Chapter 184 - The Truth Draws Near
I let out a long sigh. It feels like I was both hindered and saved. I guess I'll vent a little frustration.
"Damn it, Don Clad! Stop this already! What are you doing, just standing there watching?"
Come to think of it, Cloud Cutter’s real name is Bernal Craon. I usually have trouble remembering names, but with a hint, I can recall them. Still, it’s odd that someone like him would be working as a bodyguard in the back alleys of the Kingdom of Brenark.
"What? I thought it was interesting. And you, Nijo-Oafusi-san, seemed to be enjoying yourself, or am I just imagining it?"
Balgar Clad approaches, his cool demeanor brushing off my complaints. He’s observant, I’ll give him that. Indeed, the lack of interference gave me a chance to enjoy myself, almost to the point of death.
But I also realized I still lack the power. I’ll make sure to give them a taste of their own medicine next time. I pick up the Silver Super-Hard Bat that had rolled away.
The fight was interrupted, but I can’t deny I lost. A deeper fire burns within me, though I keep it hidden. I’m actually quite pissed off, but I’ll take the good with the bad. It was fun, and I learned a lot, so I guess it’s fine.
Still, it’s frustrating.
I finally notice Valeria and Liliane standing a bit away, watching me. If anything had happened to me, they were ready to jump in. They’re not the type to ruin a one-on-one fight, but they’d do anything in an emergency.
I’m not sure if we could win against Cloud Cutter even if we all fought together. He’s an incredible opponent. I wave at Valeria and Liliane to show my gratitude, then head back to the ongoing battle in the parking lot.
I got carried away, but this wasn’t the time for that. I’ll put my own issues aside for now.
I wait for the leader, who’s leading a large group from the shelter, before continuing the conversation.
"You seem pretty calm given the damage. What’s the situation? Do you think this is over?"
After suffering such a massive blow to our base, how can he be so calm? I’d be furious if I were in his shoes.
"Our opponents were tougher than we imagined, but I don’t think they have any more tricks up their sleeves. Besides, look, they’re retreating," he points out.
The Kikyo Society members are pursuing the retreating enemies. Even now, I realize the guys in the bowler hats are quite skilled. Liliane and a few others take them down with a single blow, but most of the enemies are getting away.
"You’re just standing there. Is it okay to let them go?"
None of his side, including the top swordsmen, are joining the pursuit.
"We’ll settle things eventually. Now that their true identities are exposed, they won’t stay in Exembra. They’ll flee together. It’s pointless to chase them in a hurry. We’ll go after them when we’re fully prepared."
He seems calm, but I can tell he’s seething inside. I’m not sure what he means by their true identities being exposed or the Gandrault Gang abandoning the city.
"I’m not sure what you’re talking about. Can you explain?"
I ask, my fatigue making me sound indifferent. I don’t want to think too hard right now.
"First, what’s the situation with the McDallian Family? Why are you here?"
"I think it’s almost over, but we’re still dealing with the McDallian Family. I just stopped by to check on things."
"I see. If the McDallian Family falls, the situation will stabilize. In that case, there’s no rush. Let’s meet the day after tomorrow. I’d like to exchange information with the Anastasia Union as well."
The situation will stabilize, he says. Meeting the day after tomorrow sounds reasonable. Despite my reservations, it seems Balgar Clad has a better grasp of the situation.
I’ll gather my own information before our next meeting, but I don’t see any problems with his plan. Even if I don’t understand his intentions, the information exchange will be helpful.
"Sounds good. Where should we meet?"
I glance at the nearly destroyed Clad Family estate.
"Anyplace will do, but how about the famous Epic Junebel Hotel & Resorts?"
Hmm, a high-end hotel, huh?
The Clad Family does have a super-luxury hotel, but mine is in a league of its own. He might be planning a tour as well.
With the Clad Family and Anastasia Union’s headquarters in ruins, and the Kikyo Society’s base damaged by explosions, the Epic Junebel Hotel is the best place. It’s secure and can accommodate our meeting. Despite its popularity, we can manage to secure a room.
"Alright, I’ll make the arrangements. What time?"
"Early afternoon would be good. I’ll let you know the exact time later. Is that fine with the Anastasia Union?"
"We have no objections."
The Anastasia Union seems to be in an alliance with the Clad Family. The fierce-looking beastmen are guarding Jojo and Balgar Clad without letting their guard down. Despite the distance between the two groups, there’s no tension.
I’m relieved to see Jojo is unharmed. I approach her and take her hand, and I can see a hint of relief in her face. She must have been worried, with so many close calls and the loss of so many comrades. She’s been on edge, fearing further attacks.
"What are you going to do now? Want to stay at my place for a while?"
It might help her relax a bit. When we’re not in our official roles, we’re close friends.
"No, thank you. Given the current situation, I can’t leave everyone behind."
She’d like to stay, but as the Leader’s sister, she can’t just do as she pleases. She has a lot to do.
"Alright. See you the day after tomorrow."
I have a lot of questions, but now isn’t the time. I pat her head one last time, then turn back to Balgar Clad.
We’re meeting the day after tomorrow at the Epic Junebel Hotel for the information exchange. I like the idea of the information exchange, but I’m not happy that I’m the only one who’s in the dark. Balgar Clad seems to understand my dissatisfaction and points to a bisected corpse.
"Take a look at his clothes."
I don’t want to strip a dead man, but I give him a silent refusal. He lets out a dramatic sigh and orders one of his subordinates to do it.
The burly man strips the corpse, revealing ...
"An eye tattoo."
"Exactly."
What does that mean?
The dead man was part of the bowler hat group, which is the Gandrault Gang’s trademark. The eye tattoo is a mark of the Legisamo Cartel.
So, the Legisamo Cartel is impersonating the Gandrault Gang? What happened to the real Gandrault Gang?
Ugh, I’m too tired for this. It’s the middle of the night, and the tension has drained me. My mind is foggy.
Balgar Clad, you’re such a show-off. I wish Josephine could just explain it all to me.
The enemy’s true identity is becoming clearer. I’m not being mysterious; it will all be revealed in a future episode. The upcoming meeting at the luxurious hotel will clarify everything.
The next chapter will be a bit different, marking a significant turning point.
Please look forward to the next chapter, "The Flower Field of the Future."