Dark Fantasy Normalized

The meeting proceeded at breakneck speed. That is, except for the one elderly councilor left trailing behind, unable to keep up with the tempo set by the youth.

– “You’ve bought off the city guard? Excellent.”

– “You’ve swayed all of Gadum’s vassals and claimed authority as his proxy? Wonderful.”

– “There’s a formidable black mage among the underworld’s kingpins? Oh, splendid.”

– “Then how about Lisir infiltrates the upcoming underworld council and pressures them from within? Ah, yes, perfect, perfect.”

In truth, perhaps age wasn’t the real issue.

Rather, it was the inability to follow a line of discussion that utterly defied common sense.

How many among the citizens of Bondales—regardless of age or status—could even keep pace with a conversation like this?

Likely only the ones gathered in this very room.

The elderly councilor felt a sense of duty. She had to raise an objection.

Matters involving Bondales’ criminal organizations were of the most delicate kind.

How could they entrust such weighty affairs to a fledgling who had only just come of age?

“Councilor Morin, do you have something to say?”

“Ah? Oh... no, not at all.”

And yet, despite the thunderous screams of her reason, Morin held her tongue. She, being the aged councilor, was unusually gifted in reading the room.

If I speak rashly in this atmosphere, it’ll only do more harm than good...

Morin cautiously studied the mood.

“But on that note—this Gaderok fellow—the underworld ruler of the southern district, yes? I’ve heard rumors myself. Some say he wields black magic so potent that even masters of the mage towers or elite adventurers couldn’t stand against him... Is it truly wise to send Lisir into such a den?”

And just like that, the opportunity came. The nobleman Velas voiced his concern—carefully, but clearly.

Yes, that’s right! At last, someone thinking like a normal person!

Morin was ready to seize the moment, to align herself with him and build resistance.

“It is.”

But Lisir beat her to it—by a beat. With unwavering confidence, he declared:

“Please, send me. You can trust me.”

So confident was his tone that, at a glance, one might think he was looking forward to confronting a black mage.

...Well now.

No one, surely, could be indifferent to the prospect of facing such a monstrous being. His current display—undoubtedly a bluff meant to inspire trust.

But bluster wasn’t always a bad thing.

How many could put on such a masterful display of bravado in the face of something as grim as a black mage?

Morin felt, if only slightly, that she could now understand why these people were so captivated by the young man.

Of course. That didn’t mean she had any intention of indulging his bluff.

Everyone knew: black mages were not foes one could face armed with confidence alone.

Morin was sure of it. That noble Velas would respond with clear displeasure to Lisir’s words.

That will be my moment to cut in.

She fixed her eyes on Velas. Soon enough, he spoke.

“Ohhh, if you say so—very well! I’ll put my faith in you!”

“...”

Shouldn’t you be asking for some evidence first before blindly trusting him?!

The elderly councilor felt a headache coming on.

As far as Morin knew, City Noble Velas was no fool. If anything, he was a politically astute man with a sharp sense for danger. The fact that he cooperated with Gadum without ever becoming deeply entangled with him was proof of that.

And yet here he was, displaying an almost unthinkable lapse in judgment.

Velas, you’re not some idiot... So why this!?

Before Morin could fully process her growing confusion, another city noble—Galuan—raised a concern.

“The black mage isn’t the only problem here. The ones attending this underworld council are titans of lawless power. Lisir, they’re not the sort you’ve dealt with before. Do you truly believe you can handle them?”

Yes! That’s exactly what I’ve been trying to say!

Galuan—he was one of the few Morin still categorized as a “sensible city noble.”

She reaffirmed her judgment and prepared to support the mood of uncertainty he’d introduced.

“You needn’t worry on that point. I’ve faced far more dangerous people than them.”

“Mmm. I suppose I could believe that, coming from you. Very well.”

Morin clutched her head in both hands.

Galuan, good gods! Are you seriously buying that!? Just look at the boy’s face! He’s barely older than someone fresh from their coming-of-age ceremony—what kind of encounters or experience could he possibly have!?

She couldn’t make sense of it.

How had these supposedly wise nobles become such fools, swallowing the boasts and bluffs of a mere fledgling like gospel?

“Councilor Morin, your expression doesn’t look well...”

“Oh—pay it no mind.”

Morin forced a strained smile in response to Lisir’s question. She was close to losing her mind with frustration—but that only made her more cautious.

Wasn’t there a saying? That in a village of one-eyed people, the two-eyed one is the madman?

Reason had no place here. It would only backfire.

So then—

‘...’

So then—

...what the hell was she supposed to do?

“Very well, let’s review the plan one final time. Lisir will attend the upcoming underworld council as Gadum’s proxy and apply pressure to the criminal powers gathered there. Any objections?”

“Objections!? Of course not!”

“Hahaha! Well said! There’s not a single fool here who’d object to such a fine plan!”

How was she supposed to guide such fools back to the right path?

“And finally—Councilor Morin. A word from the city council regarding this operation, if you would.”

“The council’s support and endorsement... Should this mission succeed, Lisir shall receive proper recognition and compensation.”

“Indeed he shall! Who else in Bondales is doing as much for this city right now?”

“More than that! In this short time, Lisir has achieved more than I have in my entire tenure.”

“Haha, Lady Ran—you flatter me far too much.”

“...That aside, Councilor Morin has been rather quiet.”

“Councilor? Is there some issue?”

Steadily—

A cascade of extended hands, inviting yet again.

“The city council will never forget the dedication and sacrifice he’s shown for Bondales.”

Amid their joyous celebration, the elderly councilor nearly blacked out on the spot.

***

Brimport. He had built a vast organization spanning all of Bondales’ southwestern underworld through smuggling.

A councilor holding one of the seven seats at the underworld summit—

And ruler of the southwest backstreets.

That was the man named Brimport.

“Councilor Morin, what in the world are you saying...!?”

But Brimport’s power had recently come under threat. The arrival of the so-called “Master” and “Saint” had stirred unrest, and Gaderok—the underworld’s southern ruler—began expanding his reach in response, putting Brimport in grave danger.

Gaderok dealt in drugs and mercenaries—far more profitable and brutal than smuggling. There was no way Brimport could compete.

Gaderok meant to swallow his entire territory whole.

Facing death, Brimport sought every path of survival. One such path led to Morin—the respected city councilor. They formed a kind of pact.

If Morin requested his aid in any back-alley matter, he would comply without question. In exchange, he would receive the full protection of her title and name.

“This is what you wanted, isn’t it? If this goes well, I’ll help you smuggle part of your assets out of Bondales. I can even help you start fresh elsewhere.”

His ratlike whiskers and gaunt expression—

Brimport’s face lit up with a rare smile of hope. It didn’t last long.

“No, but still—! You’re saying this kid will attend the underworld council in Gadum’s place!? That he’ll pressure the criminal organizations with Gadum’s authority!?! And I’m to assist him!?”

He could no longer suppress the feelings inside him.

—The fuck is this!? Are you kidding me!?

That voice rang clear, even if it was only in his head.

“...”

Morin looked away in silence. The gesture said it all. Take it or leave it.

“No...!”

Shit.

He couldn’t exactly grab a councilor by the collar, could he?

Brimport, restless and agitated, eventually turned his gaze—full of bitter frustration—toward the young man claiming to act as Gadum’s proxy.

Handsome face. Mild, youthful features.

Looking at him, Brimport couldn’t come up with a better word than “fledgling.”

He doubted anyone from the underworld could.

This guy is supposed to be Gadum’s proxy!? The fuck is this? What the hell is going on?

Brimport couldn’t picture him stepping into the underworld council and raising his voice before the other criminal lords.

These were people who lorded over criminals—who didn’t yield even to seasoned nobles with decades of political experience.

Handling those beasts in an outsider’s position—

That was something only someone like Gadum could pull off.

And now what? This baby-faced pup is going to parade around as Gadum and pressure the underworld bosses? And I’m supposed to help him do it?

At last, Brimport made up his mind.

“Lady Ran, I can’t do this. It’s not that I won’t—I can’t. It’s impossible. There’s no way in hell I’m risking my life for some brat!”

To that, Lisir replied with a relaxed smile.

“Aw, don’t say that. Let’s work together.”

“Hey, kid. Do you even know who I am?”

Brimport’s voice sharpened, and despite his rat-like features, the air around him grew heavy with pressure.

He hadn’t become the ruler of the southwestern underworld just by being good at smuggling.

“Of course I do. You’re Brimport—the man who’s going to help me with this mission. But what about you, Mr. Brimport? Do you know who I am?”

“Hah! Listen to this little shit. All right, then—go on. Tell me. Who the hell are you? What gives you the right to stick your nose in this business? Do I really have to spell it out for you? You show up there, you’re gonna end up in pieces. I’m telling you now, for your own good—”

“Dogal.”

“Yes, Acting Councilor Lisir.”

“...?”

Brimport’s blustering came to a screeching halt.

From nearby, Captain Dogal stepped forward. Brimport had assumed, of course, that Morin had brought him—but here he was, responding immediately to Lisir.

“Do you know anything about Mr. Brimport?”

“He’s a criminal who built his power through smuggling in the backstreets.”

“Criminal’s a bit harsh, don’t you think?”

“I’m only stating facts. Considering the number of city ordinances he’s violated, we could arrest him right now and no one would question it.”

“Uhh...”

Those who attended the underworld council fell into two categories:

Gadum’s partners. Gadum’s subordinates.

Brimport, who had already lost most of his influence under Gaderok’s pressure, could no longer count on freedom from law enforcement scrutiny.

But that wasn’t the only reason Brimport was panicking.

That Dogal...?

Even Gadum hadn’t managed to put a leash on him. And now that same captain was bowing politely to some rookie?

It made Brimport’s head spin.

Lisir—

The current he’d stirred up over the past few days had been nothing short of explosive.

Most people, save for those directly involved, didn’t even know who he was—let alone what he’d accomplished.

Brimport was no exception. He hadn’t known a thing about Lisir.

But now... that had changed.

“What will it be?” Lisir asked calmly.

“...”

Beside him, Dogal’s gaze gleamed as he stared Brimport down.

“...”

In the end, Brimport had no choice but to nod in quiet submission.

***

That night, the underworld council was convened.

The attendees were notified of the time and place for the clandestine meeting.

***

A special rule had been added to this particular underworld council—one unlike any before.

“Masks are permitted?”

Lisir’s question earned a nod from Dogal.

“It’s likely out of consideration for the new participants.”

“You mean me?”

“No. I mean the Saint and the Master. They appeared out of nowhere, drove out the former rulers, and began governing their districts in a completely different way. To the existing bosses, they’re an uncomfortable presence.”

“In what way?”

“To speak plainly, they seem intent on eradicating criminal activity in their territories. I’d wager the other bosses are mainly attending this council to probe the intentions of those two.”

“Oh-ho.”

Kingpins of the underworld trying to stamp out crime.

The Saint and the Master... What kind of people are they?

Lisir’s eyes glittered with intrigue.

“It’s time.”

Lisir took up a mask that covered only the lower half of his face and departed for the meeting place.

Their mode of transport: Gadum’s carriage. Only one escort was permitted: Dogal, formerly Gadum’s personal guard.

***

The destination was a house in one of the affluent residential districts.

Passing through the back entrance and into the parlor, they found a wide room with a round table.

Several seats were already occupied. Despite the number of empty chairs, the others were huddled closely together.

The moment Lisir entered, they all fell silent and turned to look at him.

“...”

The most blatant stare came from a man in a black mask. Black hair, black eyes—like a great raven, his aura filled the room.

Gaderok. His eyes narrowed at Lisir, then curved upward in a sly arc.

So this is Gadum’s proxy, huh?

Gadum’s vassals had moved swiftly to spread rumors confirming the legitimacy of Lisir’s appointment. Gadum had named him his proxy and left the city—that was the story.

In this very moment, Gaderok’s suspicions hardened into certainty.

Whatever’s going on... Gadum’s power is collapsing.

That flimsy-looking proxy was all the proof he needed.

That mild, youthful air—one a mask couldn’t fully conceal.

Gaderok knew Gadum well. If the man were still in his right mind, he’d never send someone like that to represent him.

A pleased chuckle slipped from behind Gaderok’s mask. He had made his decision.

Now was the time to strike.

“Brimport has arrived.”

Brimport stepped forward and stood beside Lisir.

“No need to linger there—come and sit.”

Gaderok beckoned casually to them both.

“...”

Dogal snorted softly at the sight. It was a relaxed, arrogant attitude—one Gadum had never been allowed to see.

Lisir and Brimport took seats opposite Gaderok.

“Now then—”

Gaderok opened his mouth.

“Isn’t the atmosphere a little too tense for meaningful discussion?”

He smiled at Brimport.

“Let’s take care of the rat in our midst before we begin, shall we?”

Whoosh.

It happened in an instant.

“H-Huh!? AAAAGH!!!”

Brimport’s body was engulfed in black fire.

“Lord Brimport!”

His bodyguard immediately tried to extinguish the flames with his coat—

But the black fire devoured the guard too, as if it had been waiting.

“Brimport. Naughty, naughty. Sneaking around behind our backs with another councilor?”

Gaderok’s voice rang out, perfectly satisfied, amid the sound of screaming.

This was an execution. And at the same time, a show of dominance.

Gaderok turned to Lisir.

“Now the °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° atmosphere’s a bit more appropriate, wouldn’t you agree?”

With that, Gaderok took his first step toward seizing the entire underworld.

The meeting had its true star—and no one dared question who that was.

“Please, please, I’m sorry, just—huh?”

Right up until the flames that had devoured Brimport—

—suddenly vanished.

“...”

Gaderok’s gaze snapped to Lisir.

“...”

The boy was smiling. Deeply, serenely.

Gaderok couldn’t understand the meaning behind it.

Behind the black mask, his eyes wavered.

***

Just then. As the meeting continued, new carriages arrived—one at the front entrance, one at the back.