Free Web NovelChapter 82: Chapter 82: Borrowing a Name_1
"... So that’s roughly the plan. What do you think?"
Sitting in his office, Aiden had called Veronica over and roughly explained the plan that he had gotten from Melifilia.
The trick that Melifilia had given him was indeed quite ingenious and coincidentally could only be executed with the cards that Aiden held.
But precisely because it was such an ingenious play, the plan was fraught with great uncertainties.
Therefore, he had specifically sought Veronica’s opinion, as she was the most experienced person he knew in battling the syndicates, given her role in the mounted police.
Though Melifilia always seemed to be particularly fond of him, Aiden did not actually trust her much.
He was Melifilia’s custodian, and though she could on a whim decide to help him, she could just as whimsically sabotage him. Relying too much on her intellect and not thinking critically about her suggested strategies could prove a significant risk.
Veronica’s eyes widened, seemingly stunned by the boldness of the plan.
She pondered deeply for a while and then cautiously replied, "It might be feasible. The Skull Gang in the old district is also one of the main targets of the mounted police. I know some intelligence that Carlo Bollpo currently holds a high position in the Skull Gang and is one of the top contenders to become the next leader. The mounted police sometimes use undercover agents and informants to spark internal conflicts within gangs to dismantle them... However, isn’t this strategy too dangerous for you?"
"Combat capabilities are not an issue, I can have Daili and the others think of ways to support me," Aiden calmly stated, "With their strength, even taking on an entire gang won’t be a problem, at least I can ensure my personal safety for the time being."
"I can also provide support. If needed, you can bring me along, I can protect you from the shadows!" Veronica pressed her chest eagerly, demonstrating her loyalty.
"Bringing you along would be meaningless, those gang members would definitely recognize you. If you were spotted, the whole plan would go to waste," Aiden reminded her.
He could tell that Veronica had a strong sense of justice and was very eager to provide support for his plan, but she was not suited to take part in carrying it out.
He had studied Veronica’s career record; the lass had been a powerhouse for the mounted police and had made a name for herself in several armed raids against gangs. She was a ’celebrity’ in the underworld, with bounties on her head by various gangs, which was not surprising at all.
"Oh, right..." Veronica realized and let her gaze drop with a hint of disappointment.
Seeing her like this, Aiden hurriedly added, "Nevertheless, I still hope to use your connections to help me gather more intelligence. If possible, it would be great to get support from the mounted police; the plan would be beneficial to them as well."
"Just leave it to me!" Veronica immediately perked up, her eyes gleaming as she saluted.
Making use of Veronica’s connections to bridge with the mounted police, if he could get their support, would be all to the benefit of executing this plan.
Next, it was time to set up the most crucial card in the play.
"Then, go and fetch Meiruki slave now and bring her to the negotiation room; we have quite a bit to discuss with her," Aiden instructed.
So, a quarter of an hour later.
"The underworld gangs of the old district... If it had been in the past, indeed, I did have some influence," Meiruki slave said pensively.
She sat in front of an iron table, on the other side were Aiden, who had summoned her, and Veronica standing with hands behind her back.
"In the past? Are you implying that you’re not as capable now?" Aiden tapped the iron table with his fingers.
"It’s not as good as before, after all..." Meiruki slave spread her shackled hands helplessly, "My most talented daughter ended up in your hands."
When Avansa was still active as the number one assassin in the underworld, Meiruki slave wielded significant influence over many forces of the black market, including the major gangs of the old district.
According to the investigations of the heretical tribunal, over half of the assassination operations taken on by Meiruki slave originated from the underground struggles of the old district’s gangs. With adequate payment, she could erase any gang leader or officer from the world at any moment. Although she didn’t possess any territorial power, the gangs all revered the legendary "Queen Ant."
But once Avansa was captured and "The Filthblood Reaper" had vanished from the underworld for good, Meiruki slave’s influence took a nosedive. Some gangs even started to put out rewards actively seeking Meiruki’s true identity, intent on eliminating her and seizing her business and accumulated wealth.
If not for this, Meiruki slave wouldn’t have chosen the desperate move of attempting to break into Rose Iron Prison.
"Hmm, indeed, that is correct," Aiden nodded in agreement, then shifted the conversation, "But conversely, if ’The Filthblood Reaper’s’ reputation were to be reestablished, your influence in the underworld would also be restored, is that right?"
"Oh?" Meiruki slave’s eyes suddenly sharpened, "What are you implying?"
"I want a piece of your ’proof’," Aiden stated his purpose bluntly.
He was aware of Meiruki slave’s information; "Meiruki slave’s children" would provide a special proof to the clients to verify their identity when taking assassination jobs.
Of course, the fact was nobody in that world dared to impersonate Meiruki slave—the ones who tried were mostly killed by Avansa, who was "The Filthblood Reaper" at the time.
"Are you planning to use my name for some endeavor?" Meiruki slave asked with interest.
"It doesn’t make any difference, does it? After all, you are already in prison, and even if something is done in your name, it wouldn’t affect you anymore. Everyone outside believes that ’The Filthblood Reaper’ has been hidden away for a long time, but they don’t know that you’ve been caught as well, your reputation still holds value," Aiden met her gaze directly, "Rest assured, this is just a deal, not coercion. If you agree, I can offer you corresponding benefits; if not, I won’t force you."
"My, my, such gracious words. It’s only thanks to Warden’s mercy that I’m still alive. How could I possibly refuse your request?" Meiruki slave smiled smoothly, "My reputation, feel free to use it as you wish, but I wonder, how do you plan to revive that child’s reputation?" freewebnøvel.com
"That, you don’t need to worry about," Aiden replied with an expressionless face.
