Lamar was a gaunt figure with sunken cheeks. His skin was sallow, and if it weren't for the clothes he wore, one might have mistaken him for a beggar.
"Lord Zed Arahant, let's talk now."
Unlike Lup, who had remained silent without achieving much, Lamar exuded an air of confidence. Perhaps he trusted his position as an imperial bureaucrat, knowing that no one could treat him carelessly. That was likely why the Drunk Knights had brought him along.
"Go ahead."
When I snapped irritably, Lamar's eyebrow twitched slightly. He seemed surprised that his words hadn't immediately swayed me. Then, with a sly smile, he clasped his hands behind his back.
"The relocation of a major organization like Desion to another city requires the mayor's permission. My permission, to be precise."
"Are you the head of Desion? Or do you hold shares in it?"
"Regardless, as the mayor, I have a say in this."
"So, all factions in the city belong to the mayor?"
What nonsense was this? Since when did mayors have the authority to dictate where organizations like Desion could go? This wasn't some communist regime. The mayor's role was to handle civil affairs, nothing more.
"You must be too young to understand."
What?
Just as I was about to lose my temper at his absurd remark, Lamar curled his lips into a sly grin.
"Balanced development between cities is one of His Majesty's key policies. Neka is already lagging behind other cities, and now Desion is moving here? Naturally, you should have consulted me first. That's His Majesty's will."
This guy was invoking the Emperor now?
I was furious, but I had no grounds to refute him. Everything he said was true.
*'He's probably trying to keep Neka in check.'*
Even in South Korea, it was the same. Areas with concentrated populations thrived, while others steadily declined. Without the Emperor's intervention, Neka would have been even more bustling and prosperous.
"Why aren't you saying anything? You can verify whether I'm lying or not."
He was gloating, clearly thinking he had the upper hand. Lup, standing beside him, was also suppressing a smirk, thinking things were going well.
I had no choice but to respond.
"So, what do you want?"
"It's simple. We'll just follow the proper procedures now. Step by step, carefully."
"Is the mayor's permission all we need?"
"Well, yes, but until the discussions are concluded, Desion must return to Madoran. That's the proper order."
The permission was just an excuse. He had no intention of letting Desion go. His intentions were clear, but I had no grounds to challenge him. When an imperial bureaucrat invoked the Emperor's name, there was little I could do.
*'This is getting complicated.'*
I glanced at Vivian. She seemed to have already given up, letting out a sigh.
Just as Vivian was about to say something, a loud voice rang out from the crowd.
"Is suppressing individual freedom truly His Majesty's will?"
"?!"
It was a voice I recognized.
The crowd parted like the Red Sea, and an elderly man slowly walked forward.
*'What?! Douglas?'*
I recognized him immediately. The mayor of Neka. The one who had indirectly helped me when I took over Tunda's building. His unwavering gaze fixed on Lamar.
"Y-you are…?!"
"The mayor of Neka. And you must be Lamar, the mayor of Madoran."
"Ah…."
Lamar's face turned ashen.
Even among mayors, there was a hierarchy based on experience and the size of their cities. It was clear that Douglas was several steps above Lamar.
"M-mayor of Neka, it's an honor to meet you. I've been so busy with work that I haven't had the chance to pay my respects…."
"It's fine. I'm also a public servant."
"But what brings you here…?"
"I heard there was a commotion, so I came to check. By the way, the mayor of Madoran is here with the Drunk Knights. Quite an awkward sight, isn't it? One might think there's some connection between you two."
"N-no! That's not it! I'm just here as the mayor of Madoran—"
"A public servant should focus on their duties. What's the reason for coming all the way to Neka?"
Douglas's appearance instantly turned the tables. Lamar was sweating bullets, and Lup was staring off into the distance, as if trying to avoid the situation.
"I asked, why are you here?"
"W-well, it's…."
"If you can't give a convincing answer, I'll have no choice but to report this to the palace. The mayor of Madoran representing the interests of a local family."
"M-misunderstanding! I was only following His Majesty's orders!"
"His Majesty's orders?"
"As you know, His Majesty emphasizes balanced development between cities. Do you know how much tax Desion generates in a year? How many clients from across the empire come to Madoran daily? The money they spend on lodging and food?"
"And?"
"If Desion relocates, the damage to Madoran would be significant. Isn't that worth considering as the mayor of a city?"
Lamar defended himself vigorously. His confidence grew as he spoke, as if he believed there was no way to counter his argument.
At first glance, his logic seemed flawless. But Douglas didn't even blink.
He chuckled softly and took a step closer to Lamar.
"His Majesty values individual freedom above all. That's why he punished the slave trade despite noble opposition and restored freedom to the common people. Yet, you're forcing their choice because of a drop in city taxes? Are you certain this aligns with His Majesty's will?"
"T-that is…."
"Let the head of Desion answer."
---
Here's a refined translation with improved flow, tension, and character dynamics for English readers:
---
**Power Plays in Neka**
Douglas ignored Rup entirely, his piercing gaze locked on Vivian. When she bowed her head slightly, his voice dropped to a gravelly murmur:
"Was relocating your base to Neka *truly* your choice… or someone else's threat?"
"Entirely mine," Vivian replied, her tone smooth as steel. "Desion may be small, but we don't bow to pressure."
Douglas turned to Mayor Lamad, his authority radiating like a blade unsheathed.
"You heard her, Mayor. A mercenary leader's decisions are her own. Since when does *your office* meddle in private contracts?"
Lamad paled, shrinking under the weight of Douglas's stare.
"My—my apologies. I overstepped."
"Leave. A mayor's place is with his city, not playing enforcer."
Lamad fled like a scolded dog. Rup, meanwhile, bit down so hard his jaw clicked. Without another word, he signaled his knights to withdraw. The crowd dispersed like smoke, leaving only Douglas lingering—a chessmaster watching pawns scatter.
"My thanks, Mayor," Jade said, though his smirk hinted at irony.
Douglas waved a hand. "I merely… *balanced the scales*. But heed this: Rup Drang isn't one to swallow defeat. That man's ambition burns hotter than a forge."
Jade feigned indifference, but memories flickered—*Rup's disciplined knights, his audacity to march into Neka, the hunger in his eyes*.
"He's a hyena circling prey," Vivian added, stepping beside Jade. "And you've just stolen his meal."
Jade chuckled. "Coming from you, that's high praise."
Vivian's lips quirked. "Had I not partnered with you? I'd still be underestimating him."
---
**Whispers in the Night**
Later, in the dim glow of the detective agency, Jade pored over Eddie's reports. His half-brothers were mobilizing, buying allies and properties—a race Jade was struggling to fund.
"They're moving faster than I expected," Eddie muttered, flipping through ledgers. "We're tapped out after acquiring those magic shops. Unless Desion loans us—"
"Desion's coffers are drained from the relocation," Jade cut in.
"Then we wait? Let your brothers grab every asset in Neka?"
Before Jade could reply, a cold pulse of energy prickled his senses. His head snapped toward the door.
*He's here.*