Okumura Syndicate

Chapter 118: An important figure

The office was cluttered, as if Catoria had tried everything she could to work alone. Though she had a smile on the outside, Aster could clearly tell she was stressed and sleep deprived. "Seems you only accept help when you need it, eh Catoria?", he remarked. She looked at him awkwardly, surprised he figured her out so quickly. "Excuse the mess, Vox leaves his stuff in my office all the time, but whenever I lay my fingers on it, he goes on a rant about damaging his spells.".

Viper gave her a smug look, "I thought you weren't one to be dragged around, yet you let Vox do that. Shameful really...", she commented. Catoria bashed her hand against her desk, causing some of the files to fall off it. "Don't force me to make this situation more chaotic than it needs to be, you know first hand what I'm capable of...", she threatened. Viper was taken aback "I see...so are you going to give us an assignment or are you going to waste time?".

Catoria gave Viper a jet black stare, "This is exactly why you're here...now please calm dom...", she mumbled. Finally, she explained the assignment, "We are being hosted by one of the most important political figures of his time, it's an opportunity to heal the tension between nobles and crime syndicates. The reason I called multiple of you here is to attend the event and make negotiations to his associates in a non threatening way.".

Aster had queries on everything, who is this man? Why is he so important? Why is he letting crime syndicates onto his property? He calmly asked Catoria what the details were, "May I ask the name of this so called 'important' political figure?", he enquired. "He goes by Vladimir Lowpeak, he and his wife Maryranne, both immigrants became very wealthy over the years through their ability to create things out of thin air, driving their local lord and lady of the manor out and taking the mantle themselves.", explained Catoria.

"Wait a moment, those people share Demitris's last name, I should've urged Rou to let him come with us. Wait, no. If his situation is similar to Rou's, that could've been bad. I need to find a link...", Aster thought to himself. "Aster, are you paying attention?", said Catoria, interrupting Aster's thoughts. "I'm sorry, there's just something on my mind...". Fleur glanced at the black haired boy in concern, but looked away so she could focus, she didn't want to get on Catoria's bad side again.

"Alright, let's get to work.", said Catoria. "I've already wrote some letters, they've given us the details of the event, and we'll be leaving this evening. I'll be sending you all a detailed itinerary in a few hours.". "Thank you.", said Aster. "Catoria, you're going to be the leader of the group, right? I assume Vox isn't participating?", asked Fleur. "You're correct, Vox has his own business with the boss.", Catoria informed, seemingly disgusted at thoughts of Edward and Vox doing unspeakable things.

Viper took a moment to look at Catoria, "So you're the one who's been keeping track of all this. You're a tough one to get a hold of, but I think you're the best one to lead us.", she said. Catoria's face lit up with pride, "Glad you're finally starting to respect me around here.". Shiva sniggered, "I wouldn't call that respect.", he remarked. Viper slapped the two toned haired man in the face, "We don't insult our superiors, you little bastard!", she shouted.

Catoria didn't respond, "Alright, I'll see you tonight.", she said. "Good luck.", said Aster, ready to take one this mission. Viper and Fleur both turned to look at Catoria, "Are you coming?", asked Craaq. Catoria shook her head, "I have paperwork to deal with, I won't be ready for a while."; she said to Shiva. "Alright, see you later.", said Viper, who dragged an annoyed Shiva along with her. Catoria waved the group off as they prepared for that night.

"I'm not sure about this...", said Aster to Fleur and Craaq. "Is everything okay, Aster?", asked Fleur, knowing that if Aster had concerns about something, they were probably genuine. "Did you hear the names of the nobles Catoria mentioned? They share the same last name as Demitris, they could be related!", he explained to his friends. "Demitris once mentioned to me in the cafeteria that he was from a noble family, what do you think we should do?", asked Craaq.

"We investigate them, it's the only thing we can do. We'll look like we're negotiating, but actually we'd be putting them right where we want them, it's what Demitris would've done if he were present. I don't want him having more burdens 0iled on him. He seemed to already have something to tell me earlier...", replied Aster.

"Be careful, I don't think you should be tampering with someone else's family.", added Fleur. Aster took both of her hands and made a promise, "No harm will come to Demitris, I promise you. You know first hand that a corrupt establishment is why all of us are here, and if we leave a small crack, we can change things for the better."

Aster let go, slightly blushing, having held Fleur's hands for that long. He backed away slightly to avoid being teased as Fleur made an announcement. "Let's do it then! Who knows, if we succeed, we could get the promotion we were promised for saving Rou. "I wondered why that didn't happen...", Craaq pointed out. "It's corruption.", replied Aster. He continued, "This mission will mean we have less of it, so let's go!"