The Strongest Clan’s Master Is the Weakest and Most Evil Support Class

Chapter 57: Drag Queen Returns

One week had passed since that party.

As I had expected, public opinion was leaning towards Hugo, and the government was devising countermeasures for that. A citizens assembly had been formed as well, and was led by Count Leicester Graham.

Of course, that was on my instructions. I kept in close contact with Leicester to make sure that he followed the script that I had written, and to ensure that I would be immediately apprised of any information obtained on Leicesters side.

The current situation was also convenient for Leicester, so the possibility of him betraying me was low, and he was an idiot anyways. I couldnt trust him an inch.

Even if he had no intention of betraying me, there was still a possibility that he would take selfish actions that were harmful to me. To prevent that from happening, it was necessary to keep track of his movements, at least until my objectives were met.

The source of the problem, the Justice Department, held a press conference, but only ended up turning public sentiment increasingly against them. Judicial injustice could destroy the foundations of society. Everyone knew the dangers of the protectors of the law disregarding the law.

Although it hadnt been announced yet, it had already been decided that the current Minister would be dismissed, and the plan was to install the next Minister when Leicester was reinstated.

Hugo would probably be released only after they had settled such personnel decisions.

Although the truth had just been revealed and public opinion was calling for Hugo to be released, the government didnt release Hugo immediately because they feared that he would join up with the citizens assembly.

Even if Hugo had no intention of doing so, if Hugo, who was currently the talk of the town, was used to incite public sentiment against the government, it could lead to any number of attacks against the government. The government, fearing that secret agents of other countries would take advantage of this, couldnt release him immediately even if he was likely completely innocent.

At present, Hugo was being held in custody under the pretext of waiting for his retrial. The Justice Department's wrongdoings had been revealed, but Hugo's complete innocence had not yet been proven as the true culprit had not been caught.

However, with Hugo still in custody, the matter couldnt be brought to a close. Thus, it wasnt surprising that the government was thinking of resolving the problem quickly.

Consequently, the government tried to bring the situation under control by negotiating with Leicester, the representative of the citizens assembly, and promising him the post of Minister. If Leicester, the representative of the citizens assembly, were to become the new Minister and release Hugo under his authority, it would demonstrate that the new regime was clean. In other words, they could eliminate the distrust felt by the citizens. --That was their plan.

Inferring from the state of affairs within the government, Leicester would probably become the new Minister a month from now. The current Minister belonged to high nobility. Regardless of the reason, the government needed to make the necessary preparations before they could replace him, especially if they were going to judge him as a criminal. The government would not take any actions until those preparations were complete.

In other words, Hugos release would also be a month from now.

--Of course, thats only if I leave things alone and dont do anything

In the clan house's office, I said that while sitting in a chair. Everyone had gathered in the office. At my words, Kouga tilted his head.

We know who the true culprit is, right? In that case, why dont we just catch him and present him to the military police? If the true culprit is caught, everyone will acknowledge Hugos innocence. Theyll probably lose their reason for keeping him detained

As Kouga said, the pretext for keeping Hugo in custody was that he was awaiting retrial, so he would be released if the true culprit was caught.

But--

Kouga is really stupid

While leaning against the wall, Alma spoke mockingly.

Were able to force Leicester, whos backed by Noel, in as the new Minister only because were keeping the identity of the true culprit a secret. If we handed over the true culprit and the case got completely resolved speedily, Hugo would be released, but we wouldnt have been able to create the current situation. In other words, it would have been less beneficial to us

W, well, that's true, but

This good-for-nothing. Start over as a sperm

Th, theres no need to insult me, right!?

As the two of them went at it again, I heaved a sigh.

Certainly, our main purpose is to clear Hugo's name and make him our ally. But considering whats to come, I want to take full advantage of everything I can

If we dont free Hugo quickly, wouldnt the government change their mind and assassinate him?

When Leon asked worriedly, I shook my head.

There will be no assassinations by the government. If he dies for whatever reason in prison, public sentiment would erupt and things would get out of hand. Besides, everyone who works in the prison that Hugo is detained in is under my influence. According to what they said, it appears that they're trying to win him over by waiting on him hand and foot. Hehehe, if it became public that he was treated inhumanely after being falsely accused, then they wouldnt be able to defend themselves against attacks or criticisms. Although its a bit late, they probably want to win back his trust

Then it's fine, but

Leon was satisfied, but his expression remained gloomy.

In that case, you're still carrying outthat strategy, right?

Yes. The preparations have already been completed

When I nodded, Leon grimaced.

......Are you going to do it no matter what?

Yes. It's already been decided. Don't worry, it'll definitely turn out well

N, no, I'm not worried about whether or not it will turn out well, but in the first place, that strategy is far tooOwwww, my stomach!

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Leon, who had began to suffer from stomach pains, hurriedly took some medicine from his medical pouch and drank it.

What a faint-hearted guy

Noel is just too stout-hearted

As Kouga muttered in amazement, the sounds of horses could be heard from outside.

Noel, you have a visitor

Alma, who was looking out the window, grinned.

Just as Noel predicted, Finocchio Bargini came

Finocchio, who had arrived in his carriage, was received by the three of them, and shown into the office. Following my instructions, the three of them then waited outside the room. The only people in the room were Finocchio and me.

Long time no see, Noel. Im glad to see that youre looking well

Finocchio, who was wearing garish purple clothes, smiled, but his eyes were cold and dark.

You know why Im here, dont you?

Lets see Isn't it to deepen our friendship?

When I feigned ignorance, Finocchio snorted in displeasure.

Dont play the innocent with me. Snake, was it? It suits you perfectly. Youve known about it for some time, right? The intimate relationship between my Family and the true culprit behind Hugo's case

My face split into a wide smile.

Andreas Hoger, the president of the Hoger merchant company

That was the identity of the true culprit that we had ascertained at that party.

The Hoger merchant company was one of the largest conglomerates in the Empire, but its history was relatively short. It grew rapidly after the current president took over, and was even able to form an intimate relationship with the Luciano family, the ruler of the dark underbelly of the Empire.

After finding out that Andreas was the true culprit, I asked Loki to investigate him thoroughly once more. What he discovered as a result was the smuggling of Beast materials to other countries. Moreover, it wasnt just the materials that were being smuggled to other countries, but the inventions and research information derived from them as well.

For the countries that had prospered because of the advent of the Magical Tools civilization, the benefits provided by the Beast materials were priceless. Therefore, the punishment for smuggling and leaking of information was severe. But it was also the truth that a lot of money could be made precisely because the punishment was severe.

In the first place, the wealthy person killed in Hugo's case was Andreas competitor. It was an obvious fact that the number of rivals would increase when a business expanded its operations. That wealthy person also had many business rivals other than Andreas.

However, the wealthy person in question appeared to have to caught wind of Andreas' crimes and was blackmailing him. That was a newly uncovered fact from the re-investigation into Andreas after he had been ascertained to be the true culprit.

Andreas killed a rival that was in his way, and made Hugo take the fall for the crime. And the truth that should have been buried in darkness is now in my hands. For the Luciano family, who has an intimate relationship with Andreas, it's probably a problem that they want to deal with by any means necessary

While looking Finocchio in the eye, I continued.

Therefore, I knew from the start that you would come. After all, you have a strike against you for letting me go that time

Finocchio gave a troubled laugh.

Other than your face, youre really not cute at all. So, everything is in the palm of your hand? ......But its exactly as youve said. I let you go, knowing full well that you would eventually bring disaster to the Family. I have to take responsibility for that

Finocchio shook his head as if dismayed, then his expression changed.

Andreas is an important client of our Family. So long as he is in trouble, I cannot let it pass. So, choose, Noel. Either wash your hands of this case or be killed by me. Your answer can only be one of the two

Suddenly, I felt something wrong with my body. Magic power that didnt belong to me was being poured into my body. The scene where Finocchio had gouged out my heart flashed across my mind.

Punishment Skill: Judgment

An instant-death Skill specialized against people that Finocchio, a Punisher, an A Rank Job of the Scout series, had used on me before. If I rejected Finocchios requests twice in a row, my heart would be forcibly gouged out.

The reason why Finocchio's magic power was being poured into me was probably because he had activated that Skill. In the past, I hadn't even detected anything unusual, but it was different now that I had ranked up. However, I suppose I still wasnt at the level where I could resist it.

Thats unsettling. I'm so scared that I'm going to pee myself

Stop the stupid jokes. Im not in the mood for that

I shrugged my shoulders and looked at Finocchio's ice-cold expression.

What happened to the Mad Pierrot character? Your expression is just like a hospital receptionists. You dont look like youre having fun at all, you know?

Even though I lead an insolent and self-centered life, Ill fulfill the role that I must fulfill. I wonder if thats what it means to be a man

Finocchio glared at me as he spoke in a low voice that was almost a growl.

Indeed, that makes sense. As expected from Finocchio Bargini. Youre different from small fry like Albert. You're a real man

I couldnt bring myself to hate this drag queen after all. In fact, I even found him likable.

Finocchio, I'm different from that time. If youre really thinking of killing me, youll die. With one shout from me, the three people waiting outside will rush in all at once

Im sure they would. Youve gathered a wonderful group of allies. Even if Im A Rank, I wont get away with it if I fought the four of you. But, so what? Do you think that this Finocchio is afraid of dying? Huhh!?

No way! Youre a real man. I know that you wont hesitate to give up your life if necessary. But dont you think that its foolish for us to kill each other like this? Is Andreas someone who is worth putting your life on the line for?

When I asked, Finocchio shook his head.

Im not putting my life on the line for Andreas. Its for the Family. Too bad, Noel. Such cheap words wont reach me. Now, its time for you to give me your answer. Yes or no

For the Family, huh? What fierce loyalty. But you're mistaken, Finocchio. If you really have the interest of the Family at heart, you should cut Andreas off

Using your forte, your verbal skills? Like I said, such words--

With my hand, I forestalled Finocchio, who had pulled himself up, and took out a dossier of documents from my desk drawer. Then, I handed it to Finocchio.

What's this? Huhh!? A battle tournament targeted at Seekers!? Wait, what the heck is this!?

Looking at the cover of the dossier, Finocchio shouted in surprise.

The plan is exactly as youve read. I will hold a battle tournament in the imperial capital. It's not an underground tournament where only second-rate participants gather. It will be the first official Seeker battle tournament in the Empire. Youre probably aware of its value, right?

I, Im aware. A Seekers main occupation is hunting Beasts. A battle tournament itself is a plan that has been tried before, but there were no participants as everyone was afraid of damaging their bodies. Therefore, if you manage to hold one, the resulting economic impact will be tremendous as itll be the first of its kind. B, but it's impossible! Theres no way anyone will participate!

Itll be fine as long as I adjust the rules properly. The details are summarized in the documents, so please read them carefully later. Besides, an extraordinary big-shot has already declared himself a participant. He is that Sieg Feinstein, sub-master of Supreme Dragon Squad, and one of the very few EX Ranks in the imperial capital

I showed him the letter of intent signed by Sieg.

Sieg Feinstein!? S, seriously? You cant be serious. Wait, ehhh H, how did you manage to persuade that strongest Seeker? Un, unbelievable

I smiled at the stunned Finocchio.

How is it? Doesnt it seem like my plan has a real chance of coming to fruition?

No, but something like this

Supposing that its what you want, I can let you take part in the plan. No, Ill leave it to you to manage everything. And you should make it a regular event. I wonder how much money you will get when that happens? At the very least, it will likely be an amount of money that will completely outstrip the amount that can be gotten from your relationship with Andreas. Even if all the money from past to future is added up, it wont even come close

Th, that's

I piled on the pressure on the wavering Finocchio.

Finocchio, using that money, become the new Head of the Luciano family. You'll rule the Luciano family

Huhh!? Wh, what did you say!?

Whoa, theres no need to be surprised, right? You're a direct affiliate of the Luciano family. You may indeed be no match for the sub-leader of the main Family, but you're one of the candidates to be the heir. There shouldnt be any problems even if you become the new Head of the Luciano family, isnt that right?

Th, that's right, but I also have circumstances of my own to consider

So indecisive

I got up, walked up to Finocchio, and looked up at his face. Our respective positions were exactly the same as that time.

My King is only me. I won't be tied down by anyone

Y, you

Finocchio, become the Head of the Luciano family and rule the underworld of the Empire. And Ill become the 1st Star in Regalia, and become the man with the most prestige and authority in normal society. In other words, if we work hand in hand, this Empire will effectively be ours

Finocchios face turned pale, and he took a step back.

......Are you planning on usurping the throne?

Don't get me wrong. I'm not interested in the Emperor's chair. All I want is the position of the strongest that everyone will acknowledge. Didn't you also say it? --If the man who made me yield in a battle of courage meets his end before reaching the peak, Ill never forgive him. This is precisely the path to the peak

Finocchio took another step back when I returned to him what he had said, word for word.

Even so, the things that you're saying are preposterous Youre not right in the head

Finocchio, two steps

H, huhh?

At that time, you took one step back. Its two steps this time. How far are you going to back down next time? Is a man like you always going to end up getting cold feet in this way?

Y, you, you stupid brat! Saying whatever you please!!!

Finocchio was enraged and brimming with killing intent. I wouldnt be surprised if he tried to behead me this very instant. But I didn't flinch, and kept my eyes unwaveringly fixed on his.

Choose, Finocchio Bargini. No, Mad Pierrot. Will you die for Andreas, or will you reach the peak with me? Your answer can only be one of the two. --Come on, choose! Tell me your answer as a man!!!

Gu, guhhh

Finocchios face twisted, looking mortified.

But I was confident. --That he had fallen.

Inside the carriage, which was on its way back, Finocchio was at the height of anger.

So infuriating, so infuriating, hes so infuriating~~~!!!

The underling sighed as Finocchio stamped his feet in frustration inside the carriage.

Mistress, please stop rampaging inside the carriage. Its immodest

Shut up! I got it, okay!? But it can't be helped because he so infuriating, you know!? That stupid brat that I cant tell whether he has a pecker or not called this Finocchio worthless! What the heck do you mean, tell me your answer as a man!? Die, go to hell!!!

And then you put up a front and ended up accepting, didnt you? You only have yourself to blame

Shut up, idiot!!! Idiot~!!! Theres no way that I can back down after he said things like that, right!? That's right! I said it! I said that I would cooperate!! Its bad!? Of course I know that it's bad!! Its all my fault!!! Oh~~~ Dammit!!!

Finocchio was tearing out his hair out while biting his handkerchief.

Guyaa~~~!!! Why do I, Finocchio Bargini, have to be treated like a convenient woman~~~!!!???

Mistress, like Ive said, its--

You! If you say any more than that, I'll seriously beat the shit out of you!!!

Finocchio glared at the underling with murder in his eyes, then sighed like his soul was escaping.

How should I explain this to Papa(Head), I wonder

It should be fine if we keep quiet about it, right? Todays visit was on our own accord anyways

I, I cant possibly do something like that. For one thing, Papa knows that Noel and me are acquaintances, so Ill get called out even if I keep quiet about it. Think of something!

The battle tournament that Noel was planning was certainly attractive, but it was nothing more than a plan at this juncture. It probably wasnt reason enough to persuade the Head of the main Family.

In that case, how about holing up at home for the time being? Just lie that you arent getting involved with Noels case because youre not feeling well

Whats the point of telling such a transparent lie

Its to buy time. Its that Snake were talking about, so he should have the means of crushing Andreas in place already. Once he does that, even if Mistress didnt persuade the Head, this case would be settled. And if it was settled without you having to tell anyone about the battle tournament, wouldnt you be able to monopolize it?

B, but, but even if we dont do anything, the other Families will still target Noel, right?

When Finocchio tilted his head, the underling smiled cruelly.

For the assassins from other Families, lets say that they were killed by Snake, then secretly dispose of their bodies

Huh

Finocchio placed his hand on his cheek and frowned.

Whats this? Dear me! Isnt that somewhat frightening? Things like killing people of the same organization It's barbaric. I'm scared. What should I do? Something like that is unforgivable

Finocchios words were in the negative, but his heart wasnt in it, and he sounded completely indifferent. However, his eyes had narrowed in delight.

Mistress, it should be fine as long as no one finds out. As long as no one finds out

Jeez! Bad boy! What kind of parent would bring up a child like this!? I don't know anything! Even if an assassin from another Family dies, its surely an accident! An accident! So its not my fault~!

Holding back his laughter, Finocchio looked out the window. The passing scenery should have been the same as it always had been every single day, but for some reason, it looked like it was shining brilliantly today.

If we work hand in hand, huh Youve become able to say such things, havent you?

If you dont see a man for three days, was how the saying went, but Noel had undoubtedly grown rapidly. At a speed that greatly surpassed Finocchios expectations, a new King was seeing the light of day.

Its what I hoped for. Ill dance in the palm of your hand

But while Finocchio had acknowledged him, Noels battle was not over yet. It wasnt just the Luciano Family who had Andreas back.

A more horrifying, enigmatic evil was lurking.

How will you, who is walking the path to hegemony, fight, I wonder? With thatKing of Flies

Might be a coincidence, but the last chapters title was pretty much a play on the Japanese title for the movie The Great Gatsby and this chapters is actually Okama Returns, a play on Batman Returns lol. Btw, Im not sure if Ive mentioned this before but okama doesn't necessarily mean drag queen(though drag queen=okama). I called Finocchio one because of his description as wearing heavy make-up and pompous clothes. And with that said, Im SO looking forward to seeing his character design! And he appears fairly early in the story too!

But that sure explained why there had been no repercussions at all from the Luciano Family. Indeed, behind every great man is a purple-loving middle-aged okama?! Also, as the heads of Yakuza Families have the role as "parent" to the underlings, Finocchio was essentially making a self-deprecating joke when criticizing the parent that had raised his underling. (^ ^)

Only half of the saying mentioned is there, but one of the possible meanings is: If you dont see a man for three days, he would have grown by leaps and bounds. The second half of this saying has several variations in Japanese, some talk about growth, some talk about respect, and the reason why its so inexact is because this saying was actually adapted from Chinese, and from the fictional series Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Leon is becoming the stomach-pains-from-stress character lol, but what is that strategy? Do we have more shenanigans from Noel coming even though theres only 3 chapters left in this Part? Stay tuned!