Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 98 After the banquet ended, Gadum had provided the entire annex building for the banquet attendees. There, the next phase of the concluded banquet was about to begin. Knock knock. "Moren?" It was the name of the man who had visited another guest room, breaking the silence that had just begun to settle in the building. The young family head of the Doringeum House, he maintained a reluctant 'friendship' with Gadum to ensure his family's business remained unhindered. "Galuan. How are you finding your sleeping arrangements? Comfortable?" "...I won't say it's comfortable. You seem to want to hear that it's uncomfortable." Galuan was also in a similar position to Moren. The moment he saw Moren's face, he said he understood everything and entered the room to put on his coat. "If possible, could we have a brief conversation?" "Let's do that." Knock knock. "Who is it? At this hour." "Excuse me, Lord Belas. It's me." "Moren? And Galuan too-" "I was talking with Galuan, and your name came up, Lord Belas. If it's not too much trouble, could you spare us a moment?" "...Ahem, I'm preparing to leave right now." Knock knock. "Torn? Galuan? And even Lord Belas... What brings you all together at this hour?" "I think you have a vague idea." "..." "Would you care to join us?" Knock knock. Knock knock. Knock knock. How much time had passed like this? Half of the high-ranking nobles staying in the building had gathered in Moren's room. "Looking at it this way, this is an absurdly incredible building. Eight grown men have gathered in just one guest room, yet I don't feel cramped in the slightest." "What's even more surprising is that this mansion was built solely for entertaining guests and is practically abandoned most of the time." "Yet it's maintained without fail despite that." "The expression 'money rotting away' fits perfectly." "If we strengthen our friendship with Gadum, we could pick up some of that rotting money from below..." The city nobles exchanged meaningful conversation while watching each other's reactions. A subtle tension filled the room. After a moment, Lord Belas, the eldest among the city nobles in the room, spoke on behalf of everyone to Moren, who had organized this gathering. "So, Moren. What reason do you have for gathering us all in one place?" "Respected Lord Belas. You've already seen who's present, so I believe someone of your stature would understand the purpose of this gathering without my needing to explain." "Even so, I think I need to hear the purpose of this gathering from your own mouth. The reason you planned this meeting with such impure intentions here, in none other than Gadum's own mansion." Everyone's attention focused on the young family head. He spoke with eyes that held his characteristic sharpness. "Gadum, he is wavering. It's a fact that everyone here knows." Moren's words clarified the vague purpose of the gathering. The city nobles showed bewilderment despite having anticipated this direction. And rightly so, since his statement was tantamount to saying 'let's abandon Gadum and switch sides.' They all had something in common. Their families' power bases lay under Gadum's sphere of influence. If things went wrong, their families' safety could be threatened. That's why they showed both concern and interest in Moren's words. The standards of 'friendship' that Gadum demanded from them were getting increasingly higher. For now they maintained a reasonable distance, but they never knew when they might be forced into 'hospitality' and 'business participation.' They had no desire whatsoever to participate in Gadum's disgusting business that was unpleasant even to speak of. Even if it brought enormous wealth. Amid the complex glances being exchanged, Lord Belas again spoke on their behalf. "Yes. As you say, we've seen that Gadum is wavering. Recently he lost an important business and partner simultaneously. City Councilor Ran, who used to be desperate to avoid Gadum, not only boldly stepped into his territory but also undermined his dignity in a public setting. As you say, Gadum is wavering." "Then-" However, Belas added with a nonchalant attitude. "So what are you suggesting we do?" "Lord Belas?" "He still has numerous businesses left, and he still has his guard corps. It will take a long time for his money supply to completely dry up, and during that time the city councilors will tolerate his excesses. Do you have the confidence to endure until then?" "I couldn't endure it alone." "Do you think it would make much difference if we joined forces?" "If we joined forces and sided with Ran, I think it would make a significant difference." "...Ran is a person worthy of respect. All citizens of Bondaless respect and love her." "I agree." However, Belas added once again. "Even more than that, citizens fear Gadum. While Ran invests everything she has to help the powerless poor and citizens, Gadum invests everything he has on the opposite side to exploit the city. Do you think Ran can be a match for Gadum? When even other city councilors are taking Gadum's money?" "...I had the same thoughts as you, Lord Belas." "Then?" "The collapse of [Left Hand Has Liquor] and the barbarians. Until I realized that Ran was the mastermind behind it all. Ran. She ruined Gadum's business and took away his people, yet she brazenly came here. It's not something she could do without solid evidence." "Solid evidence..." The middle-aged city noble's wrinkles deepened. Belas thought of a certain Honorary Mage. "So what you're saying is that we should stake all our fates on that young Honorary Mage." "..." Moren's confident expression became tinged with uncertainty. "He's certainly an impressive individual. But can you guarantee it? That with his participation, Ran has risen to an equal position with Gadum?" He couldn't guarantee it. How could he? That a young noble who had just become an adult would have sufficient power to oppose Gadum. Moren was at a loss for words. "..." Though Belas had gained the upper hand in the discussion, his expression wasn't bright either. Belas had also secretly hoped that Moren would be able to convince him. An uncomfortable silence settled over the room. While the city nobles were watching each other's reactions in that silence- -Knock knock knock "Lord Moren!" "Lord Belas, this is an emergency!" "Sir Galuan-" The area in front of the door suddenly became chaotic. The guards and servants accompanying the city nobles came rushing with urgent news. "...What? The guard corps?" Moren hurriedly drew back the curtains and looked out the window. "...!" The fully armed guard corps was controlling the annex building. So that no one could enter and no one could escape. "That bastard Gadum-" "He's sending the guard corps after us?" The city nobles were stunned. They knew that Gadum, sensing a crisis, would take measures, but to come out this fast and recklessly? "For now, let's go and check the detailed situation." *** Moren's group hurried down to the building's hall. There, they saw other city nobles who had come down earlier. Unlike Moren's group, these were people who had deep connections with Gadum. True friends, meaning business partners. Those who accepted Gadum's filthy hospitality and willingly participated in his dirty business. "That can't be! There must be some misunderstanding!" This was why Moren's group was considerably flustered. "I repeat, there are no exceptions. We have orders not to let anyone leave this mansion until dawn and the investigation is complete." Gadum's guard corps blocking the building's main gate wouldn't make way even for such 'best friends.' "If that's true, I won't stand for it either! Move aside! I need to return to my residence immediately!" A city noble pushed forward stubbornly. -Swish. Then, the guard pointed his sword tip at him without a moment's hesitation. "If you come any closer, I will subdue you immediately." "No way..." The 'best friend' was speechless and froze in place. The other 'best friends' were the same. Moren's group was also frozen in place, feeling a similar type of bewilderment as the 'best friends.' "We received information that there might be someone among today's banquet attendees who has been in contact with cultists." "...Lady Ran, what do you mean by that?" Ran approached them and explained the whole situation. "It seems he intends to make an example." "An example...?" "He wants to show us what happens so we don't dare think of opposing him. Under the pretext of that investigation, won't he be bothering us for a while?" How outrageous. Moren's group swallowed back the words that had risen to their throats. It was entirely possible for Gadum, sensing a crisis. "Th-this can't continue...! We need to take some measure, some action..." The flustered Moren's group looked around. Their gaze unconsciously followed one man. Soon, someone muttered blankly. "Come to think of it, that fellow Risir-" Ran answered with a bitter smile. "I saw before coming here that his room door was closed. He seems to still be inside." "He's holed up in his room in this situation!?" Belas cried out in shock, but- "Well, he probably has his own reasons for everything." Hehe. He was immediately overwhelmed by Ran's meaningful smile. "What on earth..." In the current situation, the person in the most difficult position should be none other than Ran herself. From Gadum's perspective, he could simply intimidate the other city nobles with fear, but he knew that wouldn't work on Ran. Ran must have known this too. So how could she be so relaxed? "Don't tell me you heard something separately from that fellow Risir?" "I was just about to do that. If it's alright, shall we go together?" "No-" She hadn't even heard anything yet, but she was that relaxed? They couldn't understand Ran's composure to the end. That's why, as if entranced, they followed behind her. To Risir's guest room where he was staying. *** "Please come in." When they knocked, Risir's voice came from beyond the door. It was an infinitely calm voice. Moren's group followed Ran, who led the way, into the room. "...!" They unconsciously held their breath. Moonlight coming through the window dimly illuminated the room. Risir. He was on the bed. Not lying down, but sitting cross-legged. His appearance exuded a strange mystique and sense of intimidation. 'He's meditating in the middle of all this!?' Some nobles looked at Risir as if entranced. Eventually, Risir, having completely emerged from his inner world, opened his eyes and looked straight ahead. 'Damn, that startled me. What's this? Why did they all come crowding in like this?' He spoke while striving to maintain his composure. "What brings you all here like this?" "What brings us here? Didn't you hear any of the commotion!?" Moren asked as if shouting out of frustration. "Commotion?" Ah. Eventually Risir smiled bitterly. 'Oh my, Verdandes... you little rascal!' He thought that the sand dune's little troublemaker had finally caused problems. He immediately spoke to try to handle the situation. "You don't need to worry too much." "We don't need to worry?" She may have been a sand dune troublemaker before, but now she had transformed into a proper sand spirit. Risir had faith that the problem she caused wouldn't be serious. 'At most, maybe a chaotic restaurant raid by a sandstorm?' A sandstorm, or rather a sand spirit girl, devouring food. From the perspective of those who didn't know of Verdandes' existence, it would certainly be bewildering. But that's all it was. Just an incident of a spirit craving food. "Yes. It might seem chaotic on the surface, but in reality it's probably nothing much." "Nothing much? How can you be so certain..." "I promise to take full responsibility for everything, so please trust me." "..." Not only Moren's group but even Ran was surprised by Risir's reaction. His appearance, filled with conviction and responsibility, was remarkably composed. It was as if he had all the current circumstances in the palm of his hand. "Since it's already late today, let's continue our discussion when dawn breaks." They followed Risir's instructions as if entranced. *** "Lord Gadum. As you instructed, we have sealed off the annex building." "Make sure no one can escape until tomorrow morning." "Understood." Guard Captain Dogal finished his report and left Gadum's room. Gadum, left alone in the room. "..." He kept nodding his head repeatedly. 'Ran, Risir. What can you do when I come at you like this?' The reason he had been beaten by those bastards was entirely because he had let his guard down. If he thoroughly pressured them, they would never be able to escape his control. Gadum, thinking he had proven his point by mobilizing the guard corps, regained his composure once again. 'Now, going forward...' While organizing his future plans, he left his office and moved to his bedroom. Throughout his luxurious bedroom were display cases. As Gadum's representative hobby, the display cases contained artifacts imbued with evil power. Gadum felt joy by perfectly controlling those dangerous objects that others couldn't handle carelessly. Sometimes he would use those artifacts to harm his political enemies. Maintaining those artifacts stored in magically-powered display cases was how Gadum finished most of his daily routines. "..." After a moment, having finished his maintenance, Gadum took one satisfying look around his collection before lying down on his bed. While those bastards in the annex building couldn't sleep due to unexpected threats, he was taking his rest in such a perfectly controlled space. 'Good.' Thus, Gadum fell asleep feeling his mind, which had been disturbed by the unexpected intervention of the existence called 'Risir', becoming stable. With the belief that he would be able to control all future situations as he wished. *** Late at night when everyone had fallen asleep. An uninvited guest came to Gadum's mansion, which was being guarded with strict security. Thick doors. Locks. Night guards. The uninvited guest passed through them all as if they were nothing and entered Gadum's bedroom located in the deepest part of the mansion. A soft sliding sound. It was a handful of sand. Having slipped through the door crack and flowed into the room, it took shape in front of the display case placed in the corner of the room. The sand spirit girl raised both hands forcefully in front of the display case. -I'm going to eat you all!!! -You'd better let yourselves be devoured quietly!!! It was a gesture filled with such terrible threats. To human eyes, it would just be a cute scene that would bring a pleased smile, but- Violent trembling. Gadum's precious collection items seemed to have quite different opinions. The display case shook violently. Eventually, having finished her tour of the display cases, Verdandes approached Gadum. Her gaze turned to the necklace buried deep in his thick neck. -It was you! This smell! Gadum's thick neck flesh trembled slightly. The girl's touch reached for the necklace. And a moment later, having finished her satisfying meal, the girl left the room without lingering. A soft sliding sound. Leaving sand scattered throughout the room. *** The next morning. Gadum, as always, began his day by maintaining the collection items in his display cases. "...!" The moment he opened the display case, his expression twisted mercilessly. Dust and dirt were stuck all over his collection items. Not only that, but fine scratches remained as if something had scraped them. As if they had been caught in a sandstorm. "What in the world is this... huh?" Gadum touched his own neck. With a rustling sound- The sand that had been clinging to his thick neck fell to the floor. "..." Gadum turned pale and looked around. There were no traces of intrusion whatsoever. Only the results remained. "Is, is anyone there!?" When Gadum shouted, the guards immediately opened the door and entered. "What's the matter!" "Your night watch, didn't you keep the night watch!?" "What do you mean- Of course we guarded the councilor's bedroom all night. Didn't you order us to do so?" "...Gasp! Gasp-" Gadum's breathing became rapidly labored. -Remember that your worthless life can be taken at any time. In his mind, some man threw off his mask and spoke. It wasn't those bastards who were thoroughly under the opponent's control. It was himself. *** "Risir! Wake up!" "Huh?" It was a voice waking Risir from his sleep. And it was a scene welcoming Risir as he woke up. The sand girl sitting gently on Risir's chest was looking down at him. “Is Chuin a sleepyhead!?” “And you, Verdandes… is Ver an early riser?” "No!!!" "Huh?" "Verdandes..." The girl's body trembled. Risir also unconsciously clenched his strength. "Soo-ya!" "Ah, what a waste." “Here! I’ll give this to Risir!” Ah~ Verdandes opened her mouth with both index fingers, and a yellow mineral fell out of her mouth. "..." It was a familiar scene.