Then, the last, Griffin governs Braedon and is supported by the Vesper Consortium.”
Hmm. Perhaps this is why Eric invited me for a chat in his home? But what could I possibly help him with? I still am unsure about his motives, especially considering that back when we met I was much weaker. Did he think Ayame could be a useful soldier? Well, I will never be able to guess without more information, so I move on.
Wait, I’m not familiar with the third name. “Vesper Consortium?”
“A ruthless criminal organization. In the duchy of Greenveil there are three noteworthy syndicates, and the Vesper Consortium is one of them. Furthermore, Winterwood is almost exclusively under their control; the other two organizations have been pushed out. Braedon is their biggest branch location in the county.”
Oh. “So we are walking into a town that is basically ruled by criminals?”
“Officially it’s Griffin Winterwood who makes the rules there, but since he is in the pocket of the syndicate, basically yes. We have a few connections with them, they will be the ones helping you fence your goods.”
I can’t help but let an excited grin emerge on my features. Now things are starting to get interesting. I’ve always found it ridiculous that in a world like this I have to pay taxes and bow my head to the so-called nobility when each person has the chance to grow stronger and triumph over them.
I say, it’s high time we let anarchy rule. Each person for himself. The strongest gets it all. Things have always worked as such, we just put up misty veils that obstructed this truth from being out in the open. This way, the masses would stay in line and remain content with their miserable lives.
Well, if a revolt or two happens it won’t be my problem, so who cares? If the worst comes to worst, I can just move to another county, duchy, or even country.
Therefore, an organization where you are not limited by which vagina you pop out from sounds ideal to me.
Even if I help Eric and earn his favor, what will he do for me? Name me his knight? Give me the title of baron? Who cares about small stuff like that?
If I join a criminal syndicate I might be better off, though, of course, that all depends on their structure and policies. If they mistreat their newcomers then they can count me out, but if all the stars align I can see a future where we could help each other out.
I’m sure that to level up Primordial Villain I will not be asked to pick up flowers and save kittens but to do rather nefarious activities. I’ve also been struggling to level up my Thief class, one I hope they can help me out with.
Is this a match made in heaven?
“Marjorie, how corrupt would you say the kingdom is in general, and how strong are leaders of the top tier criminal syndicates in relation to members of nobility?” I inquire curiously.
“The kingdom is very corrupt, there’s no doubt about that. As for the second question, a top tier org can easily triumph over any count but a duke would definitely give them a hard time, unless they are extremely well prepared, or the noble side is doing something horribly wrong.”
I see… A corrupt government, extremely strong, unaffiliated parties…. If this is not an amazing opportunity, then I don’t know what is.
I immediately begin to draw up multiple plans that each start with us joining such an org and end with the king himself begging us for mercy.
We will rule these lands one way or another.
…
We spend the day and night in peace. After all, who would dare ambush us with two mithril ranked bodyguards? The sight of the turbo muscular Broderick with his giant greatsword sitting on top of his flying carpet is probably all the reason highwaymen need to remain hidden in their bushes.
– Day 8 –
My first week in this brand new beautiful world has officially ended as the second one began.
We soon reach our destination and the guards approach us, but when Broderick tells them that we are with them, they not only don’t check our wares but even give us a free entry certificate.
[Lifelong personal entrance permit to the city of Braedon received.]
However, knowing that we will be possibly dealing with a criminal syndicate the three of us donned the hooded garbs we used on the night of the slaver household’s massacre so that the guards and bystanders can’t remember our appearances. It’s best to remain as inconspicuous as possible for now.
Once we are inside I’m pleasantly surprised at how pristine the town appears to be. There’s just as much order here as there was in Aldoria. You would never guess that it’s a town run by hardcore criminals. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com
“Broderick, I don’t want to intrude, but would you perhaps be willing to introduce me to some of your contacts?”
He turns his head towards me and winks, “oh, ready to do some under the table stuff, brother? Sure, I don’t mind.”
Great. “We will see, for now I want to see for myself how this so-called Vesper Consortium works.”
“Then we will have to stop at our house first. I’ve been thinking about what I should give you as a thank you for more or less saving my life, and I’ve finally found the right reward.”
Should I say that there’s no need for gifts between friends? I probably should. I just hope he doesn’t accept it. “There’s really no need for you to go that far, my friend.”
“Oh, but I insist!” Broderick grins.
Pfew. A giant weight has been lifted from my shoulder. “Well, if you say so, I will accept your reward with gratitude.”
“You shameless bastard, you should’ve also insisted! Bahaha!”
*Sigh*
There’s simply no pleasing this etiquette-driven madman.
The duo then leads us to their residence, which happens to be a fancy mansion. As we step into the colossal mansion, the sheer scale of everything takes me by surprise. Every piece of furniture, every fixture, is built with Marjorie’s considerable size in mind.
Even the doors seem more like gates, towering above us, and the cutlery on the dining table looks like it could serve as swords and pitchforks in a pinch.
And then there are the toilets. They are everywhere, and are so large and cavernous that I have to stifle a laugh at the thought of Ayame even attempting to use one- she’d probably disappear into the latrine entirely. The ladies with their estimated 20.000 caloric daily intake must be quite the frequent visitors.
“Husband!” A thunderous, jubilant voice echoes through the halls, followed by the heavy thudding of feet. I barely have time to process the noise before two more giantesses, perhaps even larger and rounder than Marjorie, come barreling down the grand staircase like a pair of runaway carriages. Their faces are flushed with excitement, eyes gleaming with affection.
Without thinking, I grab Blossom and Ayame, yanking them to the side as the two behemoths charge past us. We huddle against the wall, watching in stunned silence as the two giant women crash into Broderick with the force of an avalanche.