Chapter 148 (1/2)
Portland was the continent’s largest casino. The symbol of this place was a six petaled flower. This was a flower called ‘daylily.’ It was a wildflower that bloomed in cl.u.s.ters between June and August and in the flower language, it meant ‘wishes come true.’ It also had the meaning of desire. Aidan had made this symbol in order to let the people here forget their troubles and achieve their desired goals.
There was a room where this symbol was hanging.
[Nobles’ Room]
It was usually a meeting room for the closest nobles but now it was only for the owner of the casino. Aidan was smoking a cigarette made of the daylily. “Sigh. Is this a new cigarette? As the name suggests, it seems to make you forget all your anxieties. I like it very much.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
The name of the woman standing opposite him and bowing was Lanya. She was the real ruler of the black market hidden in the casino. She also acted as the Madam, the one who directly led the black market auction. However, her true identity was supporting the Assassin’s Guild hidden in the black market, assisting with commissions, and doing terrible things.
“I’m going to commission an assassination. If you connect me to some decent people, you will receive a decent reward.”
“I understand. Can you tell me who the target is?” Lanya questioned and Aidan gulped down the wine in front of him.
He slammed it down with considerable strength and his eyes were bloodshot. “Helena.”
“......!”
“Huhu, why are you so surprised? You never expected me to mention the woman who is my wife?”
Lanya’s eyes momentarily widened and once he met her eyes, she bowed her head again.
Aidan was pleased by the sight. “Kukuk. It would be good if all women were as obedient as you.”
”You're overpraising me. There is this newly registered Assassin’s Guild...”
“Really? Are you sure?”
“There are some unique people.”
“What do you mean by mean?” Aidan asked and Lanya replied, “They don’t only do assassination. Their slogan is that as long as you give them money, they will do any wicked deed with no hesitation. It is a bit different from the usual assassin guilds.”
“Hoh. Really? I’m interested.”
“The daylily cigarettes you just smoked were brought by these people. They made it themselves.”
“They’re funny people. Okay, I’ll try out these guys. Connect them to me now.”
“I understand.”
Lanya gave a short bow and left. Five minutes passed before a knock was heard on the door.
Knock knock.
“Come in.”
The door opened. It was Lanya who had gone out earlier. Behind her were two people. One of them was as large as a bear and the man beside him gave a sharp expression despite his tired look. Lanya spoke, “Their names are...”
“Hello, I am called Supreme Fire Dragon.”
The man called Supreme Fire Dragon interrupted Lanya’s words and bowed. He was the man that Aidan thought had a good physique earlier. He was a polite person who knew to bow as soon as he met someone. Aidan nodded at Lanya. It was a sign telling her it was okay for her to go out and leave him alone with his guests.
“Please have a good time.”
Creak.
The door was closed.
* * *
“Please sit down. Your name...”
Supreme Fire Dragon, who had been contacted by Madam Lanya, sat down the moment Aidan offered him a seat.
“I am Supreme Fire Dragon.”
“Yes, Supreme Fire Dragon. It is hard to pronounce. Are you an immortal human?”
Supreme Fire Dragon once again spoke politely, “That’s right. It is an infinite honor to meet Aidan, the next great merchant king.”
The NPC in front of him was the most influential figure in the next presidential election. It was possible that something good might happen one day if he flattered Aidan. Fortunately, Aidan looked pleased. “You know how to be polite to nobles. I like you, yes. What is the name of the person next to you?”
“Ah, this person is...”
Aidan crossed his legs and pointed to Yoon Seowon. Supreme Fire Dragon tried to answer but Yoon Seowon raised a hand to stop him. “I am called Cocaine.”
“I see. By the way, are you an assassin? You look a bit weak...”
“I’m not an assassin.”
“Um....? Then why did you come in here?”
Aidan frowned and Supreme Fire Dragon quickly responded, “He is a business partner who is working with me.”
“Business partner? What does that mean?”
“In fact, we’re in the tobacco business together.”
“Oh, I’ve heard. It was the daylily cigarette. I tried it and it’s satisfactory.”
“I’m glad you like it. In fact, I wanted to see Aidan because...”
“Hahh, it’s fine. It’s obvious why you are doing this. You want commercial permission for your cigarettes. That isn’t the purpose I’ve called you here for today so don’t tell me anymore.”
‘Shit.’
He was truly a businessman and was quick to notice things. The smile on Supreme Fire Dragon’s face froze for a moment but he soon regained his smile. “Then the reason why you’ve called us..”
“I want you to assassinate someone.”
Supreme Fire Dragon’s expression became serious when he heard it was an assassination.
“Who is the target?”
“Helena, my second wife.”
“Huh...?”
Supreme Fire Dragon’s eyes widened at the unexpected statement. It was the same for Yoon Seowon beside him. Aidan continued speaking, “I’ve heard that you won’t hesitate to do anything bad as long as you receive money?”
“Huh? Ah, yes. That’s our specialty...”