V1CE: Online

Understanding

All-In looked over the letter the mercenaries brought back with them. He was annoyed that his plan backfired, but at least it was confirmed that a tester existed in the next city from him. Merrik waited nearby, holding a small lantern to illuminate the office that had moved to the sewers, where Alan felt more comfortable.

"So, it seems we have two problems that appeared on the board," Alan mentioned, partially to himself.

"What do they want, my lord?" Merrik asked. "Should we hire some mercenaries?"

"How are our finances? I would rather not waste gold when we don't need to."

"Our last shipment of Black Grass sold at a premium. We were able to leverage good profits with the news of the King's tour. However," Merrik paused.

"Tell me, we don't have time to dawdle."

"Rumors among some of our suppliers have been swirling regarding your...condition."

"Are they rumors if they're true?" Alan asked, annoyed.

"Well, rumors can be swept away as mere gossip. Humans in this kingdom aren't known for their kindness towards inhumans. Luckily, your skill at holding your disguise together has greatly improved since you wrested control."

Alan smirked as he remembered the moment he took Amber's life, and all she had accomplished before his "arrival". By right of conquest, it was his to control now, and no one was even close to matching him in levels to pose a threat. There were two main enterprises under the Scythe's banner, the Snake Eyes Casino and the clandestine farms where they cultivated Black Grass, a powerful narcotic that many in the military used while on campaign.

As for the casino, while it was frowned upon by the royal family, it was a legitimate business by all accounts. The farms, not quite as much. Black Grass was deadly in high doses, but many military commanders knew the potential benefits of having fearless warriors in their ranks. The Duke of Emberdale himself was a customer, supplying his personal guard with emergency doses when traveling.

"Give me the list of suppliers, I want to know which ones are spreading these talks."

Merrik obliged, pulling out a large leather journal with lists of names and contacts. Alan looked them over, taking in the information as quickly as he could.

"Right now, these are just rumors, and luckily many of the suppliers are unaware of each other. However, the apiary that provides honey to the local meadery has been talking. Several of your men have overheard them at the Pig Roast Tavern."

"How many other apiaries are in the area? I can't imagine that is a saturated market," Alan said, tapping a finger to his lips.

"Correct, milord. Barnaby Bees is the only one available. Any disruption between them and our mead supplier would be catastrophic."

"Pull Barnaby off the streets. I want him in my office as soon as possible. Also, get his son in here as well. Bastard is probably losing his ass at one of the tables."

Alan watched as Merrik left the room, leaving him to sit in silence with the journal still open in front of him. He could tell his decision to bring in Barnaby worried Merrik, but it was the only option. Hours dragged as he looked over the books, taking in all the profits the Scythe was bringing in, along with the names of any high rollers at the tables. Only a few nobles had come in, since many were preparing for the King's publicity tour for his daughter.

Talent and a knack for good luck were staples of his employees, and he made sure to pay his best dealers very well. Even his security could rival the best in Emberdale's military, which is where many of them came from. A requirement was that they had to have taken a life; they needed to be free of that fear and hesitation to do what was necessary to protect the business.