Ch.165[Chapter 165] Cartel

“…I cannot understand. Why on earth are you making such a proposal to us?”

“Well… we’re trying to restore the ‘reputation’ we’ve been losing all this time.”

A table placed in the middle of a dark, confined, narrow space.

And three people on either side of the table.

“Ha. What reputation does Mountain Bridge Marsh have left to lose?”

“That’s what I’m saying.”

Two men in suits.

“Well, I can understand why you think that way.”

One woman with long hair and ‘IQ 150+’ written on her head.

“Well, don’t you think this isn’t a bad proposal for you either?”

The woman smiled broadly while wiggling her fingers.

Her fingers, which seemed to move along invisible lines, suddenly stopped as if hitting something.

And the woman began to frown.

“…Just answer quickly. I’m not very patient, you see.”

The sighing woman pulled out Jenga blocks and goblin figurines from somewhere.

And finally, she took out a figurine of a man with spiky hair.

“I’ll give you until this tower is completed.”

And the woman began stacking the Jenga blocks.

“Ha.”

One of the suits on the opposite side laughed as if in disbelief.

He was a dandy man with patches of white hair, exuding confidence throughout.

“Don’t you think these copycats who thrive off our style talk too much?”

The dandy man pulled a cigar from his pocket and put it in his mouth.

Then he lit it with a Zippo lighter and deeply inhaled the smoke.

“What do you think, Z?”

“Exactly.”

The man next to the dandy man, called Z, nodded.

Though it was hard to see clearly in the darkness, for some reason he had a blood-stained bandage on his arm and was fiddling with a hastily repaired pistol.

“I don’t understand why these people who have no gameplay but make good money are begging us for help.”

Z took a cigar from the dandy man and put it in his mouth.

Then he raised his gun and pointed it at the woman.

“What’s your real reason for approaching us, Ad?”

“That’s disappointing.”

Despite having a gun pointed at her, the woman continued to smile broadly while building the tower.

The tower was already more than half built, and there weren’t many Jenga pieces left.

“We used to be good, Z, didn’t we?”

“…That’s in the past, Ad.”

“Same goes for the boss. Even though I went to Mountain Bridge Marsh, you’re still upset about that, aren’t you?”

“Ha. You talk well.”

Finally, the woman completed the tower.

And she began placing goblins and heroes in the gaps between the blocks.

“This is really your last chance. To let go of all past grudges and move toward a better future.”

“…”

The two men in suits said nothing in response to the Mountain Bridge Marsh woman’s words.

And as she placed the last goblin on top of the tower, both men simultaneously pointed their guns at her.

“…Should I take this as a refus-“

Two gunshots rang out.

The tower collapsed, and the goblins on top tumbled to the floor.

“…When making such proposals, you should first show trust to the other party, Ad.”

“Of course, we don’t care about trivial matters.”

Acrid smoke flowed from the barrels of the two men’s guns.

Only then did Z light the cigar in his mouth.

“…Ha, haha. As expected.”

Surprisingly, the Mountain Bridge Marsh woman was still alive.

Thinking “You knew all along,” she picked up her fallen hat and pressed it back on.

The listening device behind her, smaller than a bullet, was shattered and crackling.

Even the backup devices she had installed just in case were all destroyed.

…

“Good morning.”

Sir Dominica called out as she came outside.

“Good morning.”

Sir Dominic replied while striking a scarecrow with his shield.

How long had he been training?

The scarecrow that always maintained its shape was unusually tattered today.

“…Eat something first. It’s already 9 o’clock.”

Sir Dominica looked at Sir Dominic as if disgusted.

Though Sir Dominica also had a personality that didn’t back down from training, Sir Dominic’s training had already crossed the boundary into self-abuse.

“Take it easy. Didn’t you learn that rest is also part of training?”

“…You’re right. I forgot that fact.”

Sir Dominic nodded.

Train diligently in times of peace. But in chaotic times, don’t neglect to rest in between.

That was what one of Sir Dominic’s mentors in Feralant had said.

Recalling those words, Sir Dominic glanced at the scarecrow.

And he scratched the back of his head with an awkward smile.

Even to him, the scarecrow had become seriously tattered.

“By the way, what did you make?”

Sir Dominic subtly changed the subject.

“There’s a familiar smell.”

“Stew with potatoes, carrots, broccoli, and chicken.”

“…Excellent!”

When Sir Dominica mentioned the menu, Sir Dominic’s face lit up.

It was his favorite food from his homeland.

The two walked side by side toward the front door, engaged in a deep discussion about 108 good things about chicken stew.

That’s when it happened.

“Are you home? Heaven Delivery… Oh? You’re outside today?”

Sir Dominic and Sir Dominica turned their heads toward the familiar voice.

There stood the angel who always handled their deliveries.

“Ah, we were just finishing training and about to go inside.”

“By the way, what’s that in your hand? A letter?”

Sir Dominic and Sir Dominica responded to the angel they were somewhat friendly with.

“Yes. It’s a letter. The sender is… Don Castello… Wait, if Don is someone’s name, does that make this Castello’s C.C.?”

The angel who briefly spouted nonsense scratched his head and said.

“Anyway, it’s a letter from Don Castello of Greed.”

The angel handed over the envelope.

Sir Dominic took the letter and examined it all over.

A red wax seal stamped on a spotless white envelope.

On the back was written “Don Castello” in elegant cursive.

“Well then, I’ll be on my way now.”

The angel flapped his wings.

“Don’t you need a signature?”

“Letters don’t require signatures. Only packages do.”

With those words, the angel shot up into the sky like a twinkling star and disappeared in an instant.

“He’s quite fast.”

“Indeed. If we ever had to fight him, we might not have a way to deal with it.”

After sharing their impressions of the angel, the two entered the house, and Sir Dominic opened the letter.

[To my eternal friend, Sir Dominic.]

[Greetings, friend. Remember me? Don Castello of Greed.]

[I wanted to catch up on recent events, but I’m currently entangled in some trouble.]

[If you happen to have some time, and if you have even a little willingness to help me…]

[Could you help me?]

[Of course, I’m not just asking for free help.]

[As you know, Don Castello never forgets debts or favors.]

[I promise you a fair compensation.]

[I hope you’ll make a decision quickly and reply.]

[From your most thoughtful friend, Don Castello.]

Sir Dominic sat down in a chair at the dining table.

“What does it say?”

“Ah, he’s asking for help.”

“Help with what?”

“That’s not written.”

Sir Dominic read the letter several times, but the crucial information was missing.

Why should he help him? What kind of trouble was he involved in?

Sir Dominic stared at the letter intently until Sir Dominica placed a bowl of stew in front of him.

“Well, it’s not like you wouldn’t help anyway.”

Sir Dominica placed a bowl on the opposite side and sat down.

“Sir Dominic wouldn’t turn away someone in need.”

Oh, this is delicious. The carrots are crunchy yet melt in your mouth, Sir Dominica exclaimed.

Hearing Sir Dominica’s words, Sir Dominic nodded.

In reality, he was full of curiosity about why Don Castello was asking for help, but he had no intention of refusing.

Above all, Don Castello was one of the people who had helped Sir Dominic build his reputation in Gacharland, and one of the first people to establish a good relationship with Sir Dominic.

Sir Dominic wasn’t callous enough to turn away such a person.

“Well, I should eat first and then reply.”

Sir Dominic folded the letter and set it aside.

He scooped up a spoonful of stew and put it in his mouth.

He really liked the savory taste of chicken spreading through the subtle flavor of broccoli.

…

“…He’s not answering the phone.”

After finishing his meal, Sir Dominic washed up quickly and called Don Castello.

This was possible because he had received contact information from others during the Enchant development.

[After the beep, you will be connected to voicemail.]

Sir Dominic pressed the end call button after hearing the automated response again.

“Is this why he sent a letter?”

Don Castello wasn’t a fool, and he wouldn’t have sent a letter for no reason in Gacharland where the communication network was well established.

Sir Dominic pondered this for a moment.

And then, as if he had made a decision, he went to his room and took out paper and pencil.

And he began writing a crooked letter.

Messy handwriting that was barely legible.

Sir Dominic had terrible penmanship.

Having finally finished the letter, Sir Dominic searched on his phone for how to send a letter.

And following the instructions, he successfully sent the letter to Don Castello.

Whether Don Castello would be able to read this letter was uncertain, but Sir Dominic had made his decision regarding Don Castello’s proposal.

Now all that remained was… to wait.