The Terminally Ill Young Master is the Mad Dog of the Underworld - Chapter 63

Chapter 63: That’s Where We’ll Need Peter’s Help.

Before making my case, I first had to listen to Peter’s overblown concerns.

“Oh, young master! You just don’t understand how dangerous and terrifying those Underworld thugs are!”

Peter was practically spitting as he made a fuss.

“Is that so?”

“Absolutely!”

“Turns out I’ve been an idiot then.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“When I saw them last time, they seemed pretty pathetic.”

I replied casually while cleaning my ear.

“Oh no, those ones are just low-level nobodies! The real dangerous ones are a whole different story!”

“Listening to you, one might think you’re some bigshot yourself. Are you some sort of spy they sent?”

“I’m not imharbourant enough to handle a mission like that.”

“Oh.”

I pointed at Peter and praised him.

“That was good. Excellent self-awareness.”

“This isn’t a compliment, is it?”

“This is why I dislike sharp-witted kids.”

Peter scratched his neck awkwardly, looking sheepish.

“Well, given how rough this city is, you hear things now and then. Stuff like someone’s older brother being involved with the underworld, or someone’s uncle losing an arm…”

Peter, being a fallen noble who grew up struggling, probably knew more about this kind of thing than Olivier did.

“Those people, they’re the kind who rely on their fists rather than the law.”

He was stating the obvious. Where in the world is the law ever closer than a fist?

“That’s just how the world works.”

I responded indifferently.

“They do things like extorting protection money, running gambling rings, trafficking humans, or taking assassination requests—heinous stuff.”

“Sure, probably selling drugs, weapons, and even people too.”

“W-wait, young master, you’re not planning to get involved in that, are you?”

I gave Peter a flick on the forehead.

“Do I look insane to you?”

“Well, I’m relieved to hear that.”

Even back when I lived as Karzan, if I heard about human trafficking happening in my territory, I’d personally go and cut off the culprits’ hands.

Even in the underworld, there are rules that must be followed. It’s not like they have to harm others just to make a living.

“Olivier knows about this, right?”

I turned away from Peter’s rambling and looked over.

“Knows what exactly?”

“That the big players in the underworld always have ties to the nobility.”

“…!”

Olivier’s face showed his shock.

“Young master, how do you know that?”

It’s an uncomfortable truth—one that few know, and even fewer dare to suspect, no matter how plausible it may seem.

“There are ways to know these things.”

I had been killed by a man who wielded those dark connections as a weapon to claim the title of king.

And as fate would have it…

“When I visited the harbour, I realized something—the connection between this duchy and the underworld runs deeper than I initially thought.”

“……”

“Where wealth accumulates, shadows gather. If someone slips contraband among the cargo on passing ships, they can turn a much larger profit. And for men already risking their lives on the rough seas, why wouldn’t they take on slightly riskier ventures?”

“There’s no point in saying it’s just speculation, is there?”

“Of course not.”

Olivier, the nephew of Head Butler Aiden, had been trained to follow in his uncle’s footsteps. Could he really be unaware of the underbelly of issues surrounding the duchy?

‘That’s impossible.’

I don’t expect Olivier to be naive.

“We’ve already encountered the smugglers lurking all around the harbour, haven’t we?”

And we also saw men with spider tattoos, enforcing their own laws and operating independently beyond the reach of the local watch.

I intended to enter that spider’s nest and take control of it.

“A man like my father wouldn’t need to align himself with the underworld. But if we’re talking about ambitious relatives trying to position the next head of the Clan, vassals and retainers seeking greater profit, or even my own siblings—they might very well seek the help of the underworld.”

I pointed at Olivier.

“If you deny this outright, I’ll be disappointed. That would be no different than deceiving me, Olivier.”

“You’re absolutely correct.” Olivier admitted without hesitation.

“However, you must also heed Peter’s warnings. These people are monsters who won’t hesitate to shed blood if paid. If the young master of Grunewald gets involved with them, it would be a scandal of epic proharbourions.”

“I agree.”

“And if you’re thinking of building a power base in the underworld without leveraging the Clan’s authority, let me be frank—you’ll be seen as nothing more than a reckless outsider throwing your life away. The underworld has its own rules.”

That part, I couldn’t agree with.

Even if I were thrown into the underworld without any backing, I was confident I could build a following in no time. And now that I wield the power of the 4th-tier, there’s even less room for debate.

“Moreover, it’s impossible to evade the watchful eyes of the Security Guards and Royal Guards with just a mask. Unless, of course, you have the supharbour of influential allies, like your siblings do…”

Olivier’s concerns were entirely valid. That’s why I needed to convince him first.

“I’ve heard your concerns. Now, let me persuade the two of you.”

I began folding my fingers one by one as I laid out my points.

“First, there aren’t many who can truly harm me as I am now. Would a guard wandering the streets in plain clothes fear for their life? No. As long as I avoid the most dangerous slums, who would dare provoke a warrior who’s reached the 4th-tier?”

Besides, I’ve mastered the Scarlet Cloud Ghost Path. Even before acquiring such technique, I managed to elude the Dark King’s relentless pursuit for a long time. Who could possibly catch me now?

“Second, I need hands and swords, but relying solely on the retainers ‘approved by Father’ won’t suffice. I need an invisible hand and a sword in the shadows.”

If Olivier and Peter serve as retainers of the light, then I must find my retainers in the dark. That was a lesson I learned from Karzan, under the tutelage of the Dark King.

‘Above all…’

If my enemies watch me from the abyss, I must have my own abyss to watch them in return.

“Third, if any survivors of the Eisenach are hiding within the underworld, I have a duty to find them.”

“……”

I folded my fourth finger.

“Lastly, I am more than capable of evading detection and returning from the underworld unscathed. And perhaps this is the most crucial point.”

Olivier, who had been listening intently, finally asked a question.

“How?”

“That’s where we’ll need Peter’s help.”

“M-me?”

“Yes.”

I patted Peter on the shoulder.

“Peter, how’s your mother doing these days?”

“She’s much better now. I’ve felt bad about not being able to take care of her often, but thanks to your generosity, Young Master…”

“Your youngest sibling must have had a hard time.”

“Yes, and as her older brother, I feel sorry for her.”

“You’ve been fulfilling your role as the head of the family well, so there’s no need for guilt.”

Whenever the topic turned to his family, Peter’s eyes would glisten with emotion.

“By the way, youngest is impressive. Unlike… someone else.”

“Ahem, even Young Master Barclava seems to have matured quite a bit this time…”

“I never mentioned any names.”

“Ah.”

To fall into such an obvious trap—what a fool.

“Don’t you miss your mother?”

“Of course I do. Actually, her birthday is coming up soon…”

“That’s the perfect excuse, isn’t it?”

“Excuse for what?”

“Go see your mother after work. Visit her and come back later in the evening.”

“Wh-what?”

Peter looked utterly confused, so I explained further.

“In the meantime, I plan to disguise myself as you and blend in with the servants.”

“Young Master, you’re not serious?” Olivier interjected.

“You mean you’re going to go in and out as Peter?”

“Exactly.”

I snapped my fingers with a grin.

“No one would dare to enter the annex uninvited anyway, especially after we’ve already weeded out the staff.”

That had been the first order I gave Olivier.

“If I stay locked in this room, who could possibly know whether it’s Peter or me inside?”

Even if I stepped outside the estate disguised as Peter, no one would notice. Peter often went home after work anyway.

‘If someone were so obsessed as to follow a servant of fallen noble lineage to their house to keep tabs on them, I’d be impressed.’

Such determination would earn my respect.

But no amount of reasoning beats firsthand experience. I donned the mask and transformed into Peter.

“W-whoa!”

Peter shot to his feet in shock.

“It’s identical!”

Even Olivier, glancing back and forth between us, couldn’t help but admit it.

“With the naked eye, it’s impossible to tell you apart.”

“See? Even the voice matches, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, it does.”

“Well, what do you think now? Does my plan still seem ridiculous?”

Olivier sighed and shook his head.

“No, it doesn’t. But simply looking and sounding like Peter won’t be enough. You’ll need to match his mannerisms, tone, gestures, even his walk. Everything must align so perfectly that even if someone grows suspicious, they won’t uncover the truth.”

“Fair point.”

Olivier’s conditions were entirely reasonable.

“That’s why I propose a test. Let’s see if anyone among the servants at the annex notices anything unusual when I mingle with them.”

“Young Master.”

Olivier’s gaze deepened.

“If that’s possible, this plan is nearly flawless.”

“Right?”

“Impressive. How could you devise such a meticulous plan…?”

“This is nothing.”

Spend a few decades living in the underworld, and you naturally learn to become a wily old fox.

“Peter.”

I turned to look at him.

“I’m not going to force you. I won’t ask you to do anything dangerous either. But if you’re uncomfortable, tell me honestly.”

“…I’m fine. I’m just worried about my mother and siblings.” Peter answered hesitantly.

“I promise—they’ll be safe.”

If I were to build a foothold in the underworld, Peter’s family would be the first I’d ensure were protected.

“Peter, think of this as a pact. If you assist me and prove your loyalty, I’ll make sure you receive a reward worthy of your efforts.”

“A pact! Young Master, how could someone like me…”

Peter waved his hands in protest.

“A pact is always equal. Whether commoner or noble, both sides must uphold it.”

I had cut down countless hands that broke such agreements.

“I’ll ask you as well, Olivier. Can you keep this secret from my father and your uncle?”

“…”

After a long silence, Olivier finally replied.

“Young Master, I… understand.”

***

Allenvert changed into Peter’s clothes and descended to the dining hall.

“Olivier, why are you looking at me like that?”

Allenvert asked with feigned innocence.

“…Even your walk is identical.”

“Of course it is. Do you think this is my first time?”

Olivier agreed to keep this matter confidential, on the condition that the household staff in the annex wouldn’t discover the truth.

“Now, watch.”

Allenvert hunched his shoulders slightly and lowered his gaze—perfectly mimicking Peter’s posture.

“Convincing, isn’t it?”

“It is.”

Olivier admitted grudgingly.

Even without the mask, Allenvert could infiltrate as a double agent with ease. Whether as a cleaner, a cook, or a gardener, blending in had never been an issue for him.

‘With this mask, it’s a walk in the park.’

“Now, just sit back and watch.”

Allenvert approached the cook.

“Sir!”

“Oh, Peter! What’s up?”

“Young Master will be dining in his room today, so I came to pick up the tray.”

“Ah, is that so? Got it.”

The cook chatted with Allenvert without a hint of suspicion.

“Anything I can help you with?”

“Why, is the Young Lord hungry?”

“No, not at all. Heheh.”

Even the awkward scratch at his neck was an exact match for Peter’s mannerisms.

“Then how about chopping some vegetables?”

“Sure.”

Allenvert’s expression changed the moment he gripped the kitchen knife. The soul of a seasoned swordmaster awoke within him.

Thududududu!

The rapid slicing blurred his hands, the knife moving too fast for the eye to follow. The cook gaped in astonishment.

“What the—why are you so fast?”

“Guess I’ve got a knack for this.”

“Back when I asked you before, everything was uneven and a total mess.”

“Maybe watching the young master practice swordplay opened my eyes to it?”

“Now that’s ridiculous. Slicing people and cutting meat are two entirely different things.”

“Aren’t they kind of similar?”

Allenvert immediately clamped his mouth shut after blurting that out.

‘That sounded way too much like Karzan.’

Saying that flesh—whether human or animal—was all the same once a blade pierced it? That was closer to the philosophy of a blood-soaked assassin than an ordinary cook.

Luckily, the cook seemed unfazed. Allenvert’s voice and tone were indistinguishable from Peter’s, and the statement didn’t raise any red flags.

“Anything else I can chop?”

“Oh, sure. How about this?”

“Gladly.”

Allenvert carefully prepared ingredients for his own meal.

‘It’s been a while.’

Karzan’s memories stirred—a vivid recollection of scrounging at the bottom rungs of the underworld. Back then, he’d gather bruised, unsellable produce to feed his siblings.

“Peter, you seem to be in a good mood today.”

“Do I?”

Allenvert grinned wide.

Why wouldn’t he be? Tonight, he’d finally return to the long-awaited depths of the underworld.

“…”

Only Olivier, watching from the sidelines, seemed uneasy about Allenvert’s bright demeanor.

———