Chapter 137

Isaac held true to his words and delegated the responsibility of being New Port Citys representative in the negotiations to Laila. The news of reunification between Port and New Port City was surprising enough to the public, but it was even more astonishing to hear that Laila, a child, was the representative with Zeroman as her aide.

Meanwhile, chaos ensued in Port City. Having lost their original representative, Zeroman, to New Port City, they hastily sought a new representative in the negotiations.

Many wrinkles formed on Zeromans face as the residents of Port City branded him a traitor. They feared that he would give away the rights to the waterway, Port Citys greatest card in the negotiations, for nothing in return.

Theyre fighting?

Isaac asked back dumbfounded when Rizzly reported to him with a chuckle.

Yes. They seem to think itll be a simple feat to push Laila around.

If they could steer young Laila towards them, Port City might be able to come out ahead in the negotiation.

True, itll be easy for them to cook a little brat to their taste.

Isaac mumbled as he glimpsed at Laila, who was looking after Julia as she played with Kunette and Reisha.

No matter how hard Laila tried, she was still but a child.

There was a reason why people looked at experience, age, and history. Not to mention that Laila had yet to prove herself to be gifted enough to be invited to the College, despite having promise.

I dont know why theyre so riled up about this when its obvious that this entire act is to give Laila experience.

People make fools of themselves for three things.

Whats that?

Religion, love, and greed.

Rizzly nodded along, seemingly convinced by Isaac.

Leave those fools alone. Theyll self-destruct eventually. And how goes the Lichtens?

Rizzly shrugged at the question.

That place is obviously in turmoil.

Many of the Lichten familys remaining successors fainted at the news of the Lichten successors attempt to assassinate Isaac and the resulting declaration of provincial warfare.

They first needed to deny Viscount Aintzs claim to the title in order to clean up the mess. There were no issues there; that was already done and dusted. But it was the next stepselecting the new successorthat prevented them from moving on.

Everyone fought to establish their own branch family as the official line of succession. Even the Capitals Department of Administration, who intervened to prevent the outbreak of provincial warfare, had left them out of exhaustion.

Everyone raised their voice to claim that they were the legitimate successor, preventing the Lichtens as a whole from negotiating with Isaac even if they wanted to.

The Department of Administration declared that the declaration of provincial warfare would be accepted if the Lichtens could come up with terms of negotiation, but it only added fuel to the fire.

The Lichtens were split into many factionsfrom the pro-war faction arguing that there was nothing to be afraid of to those who argued that they should accept Isaacs offer and migrate elsewhere with their wealth to those that who clamored about honour and tradition backing the opinion of choosing a new Marquis first and negotiating afterwards. It was a complete mess.

Whats the fatty doing all this time?

With so few under his command, he seems to be convincing them one at a time, visiting them personally. Although progress has been lackluster thus far.

Thats strange. Just what is it backing this foolish bravado, especially when they should be running away with their tails in between their legs?

Isaac cocked his head in curiosity, and Rizzly answered with a bitter smile.

I suspect its because of Centrals actions.

Did the Directorate of Strategy intervene again?

Thats not it. Theyve been boldened by Centrals inaction regarding the assassination attempt at a College graduate. Everyone within the Lichtens sphere that had been aware of the Pure Blood Confederacy has perished, but they still have other connections and varying degrees of influence.

Isaacs expression changed subtly.

Ah, I forgot.

One of the reasons why the College garnered the admiration and envy of the populace was because of the absolute protection Central provided.

It was common knowledge that Central didnt leave a single rock unturned when a College graduate was injured or died. Yet Central didnt move when Isaac was nearly assassinated and declared provincial warfare.

In truth, the reason behind investigating College graduates after they died or were attacked was trivial.

It was because Central was afraid of sensitive information leaking, as many College graduates were associated with Central.

All of the embezzlement, corruption, and other crimes that they unveiled as they investigated the graduates associates were just a bonus.

Not to mention the agents, united under the sacred duty of protecting this world, would ruthlessly cry out for vengeance when attacked in any way, shape, or form.

Simply put, it was one for all and all for one. If Isaac was an ordinary graduate of the College, Central would have moved without question nor negotiation to ransack the Lichtens and returned with their declaration of unconditional surrender.

However, Isaac was a Type 3 invader who had risen to the top of the chain of command as the Director of Security, all purely through the Queens influence.

Which is why every agents reaction was akin to so what? when Isaac was attacked.

Plus, this incident was entirely Isaacs machinations from start to finish, which is why Central wouldnt act. Although it painted a different picture to the public.

It looked as if Central wont act even after a College graduate was nearly assassinated. I can see why theyd misunderstand.

Rizzly answered with a snicker, and Isaac grumbled with a small sigh.

Itll look weird if you butt in now right?

Itd be a very late entry. Not to mention we wouldnt act in the first place.

Isaac dashed his lip and let out another sigh. He leaned back into his chair, locked his hands together, and placed them on his stomach.

Damn. I fucked up. For me to forget such a simple solution to this

Rizzly looked back with a puzzled expression when Isaac fixed his posture and asked Laila.

Brat.

Laila, who was playing with Julia, ran over. Julia also came overher hand firmly grasping her sistersalarmed by Isaacs call for her sister. She glimpsed at Isaac as she hid behind her sister.

Isaac scoffed at Julia hiding from him and ordered.

Go and, whats his name again? Just fetch me the captain of the mercenaries.

Yes, Lord.

Laila nodded without a complaint and walked down the stairs with Julias hand in hers.

While Rizzly looked at the two childrens backs with a complicated expression, Kunette approached Isaac unhappily for ruining their fun.

Isaac grabbed Kunette, who tried to bite his hand, and placed her on his lap.

Wheres Reisha off to?

Isaac saw Reisha, who was normally with Kunette at all times, jump off from the rooftop. Kunette leaned up against Isaacs chest and answered.

This is a dangerous city.

True.

As the city became a fief, its back alleys also needed to change. But calling the gutters sewers was just changing its name.

It didnt change the fact that this place was the final destination for criminals at birth.

Having two children donning expensive clothes in this city was like leaving gems out in the open street.

Even if Soland had firm grasp over his territory, criminals became who they were because they didnt know the meaning of self control.

As they said, when you are foolish, you are brave. With so many people eager to commit a crime despite knowing theyd be killed if caught, an escort was necessary.

So your name is Flander?

Yes! I am honoured that you remember my name!

Isaac sat on his chair with his legs crossed and his head leaning on one arm resting on the armrest. He examined the young man in front of him.

Groveling hunched back, gleaming pupils, and an iris that restlessly scanned his surroundings, with a weak and treacherous smile. It was a stance unfitting of someone who impressed Lanburton and Rizzly by passing Centrals Combat Agent training, even if it was a condensed version.

You are staying with the mercenary band because you want to repay me, you say?

Flanders eyes shone when Isaac asked.

Thats right! I was destined to be thrown away in the back alleys like trash, but I survived thanks to your benevolence, Lord Isaac! I will live the rest of my life to serve you!

A funny man.

Isaac smirked, and Flander bowed his head.

You know someone tried to assassinate me right?

Flanders snarled and began denigrating the assailant.

If you leave the termination of that despicable pile of feces unfit for even gutter rats, I will leave him wishing for the sweet release of death that will never come.

Itd be much more efficient to make him work to repay his debt.

Flander seemed to have reached an epiphany and spoke to Isaac in great admiration.

Ohoh! I see! If you lock him away, youll need to pay for prisons upkeep, but if you send him for forced labour, youll be able to cover some of its costs! I, Flander, am awed by my Lords wisdom again and again!

I mean, you dont have to go that far.

Isaac scratched his arm as goosebumps rose in response to Flanders blatant bootlicking.

The fatty has been sent to Lichtens but it seems his safety is endangered. Go on an escort mission.

Ill fulfill it with my life!

Isaac made a satisfied smile and nodded at Flanders determined look.

Good. Ill make sure to give you a decent reward.

How could I possibly ask for a reward when Im working for my Lord.

No, no. It is the norm to pay for the work received.

I thank you for your benevolence.

Just as Flander bowed deeply to demonstrate his appreciation, Isaac turned his chair around with a cigarette in his mouth and began mumbling to himself.

There are still some who reject my gracious offer to leave the land with their wealth intact and migrate elsewhere. There really is no answer for them. But Im busy with the reunification matter with Port City. I feel like theyre being more arrogant knowing I dont have the time to deal with them. At this rate, the matter wont be over before the Capital approves provincial warfare.

I will bring Lichtens to their knees in three days! Of course, it will bear a large cost.

Isaac glimpsed at Flander, who was rubbing his hands together as he boldly declared. He then sighed and continued his monologue.

Ah, isnt there a better way? I want to resolve this peacefully. Itll work out once I can get them to come together by silencing the idiots who keep demanding for a fight

Flander quickly caught on to Isaacs monologuebefitting his treacherous appearanceand he began mumbling to himself.

So many people are enraged at our Lords assassination attempt and would volunteer for war, but our Lord doesnt want it Even if they want to bring vengeance to the place of our Lord, they cant leave their families behind. All they can do is just drink the anger away

Haah, I want to prove how I can look after the families of those who die working for me, but with no incidents to show as examples, I cant show anything. Such a shame.

I swear, these uneducated, ungrateful idiots ignore our Lords generosity without knowing their place. It pains me.

Oops! Where did I leave the document listing the names of the members of the pro-war faction?

Isaac scrunched up a piece of document and threw it at Flanders feet as he looked around with great exaggeration. Flander placed the document into his pocket and mumbled.

How I wish to dismember those that attempted to harm our Lord and eat them alive, but if I cross a line, itll only hinder our Lord instead. What should I do?

Ah, seriously! Arent there any loyal subordinates whod give away their lives for my sake? Such a shame they cant even deal with these fools who are crossing the line; in fact those fools need to be kept safe because any incidents surrounding them would lead to suspicion

My Lord, if there isnt anything I shall take my leave.

Hm? You were still there? Go do your work. Whatever that is.

Isaac looked back at Flander, seemingly surprised.

There is no need for you to know what lowly peasants like us do. We are simply uneducated folks.

Flander bowed deeply and disappeared from the rooftop. Isaac took out a cigarette and mumbled.

An interesting man. Hes pretty sharp too.

Isaac gave his impression. Rizzly, on the other hand, spoke out dumbfounded, after witnessing such blatant acts of feigning innocence.

Wow. I cant believe how shameless you are.

Hm? What is?

Isaac asked back innocently, and Rizzly stepped back.

Its nothing.

And what of the investigation?

Ive looked through carefully as ordered. As you say, hes an interesting man.

What, is he hiding something?

Most of his description fits. He was born in this place and even ran a small syndicate of his own in the past. Turns out he was expanding his influence rather aggressively, and if he kept up the pace he would have taken over an entire district for himself.

How come I wasnt aware of him then?

It ended even before you were sent here. You know the syndicate bosses arent the type to fondly raise new generations. His entire syndicate crumbled when he was betrayed by a trusted subordinate.

And he didnt die?

He was thrown into the gutters with all of his tendons cut as an example.

And he survived until now?

He crawled the alleys waiting for his death, then tadaa! You came, Sir Isaac. He survived by taking advantage of free soup kitchens and recovered from his wounds with free hospital care, preparing for his return.

Does he not talk about revenge?

Hes already accomplished it.

I havent heard of any syndicate bosses being replaced.

Its not one of the current bosses, but a man named Foxt. He lost his territory, was locked away thanks to you, Lord Isaac, and was promptly forgotten. But he crawled back to New Port City when he was released with the fall of Port City. Of course, he died without a sound nor rumours. The prime suspect of this case is him.

Foxt? Was there a man like that?

Rather than try to remember who he was, Isaac simply glossed over the past.

So he volunteered to fight for me and became a mercenary for saving his life and allowing him to take revenge right?

Although it doesnt seem like hell do it for free.

Thats why its even more certain. No lunatic would volunteer to fight for me with their lives.

Thats true but

Is there a problem?

It seems he was cared for by the people at the bottom of the food chain in the slums. Now he spends most of his money taking care of them instead.

Turning a new leaf is it? Whats wrong with that? Hes the type to repay his debts, so isnt that useful?

It could be a weakness too.

Rizzly warned Isaac, and Isaac let out a smoke and answered.

A weakness can become your strength depending on how you use it.