MafiA's Gamble

THIRTY ONE

Scales

     Soon after arriving at the mansion, Eleyne found herself in Ley's study once more. "So, what is it that you want to tell me, and was so urgent of my attention?" Ley promptly unlocked a drawer and pulled out several documents, spreading them across the desk. "I've recently noticed that Scales have been unusually active," he said, as he gestured to the suggestive documents. After quickly studying a few, Eleyne's eyes looked up to meet Ley's serious gaze. "Ah, the fourth most powerful group in the Underground, I see? Although I must say, I don't exactly see the problem? Even though they're directly under us, as the prominent three Royals, they hardly pose much of a threat. They literally only deal with covering up the tracks of illegal activity that were leaked, using their influence in aboveground society." Ley nodded in agreement, as Eleyne set down the papers. "Well yes, but that's the thing. They are only ever this active if there happened to be a large scale legal issue, or a huge scandal was exposed. As of current standing, there is none. The Underground has actually been relatively silent these days. Well, minus the war." Seeing where he was coming from, Eleyne nodded grimly. "Even still, is this enough proof to take action against them? Just because they were moving around a lot more than normal is hardly an excuse to do anything about it." Ley frowned. "I simply wished to inform you that I will be keeping an eye on them. I don't know why, but I have a strange feeling that these movements are part of some sort of bigger plan." "Hmmmmmm. I see. Is this the reason why you didn't notify the other leaders yet?" Ley nodded as confirmation. "Yeah. As you have observed, this matter is simply too insignificant to bring up. As of now, we are the only two people who know of this." Ley paused, considering his words before continuing. "I'll have you know that this is the main reason as to why I started this war in the first place. By temporarily weakening the three Royals, I used that as bait to see what kind of move Scales would make." Eleyne looked at him with surprise before she let his words sink in. "....That... surprisingly makes sense. It's definitely the sort of tactic you would use." Eleyne waited for a brief moment before she stood up from her chair, understanding that the discussion had come to its close. "Hm. Alright then. If that's all, I shall take my leave."

     She was halfway to the door, before she stopped short, remembering something. "Oh wait. I actually have something to discuss with you as well." Ley looked up from his desk and raised an eyebrow. "Well, go on?" Eleyne stared down at her brother with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "May I ask why you invited Yuki over? Am I perhaps... missing something, brother dearest?" Shifting uncomfortably in his seat, Ley avoided her piercing gaze. "..." Waiting for an answer to confirm her suspicions, she pressed the issue further. "Are you two perhaps... hiding something from me?" Once again, Ley had no comment, and Eleyne stepped back, satisfied. "Well, judging from your response, or rather, your lack thereof, you have simply confirmed my suspicions," said Eleyne smugly, as she waited a little more to see what Ley had to say for himself. "... Hah. Your emotion-reading is simply undefeatable, isn't it. It's unfortunate your strategizing isn't of quite the same caliber as you sniffing out people's love interests," replied Ley, pleased with his rather witty answer. Eleyne rolled her eyes and headed towards the door. "Tch. Fine. I already had a feeling beforehand, but this confirmed it." Grabbing the doorknob, Eleyne gave a casual wave. "Welp, I'll be heading to my bath now. Night night, brother." Ley smiled at her familiar, yet strange way of bidding someone good night. Calling after, he remarked rather loudly, "Yup. Oh, by the way, your taste in music is absolutely trash." Eleyne peeked her head back into the door and tossed her infamously terrifying glare, a warning, before she slammed the door close and left for real. "For the last time, night night, dearest brother. I'd like to see you alive tomorrow." Ley thought to himself with a small chuckle as his sister stormed out in irritated embarrassment. "It seems she still says that, even after all these years."

     The next day, both Yuki and Raito were at AG, picking up from yesterday's work. After all, the sooner that the HADES was stable, the better. Earlier in the day, Lia had dropped by and fixed some of the old parts, making sure it wouldn't collapse and destroy the city in the process. At this point, all that was left to do, was to crack the code that let the HADES function. Stretching and cracking her back in the process for a momentary rest, Yuki exhaled in relief, as she had been staring at the screen for many hours. Raito noticed and looked at her with slight worry in his eyes, as if he were asking, you sure you don't need a break? Waving off his concern,Yuki turned back to the screen and continued to squint at the small letters and numbers. It was only about half an hour later, when Eleyne and Ley burst through the doors once again, exuding tremendous power and authority. Yuki smiled nervously as her friend's aura went from intimidating, to happy, and finally, to excited. "Ooohhhh Yukiiii, how's the project going?" "Oh, well I've definitely made some progress. I've finally managed to get into the system that controls the general functions, such as the opening for the fuel latch. Unfortunately, as it is such a dangerous substance, we will have to call in professionals to have it removed. Should we pour it into a vial, the movement could risk an explosion and end us all here. It's obvious; glass isn't exactly the strongest material for a container, y'know. The moment it falls and drops, we will be all wiped out." "Hmmm I see. How interesting. But what about that sample we got from those thugs back then? It was in a glass vial, right? I'm pretty sure we also found it on the ground." Yuki shook her head. "No. While that vial looked like glass, upon further inspection, it was actually made out of a really strong and super rare substance, created for the sole purpose of holding the fuel. It's the same thing that the fuel holder has as well. Only problem is that it's hard to get a hold of, and the fuel has to be professionally placed so that it doesn't explode by accident before it reaches the vial." "Wow, you really did your research on this! Good job. By any chance, is there no other suitable container? I would like to keep our options open." "Hmmmm well... Either really cold or really hot temperatures will ensure it won't explode. Thing is, the fuel is corrosive, and I have yet to find something that would fit those descriptions."

     Satisfied, Eleyne nodded in understanding and took a seat next to Yuki, taking out her phone and typing into it for quite a bit. Ignoring what her friend was doing, Yuki went back to looking at the screen. About an hour later, before Eleyne and Ley left, Ley informed both Yuki and Raito about his concerns over Scales. "Wait... the Scales Law Firm?? They are the fourth most powerful group in the Underground??" Yuki was heavily perplexed, though she should have been used to it by now. In her eyes, the Scales Law Firm was a truly reliable and trusted law firm. She had no idea that they were so deeply involved in the affairs of the Underground. "Yes. that's right. Aboveground, they are known as the Scales Law Firm, with their slogan being the Scales of Justice. Here in the Underground however, they are referred to as the Scales, one of the toughest parts of a snake. When people in the Underground are caught doing illegal activities, Scales is the go-to option to resolve it. Although, I do hear that their services are quite costly." Ley sighed after providing his quick explanation, turning towards the door, where Eleyne stood waiting. "Either way, just be careful. They might be after the HADES, for all we know. Anyways, we'll be back to visit in the evening to check progress." After waving goodbye, both Raito and Yuki got back to work, bearing Ley's warning in mind.