Chapter 56 : Chapter 56
Chapter 56
“Who are you?”
“I’m a merchant selling goods at the Lemaos Night Market. I deal in various materials from a salon building.”
Hegrot, massaging his temples, spoke in a calm tone.
“What’s your business?”
“One of my colleagues was recently kidnapped by those lowlifes.”
“…!!”
Hegrot’s eyes widened in surprise.
“I’m sorry. I overheard your situation by chance and couldn’t just walk away.”
“It’s alright. Did you safely retrieve your colleague?”
“Yes, luckily, we got her back unharmed.”
I pulled several Intermediate Recovery Potions from my case.
“It’s not much, but these are Intermediate Recovery Potions. I hope they help your children recover.”
“…”
Hegrot opened a potion and took a sip. Not only did his headache ease, but his chronic back pain also lessened slightly.
If a single sip had this effect, it was truly an intermediate-grade potion.
“You think I’d give poison to someone in the same situation as me?”
“…Haha. Sorry, and thank you for such a valuable gift.”
Intermediate potions started at 100 Aurum for the cheapest ones—too expensive for him to afford. He never expected to receive them like this.
“Come to the bar sometime, and I’ll make sure to treat you well.”
“I’d appreciate the service, but there’s something specific I want.”
Hegrot frowned at my words.
“…I can’t guarantee I can give you what you want.”
“I understand. It’s not a forceful request.”
“What do you want?”
I smiled faintly.
“Detailed information on the Waker-Bon Family.”
“…!!”
✦ ✦ ✦
The conversation seemed too long for the temple corridor, so we agreed to meet later.
The next day, I was invited to Hegrot’s bar.
I could’ve brought all my friends, but I only took Luca.
Among my friends, he was the quickest to assess situations and the most enthusiastic about this “Crush the Waker-Bon” plan.
Four hooded figures moving together would draw too much attention, so I couldn’t bring everyone.
Entering Moonlight Bar, I saw Hegrot had prepared simple snacks on the table, still steaming.
“Sit here. I made some snacks; I hope you enjoy them.”
“They look delicious. Thank you.”
“No one’s here. Why not take off the hoods?”
Denied.
If I took off my hood and he realized I was an academy student, he’d probably tell me to go study.
“I have my reasons for keeping it on.”
“Alright… that’s fine. Would you like wine or beer? It’s on the house.”
“…Oh.”
“Water’s enough.”
I nudged Luca, who showed interest.
“Let’s get to the point. What information do you want?”
I smiled.
The guerrilla battle plan was solid enough with Kiriki’s info, but one thing bothered me.
The farm they’re running and the Milpain Family.
The Milpain Family name felt too familiar, so I contacted Indigo, an Ebenkera executive, and learned they were an Ebenkera-affiliated family.
I hoped the crops Waker-Bon grew on their farm weren’t tied to the Milpain Family.
“I heard the Waker-Bon Family runs a farm outside Haret. Do you know what they grow?”
“Ah…”
Hegrot let out a scoff.
“What do you think mafia running a farm would grow?”
“Ha. Ha. Ha.”
Luca stifled a laugh at my awkward response.
“It’s a plant called ‘Niltar.’ They forced me to mix refined Niltar powder into food and drinks to sell.”
“…”
“Of course, I refused so strongly it didn’t go through.”
“How did you refuse?”
“The town’s small. If word got out about drugs in food, everyone would know, and my business would collapse. I convinced them of that.”
Well fought.
I recalled my hometown.
In crowded places, you’d easily see people staggering like undead, high on drugs.
I hated drugs.
I hated the mafia and cartels that crushed the souls of desperate people seeking salvation.
But there was one more concern.
“Do you know anything about the Milpain Family?”
“…! You already know quite a bit. I only recently heard of that group.”
Hegrot stroked his beard, recalling past events.
“Two days ago… some Waker-Bon squad leaders came to the bar for a gathering.”
He continued, wiping wet glasses with a dry towel.
“They were singing about possibly connecting with a big Nipi mafia group called Ebenkera.”
“…”
“…”
Luca… stop staring like that.
I broke out in a cold sweat under my robe and spoke.
“Did you hear how they’re connecting?”
“They said they’re about to sign a contract with the Milpain Family, an Ebenkera affiliate, regarding farm products.”
“…!”
I opened Pandora’s box.
To think an Ebenkera branch was rotting this far out.
Since they’re tied to Ebenkera, I’d have to deal with both Waker-Bon and this family’s affairs.
It wasn’t my duty since I was independent, but as it was family business, it weighed on me.
“Do you know the meeting date?”
“No, I don’t know that much…”
I pulled crisp bills from my wallet and placed them on the table.
“Can you find out? I’ll make sure the wedding gift is generous.”
“…”
Hegrot’s eyes trembled.
It was clear I had strong hostility toward Waker-Bon, and my questions suggested I wanted to take them down.
He wasn’t sure if I was trustworthy.
But…
“They say the enemy of my enemy is my friend, don’t they?”
If things went well, he could achieve revenge he’d never dared attempt and cover his depleted living expenses.
“I don’t know what plans you’re brewing, but if you need more help, I’ll roll up my sleeves.”
“Thank you.”
Hegrot counted the bills I offered and spoke again.
“And Moonlight Bar will always be your information exchange.”
“…”
I gave an awkward smile at his grand promise.
Just tell me the meeting date.
✦ ✦ ✦
Hegrot found out the meeting date.
The Milpain Family was coming to Haret next Saturday.
To attack on the meeting date, I had to prepare beforehand.
I stopped by the Sereb Dungeon Market.
“You want a dungeon wiretap and earpiece?”
“Yes.”
“What year are you?”
“First-year high school.”
“Is your name Sigrin?”
“How did you know?”
“First-years don’t usually do dungeon raids… Anyway, here you go. I don’t know what you’re up to, but don’t use it for anything weird.”
“Yes.”
I tilted my head, puzzled, after buying the combat supplies.
More strangers knew my name.
It’s almost time.
Twenty people were joining the fight.
Luca, Bilha, me, Kiriki, and Kiriki Gang’s crew.
Not many were participating since it wasn’t a full-on battle but a surprise guerrilla attack.
Actually, Kiriki’s people never agreed to fight.
I just included them in the plan.
They thought they’d just provide info, and we’d handle everything.
Think you can sit this out? No way.
Didn’t they plan a rebellion with Luca before?
I led my friends to the abandoned Lemaos Museum in Kiriki’s territory, their living quarters.
“Boss! First-year Sigrin is coming with her crew!”
“Now’s not the time—prepare for battle…”
As I led my gang into Kiriki’s turf, everyone tensed up.
I’d never brought my crew into another gang’s core territory before.
Kiriki’s crew rushed to him, reporting my arrival.
“Oh, chill, chill. Green and I are alchemy class buddies. Our junior probably has homework questions.”
Kiriki stretched and descended the museum stairs. On the first floor, I was waiting.
He grinned broadly.
“Well, if it isn’t our fixer! What brings you here~?”
“The date’s set! I’m here to share the battle plan.”
“Oh my!”
Kiriki welcomed me with a beaming smile.
“This is so exciting! How are we taking them down?”
“Next weekend, you and I will wait near their headquarters.”
“Huh???”
He looked flustered, suddenly part of the plan.
“We’re short on manpower. I heard you have quite a workforce.”
I just smiled brightly.
“Fight with us. For the dead heart of Lemaos, the Lemaos Night Market.”
For my smooth club activities.