On My First Day Undercover, the Organization Collapsed - Chapter 96

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Organization Collapsed on My First Day of Infiltration Episode 096

 

 

 

 

 

Father and Son’s Bet (1)

 

 

 

 

 

In fact, Ziel hadn’t left yet.

 

The market within Hopel Territory Manor.

 

Ziel, who was about to leave, had been drawn by some wonderful scent to a stall he discovered and couldn’t bring himself to leave.

 

 

 

“Eating so much like that… is your stomach really okay?”

 

“I eat a lot because it’s delicious.”

 

“I’m, I’m grateful but…”

 

 

 

What Ziel was eating were nuts mixed with other ingredients and fried.

 

Rolling them in honey before eating made it truly a heavenly taste!

 

 

 

“The savory and sweet flavors come alternately.”

 

“You’ve got it exactly right. It’s our Hopel Territory’s pride – snacks made with the finest honey in the South!”

 

 

 

The owner showed his pride-filled boasting while unable to hide his worry.

 

 

 

“But… are you really okay eating that much? I’ve never seen a customer eat so much like you.”

 

“My stomach has no problems.”

 

 

 

Ziel said this while picking up his 40th piece.

 

He had clearly just finished a meal at the Hopel Family Mansion before coming out.

 

 

 

‘Student Celia Rihart’s words about having a separate stomach for snacks were true.’

 

 

 

Each piece was about the size of a newborn’s fist, so they weren’t particularly small snacks.

 

Thanks to this, the worried owner was grinning inside.

 

 

 

‘I’ll be closing up business early today!’

 

 

 

He’d been doing business in the market for 20 years, but this was his first customer like this.

 

The envious gazes of fellow merchants nearby were a bonus!

 

After eating exactly 60 pieces, Ziel noticed the sun was setting.

 

 

 

‘Time to leave.’

 

 

 

It was regrettable, but the world was wide and there were many delicious things.

 

Other delicious things would appear.

 

 

 

“It was a good taste. Well then.”

 

“Take care!”

 

 

 

The merchant clearly captured in his eyes the back of that handsome, big-eating excellent customer.

 

A nose bridge that seemed ready to cut!

 

Mysterious orange eyes!

 

 

 

“Hey, you sold out today. But what does that person do anyway?”

 

 

 

The Fried Bread Shop Owner right next to him asked with an envious voice.

 

 

 

“How would I know? He just kept eating. But rather than eating, it seemed like it just disappeared into his mouth.”

 

“Seeing how cleanly he eats, isn’t he a noble?”

 

“Then do we eat like beggars or something?”

 

“No, only nobles are educated to eat like that, aren’t they?”

 

 

 

Is that so?

 

If you think about it that way, could he be from an incredibly high-ranking family?

 

It was right then that the owner, who was thinking quietly, heard a certain voice.

 

 

 

“Let me ask something. Have you seen a man with orange eyes around here? He’s about this tall, with a moderately lean build.”

 

 

 

It was some knight leading mercenaries.

 

 

 

‘Tollen Trading Company?’

 

 

 

Looking at the crest on the armor, he was certain.

 

That gold coin-shaped crest he’d heard about here and there!

 

But the Shop Owner shook his head.

 

 

 

“I’m not sure.”

 

“Let me ask again. Did you really not see him? And was there perhaps a companion?”

 

“I said I don’t know.”

 

 

 

The ruthless market alley where they’d overcharge and fleece you if you weren’t careful!

 

But even there, there was a certain code of honor.

 

Honor toward the customer who helped him sell out!

 

 

 

‘I don’t know what reason they’re chasing him for, but…’

 

 

 

He couldn’t betray the customer who helped him close up business early today.

 

 

 

“You there, you. Didn’t you see him?”

 

“I don’t know either.”

 

 

 

The other merchant went even further.

 

 

 

“Looking at the crest, you seem to be from Tollen Trading Company, but if you have questions, shouldn’t you ask the lords rather than us? How about it, shall I call the Security Guards for you?”

 

 

 

In simple terms, it meant get lost.

 

It wasn’t just because of honor.

 

Tollen Trading Company’s infamy had already spread beyond the Eastern Region to the nearby South and Northern Region.

 

The typical method of seizing control of powerless territories’ economies, then driving out all existing merchants and monopolizing to charge high prices!

 

Tollen Trading Company’s crest was no different from a demon’s crest to existing settlers.

 

 

 

“…”

 

 

 

At this point, the Tollen Trading Company Knight and mercenaries also stepped back.

 

 

 

“Fine. We’ll look elsewhere.”

 

 

 

The merchants sighed as soon as they left.

 

 

 

“Damn bastards. They caused chaos in the Eastern Region and now they’re coming to the South too…”

 

“Our territory won’t allow it. Rather than this, let’s report this fact. That the Tollen bastards have entered the territory looking for someone.”

 

“Let’s do that. I’ve closed shop for now, so I’ll go.”

 

 

 

The merchant selling honey-glazed nuts volunteered.

 

Even at that point, they had no idea that the person the Tollen Trading Company was looking for was actually an important guest of the Hopel Family.

 

Meanwhile.

 

Thanks to the grateful merchants, Ziel, who had left the Tollen Family Manor, was heading toward the Kundel Family without any interference.

 

 

 

‘Once I visit the Kundel Family, the home visits will be finished.’

 

 

 

No more assassins came looking for him.

 

It seemed that disposing of the assassins without a trace had been effective.

 

That didn’t mean the threat had disappeared though.

 

 

 

‘If they sent assassins to capture me alive… do they want something?’

 

 

 

Ziel didn’t understand merchant logic well.

 

Simply looking at the trigger, he had accidentally gotten involved in the Riversong Family’s affairs and faced interference…

 

For just that reason, they invested money equivalent to buying 6 million chicken skewers to capture him alive?

 

 

 

‘Did I step on the assassination organization’s tail?’

 

 

 

Ziel momentarily stopped walking.

 

6 million cel.

 

While it wasn’t unusable money for nobles, it was an enormous sum for Ziel!

 

 

 

‘Or there might be another reason.’

 

 

 

There might be hidden reasons he didn’t know about.

 

Tollen Trading Company.

 

Ziel memorized that name once more.

 

If necessary…

 

He even considered elimination.

 

 

 

Shing.

 

 

 

Ziel drew out the black dagger he had obtained from the assassins’ corpses once more.

 

 

 

‘This will be important evidence.’

 

 

 

Physical defense was entirely possible.

 

Whether the Tollen Trading Company sent more assassins, or even sent a squad of Grand Knights, it didn’t matter.

 

He could just sweep them all away.

 

But that was assassin logic.

 

Ziel, who was considering settling down with a new identity, was considering a more un-assassin-like approach.

 

 

 

‘I can’t understand why they’re chasing me.’

 

 

 

Simply because he interfered with their attempt to devour the Riversong Family?

 

With Ziel’s way of thinking, it was a completely incomprehensible motive.

 

He hadn’t even killed the mercenaries, yet they went so far as to send assassins to capture him alive.

 

 

 

“…”

 

 

 

Ziel’s steps momentarily hesitated.

 

 

 

“…Don’t tell me.”

 

 

 

Ziel seemed somewhat shocked.

 

His mind became complicated.

 

It seemed like this rarely happened since his brainwashing was lifted.

 

 

 

‘…Did they catch onto my identity?’

 

 

 

After eliminating all incomprehensible possibilities, a new possibility emerged from deep within!

 

Though it was a clear misunderstanding, it was a reasonable thought for Ziel, who was still inexperienced in such matters!

 

It was a misunderstanding that would have horrified the Tollen Trading Company if they knew, but it seemed to have already solidified.

 

 

 

“…”

 

 

 

But Ziel soon became calm.

 

There was no concrete evidence.

 

It was impossible for them to discover he was a former assassin or that he was a Specter.

 

He had eliminated all such traces and evidence from the beginning.

 

But just in case.

 

If he had aroused ‘suspicion’…

 

 

 

‘I should finish the home visits first and then deal with it.’

 

 

 

It was the moment the Tollen Trading Company became a potential target of the legendary assassin.

 

Anyway, now there was one home visit left.

 

First, he would complete what needed to be done.

 

Most importantly, the final visit.

 

 

 

‘Student Delev Kundel’s side… the consultation will take a long time.’

 

 

 

It wasn’t that he particularly favored Delev, but he did have the most materials on Delev.

 

Since this semester began, he was a student who had achieved dramatic growth in a different sense from Yurio.

 

Even making the unique attempt to combine swift swordsmanship, which was alien to swordsmanship, with heavy sword technique.

 

In terms of talent alone, he was by far the best among the students Ziel had taught for a semester.

 

Though Ziel didn’t know it well, Delev not only respected but revered Ziel.

 

 

 

“I need to move quickly.”

 

 

 

Ziel’s pace began to quicken.

 

Fast enough that the Tollen Trading Company, still wandering around the Hopel Family manor, could never catch up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Hmm.”

 

 

 

Aimerus Kundel.

 

The head of the Kundel family.

 

A great lord of the South and the most powerful person after the Emperor.

 

His influence once reached so high that it pierced the heavens, to the point where the Imperial Family greatly kept him in check!

 

And now that very person was…

 

 

 

“Father, what’s wrong?”

 

“Ahem. Nothing. I should have a cup of tea.”

 

“You just had some…”

 

“…”

 

 

 

He was showing his restlessness in front of his son Delev.

 

 

 

‘I think this is the first time Father has been like this since the night before his card game with Uncle Darren Rihart.’

 

 

 

That’s right.

 

Amos was strangely nervous about Ziel’s scheduled home visit today.

 

The reason was simple.

 

Because he hadn’t given up yet!

 

 

 

‘This time, I’ll properly show him what we’re about.’

 

 

 

This was Kundel territory.

 

While his appeal might have been lacking outside, the moment Ziel set foot in Kundel Manor, he would surely be captivated.

 

The most prosperous territory in the South!

 

The largest manor in the South!

 

A family so deep and grand in scale and history that nothing could compare!

 

That was the Southern Kundel.

 

 

 

‘Once he’s here, he’ll want to stay for days.’

 

 

 

Just as the corners of Amos’s mouth turned up.

 

 

 

“Um… Father.”

 

“What is it, Delev?”

 

“Are you… serious about scouting Teacher?”

 

“Mm.”

 

 

 

Amos pondered for a moment before answering.

 

 

 

“Yes, if he’s such a talent, we must bring him to our family. His skills are even more outstanding than I knew, so wouldn’t there be many roles for him to play in our family?”

 

 

 

Each family naturally considered recruiting outside talent important.

 

Especially great lord families like Kundel and Rihart would engage in fierce competition over talent!

 

 

 

“But I don’t think Teacher will accept.”

 

“Why, because of that rumor that he rejected the Imperial Family’s offer? So you think he won’t come to our family?”

 

 

 

Amos confidently crossed his arms.

 

 

 

“I just need to make an offer he absolutely cannot refuse, my son.”

 

“No. I just think Teacher will refuse anyway. That’s the Teacher I know.”

 

 

 

Amos couldn’t understand what his youngest son was talking about.

 

Of course, he had seen Ziel more often and for longer, so he could say such things.

 

 

 

“Then let’s make a bet, my son.”

 

“A bet?”

 

“Yes. A bet. Whether Teacher Ziel will accept my offer or not.”

 

 

 

Delev accepted without hesitation.

 

 

 

‘There’s no way Teacher will accept.’

 

 

 

“Then what are the stakes?”

 

“If I win, you’ll accompany your father on the Southern inspection starting next week.”

 

“…Wow, that’s too harsh.”

 

 

 

His face contorted.

 

The Southern inspection had such a hellish schedule that all the Elder Brothers who had gone waved their hands in refusal.

 

Not only was it a forced march visiting all the Southern families, but every evening without exception, he’d have to spar with Father.

 

The training intensity was tremendously high.

 

 

 

‘But maybe that wouldn’t be so bad?’

 

 

 

Having already undergone Ziel’s hell training, Delev suddenly thought it might not be too bad.

 

 

 

“Fine. I’ll do that. Now it’s my turn, right?”

 

“Yes. Tell me.”

 

“Teach me the Kundel Heavy Sword Technique secret technique.”

 

 

 

Amos was slightly flustered by the bold proposal.

 

 

 

“Why are you suddenly talking about secret techniques? Even your Eldest Brother is just barely at the stage of starting.”

 

“Celia has already succeeded with the secret technique. It’s near the end of the semester.”

 

“…”

 

 

 

Was this competitive spirit?

 

 

 

“Fine. So be it. However, while I’ll teach you, I can’t guarantee success. As you know, the probability of failure is higher.”

 

“I’ll accomplish it during the vacation.”

 

 

 

Does this also require a wager?

 

Amos smiled warmly as he watched his youngest son burning with determination.

 

 

 

“That’s a good attitude.”

 

 

 

Meanwhile, he asked his son.

 

 

 

“Delev, do you happen to know why this father is going to such lengths to serve a talent like Teacher Ziel?”

 

“Because Teacher is outstanding?”

 

 

 

It was the most essential answer, but also one that focused too much on just the essence.

 

 

 

‘He’s still young.’

 

 

 

Perhaps because he’s the youngest.

 

If it were his Elder Brothers, they would have started by wracking their brains trying to understand the intent behind the question.

 

This way was actually better.

 

 

 

“Right. Because he’s outstanding. But it would be good for you to also know why our family needs outstanding talent.”

 

“So that our family can become stronger?”

 

 

 

This was also an answer focused on the essence.

 

So Amos slightly changed direction and corrected the answer.

 

 

 

“More precisely, it’s so that our family won’t be satisfied with just the South.”

 

“Not satisfied with just the South… Don’t tell me!”

 

 

 

Delev’s eyes widened.

 

 

 

“Fa, Father, what you’re saying now… could it be rebellion…?”

 

“…My youngest.”

 

“Yes, Father.”

 

 

 

Delev became serious.

 

And Amos answered seriously.

 

 

 

“Father’s vessel isn’t quite that large…”

 

 

 

That was a misunderstanding that went a bit too far.

 

 

 

“And youngest… if you ever say such things outside, it would be terrible, so you absolutely, absolutely must not. Okay?”

 

“I understand. I’ll keep it to myself.”

 

“No, that’s not what I mean…”

 

 

 

Amos quickly clarified.

 

 

 

“We want to advance into places where our family’s influence doesn’t reach, youngest.”

 

“Ah, so that’s why the Imperial Palace…”

 

“That’s not it! Places like the Southeast Region or Southwest Region! And if possible… even the Eastern Region.”

 

 

 

Will we remain just a great lord of the South?

 

Or will we expand further to become an even greater family?

 

 

 

“There are ambiguous places that are hard to say other families’ influence reaches, but also hard to say it doesn’t exist. We’re targeting exactly those kinds of places.”

 

“I see. Will there be competitors too?”

 

“There are. Like Rihart, or Rihart…”

 

 

 

Or Rihart.

 

And one more.

 

 

 

“There are also Merchants.”

 

“Merchants…”

 

“It wasn’t the case in the past, but now the Merchants’ power has grown to a level that can’t be ignored. So we need to keep them in check, and we need to move in before the Merchants take control of regions.”

 

 

 

Delev nodded.

 

It seemed he finally understood.

 

 

 

‘That was almost a disaster.’

 

 

 

“That’s why we need talent. The talent necessary for future expansion.”

 

“I understand, Father.”

 

 

 

Amos smiled gently again.

 

And just then.

 

 

 

“Family Head, Young Master. Teacher Ziel Steelheart has just arrived at the Main Gate.”

 

 

 

He’s finally here.

 

Amos made eye contact with his son once, then stood up from his seat.

 

 

 

“Let’s go, youngest.”

 

“Yes, Father.”

 

 

 

However, the Head Attendant wasn’t the only one who came to deliver the news.

 

 

 

“Family Head.”

 

“Head Butler? Weren’t you supposed to go ahead first?”

 

 

 

The Head Butler also entered.

 

His expression was the same as usual.

 

But what he held in his hands was a little different from usual.

 

 

 

“Letters have arrived urgently from both the Riversong Family and the Hopel Family.”

 

“Urgently…?”

 

 

 

After pondering for a moment, Amos opened the seals of both letters right there.

 

And Amos confirmed the contents written inside.

 

 

 

‘Teacher Ziel might… incur the resentment of the Tollen Trading Company and be in danger?’

 

 

 

That was the summary of the Riversong Family’s letter.

 

 

 

‘So the Tollen Trading Company is looking for Teacher Ziel?’

 

 

 

This was the Hopel Family’s situation.

 

His mind raced quickly for a moment.

 

 

 

‘A good opportunity has come.’

 

 

 

He suddenly smiled slyly and looked at Delev.

 

 

 

“Son. It seems I’m going to win our bet.”

 

 

 

Amos was confident.

 

Teacher Ziel would have no choice but to accept the proposal.

 

The Tollen Trading Company was definitely not an enemy that a mere Academy liberal arts instructor could handle.

 

 

 

“…?”

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Delev thought this way.

 

No matter what happened, Teacher Ziel would not accept the proposal.

 

Because…

 

 

 

‘Teacher is strong.’

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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