Chapter 60
TEduHch“Ho, ho, the capital is certainly impressive.”Y5w1QwF
NVyIn the northern streets of Tibron, Lucian kept letting out exclamations of amazement.HX2TY
8MuCjAnyone who saw him would think he was a country noble dazzled by the splendor of the capital.cpRI2
V8JQDiwAnd since half of it was genuine, it was impossible to tell it apart from an act.eJPFr7o
ZGKJjRaymond, who was by his side, accompanied his words with continuous remarks.Y8mr
PmJmg“The wall was already impressive, but the inside is even more incredible. Now I understand why they call it the jewel of the Empire.”6W5rp
aypoSUo“Exactly. Just walking through all of it must take several days.”JezpA
Xjxp5c“We’ve arrived with plenty of time, so take in everything you want.”t0S3OwV
Fg6“I will. So, where should we head next?”6T3J2
dY52tThe capital’s citizens cast mocking glances at the conversation between the lord and his companion. It was the typical “another country noble just arrived in the city” attitude.U6R
iJdnOf course, despite the looks being thrown at them, the two pretended not to notice and kept looking around.6WUr
jIpl“Hmm… there’s less and less to see. Did we end up in the wrong area?”JzGhgQL
bWbTzUM“From the looks of it, it’s a poor district. Should we head back?”hnSMuo
0it“No, let’s take another look. Everything is an experience.”tRHs
7W1ZLucian widened his eyes with feigned curiosity and headed toward the slums.e54s
7AmwaoFIt was the perfect behavior for a sixteen-year-old young lord who knew nothing of the world.6VLoOP
xa5nLRaymond followed him, barely holding back a laugh.3ucV
VwpAgtl“Wow… it’s getting dirtier and dirtier. And I think there’s a weird smell.”E0uB23
nHqXWG“It’s a slum, can’t be helped. But I don’t think it’s a good idea to go further.”Zq2D
jXNYgR“That’s what I was thinking. Let’s head back.”dQFla
mjrJust as Lucian had stepped in and was about to turn around—vkVLMkf
GFAcUjI“Hehehe, my lords. First time in the capital?”ofH78
5nFA hunchback with a hunched back approached, rubbing his hands in front of Lucian.EJBGI
dHpjLucian instantly frowned and covered his nose.KHH
1yAbjxv“Impudent! Who do you think I am to speak to me like that? Step aside!”kPlKf
ZWz8Jw“Oh, I’m sorry! Please, forgive me! Forgive me!”mLm
DM96BThe hunchback got scared and immediately prostrated himself, trembling.NNrP
6f1sdIt was such a servile attitude that any noble with a big ego would naturally feel superior.dIj
DTqCWpbAt first glance, it seemed natural, but it was clearly a calculated act.b5Jhc
zOQPw“I… I just wanted to guide the young lord around the capital. Even if it doesn’t seem like it, there are a few interesting hidden spots in this area…”w4L
sWvG“Hidden interesting spots?”Jo66OuM
3irLl3R“Yes, yes! In fact, I work around here as a guide and make some money from the lords.”jnw7r
Kdgn“Money? Don’t be ridiculous. At first glance, there’s nothing to see.”YKdg3
R9zThough Lucian mocked him, he didn’t send him away, so the hunchback raised his head with a servile expression.l9qm
rfdrT6“If you look closely, there are surprisingly interesting things. For example, black markets or information dealers.”IdBn8
OpHjO2z“Black market and information dealers?”t55buD
MVI“Yes. The things that can’t be shown openly tend to be hidden in places like this, don’t you think?”dubYC
deFi“Oh…”FDf
ZcEZAt the hunchback’s insistence, Lucian stroked his chin with interest.ljw
bm7OLSeeing him go silent, as if inviting him to go on, the hunchback grinned, revealing his yellowed teeth.G1C
yDqx“What do you say, want to try just once? You could get items that aren’t sold elsewhere, or hidden information. If you want, I’ll guide you myself.”LT25OWF
xur“Ahem… it’s not that I’m particularly interested, but helping the poor is also a noble’s duty. Giving you a little job doesn’t sound so bad.”h5dPiH
JzVEK“Oh, thank you so much! May the eight gods bless such a generous lord!”S8Y8
tluK“Then guide us. If it’s not as interesting as you say, I’ll hold you responsible.”xLtKrtQ
2cJ6MC“You won’t be disappointed! Let’s start with the black market!”nNQIIvP
iNVlThe hunchback immediately stood up and began guiding Lucian toward a corner of the slum.bvIBjb
pz8gLucian and Raymond exchanged a glance and followed him silently.ThA
nUG4AnR***97AU0G
2uAxa“I knew this would happen.”QFRm
zIjPRFLucian let out a soft chuckle as he stepped out of a maze-like alley.uxpN9
dQ8axYAt some point, he and Raymond had ended up surrounded by more than a dozen men.VgO
pGgn95The hunchback left them there and casually walked among the group.MVymt
Q4ve2“I brought the prey. Strip him of everything, down to the last bone.”Zst
IGl“Boss, doesn’t it sound a little rough to strip them and toss them out on the street?”7t3
TUQxI“Even for robbery, you’ve got to coordinate! I just wanted to scare the young lord a bit, what’s the harm?”G3YBksW
jNIv“You always have such twisted tastes. He must’ve been scared to death.”2mJBi
SAs“Haha!”8eE6g
grxwLaughter echoed through the open lot.r8MSYtP
1V7vnFor a country noble who had only lived in the countryside, the situation would have been intimidating enough to make him step back without thinking.vc5WEIZ
rIxGBut Lucian shrugged calmly and looked at Raymond.fE1NeQQ
UbnDU“What do you think? Can you take them?”9MgAC3
1PDi“Mmm, it’ll be a little tricky.”mi8
dh7“Really?”DAdd
gIim2“Fighting with my hands behind my back in this kind of terrain is hard. I’ll have to use at least one arm.”AcXB
fXHgVEC“With this lot, you should be saying one leg is enough.”rtqG8k
vZfN“If it were one-on-one in a narrow alley, no problem. But if they come from all directions, I’ll need to use my arms.”QTiTh
nvsy“Hahaha!”HGhsn
cMx7EThis time, the laughter came from Lucian. Seeing neither of the two showing fear, the faces of the thugs, including the hunchback, twisted.zUK
Wby2pJ1“Hey, gentlemen. I don’t think you understand the situation…”wYITn
R2YahElFwoosh!A6LmFHG
Cp8lhsBefore he could finish the threat, a burst of air was heard, and one side of the stone wall was blown apart.eYz
mnfRaymond had already drawn his sword and smashed the wall. The hunchback, who hadn’t even seen when he drew it, froze in place.YJZXH
Mwdh6“Maybe because it’s a poor neighborhood, the structures around here are weak. I thought the terrain would be annoying, but it’ll be easier to just cut through everything.”lQf
h1akZ“If possible, don’t kill them. Leave them crippled. If there are corpses, we’ll have to explain it to the guards later.”MNcj
XePi“Aren’t you going to ask them to surrender first?”4qJ
m70fCF1“I doubt it’ll help much, but shall we try?”ydD
7yFIGHcLucian thought for a moment and looked at the frozen hunchback.w9x0X
8vTE“I’ll give you two options. First—you kneel down quietly and answer my questions. Second—you resist, a few die, you get a brutal beating, and then you answer my questions.”UWU6p
bOv8FM“Who the hell are you?”XLjPEI6
iOXdThe hunchback pulled a twisted dagger from his clothes, watching cautiously.9kz05zW
fpcT9JEven after seeing the power gap, he looked ready to pounce at any moment.lnch
xEiZCLVLucian reached into his clothes and threw down the badge he had received earlier.UYUc
QlZ4E87Clang!2kQmN
vYq“…The Black Scale Knight Order’s insignia?”QFR1dU5
Uwi5pme“They gave it to me. Told me if I got in trouble, just show it and I’d be let through.”Em9pXt
yxJmACHearing that, the hunchback and the other thugs began to tremble.faWyww
QO5262lEven if they didn’t know the details, they did know that the Black Scale Knights were the personal guard of the First Prince.dc3C
nxWThe absolute elite assigned by the Emperor to his most beloved son.quC
n66tAnd this young man had received their insignia directly.8gV9c
LWxte“I thought you were just some arrogant brat relying on his guard’s skill, but turns out you’re someone big. Keh.”9sN
dhWKG“J-jeez, boss… what now?”8eo
jGM“What do you mean, what now? Haven’t I taught you a thousand times what to do in a situation like this?”8mWZE
Zm9IThe hunchback looked at Lucian with surprising resolve, showing no sign of submission. Lucian admired him in silence.Mq4
le2Ty5U“You’d rather die than kneel miserably in front of your men?”lBO2i06
MEt0In that case, learning without pain was the least Lucian could offer.DGunGT
cKAJust as Lucian was about to give Raymond an order—OZxUXSO
Nt5JThe hunchback bowed deeply, as if diving, and shouted.XJ7Joo
hjN4ZTThud!NvxBUSc
C7w“I-I’ll tell you anything! Please spare my life, my lord!”XEFvu2R
kbtppZ“….”avZz
rWyN***O5u
Doj1qcN“So you’re the branch chief of the Thieves’ Guild? The one in charge of the Tibron branch?”ySHhlUl
WsAP“Y-yes! My mates call me John of the Crooked Blade!”Ty0F
tqW“Crooked blade? More like crooked back.”9avS
1xd“As expected, the lord’s sense of humor is extraordinary! If you wish, I’ll change my nickname immediately!”9G1kLz
ef3dThe hunchback who introduced himself as John rubbed his hands so much they nearly smoked, shamelessly flattering.6Lr3gk
oHtJAt such a servile display, Lucian clicked his tongue.s06C
7nwN“And you call yourself a branch chief of the Thieves’ Guild without a shred of pride? I flash a simple badge, and you fold instantly.”93RdKB
XoFk“Oh, don’t say that. Do you know how hard it is to survive as a thief in a safe city like Tibron? The moment we bother someone important—bam, we’re dead.”Ij1gDi
BwCJohn made a throat-slitting gesture with his hand and stuck out his tongue.I5ZoJO
oLdQ“Ignorant folks think we’re untouchable because it’s the Imperial Capital, but really, all it takes is one word from His Majesty the Emperor, and we’re wiped out the next day. If it weren’t like that, do you think I, in charge of the capital, would just be a branch chief and not the guild leader?”OevA
8KX“I see.”MuhO4qI
Mtck8Lucian had wondered why, despite running things in the capital, he wasn’t the guild leader. Turned out it was because the authorities were too powerful.ITSb
ioMm7Even though the empire’s center had the most to steal, thieves avoided it.NGQn6Yu
3onFYKX“Looking at it another way, it means you’re well-informed. If you couldn’t read the currents of the capital, you’d have lost your head by now.”66u
Rv5GA“Wow, the lord’s insight is amazing. With just a few words, you’ve grasped it all.”209
Gs8UR4h“Enough flattery. I have just one question.”aUvrE9B
qRln7tp“Ask anything!”Ipmv1
wPS9“Do you know who’s been buying large amounts of moon herb lately? Not a group—a single person.”Ico7R
a7IbARUAt the unexpected question, John blinked, but upon noticing Lucian’s gaze, quickly lowered his head.V1j8HUh
NGebptq“I can find out, but it might take a few days.”eJT
rvg“That’s fine, as long as the information is accurate.”AqeRmf
OX4a“And, if possible I’d need a small advance…”jyE8U
YncotsJohn formed a circle with his fingers and glanced sideways at Lucian.bdJd
FdD8OjEven with his life hanging by a thread, he still asked for his cut, which made Lucian smile faintly.J5xhPXB
1rj6Qc“Is this enough?”2b4i7tG
Hz2F1Clang.ePKYj
efJop“…!”Qu1
3HeWhen a pouch full of gold coins hit the ground, John froze completely. He’d asked for an advance, but the amount was excessive.QY3nn
rTz7wLucian didn’t seem like someone who flaunted money, so the message was clear.a59HeN
V2GiwG‘I’ll give you whatever you want. But if you don’t find it quickly—you know what’s coming.’hxAYqnZ
XyIxJohn swallowed hard and pressed his forehead to the ground.OZvJ
IE4v“I’ll find it within two days, maximum.”zc08LVO
KWKjM1***gfUJ6cy
JR0i9Two days later, a member of the Thieves’ Guild visited Lucian’s inn and handed him some documents.nvp9Y
tUFiA17Inside was a list of people who had recently purchased moon herb.MipXxQU
LKGa6oW“They kept their word.”XcVk
wueGmB“Finding this in a city this big must not have been easy.”pDfy
Bn4c“With the advance I gave, I’m sure they got it done. Nothing opens mouths like violence and money.”Q3wG
Hj0Q3k5Even so, the speed was impressive. While reviewing the documents, Lucian immediately found the name he was looking for.3Nzzx
goIhX“Just as I thought.”aVeV
4MiTLucian smiled as he saw the name Haide Forbor written at the top.faP2
mL751VWThe amount of moon herb purchased far exceeded that of anyone else.cHH
43nConsidering he had previously shown zero interest in that plant, it was suspicious. And something else was even stranger.Ao23I
26T“It says he also bought moon herb the same day we talked to him. And the day before… and the day before that.”tqgPK
zeGIp“Didn’t that guy say he’d only just returned to the city?”Eh6H7i
h5Tj“That’s what he said. And he didn’t seem to be lying.”yCy
qO6NIf Haide hadn’t lied, then there was only one answer—someone had used his name to secretly buy moon herb while he was gone.ZCtnP
oXZXZNLucian burned the documents with a candle flame and stood up.XGBUCJc
m3K“Let’s go. I think we know where the person we’re looking for is.”R1gqke
JlSAiH“Where to?”sh4kb0
BDam9“To Haide’s mansion.”lx0rZH
ZZW07g“Eh? You’re going back to see that pathetic guy?”4cJW0LL
HZA“Just because it’s the home of an alchemist doesn’t mean only the alchemist lives there.”XQPVM
Gk4xBLucian smiled at Raymond’s confused expression and left the inn.dRO
f4tGGFinding Haide’s house wasn’t difficult.7CxF
wiHD9N6It was one of the residences the Alchemist Guild provided for free to official alchemists.nGl8i
zH4G4Lucian approached the mansion, which didn’t have a single guard, knocked on the door—but no answer came from inside.4RI
RKzC‘Out again buying moon herb?’MgvNix
ZDmO— W-who is it…?u6fYao
jrZvT7A timid voice reached Lucian’s ears, who had thought no one was inside.s7hdT
84fcHearing that barely audible voice, Lucian raised his voice.zAFD7T
vC16“Open the door. I’ve come to see someone who lives here.”qzKO9O
VJCZ— M-Master Haide isn’t here right now. He went out, come back later.7UeJdLc
jjN“I didn’t come to see the alchemist.”2Vofnv
EbKK— T-then you’ve got the wrong house.eGoidB
MtJ“I’m not mistaken. I came to find you.”YT2IcaT
vze— …?no28Ra
LGB“The thief who’s been secretly buying expensive herbs under his master’s name.”zUm
cTgqInBang! Crash! Rumble!SDdp8W
hclSfAs soon as Lucian finished speaking, a commotion erupted inside.XTGg
c1eSounds of someone falling, bumping, and breaking things.B7gt
bmNA moment later, someone rushed to the door and flung it open.GRu
uWeClack.BDj
Z4RyPT“I-it’s a misunderstanding! It’s not theft! The master asked me to buy them for research…!”Bw9T
xQCuThe person who opened the door shouted with a face drenched in cold sweat, desperately trying to explain.G0O
hPtEjBut Lucian barely heard the excuse.KS4FLKk
7RKPwtUWhat truly shocked him was the face that appeared on the other side of the door.W323Sgn
vgMsj‘A boy?’jCLaQ
VM1The one staring at him with eyes as wide as a deer’s was a young boy—about Lucian’s age.1lynxF
What did you think of this chapter?
Report comment
Please select the reason for reporting this comment. False reports may result in account suspension.
0 Comments
There are no comments yet. Be the first!