Okumura Syndicate

Chapter 126: The Stress of Confession

It was evening when the group made it to the mansion, after a surprisingly successful assignment with no injuries. In this assignment, which was a heavy burden to some, considering their previous mission, there was only one thing left to do, to report their findings to the boss. An easy, yet daunting task, Catoria was ready to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

The succubus, the two capos and the three soldiers heading into the huge office, with contracts and other paperwork. Sat in two large chairs were Edward and Vox. The boss's glare was still unnerving to Aster, but he wasn't scared. If anything he was hopeful that the auction changed something in him. "I see those beaming faces of yours, seems you've had a productive day.", remarked Edward. 

"Indeed we have, far more successful than we thought. I'd even say it's a turning point for this syndicate's financial future.", Catoria revelled. Vox piped up, "You seem to have scored us quite a large bounty, eh!", he commented. Edward then spoke up himself, "The arrangement is that we will award you with a large portion of the profits, in exchange for the rest of the information.", he bargained. "Oh Eddie! Always the businessman!", Vox playfully commented in response to his boyfriend's deal. 

"So may you tell us what happened?", the boss requested. Catoria agreed, "I offered him funds in exchange for potential syndicate members, and things went far better than expected.", she informed Edward. "That's wonderful! So we're expecting some new recruits soon?", he pondered. "Not quite, there's more to this story.", Catoria added. "I'm curious.", Vox remarked, "How did this deal change?", he asked.

"It's quite surprising actually...", the succubus commented, trying to add suspense. However, the boss was very much impatient, "Can you please tell us how it turned out?", he moaned. "Believe it or not, the intruder was the one who turned it around.", Catoria pointed out. "That scum? How could he possibly assist this organisation that he clearly resents?", Edward questioned, glaring at Aster, who gave him a rude stare back.

"Aster has a knack for finding things.", Fleur added, trying to ease whatever tension Aster had with Edward. Edward sighed, his soft spot for Fleur calming his senses, "Very well then, I suppose I won't complain about his interpretation of the situation, though clearly against the assignment...", the boss noted. Aster stepped in, "Allow me to explain what happened next, since the rest of you are clearly biased.", he exclaimed. "As you wish, young man.", Catoria declared, having gained slight respect for the boy over the mission.

"I escaped the meeting rather early on with Fleur and Craaq. You see, one of my comrades from Rou's squad appeared to be heavily linked to the Lowpeak family, whom we were negotiating with.", Aster explained. Upon hearing the name 'Lowpeak', Edward could tell exactly who was being mentioned, "Are you referring to young Demitris?", he asked, checking if he was correct. "Yes, I'm surprised you know him considering your elitist personality...", Aster replied in his usual cocky tone.

"Only because I assisted him, during his time as caporegime. ", Edward calmly replied, like the proverbial pro. "You mean you actually helped a soldier?", Vox suddenly asked, somewhat astonished at Edward going out of his way to help his subordinates. Aster continued, "We found many things in the mansion basement, many things that implied Demitris was abused at that place. Fleur in particular was horrified, so we went to find Catoria to give her the news."

"Hmm, seems like personal biases can come in useful, eh Eddie? We might have to take them into account when assigning people work.", reflected Vox. "I think it's best to let Catoria explain the last part.", Aster said, believing it best as she had more details. "As you wish…", Edward stated. Catoria stood back up to relay the information, "Upon hearing Aster's discovery, I knew exactly what had happened. Turns out the Lowpeak family was yet another that I managed to 'deflower', or so to say.", confirmed the succubus.

"If I'm honest, your ability is why you were initiated in the first place. I assume the Lowpeaks were vengeful?", Edward inferred. "Very much so.", responded Catoria. "A fight almost broke out in the mansion, for I did plan to hijack the contracts in the first place. You see, the thing they signed wasn't for employment, it was signing the company over to me, as their next heir.". Edward couldn't believe his eyes, "A whole company? Catoria, you've outdone yourself! The future of the syndicate is a bright one."

"I couldn't agree more Eddie! Those Renegards have another thing coming!", Vox cheered. Aster couldn't help but smile at the achievement he played a large part in, his time in the syndicate seemed like it was becoming more lucrative by the day. However, more things lurked behind the corner, his talk with Shiva, the continuing situation with Rou, and most importantly, telling Demitris the truth about his family. All of these were definitely things he needed to sleep on, after all, with such a successful mission, he deserved it.