Volume 2 Chapter 12 Debt Repayment Plan Headquarters
The initial plan goes like this.
"We won't make a declaration of war to the Knightfather as a whole."
When I said that, the other three members of the party blinked their eyes in surprise.
"Well, I think that's for the best too. But, it's better to state the obvious sometimes."
"You're too soft, Clay. It's better to say the obvious things. Misunderstandings can happen easily."
Clay looked suspicious at my rebuttal. Then, Ice said with a slightly embarrassed expression,
"I, um, Wade-kun seems eager to fight strong opponents, so depending on how things go, he might just aim for the headquarters as planned..."
"Uh, ...that would be really bad if it actually happened."
"Right? Just as Clay said, well, these things happen quite often. So, let's start by confirming the obvious."
I raised my finger.
"First off, the people we're up against are basically scammers. We're going after scammers, taking them down one by one... so that's how it looks from the outside."
"What do you mean by 'how it looks from the outside'?"
"That's a good question," I reply to Toxy's point.
"Well, it's just a guess, but scammers probably spent all that big money somewhere and don't have it anymore. So, in reality, we might end up tracing it back to loan sharks."
"Yeah, I think you're right about that, Wade."
"But, loan sharks are like top dogs in some gang or mafia, right? If word gets out that a bunch of small-time adventurers took them down, they'll feel embarrassed and come after us."
"That's... a problem, huh..."
"Yeah, if that happens, it could lead to a long-term all-out war, and we might even face defeat. Besides, we have things we want to do other than just following the Knightfather. Reluctantly fleeing the city is not an option for us."
"So," I continued.
"So the key here is to make sure the loan sharks don't lose face, so we'll make it look like we only caught the scammers, leaving the loan sharks untouched."
"...I kind of getting it, kind of not. Wade, how do we defeat scammers who don't have money and somehow settle the debt?"
"We make the scammers say, 'I'm sorry for deceiving you. I'll repay the 5 big gold coins I tricked you out of, even if it means borrowing from loan sharks.'"
"Ah, emphasizing not to ruin their reputation means that we'll take down the loan sharks properly, but outwardly, it will appear as if we didn't do such a thing."
I nodded in agreement to Clay's words.
"Clay is right. We'll expose the scammer, take them to the loan shark to make them pay off the debt. But the loan shark will refuse. So, we'll crush them too."
"But it's risky as it is. So, externally, we'll make it look like we only took down the scammers, right?"
"That's right, Clay. If the loan sharks find out they were beaten by rookies like us, they'll face more trouble. So, we'll negotiate that part. That's the plan."
As a point to note, I continued.
"Don't kill the scammers or the loan sharks. Avoid killing any bodyguards they send. Also, make sure to communicate the purpose before engaging in combat."
Clay chuckled, "Confirming the obvious, huh?"
"It's necessary, or else it'll be dangerous."
In my past life, I must have gone through a lot of trouble by giving careless instructions to my junior. Thanks to that, I also ended up working overtime until the first train and going home.
"That's the gist of it. Any questions?"
"Yes! How do you find scammers?"
I answer Toxy's question.
"Relying on Toxy's memory, prepare a sketch. Use that sketch to search for people. In a case from six months ago, and if your scammed father is dead, it wouldn't be strange for them to return even if they're in hiding."
"I see... thank you, Wade."
"Well then, can I ask too?"
"Sure, Ice."
I listen to Ice's question.
"Um, you know, loan sharks, but rich people are often targeted because they have money, right? They might hire strong people. How do you defeat them?"
"I plan to hold another strategy meeting before the raid. Just like with the thieves the other day, it's forbidden to crush them without discussion. We need to think about it a bit."
Oh, that's right.
"I guess we could consider adding one more strong member temporarily. Toxy's debt is cleared, so we have four big gold coins to spare. Adding one more person might complicate things a bit."
"What!? No way, no way, no way, just clearing my debt is reward enough! I won't accept any extra big gold coins!"
After Toxy declined, I chuckled, "Then maybe I'll just give a whole big gold coin to the next person." Clay sarcastically chuckled, "That's quite generous."
"So, first things first, we need to prepare a sketch of the scammer. Does anyone know someone good at drawing portraits?"
When I asked, the room fell silent. Oh, right, that person isn't here...
"...Does anyone know someone who takes drawing commissions or something like that?"
"I don't know," said Clay.
"I don't remember anyone either," Toxy chuckled awkwardly.
In this group, Ice timidly raised her hand. "Oh" I said and looked at her with anticipation.
Ice spoke,
"Um, well, you know? I, I don't know anyone who's good at drawing, but... um, I, I can draw a little! So?"
After saying that, Ice blushed and hid her face. Then, before she could say, "N-no, never mind about that now..." I interrupted and said,
"Ice, can I ask you for a favor?"
"----Ugh, y-yes...!"
Ice replied with a smile. It seemed like the portrait problem was going to be resolved for now.
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