In My Second Life, I Rule from the Shadows

Chapter 30: Lahan (1)

Thunk.

Carl dashed through the empty air.

In just a few strides he leapt across the grounds of Bayern and arrived at Beatrice Street.

Neither the cadets nor the people passing below sensed his presence.

If one were infiltrating the academy from the outside, it might be difficult, but exiting from the inside out was not hard.

‘The schedule was arranged perfectly.’

The Shadow who had been assigned as his substitute continued to sleep soundly and would emerge into the city at dawn.

Meanwhile, it was planned that he would “coincidentally” meet people from the Madeira Trading House who had established themselves in his native Leipzig Domain, be offered a meal, and “coincidentally” build a connection.

Of course, the Madeira Trading House was one of the business operations that NOX operated behind the scenes.

It was a foundation Carl had built from childhood for NOX’s base, and now among mid‑level trading houses it had gained a considerable reputation.

‘Originally I wanted to run an intelligence guild.’

In contrast to the Central Plains, the intelligence guild had many restrictions.

Its territory was far larger than the Central Plains, requiring astronomical funds to establish a network, and only a handful of organizations dominated the industry leaving little room to break in.

The provinces weren’t much of a problem, but as one ascended to the capital the surveillance became heavier, so this position was the best for now.

Clack.

Beatrice Street, right before the weekend, was packed with people.

With the semester started and it being the first weekend, everyone moved about in an excited mood.

Originally Carl intended to mingle with them and build camaraderie, but now a far more urgent matter had arisen.

He alighted into a dim alley that showed signs of human traffic and lightly stepped forward, exiting out.

Whoosh.

As Carl stepped out of the alley, his clothing had suddenly changed.

His black coat flared as he moved toward the roadside where a carriage stopped before him.

The door opened and out stepped the Second, wearing a black mask.

She lightly bowed in front of Carl.

“You said they asked to see me over there?”

“Yes. They’re arrogant fellows.”

Unlike her usual calm demeanor, the Second seemed slightly angry.

“I think they heard rumors about the Master being exposed in the entrance exam terror incident and want to confirm it themselves.”

“Is there any possibility it’s related to the imperial palace?”

“The connection is slight. Still, we are keeping a close eye on them.”

Carl nodded.

Normally when he was absent, the Queen would command NOX in his stead.

But this time “Rahan” had made contact and pointed directly at Carl, the Master of NOX.

They said they wanted to meet the head of this side in person to talk.

Under normal circumstances he would have declined, but they presented a proposal that was intriguing.

“They seem to have internal complexity too.”

“They say the dispute over succession lines is heated. The boss’s son, the heir, is at odds with the organization’s number two, so there appears to be plenty of leverage points.”

Rahan was the largest organization in the Western Third Commercial District where NOX was located.

With it came many internal members and a variety of factions.

The problem was that the aged boss, without designating a clear successor, had fallen into illness and lost consciousness.

As a result, fierce power struggles erupted between the boss’s son Dirsan and the number two, Turf.

‘The one contacting us is the boss’s son. His legitimacy is on the son’s side, but the number‑two currently holds the advantage.’

It was a common scenario.

The title of being the boss’s son only held weight while the boss was alive and well.

The carriage slowly advanced deep into Polfoardel.

To the dark shady areas where even moonlight didn’t reach.

Screech.

At last the carriage stopped on a street devoid of any light.

The surrounding shops and houses gave no sense of people.

It was a deserted street, a shadow hidden behind the glittering façade of Polfoardel.

This area had been deliberately created and left vacant by Rahan.

“Master.”

The one who greeted Carl as he stepped out of the carriage was the Queen.

Her violet hair shimmered, and she removed the mask on her face and offered him a charming smile.

“A fine night, isn’t it.”

“I hope it will be a good night.”

Carl returned the smile.

What kind of night it would be depended on how Rahan responded.

“They said they would meet at their flik. It seems they were mindful of outside eyes.”

“That makes sense. If it becomes known they colluded with external forces, it would not positively influence internal sentiment.”

In an ordinary case it would have been recognized as ability.

But succession disputes created a special dynamic.

To be acknowledged by members, one had to prove they deserved to inherit the boss’s seat on their own merit.

Though difficult, the return value was certain.

On the other hand, borrowing external power was a relatively easy path.

Of course it carried considerable risk instead of return.

“As long as they secure the boss position, that’s all that matters. With absolute power they can purge resistance factions freely.”

“And we’d be caught in the middle.”

Their capability had been proven by simultaneously raiding and eliminating two organizations.

Even if issues arose, they would be silenced by killing and thought there would be little fallout.

“Let us go.”

“I will guide you.”

Carl stepped onto the passage descending into the flik.

It was damp, smelly, and unpleasant, just like the other sections.

Is the flik all like this?

Only the Queen and the Second accompanied him.

As they reached the flik’s entrance, guards greeted them.

“I’ve confirmed the three of NOX.”

Well‑trained soldiers.

Well‑armed and sharp in bearing.

‘The gatekeeper of the flik is almost the face of the organization.’

This level was about the average standard of Rahan.

“I will guide you.”

As though pre‑informed, he moved himself and led them onward.

From this point it was the domain of the opposing organization.

While not letting their guard down for any potential situation, they followed behind the gatekeeper.

– Top‑grade blue jade for only 50 gold!

– Everything but the missing items is here! Take a look around!

Day or night, the flik always looked the same.

In the first place, time had no meaning in this underground place.

‘It’s far more prosperous than the other side.’

Carl gleaned information while glancing sideways around him.

He had heard that even in Flick, there was a disparity between the rich and the poor.

The more prominent the Flick run by an upper-tier organization, the more populous, wealthy, and prestigious it was.

If Lahan, who was the de facto head of the Western Third Commercial District, was at this level, how much more money were the upper organizations raking in?

“This way.”

The place the doorman guided them to was a five-story restaurant.

It seemed to be the largest and most extravagant building in the area.

The destination was the fifth floor, the topmost level.

The entire floor appeared to have been rented out exclusively, leaving it completely empty inside.

“Right on time.”

A man sitting at the central table on the fifth floor greeted them with a smiling face.

“So you’re Dirsen. Let me first thank you for accepting the invitation. Why don’t we talk while having a meal?”

“……”

Carl looked at Dirsen through his mask.

Slicked-back hair, immaculate attire without a wrinkle, and even an air of elegance flowing from him.

If not for the tag of ‘Lahan,’ one might believe he was from a noble household.

‘Early thirties. Quite young.’

Carl moved forward and sat opposite Dirsen.

Naturally, Queen and Second came and stood behind him.

“NOX.”

“Is it alright to refer to you simply as NOX?”

“Yes.”

“Your companions are welcome to sit as well.”

Dirsen glanced at the two standing behind Carl.

From their builds, it was clear they were women.

Something about the unknown allure they exuded kept drawing his gaze.

But when Carl gave no response, Dirsen simply shrugged and continued speaking.

“They call the black masks ‘Black Label,’ don’t they? Quite the unique system you’ve built. The organizations in the capital were all the same and boring.”

“……”

“If I become the boss of Lahan, I might try to emulate you a bit. Such a structured system is crucial for any organization.”

“You talk too much.”

Dirsen gave a wry smile at the implicit demand to cut the chatter and get to the point.

“Right. I’m the one desperate here, after all. As you know, Lahan is currently caught in a succession struggle between me and Turga. To be honest, I’m the one falling behind. That’s why I reached out to you.”

“You’ll keep your end of the deal?”

“Yes. I’ll hand over all areas of the Western Third Commercial District, excluding our Lahan territory. I also promise not to interfere for a while.”

What Lahan—Dirsen—was offering was to recognize NOX’s dominance over the Western Third Commercial District.

Half of the Western Third Commercial District was under Merbo, Birterso, and Coxi, while the other half was under Lahan’s control.

But with NOX entering the picture, Merbo and Birterso were absorbed by NOX, drastically altering the power structure.

Lahan proposed not to contest the territories NOX absorbed, and to also stay out of any disputes with Coxi.

‘For a while, huh.’

Carl absentmindedly stroked the edge of his mask, deep in thought.

He needed time to take care of Coxi and solidify his base in the Western Third Commercial District.

Dirsen needed time to eliminate his rival and seize full control of the organization.

Of course, even so, this hastily formed balance wouldn’t last long.

Whichever side finished reorganizing first would strike the other and tear into their throat.

Because there couldn’t be two suns under one sky.

“……was what I was going to say.”

Dirsen, who had been waiting for Carl’s response, smiled slyly while cutting into his steak.

“But the leader of an organization has graced us with his presence in person. Like a complete idiot. I didn’t think you’d really come just because I asked.”

“Wasn’t this supposed to be a meeting for negotiation?”

“It was, originally. Since there was a chance a representative might be sent, I approached carefully. We still know very little about NOX.”

Shing.

Dirsen raised the knife he had been using to cut his steak and pointed it at Carl.

“This is why country bumpkins from the provinces are a problem. They lack venom. That willingness to do anything to survive.”

“……”

Then, three men ascended the stairs.

Each had an imposing presence, clearly no ordinary fighter.

“I brought them especially for today. Took quite the effort to get the headcount right.”

“……Why not use them to take out Turga instead?”

“A succession battle isn’t that simple. What I need is your influence in the Western Third Commercial District. It’s different from merely hiring strong mercenaries.”

Meanwhile, the mercenaries that had come up the stairs stood behind Dirsen.

Their appearances, as if to prove how “special” they were, varied widely.

One was a lean spearman, another was dressed head to toe in white, and the last appeared to be a middle-aged swordsman.

But Carl showed no reaction, prompting Dirsen to tilt his head in curiosity.

“Quite calm, aren’t you?”

“I expected this.”

Carl let out a brief sigh behind his mask.

He had somewhat anticipated that a situation like this might arise.

If Dirsen could decisively eliminate the leader of NOX, he would acquire a razor-sharp blade with no risk.

Still, Carl had expected that, in the face of such an important task as the succession, he wouldn’t resort to such idiocy.

“Capital dwellers are nothing but disappointment.”

Not a single one could escape his expectations.

Neither in strength nor in thinking.

Click.

Carl removed the mask from his face and slowly set it down on the table.