Volume 5 Chapter 16 Progress Sharing, Part I
Sometime later, we gathered at the lord's mansion to report our progress.
"Alright, let's hear the reports from both sides."
Frain opened his mouth in response to the lord.
"The separation and protection of the Casino Department is proceeding smoothly. There have been a few raids to retake it, but we've repelled them. However, since the last time we came out, there were only ten Silver-rank people, so next time we'll ask the Wade Party for support."
"Okay," the lord nodded. He probably predicting that this time, Gold-rank people will appear. "The Prostitution Department is also in progress. We are currently working on gaining the trust of the employees. That's all," Frain concluded, and the lord looked at me.
"Now, I'd like to hear the report from the Wade Party."
"We have successfully destroyed the Fraud and Robbery Department and made contact with the Puppet Master. In the process, we discovered that there are multiple fakess of the Puppet Master. We need to capture the real one."
"Hmm," the lord said. Then he asked,
"I received a report from the guard that the ruins of the slum city were filled with skeletons. Was that you guys?"
"Yes."
Frain's Party froze at my answer. Kadras's mouth twitched, and Sylvia's face turned blue. Frain scowled, but his reaction was better than the other members.
"...Wade. If it was filled with dead bodies, I get it. ...What do you mean, filled with skeletons?"
Toxy answered Frain's question.
"I melted them."
"...I get it. I don't want to hear any more."
"No, listen."
"Why are you trying to tell me, you idiot!"
Frain yelled back at Toxy for teasing him. Toxy and I laughed because we found it funny.
"...The Wade Party is really messed up."
"They're really scary. I don't want to be involved with them if it's not necessary for work."
Kadras and Sylvia were also disgusted. But you'll probably be working with us on the next job, right? Is it okay to have that attitude?
"So, should we just act like we're going to support the other side?"
"...Probably, unfortunately. From what I've heard, the Puppet Master won't be coming out. Knowing that there's a threat like you guys, the Puppet Master, who is known for being cautious, will probably hide, even with his fake."
In other words, he won't be coming out for the attack at least. So, that means...
"It'll be Swallow and Protean, huh?"
"There's a 90% chance that Swallow will come alone. He's aggressive, but he basically prefers to fight alone. Protean... I don't know much about him."
Swallow. I crossed my arms and leaned back against the backrest.
"What kind of enemy is Swallow?"
"He's a swordsman, apparently. Unlike Protean, he doesn't have that 'mystery' vibe, but he's a new recruit. The information that he's a swordsman is also recent."
"I see..."
I thought for a while and asked another question.
"When is the attack likely to happen?"
"Since we defeated the Silver-rank yesterday, ... I think it will be around the night after the day after tomorrow."
"There's no attack today or tomorrow?"
"No. We've got Swallow's movements for this week. Tonight is the report to the boss, and tomorrow is the reorganization of Swallow's direct forces. We shouldn't be attacked today."
I nodded after hearing Sylvia's words.
"Then, I'll try to get some information out of my asshole old man."
"Ah... the old man who's incompetent but has information."
"Heh, that's right. My old man who's incompetent but has information."
When I replied sarcastically, Frain shrugged.
"We both have trouble with our fathers, huh?"
"Huh?"
"No, it's nothing. Lord, I think that's enough for this meeting."
Frain addressed the lord, who nodded.
"Yes, then let's end it here."
Shadowmira, the maid's golden hidden weapon adventurer, opened the parlor door. We all filed out of the room.
As soon as we stepped out of the gate, the members of Frain's party who didn't have a partnership with us parted ways without an introduction, saying, "Well, we've got something to do."
Left behind were me, Toxy, and Frain from Frain's party, Kadras and Sylvia.
Kadras, who seemed like the leader of Frain's party, called out to everyone, "Hey, guys."
"How about we have a get-together here since we'll be working together in a few days?"
Toxy and I agreed to Kadras's suggestion with "Oh, that's great!" and "Sounds good." Frain and Sylvia, however, didn't look happy.
"Kadras... you don't have to act like such an idiot."
"Hey, I'm just trying to lighten the mood here after all that tension, you brat."
"Kadras, you have a fever."
"No, I don't! And you're being weird, young lad!"
Toxy and I exchanged glances and said, "You guys getting along well," as Frain's party bickered.
"""No way!"""
"You're in perfect sync."
"That's good~"
Frain turned away and sighed, while Sylvia pouted in annoyance. Kadras looked tired and said, "Well, I guess it's better to look like we're getting along than not."
"So, how about we get something to eat somewhere? Oh, and I'm curious, how many people on the enemy side know you guys, Frain? We haven't been caught yet, but I'd rather not be seen if possible."
I still remembered the terrible things that happened during Windy's attack. I wanted to avoid being recognized and having my home discovered if possible. Well, I don't think it would be as disastrous now. Everyone's strong.
When I asked, everyone looked at each other and said,
"It's already too late to be asking that now, considering we're talking like this. I've been picking fights with them openly. Kadras is a traitor. Sylvia is a deserter."
"Huh..."
Toxy and I let out a sound. Sylvia said,
"That's right. So, instead of standing here talking, we should move to a private room at a discreet restaurant. Do you guys know the high-end restaurant in the alley next to the Waltermagic tool shop on Main Street?"
"I don't know the restaurant, but I know the Waltermagic tool shop."
"Right. Then you'll almost certainly find it. I'll make a reservation, so come at 7 tonight."
Sylvia quickly made the plans and walked away. Frain followed her while grumbling, "What are you deciding on your own? That's going to be expensive." Kadras also followed, saying, "Do you know the financial situation of the young lad's party?"
Then, Toxy muttered,
"It's like a party made up of misfits."
"Even though they're all cynical, they can still get along somehow..."
Since our group is mostly straightforward people, we watched them go with a fresh feeling.
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