TMLWMM Episode 4
by stellarina
Fortunately, the information guild was exactly as described in the novel.
An old wooden sign was painted black, with a small bird and leaves painted in light yellow.
I don’t think anyone would see it that way, but it’s actually a baby eagle. It looks like a yellow chick. Anyway, it was easy to find thanks to this distinctive sign.
People unanimously said,
‘You mean that failing armory? It’s over there, but…… Miss, these days, other places are better than there.’
That’s what they said.
That failing arms dealer is this world’s best intelligence dealer, folks. The protagonists in the original work all used it.
But on the surface, it looked like it was going to fail.
I took a deep breath and opened the door.
“Hello?”
Contrary to what it looks like from the outside, the inside is quite spacious and comfortable. There was one person at the counter and a couple of people at the table.
I clicked my tongue softly and stepped inside.
“I believe this is your first time. Thank you for visiting Lindbergh, Miss.”
“It’s a pleasure, Mr. Lindbergh.”
The man at the counter smiled. However, according to the original, the man is not Lindbergh. It’s just Lindbergh’s shadow. To get the deal you want, you need to meet the real one, not the shadow.
The shadow spoke.
“Are you looking for a weapon? A dagger? Perhaps a bow? I can also get you a gun if you want. But this gun is tricky to carry…….”
“Since I’ve come to the arms dealer, I need to get a proper weapon. Fill a small revolver with a lot of magic gunpowder.”
This was the phrase to summon the real Lindbergh. A secret password that only someone in the know would understand. The shadow’s eyes widened.
“Magic gunpowder, is that right?”
“That’s right.”
I placed the money on the table for the transaction. The shadow nodded, checking the bill. This is equivalent to about 10 million Korean won. It was a reasonable amount of money for a first deal, as written in the novel.
The shadow opened the door behind the counter.
“This way, miss.”
Phew, is this the beginning? I feel like I’m Alice.
I took a deep breath and followed cautiously.
* * *
The real information broker, Lindbergh, stared coldly at the new guest. I’m sure there is no one in the capital who doesn’t know Roselle Loteroa. Roselle was known for her beauty and kind disposition. Moreover, many claimed she was intelligent enough that there was no need for concern regarding Loteroa.
It was unusual for a socialite to appear in such a remote place.
“…… It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lindbergh.”
Furthermore, she knew exactly who he was. Lindbergh emerged from the darkness.
“I didn’t expect to meet you here, Miss Roselle.”
“You know me?”
“Would an information broker not know a celebrity?”
“Alas.”
Roselle nodded.
Lindbergh offered Roselle a seat. She sat down in her chair, somewhat nervous. The rumors about Roselle had been rather understated.
Her appearance resembled a summer rose in full bloom, just as people described her. Yet, she was too valuable a person to be trapped in such a static state.
Lindbergh slowly opened his mouth.
“What brings you all the way here, esteemed lady?”
“Even an esteemed lady needs information, Mr. Lindbergh. I want all the information related to the landslide in Mutesso.”
Lindbergh narrowed his eyes. The landslide in Mutesso was a disaster caused by Loteroa. If she wants to find out more about the landslide, asking Count Loteroa would be quicker.
There must be a reason why she came to visit Lindbergh.
Lindbergh asked, trying to get a glimpse of Roselle’s intentions.
“The Mutesso landslide, you say?”
“That’s right, Lindbergh. I heard that there was a landslide due to logging in Mutesso, and the damage to the farmhouses was severe. Because of this, business is ruined and Loteroa will suffer huge losses.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I need the key to fixing this situation now. People say if I go to Mr. Lindbergh, I’ll get the information I need.”
Roselle took a deep breath.
“I need to maximize the profit from the trees in Mutesso. So I want to get the most detailed information possible. I wonder if there are people who need Mutesso wood. And I also need a way to escape Loteroa’s crisis…… including the solution for the landslide.”
Lindbergh smiled wryly.
“It’s like you’re inquiring while providing the remedy yourself.”
Roselle glared at Lindbergh, but there was no denying it. Regardless of whether Roselle was involved or not, it was a situation created by Loteroa.
She bit her lips.
“I’ll gather the relevant materials and send them to you. Lindbergh’s errand boy will be wearing a black muffler. Embroidered with a yellow bird.”
Roselle nodded.
“How long will it take?”
“It should be about two days. If you visit in person…… you’ll be able to get the information a little faster if you come tomorrow night.”
“Then how about tomorrow evening at 8 o’clock? Is that alright?”
“That is sufficient.”
Roselle sighed in relief. She felt as if she had found a way out. She hadn’t found someone who could assist her, but she had discovered someone she could utilize as an ally.
“…… Thank goodness.”
Roselle muttered weakly then stood up.
“I’ll come tomorrow.”
“I look forward seeing you tomorrow.”
Lindbergh saw her off. After confirming Roselle had completely exited the building, stood stiffly. The shadow in the bar crept up on Lindbergh.
“…… Your Grace. You seemed to be having quite an enjoyable time.”
Lindbergh snapped his fingers, and the magic was dispelled.
Reston’s face, hidden within the magic, was revealed in the darkness. Reston muttered softly.
“Indeed. It’s quite interesting.”
The lazily curled lips in the shadows glowed particularly red.
* * *
Lindbergh, or rather Reston, found the situation very intriguing.
Originally, Roselle was someone who cared only for her family and herself. That was also the reason why she wanted to marry Reston.
Her desire to solve the issues with the trees in Mutesso could be understood as something for her family’s sake.
However, it doesn’t make sense for Roselle to come to Lindbergh. What on earth was her reason? If it had been the usual Roselle, she would have tricked some foolish, gullible man into dealing with the trees in Mutesso.
Just as Count Loteroa had extorted gold bars from his relatives and making his daughter debut in high society.
“But she came to looking for me.”
Reston prepared two cards for Roselle.
He wondered what kind of choice she would make.
Reston worked his magic again. He returned to the ordinary, polished appearance of Lindbergh.
And then, at the anticipated time, the door opened.
Roselle had come to see Lindbergh.