Chapter 87

Gaston chased after the Gordon brothers.

His expression was openly filled with unhidden frustration.

During the banquet, he had been dragged out of the tavern by the Gordon brothers. It was no wonder he was in a bad mood.

The place the Gordon brothers were heading was a narrow back alley, flanked by tall buildings in the opposite direction from the tavern.

Garbage was scattered around, and there was a pool of blood by the side of the road.

This alley had poor security and was a frequent site of theft and robbery.

It was on the patrol route of the guards, but the patrol times did not vary much.

As a result, a schedule of the guards' patrol times was circulating among some of the more notorious groups. Of course, Gaston was also aware of these times.

"Hah, you guys are really persistent! You're ruining my drink! Get to the point already! This place is fine, right?"

Gaston shouted.

He had been interrupted multiple times while enjoying his drink, and he was not in a good mood.

Of course, Gaston knew the reason. He knew it all too well.

That was why he was even more irritable.

"Hey! What do you plan to do about the drinks? Do you even understand your position? It's not your money, you know!"

Gordon pointed at him.

"Gaston, you're not the type to save up, are you? If you can't pay, get down on your knees right now and cancel it, you bastard! The reward is public knowledge, so if you try to cut in, it'll be obvious!"

Gordon's words were logical.

Following the 'Black Demon,' the overhunting of Baum birds was the next issue.

It was clear that there was a formidable creature backing that pale, lanky man named Abel.

Breaking the agreement could have dire consequences.

However, Gaston could not back down.

Bowing to his followers and retracting the agreement was something he would rather die than do.

It would be too humiliating. Gaston had already put on a show of confidence.

Besides, abruptly canceling now would only raise suspicions.

It would also be inconvenient for the man hiding behind Abel.

Yes, this was a necessary expense. It could be called a handling fee or a legitimate cost. If it went wrong, the Gordon brothers or Abel should cover it.

Why should he, Gaston, have to bear the shame and pay for it? Gaston had decided to take this stance.

In his mind, it was an absolute logic.

"You're the ones who don't understand! You should cover the costs. There's no need for me to restrain myself! Why can't you see that? I'm even lending you a hand!"

"Huh? Idiot, do you even know how much the drinks for that many people cost? Besides, it's your fault for getting drunk! I can't just cough up that kind of money! Are you drunk!?"

What a troublesome guy.

Gaston clicked his tongue and tilted his head, checking his surroundings.

There was no sign of anyone else.

Gaston twisted his lips into a grin.

Gaston had always been bad at equal negotiations.

He had always gotten through by giving orders or shouting.

And when that didn't work, there was only one action to take: brute force.

It was the quickest and most fitting to his nature.

Gaston drew his sword.

Gaston's sword had a wider blade than the average sword, and it was nearly twice as heavy.

About five years ago, he had threatened the most famous blacksmith in Romane's city, ignoring the reservations and forcing him to make it at a low price.

When swung, its overwhelming weight could sever the bones of a monster, and when used to strike, it could crush bones. It was a deadly blade that could kill with one strike.

People would first be terrified by its rugged blade, and then by Gaston's ability to wield it effortlessly.

The greatsword, Vilarbrow, was perfectly suited to Gaston's personality just by being held.

Regardless of how he obtained it, Gaston was fond of the greatsword Vilarbrow.

He would maintain it if it got even a small scratch and would take it to the blacksmith immediately if needed. He always made sure to wipe the blade and hilt with a cloth before going to bed.

He had decided that no one, not even his followers or women, would ever touch it, no matter how much they begged.

Uncharacteristically, Gaston had even considered paying the blacksmith a fair price. He had only considered it, though.

Gaston gripped the greatsword Vilarbrow with both hands and swung it twice in the air.

Then, he gently planted it in the ground, suppressing his momentum.

It made a loud thud and sent sand flying.

"What? Are you really going to give me orders? You know, I have a short temper?"

Gordon signaled to Mordon with his eyes and then readied his axe.

"Fools don't learn unless they get a taste of pain! It's the quickest way to train an animal! I hope you're smarter than a dog!"

In response to Gordon's provocation, Gaston's eyebrows shot up, and he gripped his weapon tighter.

"You're talking down to me! I was going to just threaten you, but that's over! I'll make you taste the fear of me and Vilarbrow to the bone!"

Gaston roared and switched from a two-handed grip to a one-handed grip on the greatsword Vilarbrow.

The weight of the greatsword made it difficult to maintain this stance for long, but it allowed for more flexibility in movement.

It also made it easier to intimidate the opponent. Even a slight show of fear would give him a significant advantage.

"Tch! I should have brought you here a bit more drunk! Mordon, run to the other side! We'll take him down together!"

"O-Okay, brother."

"Bring it on! You two will just add to the rust on Vilarbrow!"

Gaston swung the greatsword Vilarbrow and slammed it into the wall.

The stone wall crumbled easily, as if it were paper.

Seeing the destroyed wall, Gordon swallowed hard.

Gaston grinned.