Chapter 25: Tightening the Noose (5)

Rylan raised an eyebrow.

“He wants me to meet him in the main room?”

“Yes.”

He had kept track of time. It had been around an hour since he started his meditation. It was possible that the Vaard family’s envoy hadn’t left yet; if that was the case, it meant that Rylan was at least somewhat related to this. At the very least, the envoy might be trying to ask him for information.

Either way, I’m going to find out when I get there.

He stood up and put his boots back on.

“Let’s go, then.”

Sarah flinched.

“I’m not sure I should go with you, my lord. The orders didn’t mention me.”

“Don’t worry about that. You’re my attendant. Just stay outside of the main room and it’ll be fine.”

“But—”

“Don’t waste your breath trying to change my mind. Come on, let’s go.”

For the second time, a shadow of a smile crossed her expression. It disappeared as quickly as it showed up, but he was certain of it. He grinned. It would be good if the person that spent the most time with him didn’t hate him.

The duo made their way to the estate’s main room. As they walked out of Rylan’s wing, the ordinary soldiers that guarded it smiled at him and bowed. He nodded at them with a smile. The soldiers were quickly replaced by squads composed of nothing but Mages as they approached the center of the estate. The number of sculptures lining the hallways increased, and so did the number and size of the paintings. Decorations became more obvious and abundant.

It's been a long time since I last came to this section.

As Rylan, he’d spent most of his time outside, after all. He was more familiar with every brothel in the city than he was with his family’s own estate. As his thoughts reached this point, he frowned. It was something to be ashamed of. Instead of acquiring more knowledge about magic and spells, he instead had bothered to memorize the faces, names, and even scents of the prostitutes he liked the most.

He let out a sigh. Sarah glanced at him. She appeared to hesitate for a second before speaking.

“Is something the matter, my lord?”

“No, nothing. I was just thinking about all the stupid shit I’ve done. Don’t worry about it.”

Soon, they entered a corridor that was clearly on another level compared to the others, especially those in Rylan’s bedroom’s wing. Sarah stopped in place as she looked at the Mages guarding the entrance

“This is as far as I go, young master.”

He nodded at her.

“Thank you for your company. I really appreciate it.”

She bowed. He walked towards the entrance, looking at the room beyond it. As he entered, it came into full view. A large chandelier hung from the pure white ceiling. A red carpet covered the room’s floor in the center. The walls were adorned by beautiful paintings of both scenery and people. Rylan recognized them as the past Family Heads. As expected, there was a fine painting of Gerard, as well.

Sculptures of both sensual women and Mages standing proudly lined the corners. At the room’s center, a small table was surrounded by plush chairs and two sofas. Sitting on one of them, Gerard was looking at him. So was the envoy. Rylan blinked. The envoy was actually Thomas, Calan Vaard’s personal attendant.

So this is related to me after all.

With confident, unshakable steps, he approached the two older men and bowed to his father.

“Father.”

Gerard eyed him with an inscrutable gaze. Then, the man lightly gestured towards Thomas.

“This is the Vaard family’s envoy, Thomas. He would like to talk to you.”

Thomas stood up and bowed to Rylan, who was raising his upper body.

“Young master Rylan. I’m glad to see you again. I have come in my master’s stead, as he couldn’t be here. He has pressing matters to attend to, otherwise he would definitely be here in person. You have my word on that.”

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Rylan nodded.

“That’s fine.”

He didn’t question why Calan hadn’t come. It wasn’t his place to meddle in the business of the Vaard family. Given the value of the information he had gifted Calan, the young noble would have definitely wanted to come personally. That was enough.

Gerard spoke.

“Thomas said it’s related to Evenon Bled’s criminal activities and that you had given the Vaard family information.”

As he spoke, his eyes narrowed. The temperature in the room rose slightly. Rylan looked at him.

“I’m sorry for not telling you anything, Father. I thought that this was nothing but a small matter.”

“A deal with the City Guard involving Cantavega’s biggest, most difficult-to-catch dealer is a small matter?”

Rylan winced. It was true. Caught up in his training and adventures, he had neglected to inform his father of the steps he’d taken. It was an oversight, especially considering that he was still trying to earn Gerard’s trust. He bowed.

“I’m sorry, Father.”

Gerard scoffed and waved his hand dismissively. In the meantime, Thomas was silent, alternating between looking at the two. Rylan turned to him.

“Please, speak freely. I have nothing to hide from my father.”

Gerard crossed his arms. Thomas nodded with a bow and began to speak.

“First, young master Calan asked me to tell you that the information you provided was accurate. The City Guard managed to seize a large amount of Dust, dealing a considerable blow to Evenon’s supply. At the same time, we managed to find a few trails to go down with the investigation.”

Rylan genuinely smiled.

“Those are great news. I will continue to offer you my full support.”

His father stared at him. Thomas spoke.

“That’s part of the reason why I’m here. While the Vaard family wants to extend its heartfelt thanks to you and the Flameheart family, we wanted to know if you can keep helping us.”

Rylan readily nodded.

“Of course,” He grinned like a beast baring its teeth, “We will tear Evenon Bled apart piece by piece.”

The atmosphere shifted, acquiring an edge it previously lacked. It was as if the air had become heavier. Thomas flinched while Gerard widened his eyes. Before either of them could say anything, he contained his emotions. It was merely a display of how far he was willing to go. With a dead serious expression, Thomas gulped. Gerard’s brow was furrowed. The old attendant stuttered.

“W-Well, are there any more spots you can tell us about?”

Rylan nodded, raising two fingers.

“I can tell you of two more of Evenon’s revenue streams. One of them is his partnership with the Lady, who owns two of the city’s largest brothels; the other is Evenon’s influence among the Magic Academies.”

The gazes of both older men sharpened in an instant. Now that they were talking business, they leaned forward. Thomas seemed to have undergone a complete change.

“It isn’t news that Evenon Bled is friends with the Lady, but I’m sure you mean more than that. And, the Magic Academies?”

Rylan nodded and sat down next to Gerard. He spoke slowly and clearly.

“First things first. It is important to understand that his partnership with the Lady isn’t so simple. It isn’t merely a matter of splitting profits,” He raised a finger, “Evenon supplies the Lady with fresh faces. He’s one of the major foundations of her business.”

The other two men flinched. Gerard spoke, his words almost a growl.

“Are you aware of the weight of your words?”

Unfazed, Rylan nodded.

“Yes. I know Evenon’s enterprise better than almost anyone else. Through an elaborate, discreet network that takes advantage of every kind of unsavory informant, he finds young women who can be exploited and lures them in with promises of financial aid. The next step is ruining their lives with Dust or Glamour. He gets them hooked and desperate for their next fix, to the point where they’ll willingly sell themselves to the Lady for the coin.”

Gerard clenched his fists with a frown. Before Rylan could continue, he spoke.

“And I presume you thoroughly enjoyed that in the past?”

Rylan flashed a bitter smile and lowered his head. With a grunt, Gerard gestured for him to continue.

“…Anyhow, as I said, Evenon isn’t the only one that is involved in this network. Know that if you target that system, you’ll also be aiming for the Lady. It won’t be easy. Evenon will fight back.”

Thomas nodded. His expression was calm, but his fists were also clenched. After taking a deep breath, he spoke.

“…And what about the Magical Academies?”

“Evenon has plenty of customers among the students. Because of peer pressure and bad influences, those customers recommend him and his drugs to other students. This creates a system where his influence spreads throughout the Academies like a disease, giving him an untold amount of money. The more customers he has among the Academies, the easier it is to acquire new ones.”

There was now a grim edge to Thomas’ expression.

“Do you have a plan of what to do?”

“I’m sure the City Guard is better prepared for that than me, but I suggest going after the students. The prostitutes’ vulnerable position means they won’t tell you much, afraid of the consequences. You can start with the students in the second year of Blue Heaven Academy. If you threaten their positions within the Academy, they’ll give up the meeting spots for the dealers. Keep questioning the students until you have what you need, then launch a simultaneous raid on the dealers. Hit them hard and fast—at least, that’s what I would do.”

The old man nodded and stood up, then bowed.

“Thank you for the information, young master. The Vaard family hopes you will be able to continue helping us catch this heinous criminal. I’ll be on my way now. I must notify Master Calan and the Family Head of what was discussed here.”

Rylan stood up.

“Go in peace, Thomas.”

As the Mages by the entrance led Thomas outside, Gerard stared at Rylan. He, in turn, looked back at his father. Finally, Gerard spoke.

“I didn’t know.”

“…?”

“I didn’t know the situation was this bad. I knew Evenon Bled was the one who supplied you with Dust but didn’t act against him because of his reputation and the fact that the City Guard wasn’t doing anything. Perhaps part of me had already given up on you. What are you planning to do with him?”

Rylan’s voice was clear and steady.

“My greatest priority is getting the staff back. If possible, I will kill him. He’s a blight.”

Gerard frowned.

“…How many did you kill in your past life?”

Rylan was rather surprised by the question.

“So many I lost count… and then countless more after that.”

Silence reigned. After some time, Gerard spoke.

“I know it was in another life, but it isn’t pleasing to hear.”

Rylan continued.

“I need your help.”