Chapter 74

Well, let's get to the flow of things until the Varfan group is crushed.

The Strateg Marquis has already moved and laid the groundwork where necessary.

On top of that, it has been arranged for him to pretend to be enraged as if his authority has been violated.

While it could also be seen as an abuse of power for the Strateg Marquis to go out beyond the palace, it would be problematic if he didn't get involved here.

Since this is an attempted assassination that occurred within the palace and while on guard duty, he is in a position to push through even with a heavy-handed approach.

Here, he is to put on a grand display of anger, declaring that criminals must not be tolerated, and to demand the immediate destruction of the Criminal Guild, and that the heads of all those involved, not just the perpetrators, be cut off in an extreme manner.

Of course, the aim is to set the stage for the compromise we discussed earlier.

Additionally, I have also received his approval to incorporate regulations to cut off the source of funding I proposed.

"Even nobles who are in cahoots cannot openly protect them. Furthermore, without a public excuse for the Strateg Marquis to withdraw his hand, and with the support of Duke Lukaios and the bishop's faction, it is highly likely that the plan will go through."

Wearrel, speaking thus, seemed to have a glint in his eyes in the night of the imperial capital.

Perhaps it was the blood of a beastman.

"To think they would involve us in such a large-scale operation in the capital, not just the palace guards. They must be quite the actors."

Similarly, Helkoff, whose eyes also gleamed, periodically confirmed that I was holding the hem of his robe.

"Apparently, there were surprisingly few who could claim they had not received money for their work. To prevent information leaks, they had to limit the number of people involved, and that's why they included us."

Ikt, who nominally serves under the Strateg Marquis, revealed the inside information.

It seems that those responsible for law enforcement in the capital were taking bribes.

Whether from the Criminal Guild or the Varfan group, it's unclear.

In this world, there is no such thing as a police force, and roles are divided by jurisdiction.

It seems that if the crimes—murder, theft, fraud, smuggling—occur in the same place, the same authority handles them, but how do they manage the expertise?

Perhaps that's why the arrest rate is low and the Criminal Guild exists?

"Your Highnesses, this way."

In the dark capital, Levan called out without a light.

There are streetlights, but they are not as bright as in the previous life.

In the midst of this, Levan peered around the corner at a mansion.

It is a mansion with the walls of the buildings on either side of the urban area tightly attached, but it is tall and extends deep into the back.

"Nice place to live, isn't it?"

The place Helkoff sneered at is the Varfan group's headquarters.

They must be doing some shady things, but it's a grand mansion that doesn't hide.

However, the image of yakuza having offices or traditional Japanese houses might be similar.

Just because they are criminals doesn't mean they live in suspicious buildings.

"The back door is also secured, so when the signal comes, we will move in. However, we will be the last. The other palace guards are going to the back door."

There is no one else around except Levan, but apparently, other palace guards are also participating.

"I see, it seems that by just being involved, we have been assigned the role of surrounding the area to ensure no one escapes."

While Wearrel was speaking, Sefira's scan revealed that there were many people positioned at the front.

It seems that by the time we move, there will be almost nothing left for us to do.

"If the plan is to crush the branches of the Criminal Guild at the same time, even a small family like the perpetrators. This is probably it."

Ikt, who was specially permitted to carry a weapon even within the capital, stroked the sword at his waist.

Helkoff also had a sword at his waist, and Wearrel held a large staff, a rod, that I had never seen before.

"Let me make this clear, don't do anything unnecessary. I called you three here because that Highness seems to be serious, even if it's just for show. It's bad that you are enthusiastic and carrying weapons, but there's nothing to do, so don't worry."

Levan, with his face half-lit by the streetlight, tried to make it clear.

It seems that the Strateg Marquis included my attendants to control their movements.

Even if I was told this, it was too late to be troubled.

"......Hey, why are you all looking in the wrong direction? Are you going to get angry or charge in?"

"It's taking too long."

Helkoff, driven by anxiety, muttered while still looking in the wrong direction.

With a single sigh, Wearrel searched his pocket.

"Here, this is a copy of the instructions issued by the upper organization of the Varfan group, the Kuro group."

"What!?"

"Don't shout."

Ikt, who knew what was coming, covered Levan's mouth.

Levan, whose nose was also covered, struggled, but Ikt also held down one of his arms, making it difficult to resist.

When he finally became oxygen-deprived and could no longer resist, he was released.

"Once Princess Asha decides to act, she will do so without seeking anyone's permission."

Ikt told Levan, who was leaning against the wall and taking deep breaths.

Well, this is the reason why he didn't come from the palace with us.

He left the palace a bit earlier and went to the Kuro group with the three of us for protection.

Location? Sefira checked it.

People's eyes? Sefira took care of it.

Documents? Sefira just scanned them.

"Is it real? Generally, there's no such thing as a copy of a criminal instruction."

"Take a closer look. This is also a request from the Criminal Guild. It serves as proof to call on the guild's power if things get dangerous. For the Kuro group, an assassination of a prince is a dangerous bridge. It's not surprising that they would keep a copy as a safeguard."

Wearrel explained, and Helkoff added:

"The attempt has already failed, and the search for the perpetrator is underway. It's an important document for self-protection. It was not stored away but kept in an easily accessible place."

He restated the hearsay.

Yes, I went there.

It was the smallest, so it was easier for Sefira to process.

Of course, I pushed through despite opposition.

(I didn't expect Sefira to back me up for safety.)

(It is a matter already proven, and questioning my ability is equivalent to doubting it.)

Ah, hide and seek?

Thanks to Sefira, I entered alone and was given the shortest and safest route.

Honestly, it was just a simple errand, with no excitement or tension.

"Why, no, why are you all such amazing people?"

Levan, upon receiving the document and confirming it was real, stared at the attendants in a daze.

The document included the names of the Criminal Guild, the Kuro group, the Varfan group, and the Edenbal family, even if not explicitly.

Levan seemed to be reassessing the capabilities of the attendants.

"Why are such people wasting away in a corner of the palace?"

"Is it even possible to pull off such a feat?"

I thought it would be fine to let him misunderstand, but Ikt denied it with a sigh.

Levan, not understanding, tried to verify the authenticity of the document again.

Helkoff, apparently deducing from the position of the hem I was holding, poked my hand.

"From what I saw, it seems that the Strateg Marquis cannot cut ties with this person. I think it's better to bring one of them on board."

"Yes, the extent of this matter is somewhat unknown. It would be good to have a direct line to the Strateg Marquis, who is at the center of it all."

Wearrel also seemed to agree.

Ikt was already covering Levan's mouth again.

Reluctantly, I revealed myself.

"To avoid causing the Strateg Marquis too much pain, I think it's best to pretend not to see at first. After everything is over, you can decide whether to tell him the truth or keep it to yourself, Levan."

Levan's eyes widened at the sudden appearance of my face from Helkoff's shadow.

Even in the dim light, it was clear that his eyes were filled with shock.

It took some time due to the shock, but once he was visibly deflated, Ikt released his hand.

"There are many things I want to say...... Why are you here?"

Levan asked from the most fundamental point.

"Since the destruction was spoken of, she will act to achieve it. That's the kind of person Princess Asha is."

Before I could speak, Ikt answered.

Levan probably wanted to know how, but I had no intention of telling him.

"By the way, I haven't told the Emperor, so let's keep it a secret."

In response to my request, Levan covered his ears as if to say he hadn't heard.

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Next: Criminal Guild 3