Ramad had a gaunt frame, his hollow cheeks giving him a skeletal appearance. His skin was so dark and dull that, if not for the clothes he wore, one might mistake him for a beggar.
"Lord Zed Arahan, from now on, you'll be speaking with me," he said confidently.
Unlike Loop, who had fallen silent after achieving little, Ramad exuded an air of self-assurance. He likely trusted in his status—imperial officials were not to be treated lightly. That was probably why Drank's knights had gone out of their way to bring him here.
"Go ahead," I snapped irritably. Ramad's eyebrow twitched slightly, as though he hadn't expected such resistance. His expression hinted at confidence that his words would carry weight.
Smirking slyly, he moved both hands behind his back.
"For any major organization in Madoran to relocate to another city, the mayor's approval is required—my approval, to be exact."
"Are you saying the mayor is the head of Desion? Or does he hold some stake in it?" I countered.
"That's beside the point. I'm speaking as the mayor of this city."
"So you're saying all forces within the city belong to the mayor?"
What nonsense is this? How could the mayor dictate where Desion goes? This isn't some communist regime.
The mayor's role is just to handle complaints and paperwork—not to meddle in such matters.
"You must still be young and naïve," Ramad said smugly.
What?
Just as my irritation peaked at his absurd remarks, Ramad curled his lips into a sinister smile.
"Balanced development between cities is one of His Majesty's key policies. Isn't it true that Neka already has significant disparities compared to other regions? Now that Desion has relocated here as well, it should have been discussed with me beforehand—His Majesty's will demands it."
This guy… using the Emperor as leverage?
I was fuming but couldn't find a valid argument to refute him. Unfortunately, Ramad wasn't lying.
'It's just another ploy to keep Neka in check.'
Even modern-day South Korea faces similar issues. Population clusters in certain areas grow overcrowded while others experience steady decline. Without forced intervention from the Emperor, Neka would likely have become even more bustling and prosperous than it already is.
"Why aren't you responding? You're welcome to verify my claims," Ramad taunted, clearly believing he had gained the upper hand.
Loop stood beside him, suppressing a grin as if things were going smoothly for them.
Reluctantly, I replied while glaring at Ramad. "What do you want?"
"Oh, nothing much. Let's follow proper procedures from now on—step by step and with caution."
"So all we need is your approval?"
"For now, yes. But until discussions are complete, Desion must return to Madoran—that's the proper order of things."
His approval was merely an excuse; he had no intention of letting Desion go. His motives were transparent, but I lacked grounds to oppose him. When an imperial official invokes His Majesty's name, there's little room for argument.
'This is getting complicated.'
I glanced at Vivian. She seemed halfway resigned to the situation and let out a deep sigh.
Just as Vivian opened her mouth to speak, someone shouted loudly amidst the crowd:
"Is suppressing individual freedom truly His Majesty's will?"
"?!"
The voice was familiar. The crowd parted like the Red Sea, revealing an elderly man slowly walking forward.
'Wait! Douglas?'
I recognized him immediately—the mayor of Neka. He was someone who had indirectly helped me during the Tunda incident when we seized their building.
Douglas fixed his unwavering gaze on Ramad.
"You… are?" Ramad stammered.
"I am Neka's mayor. And you must be Ramad—the mayor of Madoran."
"A-ah…"
Ramad's face turned ashen gray. It was only natural; even among mayors, rank and influence differed based on their cities' scale and prestige. Douglas was clearly several steps ahead of Ramad.
"It's an honor to meet you at last, Mayor of Neka," Ramad stuttered nervously. "I've been so busy with work that I haven't had a chance to introduce myself…"
"No need for formalities—I'm also bound by my duties," Douglas replied calmly.
"But what brings you here?" Ramad asked hesitantly.
"I heard there was commotion and came to investigate. But seeing Madoran's mayor accompanied by Drank's knights—it certainly paints an unusual picture. Anyone might suspect some connection between the two."
"N-no! That's not it! I'm merely here as Madoran's mayor—"
"Public officials should focus on fulfilling their assigned roles. What business brought you all the way to Neka?"
Douglas' presence instantly shifted the dynamics of power in our favor. Ramad began sweating profusely while Loop stared off into the distance as if wishing he could disappear.
"I asked you a question—why are you in Neka?" Douglas pressed firmly.
-----------------------------------------
"Uh, that's...,"
"If you can't provide a satisfactory answer, I'll have no choice but to report this to the imperial palace. The market here in Madolan is said to be representing the interests of local families."
"Oh, you misunderstand! I was simply following the Emperor's orders!"
"Orders from the Emperor?"
"As you well know, His Majesty prioritizes balanced development between cities. Do you know how much tax Deshion pays annually and how many clients from across the empire visit Madolan every day? And what about the money they spend here on accommodations and food?"
"So what's your point?"
"If Deshion relocates, the impact on Madolan will be significant. Isn't this a matter worth considering as the city's market leader?"
Ramad defended himself vigorously.
Initially, Ramad's expression was hesitant, but as he spoke, his confidence grew. He seemed convinced that his reasoning was unassailable, and his voice gained strength.
At first glance, his logic seemed flawless, but Douglas didn't bat an eye. He chuckled and stepped closer to Ramad.
"His Majesty values individual freedom more. He overrode the nobles' opposition to punish the slave trade and restore freedom to the commoners. Would you force their choices for the sake of reduced city taxes? Are you truly confident that aligns with His Majesty's intentions?"
"Uh, that's...,"
"Summon Deshion's leader."
Douglas ignored him and turned to Vivian.
As she bowed her head, he asked in a low tone, "Was relocating your base to Nekar your decision or someone else's coercion?"
"Of course, it was my choice. Deshion may be a humble mercenary group, but we don't yield to threats."
"Listen carefully, Market Leader. Doesn't the leader of a mercenary group have the freedom to decide whether to relocate or sell their base? Do you have the authority to stop them?"
"I... I apologize. My thinking was shortsighted."
Ramad quickly backed down.
The difference in their standing was too great. In any bureaucracy, those with more influence are often considered right.
"Is there anything else to discuss?"
"No... not really."
"Then return quickly. The market leader shouldn't leave the city for too long. That would be dereliction of duty."
"Yes... thank you."
Ramad bowed respectfully and hastily left the scene. As he departed, Luf clenched his lips and left with his knights. The crowd dispersed like sand, but Douglas remained, standing firm.
"Thank you, Market Leader."
"What for?"
"For helping me."
"Haha, no need to thank me. I simply did my duty as a public official."
He knew I understood his intentions.
Individual freedom and balanced development are complex issues that are hard to prioritize, as they are both important to the Emperor.
Even if their arguments had changed, the outcome would have been the same. I decided to play along, pretending not to notice his strategy.
"Yes, thanks to you, everything went smoothly. I'll find a way to repay you someday."
"Why did you bring Deshion here? There are plenty of mercenary groups in Nekar."
"You know as well as I do that Deshion is different. I need their strength."
"Are you preparing for the struggle among the brothers?"
I responded with silence.
As before, Douglas maintained a neutral stance. Or so it seemed; no one knew whose side he was really on.
"As a market leader, you hear and see many things. Let me offer some advice: beware of Drang's eldest son, Luf."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"Very well, then."
After Douglas left, only Vivian and I remained.
Vivian instructed her subordinates to finish the cleanup, and I watched, pondering Douglas's words.
"Be cautious of Luf?"
I had brushed it off in front of Douglas, but memories kept surfacing, troubling me.
First, their training was more impressive than expected.
Second, Luf had the audacity to bring his knights to Nekar.
Lastly...
"He's a man with immense ambition. Don't underestimate him."
"Hmm."
As I was lost in thought, Vivian stood beside me.
She spoke with a concerned tone, "I wanted to contract with Drang because I saw Luf's ambition. He doesn't back down easily. He's like a hyena stalking its prey."
"You seem to have a high opinion of him."
"I hadn't seen anyone with such potential before meeting you."
"I suppose your assessment isn't overly generous."
"You have a keen eye for people."
"I agree. Since you're working with me now."
Vivian paused briefly before smiling and shaking her head.
"I guess he wouldn't have left Nekar. Let's finish up today and assign someone to watch him starting tomorrow morning."
"Alright."
I patted Vivian's shoulder and walked away.
---
That night, I was reviewing the information compiled by Eddie at the detective agency.
While I was away, several significant events had occurred. The most interesting was that other brothers had begun to move.
"You were right. Honestly, I thought it was pointless to clean up the elders. But now, even the previously timid lords are raising their heads."
"It's surprising how much they've absorbed already. I guess money solves everything."
"How much money do we have left?"
"Ugh... we spent it all buying up the magic tool shops. As you said, we bought everything that came up for sale."
One of the most effective ways to expand our influence is by acquiring buildings. The income from these properties can be used to buy more, creating a cycle where money generates more money. Conversely, the easiest way to check our brothers is to buy up properties before they can.
Money is essential for expanding our information network, hiring combatants, and recruiting allies. As Eddie said, influence is essentially the same as money.
"It'll take some time for my coins to appreciate, but... if the Great War breaks out, the price of magic tools will skyrocket. It's only a matter of time before we strike it rich."
The problem is that until then, it's hard to outmaneuver our brothers.
Eddie tilted his head, pondering, and then spoke up.
"Why not borrow from Deshion? They're the empire's top mercenary group; they must have plenty of money."
"They're probably not doing well financially, considering they're relocating the city."
"I suppose we have no choice but to wait and observe."
As we deliberated, I felt an unmistakable presence outside the agency. It was as if someone was calling me.
"I think what we've been waiting for has finally arrived."
I already knew whose presence it was.