Welcome to the Café of the Dark Guild’s Successor - Chapter 80

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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A café run by the Dark Guild’s successor.
80
“I’m not sure. It feels almost too generous an offer—a bit frightening, honestly.”
“It is generous. I did put forward the proposal, but I was surprised when Julianus agreed so readily.”
When I showed a bit of modesty, Irene nodded enthusiastically, seeming pleased.
“Then think it over for a few more days and come visit the Verdian Territory. I can’t wait too long.”
“Thank you.”
I stared at the letter of introduction Irene had left behind, lost in thought.
The remnants of Sailing’s gang, which we’d caught by chance, were somehow connected to the Verdian Territory, the Strofan Family’s stronghold.
Behind the thugs who’d entered the village was the Orphanage, which the Strofan Family sponsored.
And behind Irene, who’d come to propose a business venture, stood Julianus—a direct heir of the Strofan Family head.
“Either way, this works out well.”
I’d wanted to infiltrate the Strofan Family’s main estate, even if in disguise, and now a path had opened naturally.
***
In the early hours of that day,
“Rosia, I’m here!”
Sophia arrived at the shop in place of the busy Raili.
“There’s a perfectly good door. Why did you crawl through the window?”
Watching Sophia squeeze through the locked window, I couldn’t help but sigh.
“I’m officially a Dark Guild member, aren’t I? Wanted to live up to the part for once, being out like this.”
Sophia laughed brightly and held out a ribbon-wrapped box.
“It’s a gift!”
“What is it?”
“A communication device. Took me forever to find one at the auction. I’ve got the other one in my room.”
“Something this expensive?”
“Raili bought it for me.”
Sophia placed it in my room before I could refuse, then returned and sat on the sofa.
“How urgent was it that you sent a note with information? What if someone had intercepted it?”
“The boy called Arno that I wrote about—he’s infiltrated a nearby village. Did you dig up anything?”
“Yeah. It’s all true. Cid and the Orphanage are sponsored by the Strofan Family, and Arno’s been living there since he was five. The other kids in the photo are still at the Orphanage too. They all follow Arno like he’s their older brother.”
I felt relief that Arno’s tears hadn’t been a lie, but at the same time, fury rose in me at the Strofan Family’s cruelty in exploiting such a child.
“Is it the Strofan Family again?”
“It is. And on top of that, I found a way to get into the Strofan main estate.”
“What? How?”
Sophia’s eyes widened.
“You know who Julianus Strofan is?”
“Give me a second… I think the name was in the genealogy record I memorized, but…”
The fact that even Sophia, who knows all the details, could barely recall him spoke volumes about his obscurity.
It seemed odd that a direct son of the family head and the Empress’s brother could be so unremarkable.
“He’s the Empress’s brother.”
“Ah, now it rings a bell. He hasn’t shown up at official events in quite a while, has he?”
“He sent a proxy today. They proposed a business deal.”
“Really?”
I explained the village incident and everything that happened today in detail. Sophia’s expression turned serious.
“It looks clear that the Sailing guild has passed into the Strofan Family’s hands. But is your shop doing well enough to catch the attention of the Strofan Family?”
“Probably not the shop itself. Maybe they’re interested in the location.”
That made more sense.
Sophia nodded in agreement with me and, stroking her chin, fell into thought.
“Why would the Empress do something so risky?”
“It might not be the Empress.”
Hearing my murmur, Sophia’s eyes lit up with understanding.
“A rift within the family?”
“Not certain, but would the Empress, who values stability, really orchestrate these things now that her son’s become the Crown Prince? What more could she want?”
“True… I heard they’ve been recruiting more people for the Private Knight Order in the Verdian Territory lately. That doesn’t sound like something the Empress would do.”
I remembered the letter Daren had sent, saying he’d passed the examination after four years.
“For now, find out everything you can about this Julianus.”
“Good call. I’ll mobilize every informant I have. We’ll plan the infiltration after.”
I nodded and leaned back against the sofa.
“How did the arrangement with Eid go?”
“We’ve set the date, time, and location.”
“When?”
“Three days from now. And the location is…”
Sophia smiled and spread her arms wide.
“Here. Right here at your shop.”
I must have misheard. I raised my eyebrows and stared at Sophia.
“Here? I never agreed to that.”
“We decided to use it as a branch of Raven.”
“What?”
“I know you’ll say yes anyway.”
Sophia sprawled on the sofa and laughed.
“We didn’t even suggest it—Eid proposed it first. And if we meet here, you can watch over everything, right?”
“They suggested it first?”
That struck me as odd, but I could see the logic—we needed a trustworthy location, after all.
“That day we’ll form the Guild Alliance and unseal the map. You need to see it too.”
“Are you coming?”
“Unfortunately, I can’t make it. Watch it carefully for me instead. Ah, this is nice.”
Sophia stretched out on the sofa, muttered something about just resting for a moment, and promptly fell asleep.
“You’ve been busy lately, haven’t you.”
The last time I’d seen her at headquarters, she’d looked worn down by work too.
Today her eyes looked hollow from exhaustion, so I draped a blanket over her so she could rest a moment in peace.
***
Upon hearing that the arrangement between Eid and Raven was confirmed, Bidler smiled with relief.
“It’s finally happened.”
How many attempts had it taken to make contact with Raven?
“Soon I’ll know the location of the map.”
The map was essential for plans moving forward.
Though it was the most welcome news he’d received in recent days, he hid his emotions and entered the palace with an expressionless face.
“I’ll have to pretend not to know at the shop.”
There had to be a reason why Rosia was hiding the fact that she was a Prince.
He’d decided to wait until she revealed everything of her own accord.
Upon entering the palace, Bidler headed straight for the reception hall where the Emperor was waiting.
As he arrived at the door, the Emperor’s chief secretary greeted him.
“Welcome. Both His Majesties are waiting for you.”
Since the First Prince’s appointment as Crown Prince, Bidler had been living outside the palace.
It was to avoid contact with the Empress, who was pushing the marriage proposal with the Roa Kingdom.
Even when he did enter the palace, he made a habit of leaving quickly, but today he was forced to show his face at the Emperor’s summons.
“You finally came. We were beginning to think you’d gone off to another battlefield somewhere.”
Clione’s jab was met with indifference from Bidler, who turned his gaze to the Emperor.
“What is it you wished to see me about?”
“The Princess of Roa is waiting to see you.”
“I’ve made my position clear.”
He had stated his unwillingness to marry at the party venue, again the next day, and before leaving the palace.
Bidler found this situation uncomfortable.
“I’ve met her myself—she’s beautiful and well-behaved. I don’t see what’s wrong with her.”
“I have a betrothed.”
“What?”
“Who is this person?”
The Emperor’s eyes widened in shock at the declaration from someone who had always kept women at arm’s length and maintained distance from everyone.
“Your Majesty, this is a political marriage between our empire and their kingdom. Don’t let such personal feelings sway you.”
Bidler stepped forward with a sardonic laugh.
“Then what of Arthur?”
“Absolutely not. Leonard is far too young.”
“And I do have an older brother.”
“Arthur will be Emperor someday. He can’t marry off to the Roa Kingdom.”
Bidler nodded as if accepting the inevitable.
“Is the only reason my objection isn’t accepted because I’m not the Empress’s son?”
“What are you even saying…!”
“I’ve made my intention clear. From here on, don’t force me into anything. In that case, I’ll simply keep silent.”
Bidler fixed Clione with a sharp, aggressive gaze.
“The powerless child who was cast out back then no longer exists.”
It was the first time Bidler had shown his teeth so openly in front of the Emperor, despite usually being careful with his words.
The Emperor, who had been watching silently, spoke only one thing.
“Who is she? What family?”
“She has no family name.”
“… I see. Very well. Arrange a gathering next time. I should see her with my own eyes.”
“Your Majesty! How could you—a daughter of a family without even a name…? This is unacceptable!”
Though Clione protested from the side, the Emperor had already taken Bidler’s side.
‘I need to drive him out.’
Clione, who had intended to use this marriage proposal to distance Bidler far away, grew anxious.
She tried to steer the Emperor again to get what she wanted, but Bidler, having stated his position, left the reception hall.
Outside, Princess Melissa was waiting for Bidler to emerge.
When Melissa saw Bidler, she approached him with a smile as bright as sunlight.
“I’ve been waiting to see you again.”
Her voice was gentle and smooth—the kind any man would fall for.
But Bidler didn’t even spare her a glance as he replied.
“As I said at the party, I already have a partner.”
“Do you dislike me?”
Tears welled up in Melissa’s eyes as if she might cry at any moment.
Her delicate expression, designed to trigger protective instincts, was masterfully performed.
Bidler found Melissa foolish for thinking such an act would work on him.
“It’s not dislike. I suppose the truth is that I feel no emotion toward you at all.”
He phrased it politely, offering what little courtesy remained.
“I’m telling you plainly: I have no intention of marrying you.”
“Please reconsider. You’ve heard about the minerals in our kingdom, haven’t you? It would surely be beneficial for you, Your Highness.”
Melissa subtly leaned in, taking hold of his forearm.
Bidler’s eyes filled with contempt. He smiled coldly and pulled his arm away.
“It looks like my brother is waiting over there.”
“I’m sorry?”
Melissa turned in surprise, but there was no one there.

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