Volume 5 Chapter 28 It's A Breakwater, But...
"It seems they were originally small-time crooks causing trouble in a foreign country. But, you know, that's not so rare in this city. We used to turn a blind eye, but lately, they've been throwing money around like crazy. They've become a major force in this city, rivaling the Jingin Family, thanks to their newfound wealth. Now those punks are getting cocky since joining Kahlua family and doing whatever they want where we can't keep an eye on them."
When Nikyou talks about them doing "whatever they want," he's probably referring to the shady business I stumbled upon. If he managed to accidentally shut down their operation, it would definitely be a satisfying story for him. A reason to raise a glass.
But man, this guy drinks a lot. He's already pouring himself another drink. Gram calling him a "bottomless pit beyond the seawall" isn't entirely inaccurate.
'But, like, isn't this getting kinda serious?'
Gram expressed concern after hearing the whole story.
"...Looks like things aren't going too well."
Even though the voice wasn't audible, Mikage had come to the same conclusion as Gram.
'The Jingin Family isn't just here to intimidate the local crooks. In a way, they've been like a dam protecting the country from troublemakers flowing in from elsewhere. Do you understand what I mean?'
Ah, I see. Eubarest is near the border, meaning most people coming into the country pass through here. In other words, it's the first base of operations for those operating in this country.
'Even if they were just small-time crooks, the Jingin Family used to shut them down before they could get serious.'
But if their influence starts to fade, those troublemakers who were holding back might start acting up, right? If the Kahlua Family gains any more momentum, Eubarest could become a breeding ground for thugs.
"But then, why don't you just take down the Kahlua Family already?"
After hearing Gram's explanation and the conversation so far, I voiced my straightforward opinion.
"I mean, even if there are two big groups, the Kahlua guys are really just a bunch of unorganized people, right? You guys have been controlling the underworld of Eubarest all this time, not just because you've been around for a while."
"I agree with that. Everyone here, including you, the boss, is way more skilled than ordinary people."
Well, they're all pretty drunk right now.
The arm wrestling match between me and them was a big event. It was almost a complete win for me, though that's just because I'm unusually strong (it feels weird saying that about myself). Now that I'm becoming aware of my strength, I can understand that the guys who challenged me probably had some strength compared to regular people.
I know it's kind of obvious, but having strength really gives you an advantage in a fight, especially in street brawls.
"So, I can't imagine the big shots of the underworld backing down from violence all of a sudden."
"Well, I'm not trying to sugarcoat anything. We've taken down plenty of idiots who've crossed the line. We even tried to crush the Kahlua Family once."
"But it didn't work out?"
"It's a shameful story about the Jingin Family, who were once the big shots in Eubarest's underworld."
Nikyou grimaced as he spoke, drinking heavily as if trying to forget something unpleasant.
And then, just when we felt things were about to get serious, it happened.
"Oh no, boss!"
The door burst open, and a few guys barged in, clearly in a panic. His voice was accompanied by a clear look of impatience on his face.
"What's going on? I'm in the middle of entertaining guests――"
"The Kahlua guys are causing trouble!"
"What!?"
Upon hearing the report from his subordinate, Nikyou stood up abruptly. His expression showed not only surprise but also intense anger. Even those who were drunk became alert at the volume of his voice.
"Gather anyone who can move right away at the entrance! Wake up the ones who are asleep by splashing water on them! But don't lay a finger on anyone until I say so!"
"G-got it!"
Nodding to the boss's command, the subordinate hurriedly sprang into action. Nikyou glanced at them, then shrugged his shoulders when he noticed us looking at him.
"Sorry, but the party's over. I'm stepping out for a bit."
"Wait, we're coming with you."
"This is a problem for us, the Jingin Family, here in this city. It's none of your business."
"If it involves the Kahlua, it's hard to say it's none of our business. It's like we're already tangled up in this mess."
As Nikyou moved towards the door, I grabbed Gram and followed behind him. But before that...
"Mikage, sorry to bother you, but can you wake up Kyunei and Aina for me?"
"Understood."
Mikage nodded and hurried off. It's a bit unfair to disturb them while they're sleeping so peacefully, but having those two around gives me a sense of security in case something happens.
"...I won't be responsible if they get hurt."
"You can't say to the mercenaries who are used to getting injured all the time. That's life."
"Well, yeah, you've got a point."
Nikyou and I chuckled as we headed towards the entrance of the tavern.
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