Episode 90
The Al-Tara Casino, which Muhammad had guided them to, was renowned as the largest and most opulent in the Republic of Dortha.
Zeke and Fainan were shown to a suite in the Al-Tara Casino Hotel.
“Sir Zeke, please make yourself at home,” Muhammad said with a warm smile.
Then he leaned in to whisper to Zeke, “I’ve taken care of what you mentioned earlier.”
Zeke nodded in gratitude.
The next morning, a visitor arrived at Zeke’s room. It was none other than Black Yacha, who had crossed over from the south to the Republic of Dortha.
Zeke had asked Muhammad to allow Black Yacha, whose identity was unknown, to enter the Al-Tara Casino. Despite the casino’s stringent identity checks, Muhammad had made an exception for Zeke.
Black Yacha greeted Zeke, who addressed him by his new identity.
“It’s been a while, Black Yacha. Or should I call you Boris now? How’s life in the south treating you?”
Boris, looking weary, replied, “It’s manageable.”
He seemed more worn out than when he was a public figure in Delphoa, likely due to the rough time under Simon.
Zeke spoke to Boris, “You have a rough idea of the situation, right?”
Boris nodded. “Yes, I’ve heard there’s a deal between the Empire and Abel Dreiker.”
“Exactly. Have you ever seen a deal of this scale before?”
Boris shook his head. “Not to my knowledge.”
Zeke’s eyes sharpened. “So, the relationship between Abel Dreiker and the Empire is quite unique.”
“More than that. Such deals are rare even with allied nations.”
The fact that the Empire, which rarely engaged in international transactions, was making such a significant deal with an individual like Abel Dreiker was astonishing.
‘It’s not just Abel; Siemens must be involved somehow.’
Zeke was still troubled by the fact that Cain bore both the Siemens and Imperial family names.
“Is there a separate connection between Siemens and the Imperial family?”
“I’m not sure about the Imperial family, but I know Siemens and the Empire have several joint ventures.”
“Hmm.”
Zeke explained the operation plan to Boris. “There will be a celebratory banquet at the casino starting tomorrow. Blend in and keep an eye on the Empire’s representatives.”
“Understood.”
With Boris on board, Zeke intensified his efforts. Fainan and Boris discreetly set up eavesdropping magic circles throughout the casino, ensuring they were well-hidden from the Empire’s mages.
The following day, the Zayed family hosted a lavish banquet at the casino.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Muhammad knew how to throw a party. He rented out the entire club in the hotel’s basement, inviting the young elite of the Republic of Dortha.
As the guest of honor, Zeke mingled with them, drinking and pretending to be drunk, though his healing factor kept him sober. He kept a close watch on Abel and the Empire’s movements while engaging with the influential families of Dortha.
On the second day of the banquet, Boris reported via communication magic, “Master, the Empire’s Special Operations Unit has arrived.”
Zeke tensed, scanning the room. Using his dragon’s eye, he spotted several distinct individuals.
The Special Operations Unit consisted of elite agents trained by the Empire’s intelligence agency.
‘If the Special Operations Unit is here, it means the Empire’s regents are involved.’
The regents were the real power behind the throne, directly influencing the Empire’s actions.
‘This deal might be bigger than I thought.’
Feigning indifference, Zeke continued to laugh and drink with the young elites.
“Zeke Dreiker is here,” William informed Abel.
Abel looked at William. “Do you think he’s here because of our deal?”
William shook his head. “I heard he was invited by the Zayed family. It makes sense since he’s the martial arts tournament champion.”
Abel sat across from William. “The Zayed family, huh. I doubt Zeke has the influence to move them. But Kali might.”
William was taken aback. “Surely not? Even Kali Dreiker can’t easily sway the Zayed family.”
Abel shot William a look. “William, I’ve told you before, you lack imagination. You can’t underestimate Kali Dreiker.”
William fell silent at Abel’s words.
Abel tapped the table thoughtfully. “Is it possible to change the meeting location?”
William looked troubled. “Changing it now might upset the Empire. It could make us seem unprepared.”
Abel wanted to move the meeting but knew it might not sit well with the Empire, especially since the deal involved Julius, one of the Empire’s most powerful regents.
‘Dealing with that stubborn old man is no easy task.’
Seeing Abel’s troubled expression, William checked his watch. “There’s not much time before the regent arrives. Changing the location now is practically impossible.”
Abel nodded at William’s assessment. “We’ll proceed as planned. But increase security and have the mages thoroughly check for eavesdropping devices.”
Abel felt an inexplicable unease. Despite William’s assurance that Zeke’s presence was due to the tournament, the timing felt off.
‘It seems too coincidental…’
Just then, a voice announced, “The regent has arrived.”
The regent’s arrival was earlier than expected.
Abel and William headed to the prepared meeting room.
Soon, Julius entered, escorted by the Special Operations Unit.
Dressed in the Empire’s distinctive attire, Julius was an elderly man with a hooked nose and sharp features. Despite his age, he exuded a commanding presence.
Abel admired him. ‘Truly a war hero of the Empire.’
Though not a black knight, Julius was a grand general known for his strategic brilliance and leadership. He was also the only person in the Empire capable of controlling the emperor.
Julius approached Abel and extended his hand. “It’s an honor to meet the Lion Sword of Dreiker.”
Abel shook his hand. “I’ve heard much about your exploits, Regent. It’s an honor to meet a hero.”
After exchanging pleasantries, they sat down.
Julius got straight to the point. “I assume you’re aware of the situation. Concerns about Karus are growing.”
Abel nodded. “I’m well aware. Though I’ve shared a deep friendship with Prince Karus, I believe it’s time to make significant decisions for the Empire’s safety and future.”
While enjoying the banquet, Zeke signaled to Muhammad.
Feigning drunkenness, Muhammad led Zeke to a VVIP room.
The VVIP room had a secret passage, allowing them to reach the guest rooms unnoticed.
‘This should provide a solid alibi to avoid Abel’s suspicion.’
Once in the room, Zeke and Fainan listened intently to the eavesdropping devices.
As they heard the details of the deal, Zeke’s expression grew serious.
The regent and Abel were discussing the Empire’s intricate power dynamics.
The conversation revolved around the succession of the next emperor after the current one passed. The votes for the first and second in line were too close, causing concern.
Moreover, the second prince, whom Julius supported, risked splitting votes with Karus.
For Julius and the second prince’s supporters, Karus was a significant obstacle.
The problem was that Karus had the strongest claim among all the princes.
If they acted against Karus directly, it could lead to internal strife within the Empire. Thus, Julius had taken the risk of meeting Abel to strike a deal.
Fainan looked at Zeke with a grave expression. “Master, this is… no ordinary matter…”
Zeke signaled for silence, placing a finger to his lips.
‘This is bigger than I anticipated.’
The regent had personally intervened, offering Abel the task of dealing with the Imperial prince in exchange for resources to persuade the Dreiker elders.
If this information were to leak, it would undoubtedly cause a massive scandal.
Zeke quickly asked Boris, “Is Prince Karus here as well?”
“I’m not sure if it’s the prince, but there’s a heavily guarded area by the Special Operations Unit.”
Zeke recalled the Third Continental War from his past life.
‘Karus didn’t die; he led the battlefield with Abel.’
In his past life, Zeke had thought of Karus as a bloodthirsty madman, but now it seemed he might have been brainwashed by Abel and Siemens.
He turned to Fainan. “Fainan, take these records to Muhammad and head to Iason. I’ve arranged for Agamemnon to provide an escort. These records must be delivered directly to Kali Dreiker.”
“Understood. Aren’t you coming with me, Master?”
“I’ll be taking Prince Karus with me.”
Peynon’s face hardened at Zeke’s words. He sensed that this could escalate into a crisis that would shake the entire continent.
“Please, be careful.”
After Peynon left, Zeke contacted Agamemnon. He then stowed Bahamut in his inventory and armed himself with a different sword and dagger. Donning a mask, he slipped out through the hotel window.
Whoosh!
Harnessing the power of the wind, Zeke scaled the hotel wall, scanning the area with his dragon’s gaze for any sign of Prince Karus. He soon located a VIP room teeming with what appeared to be special forces.
“Looks like that’s the place.”
Zeke ascended to the VIP room and slipped in through the window. He activated the stealth skill he had acquired from capturing Gaguk, blending into the shadows just as Gaguk had once done.
“Good thing I devoured Gaguk back then.”
Clinging to the ceiling, Zeke stealthily moved past the special forces and deeper into the room. He could hear a commotion inside.
“You insolent fools! Move aside at once!”
Karus was shouting at the special forces, who were blocking his way. Frustrated, Karus began hurling objects at them.
“How dare you stop me! Move aside! Can’t you hear the call of the casino?”
He was throwing a tantrum, desperate to gamble. Zeke surveyed the room’s layout.
“No easy way out.”
With no idea when Abel and the Imperial Regent’s deal would conclude, this was the only chance to escape with Karus. Zeke steadied his breath, waiting for the right moment as Karus, still fuming, moved further into the room.
“You disrespectful scoundrels! As soon as I return to the Empire, I’ll—”
Swoosh!
Zeke dropped from the ceiling, grabbing Karus in one swift motion. Drawing his sword, he struck the wall with all his might.
Crash!
A massive hole appeared in the hotel wall. Holding Karus tightly, Zeke leaped through the opening.
“Aaaah!”
Karus screamed as they plummeted, but Zeke used the wind to slow their descent, landing safely in the hotel garden.
―“Boris! Set off the smoke bombs at the casino and get out!”
Following Zeke’s command, Boris activated the smoke bomb scrolls he had planted earlier.
Fwoosh!
Smoke engulfed the casino and the entire hotel, causing chaos as people, thinking there was a fire, scrambled to escape. The special forces were caught in the confusion, unable to exit easily.
Zeke, still masked, held onto Karus.
“Who… who are you?”
“Your Highness, listen carefully. Julius and Abel are plotting to kill you.”
Karus was taken aback.
“What… what are you saying? Julius is my loyal servant, and Abel is a dear friend!”
“If that’s true, why do you think the special forces were holding you against your will?”
Karus’s face fell at Zeke’s words. He had sensed something was off since arriving in Dortha. It felt less like protection and more like imprisonment.
“Could Julius and Abel really…?”
Zeke spoke urgently to Karus.
“If you stay here, you’ll either be killed or brainwashed. We need to move to a safe place. Follow me.”
Though still in disbelief, Karus decided to follow Zeke for now. Just then, Boris appeared, leading a horse.
“Boss! We need to get out of here!”
As Zeke and Boris prepared to leave the hotel, they were confronted by knights rushing towards them—Abel’s knights.