Chapter 50. A Member of the Alliance
“It’s the first time since the wedding, Miss Leticia.”
Sirius greeted Leticia.
As Yustia’s sister, Leticia was hostile towards Sirius.
Resembling Yustia, but while Yustia gave off an elegant and innocent vibe, Leticia exuded a glamorous and haughty aura.
“It’s indeed different from the wedding.”
Glancing at her nails, Leticia remarked, “I didn’t have such a confident voice back then.”
“I was in a lot of pain until then. I got better after coming to the east.”
“Hmm, you did look quite sick back then…”
Leticia turned her gaze with a suspicious expression.
“But who is this woman?”
Pointing at Verdian, who was behind Sirius with a gloomy expression, Leticia asked, “Why was she crying in front of you?”
“She’s our youngest. Don’t worry about her.”
“Youngest?”
“She recently became one of my subordinates. There was just a minor issue.”
Upon hearing Sirius’ words, Verdian’s expression darkened even more.
Observing this, Leticia frowned.
“Is she really just a simple subordinate? I don’t think so at all…”
“Sister, we can talk about this later.”
“Yu, Yustia. Your sister is evaluating your husband…”
Yustia pushed Letitia aside and intervened.
“Sirius, I have confirmed the recent events through the letter. Has there been any change since then?”
“I am currently in the process of purging the dark guilds in the southeast with the Kayen Agtas. However, the situation is more serious than anticipated, so it seems it will take time to uproot them completely.”
This was a discussion related to the sub-organizations of the Federation involved in human trafficking and such.
“I will take care of that part myself, so you can discuss matters with the Agtas family and plan for the future.”
“Got it. Leave that part to me.”
Sirius’s task is to eradicate the dark guilds in the eastern region with the Agtas family and establish a system to prepare for the upcoming battles.
However, Yustia had to handle other aspects, such as negotiating on economic matters.
Utilizing the Celestial Empire, Yustia was steadily developing the northeast.
If they could expand to the southeast as well and greatly develop the entire eastern region, the Rigel family would undoubtedly become the rulers of the east.
“Wait, you two… after being newlyweds for so long, are you just discussing work matters? It’s a bit strange, isn’t it?”
“Sister… please don’t meddle.”
Yustia sighed at her younger sister’s constant attempts to speak up.
***
Sirius guided Yustia and Letitia to meet with Kayen.
The two of them would explore a new future for the entire east through negotiations with the Agtas family.
After entrusting them with practical negotiations, Sirius took Verdiene to Alayon and Bellied.
“Greet them. Alayon, Bellied.”
The two men looked surprised when they saw Verdiene.
“This is Verdiene, who has joined my ranks this time. Treat him as the youngest.”
“Youngest? Does that mean he’s lower in rank than me?”
Bellied’s face lit up.
Until now, Bellied had been discontent with the fact that his rank was lower than Alayon’s.
“Great! Then I’ll be the one to educate the youngest from now on.”
Bellied started to act as a senior towards Verdiene.
Upon seeing this, Verdiene’s expression became even more distorted.
“Let’s start with sword training. I’ll teach you from the basics so don’t worry…”
“You don’t have to.”
“Why?!”
Bellied was shocked, arms wide open.
“He should practice swordsmanship like I did!”
“You don’t have to.”
“Why…!”
Although Bellied felt unjust, Sirius paid no attention.
“Master, what is his skill level like?”
Alayon cautiously asked.
“Is it similar to Bellied’s?”
“No, he can’t use magic.”
“What? So does he use a sword?”
“With limbs like those, would he wield a sword and fight? It wouldn’t be helpful in combat.”
“No, why bring such a useless fellow….”
Upon hearing Sirius’ words, Alreon looked at Verdiene with a disdainful gaze.
Verdiene could only contort his face even more.
As a direct disciple of the Poison King and a mage of the 7th Circle, he had been thriving, but being ignored by these guys… Verdiene was at his wit’s end.
“What exactly do you intend to use him for?”
“There are more places where he can be useful than you think.”
“If it’s menial work, just have Belid do it.”
At Alreon’s words, Belid raised an eyebrow.
At the same time, Verdiene let out a sigh.
Being treated as a menial worker rather than being recognized, there was nothing to do but sigh.
However, Sirius’ voice that came right after made them all startle.
“He possesses knowledge of potions and poisons. I plan on seeking his help in the future.”
“Ah….”
Verdiene gazed at Sirius’ face.
Indeed, Verdiene had lost his magical power, but as a direct disciple of the Poison King, he possessed various knowledge.
“So, do not harass them as useless individuals. In that field, there will be no one in the East who can follow.”
“Ah, I see. You were looking for some herbs anyway….”
“Hmm, if you have that ability, I must acknowledge it. You are not useless.”
Not a useless person.
Upon hearing that, Verdiene felt a strange comfort.
“And.”
Sirius looked back at Verdiene.
“Surely, he will be useful elsewhere.”
“…?”
Unable to understand what was being said, Verdiene tilted his head.
***
The Maewoo family, one of the prominent mid-tier families in the southeast.
The head of the family, Noien Maewoo, was waiting for news with a leisurely demeanor.
‘Soon, Verdiene must have made contact with Sirius.’
Noien was not only the head of the prestigious Maewoo family but also a member of the Eastern Branch of the Alliance.
It was Noien’s role to assist the Alliance’s work by utilizing the power of the Maewoo family, a respected family even in the southeast.
‘Whether Verdiene eliminates Sirius or allies with him… the opportunity will come to me.’
For a while now, the Maewoo family had recognized the Agtas family as the leader of the southeast.
But secretly, they aimed to overthrow the Agtas family.
With Sirius having defeated Valerion and Kaen kneeling, now was the opportunity.
‘If Verdiene eliminates Sirius, the weakened Agtas family can easily be swallowed by our Maewoo family.’
Without Sirius, the Regel family posed no threat.
It could even lead to the Maewoo family taking over the entire East.
‘On the other hand, if Sirius joins the Alliance… since we will become allies, they will favor our Maewoo family.’
Sirius is currently restructuring the order in the southeast along with the Agtas family.
However, it wouldn’t necessarily have to be a member of the Agtas family who holds hands with.
It would be better to work with the Maiu family, who are part of the Alliance and understand each other’s inner thoughts.
“If Sirius is a descendant of the Regal family and involved in the Alliance… we must inevitably grow closer, considering our similar positions.”
Noien is the head of the Maiu family and is involved with the Alliance.
With confidence that Sirius will come to rely on him, Noien smiled.
“My lord.”
At that moment, a steward approached Noien and whispered to him.
He was someone who knew that Noien was collaborating with the Alliance.
“Sirius is here outside with Verdian. They are with Lord Berdian.”
“Is that so?”
It was a sudden but welcome piece of news.
“It seems to be going as I predicted.”
Perhaps Verdian had intercepted Sirius.
And upon hearing that Noien was a member of the Eastern Branch of the Alliance, maybe Sirius had come to establish a cooperative relationship in the future.
“Tell them to come in directly. I will personally receive them.”
Smiling broadly, Noien rose from his seat.
* * *
Sirius visited the Maiu family with Alayon, Velid, and Verdian.
Verdian remained silent, but his expression showed great discomfort.
“Lord Noien of the Maiu family is quite capable.”
Without being asked, Velid spoke up.
“Sirius, with Noien’s cooperation, uniting the entire East will become easier.”
“I hope so.”
Eventually, a man with a beard appeared in the reception room.
It was Noien, the head of the Maiu family.
“Nice to meet you for the first time, Sirius.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Noien.”
As Sirius and Noien shook hands, Noien smiled.
“I never expected you to visit like this. I should have been the one to greet you first.”
“I should have come to see you. I apologize for being late.”
“Oh, no need for apologies.”
Noien spoke softly as he took his seat.
“I’ve heard a lot about your exploits, Sirius. Especially your defeat of Valerion of the Agtas family… it was truly exhilarating.”
“Indeed.”
“Valerion was a great nuisance to many families in the East. Although he had been hiding, everyone was afraid of him resuming his activities.”
Noien’s voice was sincere.
“But since you, Sirius, brought down Valerion… we are truly grateful.”
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“I only did what needed to be done.”
“hahahaha, that’s how you see it.”
After a brief laugh, Noien lowered his voice.
“Then… there should be no more obstacles from Sirius in the east.”
“Not exactly. There are still many small and big black associations left.”
Sirius replied casually.
“I’m doing this much… I hope they all kneel by themselves.”
“Hmm, then Sirius, you should show that you can rule over many black associations.”
Noien smiled meaningfully.
And then, he looked towards Verdiene.
“….”
But Verdiene remained silent, avoiding eye contact.
He was unable to speak as Sirius had already touched his mute point.
“Noien, you spoke well.”
Sirius said calmly.
“Just by seeing that I came with this person, you can tell… I wish to be with Noien.”
“hahahaha, if you’ve set your mind on it, I am glad.”
Noien nodded with a smile.
“If we join forces, we can play a significant role in the eastern branch.”
Eastern branch.
Of course, it refers to the Alliance’s eastern branch.
“But, Noien.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Noien… don’t you have connections with the central side as well?”
Central.
At that word, a smile appeared on Noien’s lips.
“Did you hear that too? It seems Sirius also wants to join in the central.”
“I also want to advance to the central, that’s why I’m saying this.”
“You are ambitious.”
Noien raised his hand on the table, leaning forward.
“Yes, Sirius. I am secretly working on that part. The reason I am in the position I am now, not belonging to the black associations, is all because I am in charge of that matter.”
“….”
“I just supply as requested from that side. I don’t know the details.”
Saying so, Noien’s expression turned bitter.
“Kidnapping children from the Alliance and doing something… it’s hard to imagine.”
The moment that statement was made.
Belid, who had been quietly listening, suddenly stood up.
“N-Noien? What are you saying right now?”
“What?”
“What were you talking about… Are you saying that Noien was involved in child trafficking? And even handing them over to the Alliance?”
Belid was completely shocked.
Because he hadn’t heard any explanation from Sirius when he came here today.
“The Maiu family is one of the prestigious families representing the southeast, right? How could this…!”
“Sir, Sirius, what’s happening here…?”
“Noien Mayu.”
Sirius slowly spoke.
Unlike before, his voice was cold and endless.
“Verdian didn’t tell me anything.”
“What?”
Verdian still maintained the stance of not being able to disclose the Guild’s information.
Sirius had simply come because of suspicions regarding Noien Mayu.
“I’ve been investigating where the kidnapped children from Ultenstein Assembly and others were being sold. However, after digging through many black markets, I found traces linked to your Mayu family.”
“…!”
“So, I brought Verdian here. I thought if we put Verdian in front of you and talk significantly, he would confess on his own.”
Since Sirius hadn’t secured solid evidence, he needed to confirm properly.
And as Sirius anticipated, Noien revealed his true identity.
“Indeed, you were a member of the Guild, Noien Mayu.”
“…!”
Noien tried urgently to get up.
But Sirius was quicker to stab with the dagger.
“Ah…!”
The dagger pierced Noien’s back of the hand that was on the table.
Watching Noien scream in pain and writhe, Sirius coldly remarked,
“The confirmation is done; now it’s time for interrogation.”
Noien grimaced, and Verdian sighed at the sight.