Chapter 245

Chapter 245 – Do I Look Like a Philanthropist?

An unprecedented call to assemble echoed throughout the entirety of the Second Black-White Slums.

• Report to the gathering location the moment this notification reaches you.

Diverging from his normal demeanor, the Godfather’s command bore a harsh, unyielding quality, compelling the leaders of every territory to abandon their hideouts in a rush, their countenances shadowed by uneasy reflections.

‘What could possibly be driving the Godfather to do this?’

‘……There’s no way they uncovered the fact that I’ve been skimming from the collections, right?’

‘Damn, this leaves a bad taste in my mouth.’

A handful of leaders with untroubled consciences proceeded with composure, but the remainder made sure to strap dense metal sheets beneath their garments prior to stepping out.

Naturally, such armor was unlikely to preserve their lives if things went sideways, but it served as a precaution against the worst-case scenario.

Meanwhile, Aster was positioned inside the expansive boardroom designated for the gathering, engaging in a private discussion with the Godfather.

“Is it truly sufficient to…… issue the notification in this manner?”

“Did you express the message with the ultimate degree of authority?”

“I believe the delivery was forceful enough.”

“Mhm.”

Aster gave a nod as the Godfather offered his confirmation.

Yet beneath his serene presentation, his thoughts were racing with various speculations.

‘What is this old fellow truly plotting?’

Scarcely half an hour had passed since he had forcefully entered the Godfather’s sanctuary, leaving Evelin on the outside.

Truthfully, he had braced himself for a certain amount of violent resistance.

Yet what was the reality of the situation?

• The Knight has arrived under orders from the Duke……

• Ah, the celebrated Knight. By all means, please step inside.

Before the explanation could even be concluded, a member of the gang threw the entryway wide open to welcome him.

Caught completely off guard, Aster had trailed behind the man and suddenly found himself positioned directly across from the Godfather.

Furthermore, the dialogue had progressed as effortlessly as a vessel propelled by a favorable breeze, culminating in the current state of affairs.

“You appear to be deeply immersed in your own thoughts.”

“Yeah, well, it’s nothing.”

Aster replied with a hint of awkwardness.

Perhaps finding the young man’s reaction entertaining, the Godfather ran a hand the size of a massive iron lid through his flowing white hair and let out a gentle chuckle.

His expression possessed a benevolent quality, reminiscent of an amicable neighborhood grandfather, yet the prominent musculature, the blemishes covering the back of his hand, and the deep lines running across his countenance made it utterly impossible to perceive him in such a light.

‘His capabilities…… seem to be a notch above a Fixer.’

To think that a warrior on par with the commander of the Hamern Great Forest’s First Base Camp was hiding away within the confines of the Second Black-White Slums—it was truly remarkable.

The old man must have been a formidable power in his prime, and it was highly unusual for an individual of that caliber to remain lingering in a place like this.

‘……Unless he happens to be a wanted man, of course.’

In any case, that was beside the point right now.

“Let’s stop wasting time with pleasantries. What is your real objective here?”

“Whatever objective could you be referring to?”

“You are simply providing far too much assistance. It benefits me, certainly, but no matter how much I analyze it, the situation feels highly suspect.”

Even for an individual holding the status of the Godfather, calling together all the gang leaders of the Second Black-White Slums was not a matter to be treated lightly.

And to execute such an action based on the request of an unfamiliar outsider?

“Ho ho, do you truly believe I acquiesced to this demand solely on your account? My actions are entirely for the sake of young Timur.”

“Why does this involve Timur?”

“Have you not been informed? I have selected him to serve as the succeeding Godfather. Furthermore, the proposition you brought forward…… struck a chord with me.”

He did recall picking up information regarding Timur previously.

On the afternoon of the grand marketplace event, while attempting to comprehend the sphere of influence commanded by the Decullan Family, Timur had openly admitted to it.

But why would his proposition strike a chord with the old man?

As Aster tilted his head in bewilderment, the Godfather offered an explanation at that exact moment.

“Did you not state it yourself? That we must consolidate the entire capability of the Second Black-White Slums if we hope to endure the impending scarcity of provisions.”

“I did state that, but still…….”

“I share that sentiment. Have you ever experienced the conflicts of the past? Several decades ago—the environment was absolute bedlam. It wasn’t merely the vagrants, but even established gang associates were perishing from starvation.”

The Godfather detailed those horrific periods as though he were revisiting cherished experiences, presenting a thoroughly unsettling spectacle.

Comrades in arms found lifeless in the early hours because they had resorted to consuming dirt, or an esteemed elder figure collapsing into death after ingesting toxic flora out on the plains.

He recounted these tales of absolute misery as if they were warm, nostalgic reflections—a behavior far removed from a rational mindset.

Becoming aware of his own eccentricity, perhaps, the Godfather let out a soft laugh and brought his recollections to a close.

“Well, the situation merely brought those distant memories back to me…… What does it truly matter? It is the days ahead that carry real significance.”

“Mhm.”

Aster weighed his words with immense care for a brief period.

Following a temporary standstill.

“My apologies. I allowed my biases to cloud my judgment.”

While he could not truly connect with the suffering of that bygone era, he could sense the absolute truth in the old man’s words.

Just how deeply the Godfather’s devotion to the Second Black-White Slums truly ran. And that…… even amidst the filth of the drains, beauty could emerge.

Refraining from demanding extortionate sums for basic sustenance was likely the greatest concession he could grant while ensuring the protection of his followers.

Because of this, Aster delivered a genuine expression of regret.

“Are those words spoken with complete honesty?”

“……Yes, they are.”

A mischievous grin began to manifest across the Godfather’s features.

“In that case, you will be required to settle the balance of this favor.”

“…….”

What is this, an act of extortion?

Just as Aster’s perspective on honoring the aged was transitioning from ‘deep admiration’ to ‘an urge to strike,’ the Godfather continued speaking immediately after.

“Provide proper guidance and protection for Timur.”

“……?”

“Timur possesses grand ambitions. Yet up until this point, he has been far too consumed with cementing his own position to actually chase after them. Therefore…….”

“I am to assist him in making those ambitions a reality?”

“Precisely.”

The Godfather offered an affirmative nod.

However, this was a commitment that Aster simply could not agree to undertake.

“Godfather, you are misinterpreting the dynamic here. A demand of that nature should be directed toward the Duke, not to myself—and truth be told, even the Duke would decline to accept it.”

“For what reason would he decline?”

“Our relationship with Svetlana is strictly a commercial alliance; we have no intention of acting as their personal sponsors.”

They could function as partners of mutual benefit if their objectives happened to correspond, certainly—but they would not be poured resources into bolstering their standing.

Yet, for some inexplicable reason.

“Ho ho, very well, that is more than sufficient. Things being exactly as they are right now is perfectly fine.”

The Godfather smirked, bringing to mind the expression Timur had worn during his recent appearance.

• Godfather, would it cause an issue if I were to establish a home for parentless children within the Black-White Slums on this occasion?

The statement had been phrased as a request for approval, yet his demeanor made it clear that his choice had already been set in stone.

Why bother approaching him for permission regarding such a matter?

‘……He remains anchored to the events of the past.’

The very initial action the old man had taken upon inheriting control was the complete eradication of the care facilities for parentless children within the Second Black-White Slums.

During that period, vulnerable youths who might have pursued alternative paths in life were instead systematically molded into syndicate muscle—or even worse, bartered off into human commerce, coerced into the manufacture of illicit substances, or forced onto the streets to beg.

Following those events, the concept of a ‘care facility’ turned into a massive taboo within the Second Black-White Slums, which explained why Timur’s appearance had been motivated by that specific history.

Consequently, the Godfather had offered his unspoken endorsement.

‘……That is more than enough.’

The Duke along with the Knight were the ultimate catalysts who had propelled Timur into motion in the first place.

“No, what exactly do you mean by sufficient…….”

“Ho ho, our visitors are beginning to make their entrance.”

The Godfather deftly diverted the course of the conversation.

Aster opened his mouth to press the issue further but ultimately let out a low groan and directed a sharp look at the Godfather.

The benevolent elderly persona vanished completely, replaced instantly by the commanding presence appropriate for the supreme leader of the Black-White Slums.

‘……The man is an absolute expert at terminating a conversation.’

With him seated in such a domineering fashion, what counterargument could possibly be made?

A deep breath escaped him.

Aster conceded the point and corrected his sitting position.

In truth, it was not merely the Godfather who was required to put on an act for the arriving assembly……

Crash!

“G-Godfather. You commanded our presence?”

Gasping heavily as though he had sprinted the entire distance, an unfamiliar gang territory leader burst in.

The Godfather extracted a cylinder of tobacco from his coat, produced a flame to ignite it, and simply shut his eyes without granting the man a single glance.

‘Proceed, handle the situation as you see fit.’

An unspoken authorization to manage whatever took place going forward.

Naturally, now that the arena had been prepared for him, Aster was not the sort of person to show any reluctance.

“Godfather……? Who in the world is this fellow…….”

The unrecognized territory leader questioned Aster’s authority to be there in complete bewilderment—

Boom!

“……Gark!”

An overwhelming weight of internal energy flooded the entire boardroom.

‘Wha-what-what-what is the meaning of this…….’

Stripped of the ability to utter a word amidst the sudden, terrifying pressure, a chilling tone reverberated directly beside the leader’s ear.

“Hold your tongue.”

“…….”

Faced with the authoritative command, the gang leader took a sharp, fearful gulp.

Directly after, the same voice echoed in his ear once more.

“And where are your manners to introduce yourself?”

The territory leader felt as though his sanity was slipping away.

‘No, damn it all. Did you not just command me to hold my tongue?’

Could this be the predicament?

Utter a word and have your airway severed for making noise; maintain your silence and suffer the same fate for failing to provide an answer.

‘Curse it, they truly have uncovered my skimming of the funds!’

How could he possibly extricate himself from this trap?

His thoughts churned frantically.

As a result, the initial visitor stood rooted in absolute silence as the second and third waves of arrivals began to filter into the space.

It required very little time for the entirety of the Second Black-White Slums’ leadership to assemble.

Roughly twenty individuals were seated within the boardroom, casting suspicious glances toward one another.

Every single person in attendance commanded a specific territory, a group that naturally included Timur from Svetlana.

Timur was positioned in the seat closest to the head of the table, silently observing the massive, imposing figure stationed adjacent to the Godfather.

‘What in the world…….’

An abrupt command to gather at the crack of dawn.

And positioned right there was a face he recognized instantly.

The personal protector of the Duke, known simply as Knight.

“Hey, what exactly is the purpose of this meeting?”

Timur chose not to offer an explanation to the query posed by the neighboring gang leader, who was fully aware of the collaborative arrangement between the Duke and Svetlana.

In truth, he was incapable of answering.

He was just as much in the dark regarding the current circumstances.

For what reason was Knight stationed directly beside the Godfather? Where had the Duke gone? And what was the motivation behind gathering all the territory leaders at this specific hour?

A scenario teeming with unresolved queries.

Just as the collective inquisitiveness reached its peak, Knight broke the silence.

“Are all the expected individuals present?”

Upon hearing his inquiry, the Godfather parted his eyelids from their closed position.

“Every individual is present. They hold authority over their respective territories, so they ought to be fully capable of distributing whatever message you wish to convey.”

“Mhm, you have my gratitude.”

Knight offered a respectful dip of his head, and the Godfather gave an acknowledging nod before sealing his eyes once more.

The muscles around the gang leaders’ eyes twitched violently at the display.

It was startling enough that the Godfather was formally surrendering the authority of the floor, but witnessing an individual of such immense power display deference to him was a completely foreign sight as well.

Amidst the muffled confusion rippling through the room.

Knight’s voice boomed with absolute clarity.

“Hostilities have officially commenced between Lortel and Decullan.”

“……!”

“……Ugh.”

The shocking, unannounced revelation pulled muffled groans from several corners of the room.

These reactions came predominantly from the veteran leaders who understood the devastating repercussions that followed conflicts between aristocratic houses.

On the other hand, a few individuals allowed arrogant smiles to cross their faces.

Exactly as Aster had anticipated, these were the individuals hoarding grain supplies to maximize their gains.

Aster took mental note of every single person displaying an arrogant smile and proceeded with an aura of absolute composure.

“It appears that while some of you were already informed, others have only just received this news. The motivation behind utilizing the Godfather’s authority to bring you all together is uncomplicated: we must counteract the approaching deficit in sustenance.”

Aster commenced detailing the principles of market economics that Evelin had rigorously drilled into his memory. Or at the very least, he attempted to do so.

Right up until a particular gang leader hoisted an arm into the air.

“I have an inquiry.”

“So…… the plan is for us to combine our assets to sustain the population of the Second Black-White Slums, is that the gist of it?”

“Mhm, you possess a keen intellect.”

The inhabitants of the Black-White Slums were frequently dismissed by outsiders as simple-minded, yet the leaders of these syndicates clearly possessed minds capable of rapid calculation.

Just as Aster was silently acknowledging this trait.

“Go to hell.”

“……Excuse me?”

“Did your ears fail you? I told you to go to hell.”

The leader positioned at the very edge of the seating arrangement extended a derogatory gesture toward Aster.

The individuals who had entered the room ahead of schedule and experienced the crushing weight of Aster’s internal energy watched the reckless young leader with trembling expressions.

“C-Cut it out…… shreds.”

“Hey, tone it down a bit…….”

A couple of associates who frequently crossed paths with him attempted to smooth things over, but the youthful leader remained entirely unfazed.

“Why should I tone it down? You aging fools are nothing but a pack of yellow-bellied cowards. Hey, you’re that Knight fellow, correct? I have zero understanding of what sort of lunacy this is supposed to be, but do you think we dig around in the muck for our livelihood? Do you honestly believe we’re trembling in fear simply because you’re backed by the Godfather? Go construct your homes for parentless children or whatever else pleases you, I couldn’t care less—just restrict your charitable works to your own circles…… Ack!”

A sudden, violent detonation reverberated through the space.

The extended, offensive digit fractured instantly, and the leader occupying the edge seat projectile-vomited a torrent of crimson blood immediately afterward.

“……!”

“……!”

While the remaining syndicate heads stared in absolute horror at the instantaneous display of violence.

Aster unleashed the internal energy he had been actively restraining, sweeping his gaze across the entire chamber.

“It seems every single one of you is under a massive delusion. This initiative is not being executed for my personal fulfillment. Charitable works? If mountains of lifeless bodies begin accumulating throughout the Second Black-White Slums, do you genuinely believe your personal territories will remain untainted? When the vagrants perish entirely and the foundation of the city collapses—will your precious, profitable territories be worth a single coin?”

His sharp, distinct tone sliced cleanly through the suffocating stillness of the room.

Aster directed a piercing glare toward the syndicate heads, focusing intently on the individuals who had smirked upon hearing the declaration of hostilities, pronouncing every single syllable with venom.

“You overfed, ignorant fools have completely lost your grip on reality, haven’t you? Do I strike you as some sort of charitable benefactor? Pay close attention. This is an act of extortion, and I am the one stripping you of your wealth right now. In the exact same manner that you bleed the vagrants and common citizens dry. Is that understood?”

And throughout the duration of the supply deficit, he intended to sustain the vagrants and ordinary citizens of the Second Black-White Slums.

Aster’s ambitions were by no means restricted solely to the establishment of care facilities.

“Did you fail to grasp my meaning? Continue your complaints, and I will personally shatter your skulls. Is that clear…….”

Aster’s finger extended with absolute precision toward the exit of the boardroom.

“What are you all lingering for? Produce the financial records immediately.”

The moment those final words left his lips, the suffocating, terrifying energy vanished without a trace.

“Hah! Haaah……!”

“Cough. Whew!”

The syndicate heads struggled frantically to drag oxygen back into their lungs.

And then.

“……I shall take my leave first to prepare.”

Beginning with Timur.

“Mhm…… I shall do the same.”

“L-Let us depart as a group.”

One after another, the syndicate heads scrambled to their feet.

A profound shift was beginning to unfurl across the landscape of the Second Black-White Slums.