- Shari -

I'm not quite sure if we've chosen the most diplomatic approach to go about this.

Dumping someone a shitload of work on their table is not considered by everyone as good manners.

That aside, I'm rather sure that Captain Garet isn't too much of a fan of ours.

He might have helped us that one time with Baron Moreau, but it's not like I know all the reasons behind this.

So in fact, we are just strangers who show up with unreasonable demands to him.

"Excuse me? I'm not sure if I got this right." (Gareth)

"Okay, then I will explain myself again. We found maps depicting every single criminal operation in this town. Every place, every member, most of their deeds. It's at least enough to warrant you to act. This raid will be the biggest in the history of this town. Naturally, you have full approval by the crown to do such a thing. The cleansing of Ekoras will benefit the whole country, in the long run." (Michael)

"You are crazy." (Gareth)

"Oh, am I? So it's crazy to ask the city guard to do the one thing it exists for? Does that mean the town already gave up and the criminal underworld took the field over from them?" (Michael)

In my honest opinion, I believe that to be the case.

"Yes, this is right. The city guard can only maintain public order because the gang lord agreed to the truce. If you're looking for a war, this one is over." (Gareth)

Though, I wouldn't have expected him to admit it so easily.

"Are you seriously trying to tell me that the city guard doesn't have any forces to fight? I don't think so. I had access to the recruitment lists and you're not understaffed." (Michael)

"At least a quarter of them works for the gangs and the rest is not too inclined to honest work. Don't you see how hopeless this is?" (Gareth)

"No, I see a piece of work. A town in need of a thorough cleansing. The guards, the criminals, the nobles, all have to be tested and brought to justice if they're found guilty." (Michael)

"The lord himself told me not to find them guilty! There's nothing I can do for you." (Gareth)

"Captain, you and your lord allowed slave trafficking of the very people you ought to protect. Let me tell you, the crown is not amused. Consider this Ekoras' last chance." (Michael)

"What are you suggesting there?" (Gareth)

"Only for your organization to do what it exists for. Do you seriously think that your lord got this fief to let it go to waste? You can tell him that the crown wants to see results. I'm hereby granting you all you need. All the positions you would have to raid are simply presented to you. Also, naturally, you can request help from the country. This is a just cause after all. So, it doesn't seem like there'd be any reason to speak against this. Captain, you have the unique chance to reassume control of this town, clearing it of all the scum that taints it. It might be the last." (Michael)

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

I need to admit, Michael is a good talker.

He kinda got me convinced on this.

At least, Captain Gareth seems shaken.

He needs quite a while to answer, which Michael grants him.

"Even if I agree with your intentions, it's not like I can decide such a thing by myself. It's upon Lord Varros to choose the fate of his liege." (Gareth)

"Of course. I never suggested any different. I just expect you to bring this up to him with the required urgency. That shouldn't be expecting too much, am I right?" (Michael)

Okay, I think he's losing me here.

One look at the state of this town should be enough to confirm the chance of the lord suddenly wanting to actually do something about the dire state.

"This will be possible, but I can guarantee you that you'll be waiting long for a positive response. Even if you can press him to agree, the actual commitment will be questionable at best." (Gareth)

I guess I understand what he means.

Even if the lord can be pressed to agree, under the threat that any refusal to take care of the glaring issues in his town might be considered treason or at least be a reason to revoke his position, it can't be said that he'll truly take care of it.

For example, he might stall everything for a long time, trying to somehow get around it or inform the targets beforehand and just raid empty houses.

In any case, he's no trustworthy address if you want to start big changes.

"Captain, you still don't seem to realize the extent of the competencies of a royal agent. We are very much able to initiate negotiations, even with high nobility. In this sense, we'd naturally ask for some assurance. The lord's written word should be enough." (Michael)

Well, it will be hard to step back from this.

"Do you truly believe the lord will agree to something like this? In the worst case, he might even refute your position. The situation is not as simple. There's pressure from many sides on the lord." (Gareth)

"He's totally right. I don't even try understanding all that stuff anymore." (Liqu)

Thank you, Liqu, for your input.

However, I would as well like to say something, before anyone gets the great idea to do something about the nuisances.

"At this point, I would like to interject by saying that it won't be a good idea to turn against us. We're a lot stronger than we look." (Shari)

Yet I don't want to reveal my slime form, which we would have to in order to go all out.

"This isn't up to me." (Gareth)

"It partly is, dear guard captain. You have direct control over the men. If you can prepare enough troops, there would be a chance to bring down the whole underworld." (Michael)

"I already told you we're understaffed!" (Gareth)

"Can't you request help from the guild?" (Shari)

"Even if, through some miracle, they would agree to such a thing, it's totally questionable if we are enough to contain the fighting." (Gareth)

"Well, if things work out in our favor, we might be able to do something about that. After all, this is for the nation's benefit. So sending some support would sound about right." (Michael)

"I, I don't like where this is leading. Already talking about something like this is dangerous at best." (Gareth)

"Captain, you don't need to worry as much about prying noses. You can be sure they'll be all over the latest gang extermination during the next few days. They'll probably try to convince you to release them all. However, in the meantime, you'll orchestrate their downfall. You have a true chance here, my friend. A chance to do something meaningful. I would advise you to embrace it. Just prepare what you can and don't worry about the rest. That's what we're here for. We'll certainly get the lord's approval. I promise." (Michael)

Yeah, not the slightest bit ominous.

"Sigh. Fine. I'll tell him about this. That's my duty in the first place." (Gareth)

"Splendid! I would also advise you to raise the training regimen for the guard. They'll probably need it." (Michael)

It seems Michael said all that he had to, and Captain Gareth wasn't from the start all too eager to have this discussion.

I bow politely down to the captain, mindful of all the trouble we're shoving onto him.

Liqu, on the other side, ecstatically waves at him.

I pull her by the cloak, and a moment later, we leave the guardhouse.

Passing by, I see how the guards started taking testimonies.

At my glance, one of the people we took prisoner suddenly becomes all the more eager to talk.

It seems I really made an impression on them.