Published: August 15, 2025
Despite the late hour cloaked in darkness, the lights of noble mansions and shops shone brilliantly across the Royal Capital’s night. The dazzling cityscape was like “stars from the night sky falling and scattering.” So stunning was the view that a saying remained: “A single glance is worth a thousand gold ingots.”
From the window of a mansion perched on a small hill, a man gazed upon this breathtaking sight.
“How is Gimul’s operation going?”
Without turning away from the window, the man voiced his question.
From the shadows in the center of the room behind him, a figure stirred—an oddly dressed man wearing a mask that clashed with his gentleman’s attire appeared, giving off a clearly suspicious aura.
“We succeeded in temporarily worsening public security, but our opponents have adapted better than expected, and the situation is gradually improving. At this rate, the operation is bound to fail.”
“So your concerns have come true... Ryoma Takebayashi... I’ve heard that name from you, but I must admit I underestimated him. To think they created a new outlet capable of absorbing all the job seekers they sent in. It’s a brute force move fueled by money, but if it can be pulled off, it’s an effective strategy. I’ll give you that.
However, even if they thought of it, such a plan is impossible without sufficient funding. How is it that the Duke’s household shows no signs of backing this? Could it be that the boy himself possesses assets valuable enough to cover the necessary funds?”
“There is a possibility he slipped past our watch, but the larger the flow of money, the harder it is to conceal. The source of the goods is almost certainly Ryoma Takebayashi.”
Hearing this, the man’s expression flickered with mild displeasure.
“Have you confirmed the boy’s background?”
“All we have is what’s in previous reports. We had a Dark Guild specialized in investigations look into it, but aside from these three points — that before being taken out into the city by someone from the Duke’s household, he lived hidden in the forest, comes from a village inside the Shurus Great Tree Sea, and that he seemed to be treated poorly there — no other information has surfaced.”
“Is he, like you, someone involved in the underworld?”
“We considered that and made inquiries, but no involvement with the Dark Guild or the underworld was found.”
“We collectively call it the Dark Guild, but there must be factions within. Could some faction be keeping information hidden?”
“Indeed, the Dark Guild is not monolithic. There are subdivisions based on work—thieves, assassins, fraudsters, smugglers, and so on. But the lack of information on Ryoma Takebayashi likely stems from the unique nature of the Shurus Great Tree Sea and the boy’s own abilities honed to survive in such a special environment.”
“You say that with certainty? Then let’s set aside his origins for now.”
The man turned, fixing his gaze on the masked figure with cold, ruthless eyes.
“Use any means necessary. Erase Ryoma Takebayashi.”
“...Are you sure? The Duke’s household clearly favors and values him. If you eliminate him, they won’t stay quiet.”
The masked man’s warning was met with a snort.
“Reinhardt has been making rounds at social venues for some time now, subtly warning the nobles involved in the plan. They’re probably starting to move seriously. So it’s only a matter of time before our existence is exposed.
The fair-weather friends seem to be looking out for themselves already, but I have no intention whatsoever of begging for forgiveness. If I’m going to regret this, I’d rather not have made such a plan from the start. If we’re going to be found out anyway, I’ll make sure we strike back as much as we can.
If Reinhardt values Ryoma Takebayashi, then succeeding in this will cause him pain. It’s also true that he’s personally had his plans thwarted by the boy’s interference and has been left frustrated. The boy must bear the consequences of meddling in adult affairs.”