Chapter 422 - The Fall (1/2)
”Lady Gaso, to what do I owe this honor?”
”Mr. Haggard, I've some important information.”
”If lady Gaso herself took to calling an unknown personally, I shudder to know the reason.”
”Please Mr. Haggard, there's no need to be so off-putting. I called on assumption that we were acquaintances.”
”And acquaintances we are, I find it rather mind-blowing for thee to call. Anyway, please my lady, do continue and forgive my rather decrepit tone.”
”I say this as I'm not certain. Rumors are going around that the people from Meldorino know of Luna's true identity. It's a shame she died earlier today, but, it didn't stop the news from perpetuating. The reason for the call is other than the hero. Mr. Haggard, you've caught the attention of a few people in the Patek Dynasty. Members who are not that high-ranking…”
”And their wishes. I get the picture, they asked you to be the mediator between me and them. What a waste of time, they could have contacted my assistants.”
”Thing is, Mr. Haggard, you're elusive, there's no clear path in contacting you.”
”And my elusiveness doesn't seem to bother thee.”
”Have thee forgotten my name? Nevertheless, they want to have a meeting at thy convenience. I'm sure their secretive nature is reason enough. Mr. Haggard, I leave you on this – Meldorino's turned into a potential rival for other luxury brands. Good luck; Patek's aren't the only ones who wield power in Alphia. If thee are to fight, best do it as a team, not alone.”
”Thank you for the heads up, Lady Gaso. I'll keep the words close as I move forward. Besides,” the tone changed, ”-whatever happens in the underworld, stays in the underworld. I know all about your connection with the Dark-Guild. Lady Gaso, a close ally to Godfather Stanley of the assassination Sect.”
”Oh, Shadow,” said she with a chuckle, ”-leader of Phantom, an ally to Godfather Renaud, we sure are bound to face one another.”
”If tis bloodshed…”
”Let me interject,” said she sharply, ”-I'll make this clear. In no way will I get involved in the fights or bloodshed. My purpose is to only make the Gaso Group stronger; we're people who live as the law says, not thugs who kill on sight.”
”Are you insinuating that I know naught but death?”
”Mr. Haggard, I never said anything of sorts. Granted, the fable of Shadow, the mysterious man who annihilated gang after gang and went toe-to-toe against Godfather Stanley's elite assassins, is impressive. In no way will I be scared or back down for I've not done thee wrong.”
”Lady Gaso,” said he coldly, ”-tis as thee said. Cross my path and death will be what awaits in the end. We may not be friends, but we are acquaintances. As long as the Gaso Groups does what it does, we'll never be enemies. If the time comes where Godfather Stanley's protection isn't sufficient, Phantom will be glad to help.”
”So blatant,” she laughed, ”-asking for I to change sides this late in the game. Thee are truly amusing.”
”Glad to hear so,” the call ended.
'The Patek are shooting in the dark. Why would they want to speak to me? It's unnatural, something's amiss. Lady Gaso called personally. She could have sent a messenger or use some indirect way, but her actions were cut and clear. It's a warning, the Patek's are up to something, and it doesn't spell good for Meldorino.'
”Éclair, how long for the data to be sorted?”
”Another 12 hours, master. Have some rest, the information will be ready when thee wake.”
”As you wish.” Day turned to night, and the night was a conflicting event of interest. Riots to the North-East were rampant. The AHA did naught but cower in their headquarters. The situation grew so bad even heroes turned coat and joined the revolution.
Live-broadcast of the event played on television. Sat in his office at the mansion, Emperor Sultria's mind grew wary. 'I'll cause a revolution. Justice for Asuna Muld.' The words spoken by Staxius, he made good on the promise.
”Imperial Majesty,” opened the doors by informants, ”-the riots are getting worse. Public safety is at their wit's end.”
”I know,” came a listless response, ”-the truth got out,” leaned back on the chair. ”The Jester's last word said Asuna Muld was his sister. It's not hard to see why the man would want revenge. The condemning proof too, the AHA has a lot of explaining to do.”
”Forgive my asking; what brought about such a revolution. The death of Luna, Jester, the whole incident feels too good to be true.”
”Yet, tis what fate chose. Karma will strike one day or the other, the faint flame of retribution burns ever so gentler. Now go, it's time for politics. Have a press conference readied, the Empire is going to refute the actions of the AHA.”
”As thee wishes,” closed with a loud echo, Sultria sat with a smirk. 'Thank you, father-in-law, it's the perfect opportunity to break the Hero association. The continent doesn't need people who live to fill their coffers. We need actual heroes to help in the war against monsters.'
In a flash, the date went from the 8th to the 11th. The riot turned to civil war. More and more people rushed onto the scene. The city of Arkta became a nest for crows. The Mayor, by string-pulling, was forced into disowning the AHA. Subrea, Whuotan, Dostein, Scaica, Skouso, Uglor, and Legrury – the seven-province making the whole of Alphia, turned against the AHA. Their leaders expressed their discordance to such a sc.u.mmy way of maintaining a group meant for the 'good' of the people.
*Knock, knock,*
”Who is it?” asked Staxius opening the door.
”You have to help them,” said a desperate voice.