Okumura Syndicate

Chapter 135: Building Stress and Making Promotion

As the soldiers were returning home, the meeting was still going on, and Edward was in a bit of a slump. "I'm still unsure what to do about the soldiers. How can three people alone find almost two regimes worth of talent, whether re-hired or found?". Catoria scoffed, "Why are you the boss if you can't make small decisions like this?", she questioned in a skeptical manner. "Catoria's right, you are getting weaker in power...", added Rou.

"Oh Eddie, aren't you in a bit of a predicament...", remarked Vox. The boss had his head down on the desk, unsure of what to do. "This is ridiculous.", exclaimed Catoria. "I mean, I can understand that you want to take care of your own, but to just leave it to the subordinates? You know, I've never seen a leader act like this. You're a good leader, but you're also a bit of a coward.", she added.

"I'm not a coward!", replied Edward. "I'm just... I'm a bit tired. I've been here for fifteen years, and I'm ready to move on. Move on to a era where crime bosses are more involved with the hard work thier subordinates put in.". Viper cut in, "But what about their wellbeing? Just look at Rou, something's clearly going on with him, yet you stay still!", she exclaimed.

"Vox will deal with it.'', Edward said for the seemingly hundredth time. "He volunteered himself. He knows exactly how to deal with it, and I trust his judgement, not only because I love him, but because of his experience as a consigliere. He's the only one who can truly negotiate with me in these matters...", explained Edward. Viper sighed, "And this is what I mean by you being uninvolved, you leave everything to us higher ups and don't make clear judgements anymore. This didn't happen when the capos worked under Palette, you need an underboss!"

Without warning, Fleur burst through the door, with Aster and Demitris not too far behind her. "We found them! The missing soldiers!", revelled the elf girl. "I assume they're in their dorms?", enquired Edward. "Yes, Sir Edward, very much so!", enthused Fleur in response. "Great work young Fleur!", congratulated Edward. Fleur's heart jumped for joy. Rou turned to the soldiers behind her, "Aster and Demitris, a pleasure to see you two back!", he reflected.

"Rou? You seem rather friendlier since the last time we saw each other, I assume it's because we did a good job?", Aster questioned, confused at Rou's tone. Demitris also couldn't believe his eyes, could the old Rou be back? "Maybe the hate in his eyes was temporary.", he thought. His capo's stance was different too, more relaxed, like he was around the mansion a month ago, before all of the drama at the auction.

"Strange analysis Aster, wasn't I always like this?", Rou asked. "Not exactly...", replied Fleur. "You seemed cruel last We saw you, outwardly attacking us for the smallest of mistakes.", Aster answered honestly. "I see...I don't remember doing that...", Rou muttered, guilty for something he could barely recall. Edward could tell that an argument could break out if he didn't do something, but still had business to attend to, "How about you boys head up to your dorms, you too Viper. Vox will escort you. After all, he and Rou have an important day at the tavern tomorrow", he declared.

Aster and Demitris both saluted as Vox led them, along with Rou and Viper to their rooms. "Demitris, can you come to my dorm for a few minutes?", whispered Aster in his friend's ear. The one-eyed man nodded as they began to approach their quarters, he knew what this was about. Demitris slept next door to Aster, so it wasn't much of a trek on the way back. "Have a good night kids, don't let the crime boss bite!", Vox remarked before heading off to his own room.

Back in the office, Fleur was left alone with Edward. "Sir Edward, you needed to speak with me?"? she enquired. Edward placed his hands clean on the desk, as if he were about to announce some important news.
"I'll cut to the chase. It's been over a year since Palette Smyth, my former underboss, died in an unfortunate accident during an assignment. I think it's about time I choose his replacement.". Fleur stared at her boss in shock, "You're not saying what you think you're saying, are you?.", she gasped.

She continued, "This whole time I thought Rou was going to be your first ch-". Edward put a finger on her lip, "Rou was never my first choice, though he his strong, that strength is better out in the field, as a capo. It's been a while since I've seen a leader as strong as you, especially one with a divided regime such as yours, and with your newfound fighting abilities, you've improved even more. You remind me of my first underboss, she could tell a capo anything and it would lead to success. You've grown Fleur, I made the right decision initiating you so young, because you've grown into the perfect candidate for my underboss."

"I don't know what to say...", Fleur muttered, her hands covering her mouth in overwhelming emotions. "Tomorrow I will announce to the entire syndicate of your promotion. Have you got any idea who will replace you as capo?", Edward asked. "I've been thinking about this moment for all my life, but recently I've been torn between two. The first is a great leader, but I don't think it's his time, he seems like the power would get to his head. The second on the other hand has supported me in my squad through my training and all the uncertainty what's been going on. I'd like to promote Craaq as my replacement."

"Then Craaq it is then.", said Edward noting things down. As lines in the syndicate get more and more blurred, there was hope. With the addition of Fleur as underboss, could the corruption be eased to an extent? With Aster and Demitris discussing the recent revelation about Vox, and Rou heading off the the tavern with no answers as to how his emotions are being controlled, what could happen next?