“Where is the rest of our cut?” A man asked as we entered the manor.

We left our horse tied out in front, and I let Miki carry a basket of wine while I tried to look like I belonged there.

There appeared to be three groups discussing things right in the main foyer of the mansion. The first group appeared to be carrying the bags of coins. The second group was the ones receiving the coins, and the third group looked like Bandits. We had changed out of our Bandit clothing, but thanks to Salicia’s education, I could pick out a Bandit on sight now.

“Your cut had already been supplied.” The one who looked to be from the financial group said with a snide voice.

“Well, we’re increasing the cost. That last city is proving problematic. It just won’t fall.”

“That’s your problem.”

I barely managed to keep my mouth from falling open. Of course, I could connect the dots. The city they were talking about was Regency. They seemed to be asking for money from the bankers who work with Lord Reign.

Were the Bandits on Lord Reign’s payroll? What were the chances of that? I had come north to establish a name so that I could get closer to the Bandits, but I didn’t know they were related! It made sense though. Lord Reign was trying to destabilize the region. I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of those lords fleeing the south were seeking sanctity with Lord Reign.

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If that was the case, then would causing trouble here have the effect I was looking for? I suddenly wasn’t sure if our actions were correct. With that little bit of knowledge, the entire game had changed. It was too late now, as we were already seen.

“What is this?” One of the men asked.

“I was ordered to bring wine here,” I explained. “From Lord Reign, as a gift… to your leader, for a job well done.”

Making up the story as I went along, I gave a smile and pulled the basket from Miki’s hands and presented it. The money guy looked surprised and confused, but after a brief second, the Bandit gave a smile.

“Now, this is what I’m talking about. A little respect and appreciation. What’s your name, kid?”

Kid? I mean, I was a young guy, but no one in this world had called me a kid before.

“I’m De… Dee! Um… Dede… sir.”

“Well, Dede… have you considered being a Bandit.”

“Eh?”

Was it that easy? I had plotted all of this stuff to create my band, fight my way toward getting noticed by the bandit leaders, joining their organization, and finding out their inner workings, but just like that I now not only knew their backers but also had a free invitation to join. This felt like an extreme anti-climax. After all of my hard work, I wasn’t satisfied at all.

Even the money men who should be looking at me suspiciously seem more relieved that I’d taken on the attention of the Bandits, and so were forgoing their suspicions for convenience.

“Hey, I got an idea!” The guy suddenly shouted. “Let’s all get drunk! It’s time to party!”

All of my meticulous planning… things that didn’t involve dungeons were too easy!