire underworld. The protagonist of the meeting was decided, and no one questioned that fact. "Aaaahhh please save me—... huh?" That is, until the flames that had been devouring Brimport suddenly died down. "..." Gaderok's gaze, which had been seeking answers, turned toward Risir. "..." He was smiling very satisfactorily. Gaderok didn't know the meaning contained in that smile. The pupils behind the black mask wavered. *** At that moment, new carriages arrived at both the front and back doors of the house where the meeting was in full progress.