The priorities. Oltar had been told about the plan before they’d come to Altoire. Grieg was telling him this to confirm the meeting with Kaffes hadn’t changed anything. They’d gone into the meeting knowing the information gathered there could change their plans.
“Does that mean everything’s going according to your predictions?”
“Yup. Kaffes called us here with the intention of eating us alive.” Grieg let out a short cackle. His expression was truly villainous now. “From Vanderouge there’s me, Frozen Geitz, and Lesten. From Wu Haitong, there’s Keya Kin and Zen Fowah. There are a couple other names we’ve been hearing recently too, but...well, it’s exactly the people you’d think.”
They were the names of renowned villains with their own hold on the underworlds in the surrounding countries. Every one of them was a leading figure of their respective underworlds and Kaffes had invited all of them. “Would you like to make a bet on the coming martial arts tournament?” he’d said. It sounded like all of them had agreed to join in, including Grieg.
“Then are you saying that there is no ulterior motive?”
“Not from my reading. How did you read him, Oltar?”
“I’m not sure. I can’t read the hearts of those who are genuinely evil, and that includes you.”
“I see. In that case, believe in my judgment.”
Whatever the reality was, if there was no ulterior motive, then whether he believed or didn’t wouldn’t matter.
“Am I right in saying that the most you’re doing is betting?”
“You are. But that’s why it’s so scary.” Grieg clasped his hands together and leaned back in the chair. “It’s as I said—Kaffes will likely bet with the intention of completely bankrupting us. That’s why he doesn’t need some fancy trick up his sleeve. It’s an illegal bet, but he intends to take us down fair and square. Plus...” Grieg’s wicked smile deepened. “He invited me and me alone days earlier than intended. Why? Because he wants my cooperation. He wants me to help in exchange for taking someone down. There is no reason for me to accept. But if working with him lets us take an eyesore out of the equation, then it benefits me too.”
This would benefit Grieg—in other words, it would also benefit Vanderouge. This man was a villain, but he was also a successful businessman who was a major player in the Vanderouge economy. He didn’t even mind that the patriotic Oltar was keeping an eye on him; he knew how to toe the line better than anyone. That was why he was even making use of Oltar while he was here. He felt no shame in using the man so freely, whether it was as the trainer of his men, or as a bodyguard that could serve as a trustworthy pawn.
“I’ll let you keep an eye on me, but in exchange, you need to listen to my orders.” That was the deal.
“Kaffes will take all the risk,” Grieg continued. “And a pest will potentially be removed all while I get to remain in safety. All I have to do is give a little push. Even if I fail, there’s no risk to me. This is going to be a very worthwhile stay indeed.”
How fascinating. It caught Oltar by surprise that political ploys were happening even beyond the government and the aristocracy. These villains were living in an underworld society where the law had no power. In that society there was a power struggle and money game not unlike governmental politics. In a lawless space such as this, even violence was an option for achieving one’s goals.
Several years had passed since Oltar had left the army and began serving this man. Over that time, he had started to realize something about himself: He might be more suited to underworld work. Oltar himself was someone who didn’t hesitate to strike if it meant achieving his goals. Back when he served, there were often things he found difficult to do because there were so many laws and regulations and codes of conduct.
Had it just been simple difficulties, perhaps he could have tolerated it. But so many of his brothers-in-arms and subordinates had died because they’d chosen only the most law-abiding options. If they had died for the sake of the country, then he could’ve accepted their deaths, but...
Oltar had been made painfully aware. When it came to decisions on the ground, there wasn’t a damn thing they could do. What could those operators getting to remain safe and sound with only their maps and documents possibly know? It was clearly much freer working in the underworld where there were no laws or regulations to restrict him.
“Allow me to confirm. My mission is to take the role of commander and use your men to gather information. The priority is the investigation into Kaffes Jacks and those he has called to the country, and then the tournament competitors. Am I right?”
“You’ve got it. Oh, but leave Roa and Morrie, would you? I’m gonna have them watch the losers’ matches while guarding me.”
By watch, he likely meant analyzing the fighters. He needed to gather information for the betting, most likely using those “MagiPads.”
“What about Leeno? Are you sure we don’t need to look into her?” Leeno the adventurer was someone that both Grieg and Oltar had a bit of a history with. To those who knew of her ability, it was a given that she was the favorite to win the tournament. With popularity, though, came attention, and that meant it would be impossible for them to approach her. Of course, there were still other methods they could use.
“I no longer care. Oltar, from the moment you were refused entry into the tournament, I have assumed you would not have a chance to interact with her. Given we already got off on such a bad foot, I’ve given up on ever meeting her again.”
“Inexplicable” was the only word Oltar could think of to describe the night they’d met. Someone had managed to raid one of Grieg’s businesses without being witnessed. He had no idea what happened nor did he have any idea who’d actually made their move. The events of that day faded into mystery—they attempted an investigation but came up with nothing.
That was exactly why Grieg’s instincts were setting off alarm bells in his mind. There was someone dangerous backing Leeno. Someone who was as strong as she was, that was for absolute certain. As for who that was, they had no idea. While they remained without that knowledge, it was no longer a good idea for them to approach Leeno. Grieg was not so foolish as to walk a road he could not see, especially not when Roa and Oltar, two people he had absolute confidence in the strength of, had been knocked out by this unknown assailant.
There was a good chance that they wouldn’t get away with just a little slap on the wrist if they were caught again.
“Understood. I will begin the operation, then.”
“Don’t start any fights, you hear me? The shadows of Altoire will be watching you always.”
“Of course. I’ll be careful.”
“Here we are at the arena. Whether they spend their time training or resting, all of our fighters are putting careful consideration into their condition. Let’s see if we can talk to some of...”
The wolf beastkin standing among several other competitors in the small locker room looked up when he heard footsteps approaching.
“Zeon, you’re up.”
At the sound of his name being called, he moved to the door.