The Terminally Ill Young Master is the Mad Dog of the Underworld - Chapter 41

Chapter 41: Everything Was Bait

“What a filthy, vulgar place. You’re telling me we can find it in this sewer?”

I berated Peter while imagining the Barclava in my mind with a contemptuous tone.

“If you have a mouth, answer me.”

“I-I’m sorry.”

Peter bowed his head subserviently, giving his all to the performance.

‘Good, Nice acting.’

“It does seem rather difficult to my eyes as well.”

Even Olivier chimed in with a fastidious and arrogant voice. Who knew he was such a capable actor?

“How frustrating. The family won’t provide anything decent, so I have to acquire it myself, don’t I?”

I explained my situation kindly to the passersby as if reading from a book.

“I’ll go back and pressure them once more.”

“That’s a given.”

I could sense people’s ears perking up at this suspicious conversation.

Not just merchants, but even those who appeared to be officials were stealing glances at me while pretending not to notice.

…They must be the men connected to this port’s underworld. They’re the type who never let the scent of money slip by.

‘Corrupt officials, a lot of them.’

However, I deliberately didn’t approach them first. Who makes the first move? That’s where superiority is determined.

The bait had already been cast anyway. Even a fool would understand by now that I was searching for spirit medicine.

[TL/N: Elixir→ Spirit Medicine]

“I’ll look around some more. I’m sure we can find it.”

Peter added fuel to the fire.

“Enough, I’m the fool for believing someone like you and coming all the way here.”

And I fanned the flames.

“…”

Jeffrey was looking at me with an expression that seemed to ask what all this nonsense was about. I asked in a gruff voice.

“Why are you looking at me like that? Do you have a problem?”

“What? No-”

Jeffrey stumbled over his words, unsure whether he needed to match my act or not.

“No, sir.”

Jeffrey was starting to look at me like I was crazy. Breaking a well-trained soldier’s composure in just half a day – I’m quite something.

“Pardon my interruption, but…”

A well-dressed merchant approached me.

‘Finally caught one.’

I looked contentedly at the fish that had taken the bait.

“Who might you be?”

“Haha. You must be some noble’s son.”

“You dare-”

As Jeffrey tried to step forward, I held him back and said.

“Well, something like that.”

The merchant lowered his voice with a smiling face.

“Might I have a word with you in private?”

“Hmm.”

Jeffrey’s eyes were sharp. Eyes that seemed to ask what exactly I was trying to do.

That gaze was directed not at the merchant, but at me.

Because of this, I was certain. Any suspicious behavior on my part would go straight to the Head Butler’s ears. Verdzig would soon know as well.

That’s not what I want. Of course, I have no such intention.

“Well, I wonder.”

I stared at the merchant intently. What color of desire was reflected in his eyes?

* * *

As expected, the first one was a dud.

“You crazy bastard. Trying to sell me drugs?”

To think he heard our conversation and thought of narcotics instead of spirit medicine. What an amateur.

“Unbelievable.”

Did I look like an idiot?

“Drag him away.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Eek!”

The guards grabbed the man by his collar and dragged him off.

“W-wait! I don’t know who you are, but I’m a taxpaying citizen of Grunewald! You can’t just… urgh!”

The merchant who had been protesting collapsed after taking a hit to the stomach.

“Crazy fool. As if a smuggler would pay taxes.”

Looking to die somewhere.

“Dump him in a corner.”

Jeffrey ordered coldly.

“Yes, sir.”

The atmosphere around us grew tense at this sight.

“Ah, this spot’s done.”

Won’t be catching any more fish here.

‘Time to change fishing spots.’

I casually started walking toward the opposite direction.

“Young master. It’s inappropriate for someone of your status to deal directly with such lowly people.”

However, Jeffrey, unable to hold back any longer, finally confronted me.

“This is absurd. Even the Head Butler wouldn’t have expected you to do something like this.”

“No need for such dramatics. Afraid I might get stabbed by those types?”

Jeffrey’s expression hardened at my nonchalant response.

“Forgive me, but please tell me one thing. Why exactly are you putting on this act?”

I had anticipated this question. I gave him my prepared answer.

“I wanted to see the true public sentiment that can’t be known from within the castle walls.”

“True public sentiment?”

“Look. Don’t those who dwell in the shadows treat even nobles with such casual disrespect? This means they don’t fear Grunewald’s laws.”

I pointed at Jeffrey.

“It also means that dealings between them and nobles aren’t so uncommon.”

Jeffrey stared straight back at me.

“Then are you planning to expose and report this situation yourself? Are you perhaps some kind of inspector?”

That question was quite challenging. Either he was quite irritated, or…

‘He wants to know my true intentions.’

I didn’t take lightly the fact that the Head Butler had personally appointed Jeffrey as my guard.

‘Perhaps, like with Olivier, they want to see how I handle rough soldiers.’

It was partly intuition, but it was clear their purpose wasn’t simple surveillance. Probably.

‘But I’m sorry about this.’

Today, I was a liar who deceives everyone, a skilled fisherman, the master of chaos, the architect of shadows.

I gave a measured response while anticipating the Head Butler’s reaction when he will be hearing this story tonight.

“If someone were to give me such authority, I’d have no reason to refuse.”

“If that’s not your intention, then are you really looking to make deals?”

“Who knows?”

I had no reason to give straight answers to his questions.

“Let me tell you one thing.”

“I’m listening.”

“The decisions are mine, and the judgments are mine. I’ll gladly listen to advice, but don’t try to interrogate me.”

“…I see. I apologize.”

Jeffrey didn’t look pleased with having to give that response. But since soldiers don’t act on emotions, I paid it no mind.

“By the way-”

I turned around and said.

“Are you going to keep following us?”

A well-dressed man emerged from the crowd.

“My, you were already aware.”

“Get lost.”

Jeffrey’s killing intent was quite fierce as if he’d found a target to vent his irritation on.

But the man, wearing a stylishly tilted hat, just smiled at me without paying attention to the guards.

“Young master.”

By addressing only me, he showed he wouldn’t engage with the guards, knowing I was the decision-maker. He was someone who knew how to ‘converse.’

“State your business.”

“Haha, no need to be so guarded.”

The man laughed good-naturedly.

“I even dressed up nicely to avoid looking suspicious.”

When I didn’t respond, the man continued with a smile.

“I’d like to discuss business. Might you spare a moment?”

“Do you know who I am?”

“No, I don’t. Since you don’t know me either, perhaps we should start with introductions.”

“I’ll pass.”

Despite my aggressive attitude, the man didn’t lose his smile.

“Then allow me to introduce myself at least.”

I gave a small nod.

“Come to my side. We’ll talk while walking.”

“Thank you. Ah, my name is Kimret.”

Kimret kept talking even without my response.

“Since you don’t seem interested in my story yet, I’ll get straight to the point.”

What thick skin. That’s a good quality for a merchant.

“Are you perhaps looking for spirit medicine? If so, I know an excellent supplier.”

Would you look at that?

Without looking at him, I asked.

“I’d like to hear why you think that.”

“I apologize, but I overheard your conversation. Besides, your guards’ auras are unusual, and you don’t seem to need valuable items.”

“I don’t need valuable items? Why?”

“Your appearance is already more radiant than any jewel.”

What obvious flattery.

‘This is exhausting.’

Even being handsome is tiring. This cursed beauty.

“Yet I sense well-developed muscles and mana, so I felt your interests differ from noble sons who powder their faces and adorn their bodies. For someone like that to come to a place like this seeking something…”

Kimret lowered his voice.

“Spirit medicine. And not just any kind. Perhaps you’re looking for the Mountain People’s spirit medicine?”

Not bad.

Olivier shot me a look. Probably saying something like ‘Young master, everything’s going according to plan.’

But even this wasn’t my true objective. From here on, I’ll continue the conversation with the mindset of deceiving even Olivier.

“Well? That’s not exactly it.”

I evasively avoided giving a direct answer.

“Is that so? It seems my guess was wrong.”

Kimret just smiled casually. Was he quick-witted, or just dull?

“From our conversation, I take it you’re a smuggler?”

“Haha. Please use the more elegant term ‘smuggling broker.'”

Kimret joked.

“I don’t need anything right now, but I’ll remember your name if I want something later.”

“Thank you for your kind words.”

Kimret took off his hat and bowed respectfully. From his manner, he seemed like he might be from a fallen noble clan.

“You seem to take quite some pride in your work.”

“Ah, of course.”

Kimret smiled brightly.

“I believe smuggling is just another form of commerce. I simply take on higher risks for higher profits.”

“Seems you haven’t committed any crimes worthy of court yet.”

“How could I? I don’t want blood-stained money.”

“If that’s true, then you’re a man who knows the way of commerce.”

I almost laughed after saying that. Calling a smuggler a man of business principles?

“Haha. I’d love to share a drink with you someday, young master.”

“I’m not old enough for alcohol yet.”

“Is that so? You look so mature, I thought you’d already had your coming-of-age ceremony.”

I looked at Kimret and asked.

“So where can I find you?”

“Ah, please look for the ‘Nasrak Inn.’ It’s known for good drinks.”

“Very well. It was nice meeting you, Kimret.”

“I’m glad I gathered the courage. I’ll take my leave now.”

Kimret calmly bowed his head even to Jeffrey before departing.

“…No, young master.”

Jeffrey, who had silently observed this conversation, questioned me accusingly.

“Do you really intend to deal with that man? You even casually exchanged meeting locations.”

When Jeffrey asked aggressively, Olivier stepped in. He seemed to be trying to support my intentions. Made me feel slightly guilty.

“Captain Jeffrey, I won’t tolerate any more disrespectful remarks.”

“…That’s what I should be saying. How can you, claiming to be Young Master Allenvert’s butler, stand by and allow all this?”

“That’s enough, both of you.”

I stopped their argument.

“Didn’t I tell you? I simply wanted to observe the commerce taking place in this port. What makes smuggling ‘smuggling’ in the first place?”

I pointed to Kimret’s retreating figure.

“It’s smuggling because they don’t pay customs and trade in unauthorized goods. Then doesn’t it mean that the larger the scale of smuggling, the bigger the hole in the principality’s treasury?”

“…!”

“If we can figure out how that fellow conducts his smuggling, we might be able to cut off his operations. Though I’m not saying I plan to do that right away.”

Jeffrey’s face showed he couldn’t tell whether my words were sincere or not.

“Besides, I wonder if he’ll even survive. Having conversed with me in front of everyone, people might start investigating him. If he’s unlucky, he might disappear without a trace.”

“…That…”

Jeffrey closed his mouth. If he had eyes and ears, he’d know well enough that noble affairs often worked that way.

“So you engaged with him knowing these possibilities, young master?”

“He’s either overconfident or recklessly showing off without knowing the dangers of the world. Either way, he’ll bear the consequences himself, won’t he?”

If he was capable enough to handle that responsibility, we might meet again. But even if he wasn’t, it made no difference to me.

‘…Because.’

All of this was actually meaningless – just bait, distraction, deception, and misdirection.

“I’m getting tired. Shall we head back?”

“What?”

Jeffrey questioned in surprise at my sudden change in attitude.

“Why?? Would you prefer to look around more?”

“…No. I’ll escort you back.”

Jeffrey’s tense nerves finally seemed to calm down a bit. And then…

“…”

As I turned to change direction, I briefly scanned a group of men with my eyes.

Someone who noticed my gaze turned their head, but my eyes were already looking elsewhere.

‘Found them.’

I smiled secretly.

Those ‘someones’ were the real power players of the underworld that I had been causing all this commotion to find.

———-