Chapter 91 - Black Bandana

"Short and intense. To think they would threaten you so fearlessly."

Isabella expressed her displeasure.

The way they had simply stated what they wanted to say and ended it, as well as the act of writing in red text, all pointed to that.

It was all too easy to see it that way.

Perhaps for that reason, Ferda saw it differently.

"Isn't this too brazen to be called a simple threat?"

If their intention was to hover around to extort a few pennies, they wouldn't have used the phrase 'We will come to see you soon' at the end.

Moreover, the opposing party was Black Bandana.

If they were the largest secret intelligence organization on the continent, they would have roughly figured out what kind of person Ferda was.

'Which makes me curious.'

Curious as to whether this remark about seeing him soon would be helpful to the Grand Duchy's territory.

"Administrator. Is there a flagpole in Hestia?"

"We are planning to install one soon."

"Set up that flagpole today and hang this in the middle of it. That will serve as our reply."

Isabella followed Ferda's instructions, installing a flagpole in the center of the town of Hestia and hanging the scarf halfway up.

Surrounding them were the Lonely Mountain and dense forests.

She wondered if people who weren't even around would notice it hung halfway up the flagpole.

However, a few hours later, a group of six people wearing black robes and riding black horses arrived at Valdrova Castle.

At first glance, they looked like secretive envoys from some kingdom, but those who knew in advance were aware of who they were.

Luri went down to verify their identities and reported back.

"Lord Ferda, they say there are people at the bottom of the castle who have come in response to the summons."

"Tell only the representative to come inside."

Because they were a secret organization, he had to be cautious in dealing with them.

The person who entered Valdrova Castle with the qualifications of a representative was a slender woman.

Sky-blue eyes, ash-gray hair, and dark skin.

The woman, who looked as if she had grown up in the southern region, bowed politely.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Regent. My name is Garnet Swallow."

As she spoke, sharp teeth were visible through her slightly parted lips.

'A dark elf?'

Although her beauty was outstanding, her fierce expression made one flinch.

In addition, her blunt ears indicated that she was a beauty raised in the southern region.

Ferda asked her.

"So, will you tell me the reason you threatened me and then confidently came to see me?"

Garnet bowed her head.

"A threat is out of the question. How could things like us, who live in the sewers, threaten the Grand Duchess's proxy, the consort of a dragon?"

"Then you will have to explain the contents of that letter."

"It may be provocative with the red text, but that is merely an outdated custom of our organization. If it caused you any concern, it is only right that I apologize a hundred times. However, if I truly harbored the intention to threaten you, there would be no reason for me to reveal myself like this."

It was a valid point.

Garnet placed the bag she had brought in with her on the table.

"This is the first gift I offer to you as the representative of Black Bandana."

He subtly checked to see if some cheap trick, like an explosive magic circle, was attached to it.

There were no traces of it being tampered with by magic.

Ferda opened the bag she handed him after finishing his inspection.

What lay inside were documents.

"Please, read them. I'm certain you will like them."

Since she urged him, Ferda quickly skimmed through the contents.

There was a reason Garnet said he would like it.

It indeed contained the information Ferda needed right at this moment.

'Everything about Tilda Pascal.'

It was a comprehensive document detailing the plans she had concocted to bypass Muchit, Stephan, and Herman to become the master of the Pascal trading company.

From the organizational chart of the instigators Tilda Pascal had planted to the schematics of her contingency Plan C.

The contents were so detailed that the information Muchit and Stephan were trying to dig up seemed like a mere farce in comparison.

'The accuracy is something I will have to verify later, but...'

Ferda did not doubt it.

It was a message from Black Bandana, the largest secret intelligence organization.

They wouldn't do something as stupid as spitting on their own faces by providing false information.

Still, he had to ask about this.

"What is the reason for giving me this information?"

Black Bandana, which had repeatedly rejected the Arken Empire's attempts to recruit them, was reaching out first.

Ferda needed to know the reason for it.

Garnet answered.

"It is closer to brokerage rather than simply providing it to you."

"Brokerage?"

"Yes. Tilda Pascal has been a target we have been eyeing for a long time. Our first client has been tracking and investigating her for an astonishing four years."

Only then did he understand.

The reason this amount of information had piled up was because they had been investigating for a long time.

And suddenly visiting to offer Tilda Pascal's information as a gift was the client's will.

"She is truly a remarkable figure. We tracked her and clung to her to dig up information for nearly four years, and do you know what kind of incredible things she accomplished in those four years?"

Garnet spoke as if she was dumbfounded.

"She turned most of the people in the mansion into her own followers and poisoned her father-in-law to leave him in a vegetative state."

"Without killing him?"

"She was thinking of altering his will."

"So she's using tricks to seize the fortune."

"That is correct. It is my first time seeing a woman so entirely filled with greed in the place of a conscience."

To Ferda, it wasn't all that surprising.

In reality, the Tilda Pascal that Ferda remembered was the lady of the Dandolo trading company.

After the death of the master, the wedding was quickly held, and a few months later, the next master also died.

The one who inherited the Dandolo trading company, which had no relatives left, was Tilda.

Like that, she was designated as the next master of the Pascal trading company and was able to stand on equal footing with Muchit.

Reading through the materials, he could definitely feel it.

Just how much this woman thirsted for the Pascal trading company.

"Do you know the reason why this woman can remain standing strong despite committing such evil deeds?"

"I do not."

In truth, he wasn't particularly interested either.

"After piecing everything together, the conclusion is that Philiaz is behind her."

Then the story would change again.

Philiaz, referred to as the origin of all witches.

Most forcefully pierced through to the Red Circle through resentment, which was mostly a grudge harbored against men.

However, Tilda Pascal was not a witch.

If she had been a witch, he would have known.

"If that's the case, she must have made a garden contract."

A garden contract.

It is a contract that allows a woman who has not awakened as a witch to wield the power of a witch.

A woman harboring malice matching that of a witch makes a contract with a witch, acting as their proxy.

However, their numbers are exceedingly rare, and since the awakening of a Red Circle cannot be seen, it is not easy to notice.

"Have you also figured out who she made the contract magic with?"

"I cannot be certain, but the most likely candidate is Yor Philiaz."

The witch of poison and snakes, Yor Philiaz.

She was also skilled in illusion magic, and judging from the charisma and organizational cohesion Tilda Pascal displayed, he thought it was entirely possible.

"So."

Ferda lightly tossed the documents back into the bag and asked.

"I get information, and the client gets to have their revenge, making it a win-win situation. Is that it?"

"Would it be that simple? This information is nothing more than a gift. And if you fulfill this deal, you will see two advantages."

Garnet extended her index finger.

"The first is that, as I mentioned earlier, you will be able to finish the job quickly."

Following that, her middle finger.

"The second is that you will be able to take possession of the Dandolo trading company using this matter as an opportunity."

The second condition was so unprecedented that Ferda momentarily wondered if he had misheard.

"We'll come to possess the Dandolo trading company?"

"That is correct."

"Us?"

"Not 'us'."

Garnet pointed at Ferda politely and said.

"It can completely fall into the hands of Regent Ferda Valdrova."

The largest trading company in the Empire, the Pascal trading company.

The second largest was the Dandolo trading company.

'If those two trading companies were to merge...'

It was an offer so massive that it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it meant swallowing half of the Empire.

It was so huge that it wasn't easy to believe.

To the point where even the words of Black Bandana, which made its living off trust, felt like a lie.

"How can I take possession of the Dandolo trading company?"

"Since I haven't received your promise yet, it is difficult to give you the details at this moment. However, everything is connected to Tilda Pascal. That includes Henri Dandolo, and Rico Dandolo as well."

Henri Dandolo was already famous for being a naive person.

Setting his personality aside, his business acumen was outstanding, and he had contributed greatly to stabilizing his father's aggressive expansions.

'Once Henri stabilizes the enterprise...'

Tilda would bare her hidden fangs and bite into Henri's neck.

'What a truly pitiful man.'

However, he didn't sympathize.

Because if his life was preserved from a fate where he should have died, that alone was something to be grateful for.

"If you bring about her downfall, the Dandolo family will also lose its trust, and the Dandolo trading company will no longer wish to be ruled by the Dandolo family."

"Aren't you overlooking the client's greed too much?"

"Black Bandana guarantees it. If they do not fulfill this condition, we will step in as executioners."

Black Bandana was an organization with a deep history, and they kept their trust no matter what.

If the other party refused to keep it, their business was to take it by force and bring it back.

Since he could swallow a trading company, there was no way Ferda would turn it down.

Since such a sweet and massive windfall was rolling in, he thought it over time and time again.

Wondering whether this matter could truly end smoothly.

Black Bandana was trustworthy, but he had no idea what kind of human that client was.

Once the deal with Black Bandana was concluded, couldn't the client just backstab him?

If only to deduce the identity of that party, Ferda decided to throw out a few more questions.

"So what is it that you need?"

"Once again, there are two things I would like to propose."

"You certainly like the number two."

"As we converse, it naturally ends up that way."

"Let's hear it."

"First of all, I would like you to lend us some manpower."

"What kind of manpower?"

"To find the medium of the contract with Yor Philiaz."

For a garden contract to be formally established, a medium is required.

Ironically, the easier that medium was to destroy and the more conspicuous it was, the stronger the power became.

If it was a poison capable of filling the mansion with her own people and leaving the master of the Dandolo trading company completely immobilized, it was undoubtedly an item that was easy to destroy and highly visible.

"That woman's medium should be inside the house. I don't know the exact location, but we need an expert capable of pinpointing it."

"And it seems you already know of such an expert."

Garnet nodded.

"That is correct. Zed Swallow, the man who should now be called Sir Zed. I wish to borrow his power."

At this time, it was a period when he was only known as a simple gigolo, far removed from direct thievery.

If they had observed his exploits in Halim, they would have only grasped that his agility was beyond that of an acrobat.

'But it shouldn't be known that Zed has a talent for thievery.'

As expected of Black Bandana.

Their intelligence gathering alone was vast enough to leave one clicking their tongue in awe, and their deductive reasoning was also outstanding.

They were truly an intelligence organization worthy of the Empire's coveting.

Ferda finished his thoughts and gave her an answer.

"I will lend him to you. What is the second?"

"I want you to turn Tilda Pascal into a mindless husk."

"A mindless husk?"

"It means keeping her alive, but in a state where her flesh imprisons her soul."

"So you're saying you want her reduced to a state where she is alive but not truly living."

The person known as the client undoubtedly wanted revenge.

As someone who had carried out vicious revenge thousands of times, turning someone into a mindless husk was a cruel act that could be counted on one hand.

'Who would desire such a revenge?'

Given Tilda Pascal's notoriety, it could be anyone.

However, taking everything into account, there was one person who was the most likely candidate.

'Rico Dandolo.'

Looking at the whole picture, he was the most probable.

Rather than having the business he built up stolen by his trashy daughter-in-law, it was obvious he would choose the option of handing it over to an outsider.

'Anyway, making a demand like this means...'

Black Bandana was proposing this because they believed Ferda was capable of it.

If so, what exactly did Ferda have that made them believe it was possible?

"What specific method are you hoping for from me?"

She subtly rolled her eyes and looked at the girl standing diagonally beside Ferda.

"Dragon Fear."

It was Luri.

"I've heard that it is impossible for ordinary dragon spawns to emit Dragon Fear. However, it's said that dragon spawns who have trained enough to draw close to a dragon can use a fraction of their authority."

Her eyes turned toward Luri once again.

"And I know that the maid standing over there is someone exceptional enough to use Dragon Fear. We want Dragon Fear."

Only then did he seem to understand.

It was because handing over a massive company like the Dandolo trading company to Ferda required that level of power.

Garnet needed not only the power of a Great Thief but also the power of a dragon.

"Ha."

Ferda let out a laugh of disbelief.

"What an incredibly arrogant and insolent request."

Ferda lowered his voice.

The atmosphere followed, dripping with a cold intensity.

Garnet's throat bobbed heavily.

She was currently like a tightrope walker in the middle of a raging typhoon.

Knowing that a single misstep would send her plunging to the bottom of the abyssal depths, she spoke cautiously.

"I already know that I am overstepping my bounds. That is why we presented the condition of handing over the Dandolo trading company, which we believed would be sufficient compensation for the Valdrova Grand Duchy's territory."

"How ridiculous. Do you think there is balance in this trade?"

Ferda asked, displaying a cold anger.

"Do you think you can borrow the power of a dragon with mere human treasures? Do you think such a thing can be bought with a sum of money?"

"It is possible."

"?"

"?"

Luri, who had been standing there like a folding screen, chimed in.

Ferda glanced at her.

After locking eyes with her for a few seconds, he spoke to Garnet.

"She says it's possible."

"Uh... really?"

"She isn't my servant anyway. Since she says she can do it, she must be able to."

As if it were an unexpected moment, Garnet couldn't hide her bewilderment.

Even so, she bowed her head toward Luri.

"Thank you for your assistance. The fact that the servant of the great Valdrova is granting what amounts to an unreasonable request leaves me with nothing more to ask for."

"You must absolutely keep your promise."

"Of course. We are not arrogant enough to toy with immortals."

Having confirmed even Luri's assistance, Garnet let out a sigh of relief.

"Since there seem to be no major issues with the transaction, we will proceed as planned. Please read over the contract and grant your approval."

Isabella, standing beside him, personally handled the paperwork.

She meticulously checked to ensure there were no traps, then handed it back to Ferda, finalizing the contract.

As for Luri's power, they could borrow it later,

"What will you do about Sir Zed?"

She answered leisurely, as if she had already thought of that.

"According to our information, I believe he will be arriving soon. Since the Regent has given permission, I will speak with Sir Zed myself."

"I doubt it will go smoothly."

"You don't need to worry. Sir Zed and I are already acquaintances."

One of Ferda's eyebrows twitched.

"Acquaintances?"

"We used to work together in a mercenary company called Swallow. Since we did it for three years, it's quite a deep bond."

"Swallow..."

Zed Swallow.

Garnet Swallow.

He only just noticed the commonality between the two.

'There was a reason she knew about Zed.'

Because they had been close, she knew Zed well.

A moment later, a frivolous clanking sound could be heard from the hallway.

The sound grew closer and closer until it finally reached the front of the audience chamber.

"Regent, I have returned."

Zed, who had been dispatched for training, returned in high spirits.

"Having smoothly completed his dispatch training, Zed Swallow, now armed with chivalry, proudly makes his entrance."

"Welcome back."

"Ah, there was a guest. This guest is..."

The two locked eyes for a long time.

Zed, who claimed to be proudly armed with chivalry, turned pale blue the moment he saw her face.

"Urgh! Fiendtooth!"

Startled as if he had seen a ghost, he covered his face with his helmet.

Garnet stood up from her seat and approached him.

"Zed."

"... Who mighd you be? I'b not Zed, I'b Malcolm frob Peach Hill."

"Stop making that weird nasal sound. I already know that you are a knight affiliated here."

"... No really, biss. I'b telling you I don't know who you are. I'b Malcolm. An airhead. I don't even know numbers, nor do I know my left frob my right."

"Haa..."

Garnet let out a long sigh.

And just like that, she kicked him hard in the shin.

In vulgar terms, she kicked the crap out of his shin.

SMACK!

A sound loud enough to ring throughout the entire audience chamber.

Zed jumped up as dramatically as the sound itself.

In the midst of it all, he didn't forget to cover his face with his helmet.

"Keuhuk! Huk! Huk! Huk!"

"You damn coward! Follow me! Because you've been sold to me!"

"Uwaaah! What the hell does that mean?! Regent? What is the meaning of this!? Regent?!"

Garnet dragging him by the ear and Zed demanding an explanation.

However, the last sight reflected in Zed's eyes was Ferda waving his hand to see him off.

In the end, what left the castle gates were six black horses and one brown horse.

Zed was sitting on the brown horse.

Along with Penelope, who was sitting behind him.

She, too, having been sold off along with him, was loudly screaming something, but it faded away as they entered the forest.

"Hm?"

Luri, who had been watching the scene, spoke up.

"What is it?"

"All the horses have left, but they are short one person."

"Didn't Zed and Penelope leave with them?"

"I know that. One of the ones in black is missing."

Sensing something strange, Luri immediately began searching for that one person.

The search didn't last long.

Because a man covered in a robe was standing blankly at the bottom of the castle where they had been waiting for their representative.

On the man's chest, it was kindly written like this:

-The second gift.

They stripped off the black robe as if unwrapping a birthday present.

But they were soon able to understand why a human was the second gift.

"Mmph! Mmmph! Mmph-mmph!"

He was Frank Fontaine.

The man who went missing during the attack.

And the man who might be able to testify regarding this incident.

When the gag was removed from his mouth, he shouted like this:

"I-I'll talk! I'll confess everything, so please just spare my life!"