Chapter 127 Trouble in the Territory?
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Two days had passed since 'Cesar's' group attacked the outpost of the Defiant Tyranny faction...
Vicente had spent some time by Nina's side these days, but she was aware that her brother had some troubles on his mind, judging by the behavior of everyone around.
As a curious girl interested in her family's future, Nina did not push her brother during these last free days she had before her classes at a local academy began.
Meanwhile, Eve had tried to compensate for Vicente's absence, but the nanny had her own limits and knew that Nina was aware that something was going on.
Unfortunately, there was nothing more she or Vicente could do than they had already done to keep Nina out of their problems, and they could only continue not talking about the problem.
At least Vice and his men had handled enemy pressure well and were only acting on their own territory, where the people of the Scarlet Syndicate would protect them.
But every one in his group was already aware of the bounty of 200 coins on his head. Because of this, Vicente had avoided appearing in public with his Cesar identity, knowing that assassins were already watching him.
But even though he avoided acting on behalf of his criminal group, Vicente was aware of all the affairs of his people and had led the group in the face of new challenges!
In a plaza not far from where his men protected the shops, Vicente stood on a wooden bench and threw bread crumbs to the birds in front of him.
As he watched these birds and the small lake not far away, someone smoking on a bench behind him spoke in a low voice that the two of them could hear.
Covering his mouth with his hand, the gray-haired man said. "Chief, the number of incidents in our territory has increased greatly since that night. We have recorded 21 attempts at confusion or robbery in the properties under our protection."
Upon hearing this, Vicente easily understood that this must be an enemy strategy to wipe out their profits and drive the Scarlet Syndicate away from their side.
Vicente was a criminal with years of experience. On Earth, people did not have special powers that forced any criminal to be unusually creative in order to accomplish certain feats.
In a way, this world had more difficult circumstances for criminals.
In Polaris Realm, all one needed to steal was to use mana and strength, which many people had above normal.
As someone who had developed in that difficult environment, Vicente had already anticipated such a move, which was why he and Rory had changed the shifts of his men in those places.
"And?" He asked, wanting results.
"As the bosses expected, the Acolytes and the new weapons made a big difference. Our group was able to contain 17 of those incidents and collect the criminals' belongings. But in 4 cases, we had to use more force and ended up with some dead bodies." The man said before taking a puff on his cigarette and blowing the smoke out of his nose.
"We collected a total of 12 gold coins yesterday alone. Unfortunately, the thieves and men who attacked us had little with them. They probably prepared themselves before going to our posts."
"Hmm, that makes sense." Vicente muttered as he stood up, and slapped his hands together, wiping them clean. "Ah, the day is beautiful." He smiled, hiding his communication with that man.
"I think I need to study a bit. Becoming a 1st stage blacksmith is the way." He said, letting his man understand the message.
'So we have to hold our position for now?' The man wondered. 'Let's hold out until we get better weapons!'
Vicente left from there, heading for a meeting scheduled for that afternoon.
...
"Nova, it's good to see you again," Vicente said as he surprised the beautiful blue-haired woman waiting for him outside a local restaurant.
Feeling someone touch her shoulders, Nova immediately jumped and put away the mirror she was looking into.
When she turned around and saw the handsome black-haired young man she had seen more and more, she smiled at him and said. "It's only been a few days, hasn't it? It's not even a week since Nina's birthday."
"Is that so?" said Vicente. 'I think it was only two days, but you don't know that.' He gave her a restrained smile.
"Anyway, many things have happened recently, haven't they? I've heard strange rumors these days I've been out of town. Can you tell me what happened?"
"You were out of Millfall?" Nova was not surprised. As a merchant, it was natural for Vicente to travel with a certain constancy.
With that in mind, she had her question about why he hadn't looked for her these days answered.
"Yes, I had a little business trip. I was gone for three days and returned this morning... Who knew? After only those days away, I heard shocking things about the movements of the local powers." He said, trying to get the woman to talk more than she should.
Nova sighed and said. "Indeed. I sense that the powers of the underworld are beginning to stir... I fear that some battle for the sovereignty of Millfall will take place soon."
The ruler of Millfall was only one, the same as every city in the province and the entire kingdom, the king!
However, each town had a person who unofficially led the area.
In Millfall, it was Viscount Symons, but depending on how you looked at things, this man was paid by the local criminal groups to turn a blind eye... Who is to be feared most? The one who turns a blind eye, or the one who pays those who turn a blind eye?
In any case, there wasn't just one person behind that, but Nova feels that it could very soon change.
"Some groups are weakening, while others are strengthening. That act two nights ago is a worrying indication, Vice. You need to be careful, especially with Nina. The city will get a little dangerous from here on out."
"Is that right?" He expressed concern as he walked alongside Nova to the restaurant just ahead. "Can you tell me something, Nova? I have business with some local nobles. I wouldn't want to get into trouble because of the relationship some of these nobles might have with these factions."
She looked at Vicente and said in a low voice. "I will see what I can do for you if you give me your business partners' names. But for now, as long as you do not leave your residence at night and avoid the city's outskirts, you will be safe.
Also, beware of establishments on the east side of town. There's a new group in the city operating out of that location. I've heard rumors that troublemakers are keeping an eye on that area."
"I'll keep that in mind," said Vicente, knowing she was talking about his territory.
With that said, he didn't touch on the subject any further so as not to alert Nova and was soon settled with her in that restaurant, eating while listening to a bit more of Nova's story, getting closer to her.
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