Rei would save Boruntar’s life, but he would show no other considerations. Galahat nodded reluctantly to the ultimatum.
As far as Galahat was personally concerned, the terms were almost impossible to swallow. The life of the man he adored—his big brother, Boruntar—was on the line, even if that affection was a one-way street met only with loathing from the other side.
(But... if I refuse Rei’s proposal here, he’ll just do as he said and launch a solo assault on Boruntar without a second thought for me. Between Rei’s own prowess and that of his partner, the gryphon, I don't see the Azoth Firm’s side standing a chance. Boruntar has quantity, but his adventurers are all low-rank. If they fought a fair fight head-on, maybe they could wear them down through fatigue or magic power depletion, but Rei and his partner are just one man and one beast. If they commit to surprise attacks and night raids, there will be no stopping them. I have no choice but to join forces with him and try to save at least my brother's life.)
He swallowed his bitter, stifled feelings as he reached a conclusion.
He couldn't help but wonder how things had come to this. Yet, every detail of the current crisis had been set in motion by the very brother he revered. Even if they only shared half their blood, Galahat had to choose the "better" option as a younger brother, even if it wasn't the best. Having made his peace with it, Galahat grudgingly accepted Rei’s proposal.
"Come inside. First, I need to bring you up to speed on the situation."
Galahat moved away from the door and welcomed the four into the room.
The space was reasonably large compared to the cottage above, but it was still far too small for four people to relax in. After all, the hideout had originally been intended for only Galahat and Mult. The room was roughly the size of three tatami mats, containing a single simple bed and one chair. With five people crammed inside, the atmosphere was stifling. The only saving graces were Rei’s small stature and the fact that Phron was a relatively slender woman. Normally, Brasso’s short height would have placed him in that category as well, but being a dwarf, he was wider and more muscled than any human. Consequently, Brasso was grouped with Galahat and Mult in the "space-taker" category.
"Good grief, it feels even tighter in here with a muscle-bound oaf like you taking up space," Phron grumbled. "Why don't you turn those muscles into money-muscles and go cash them in? I’ll make sure the funds go to good use."
"Whazzat, ye hussy?! You’re the one who should go sell off those extra years ye’ve lived and go back to being in your twenties! At least then there’d be a bit of beauty to look at in this room!"
Everyone settled onto the chair, the bed, or the floor. Galahat could only watch in stunned silence as the bickering erupted the moment they sat down to catch their breath.
Rei, watching the pair with an exasperated look, let out a sigh and spoke up.
"I get that you two are close, but leave it at that for now. Even Galahat is staring."
The two glanced at Galahat, who was indeed watching them with wide, bewildered eyes. Phron, apparently unable to bear the scrutiny, cleared her throat and adjusted her posture in the chair. It was the only chair in the hideout, and she had claimed it immediately upon entering, asserting her status as the only woman.
Galahat remained on the bed since his injuries were far from healed, with Mult sitting beside him as his assistant. This left Rei and Brasso sitting on the floor.
"Ahem. So, the current status is... Mult?"
"Right. The situation is still leaning against us. For now, the members who were pushed into idle positions because they opposed Boruntar’s management policy have agreed to help Galahat-san. However, the fact remains that the other side is still the mainstream faction, so..."
"I see. So dragging Big Brother down from his seat as chairman through peaceful means is out of the question," Galahat noted with a sigh.
There were many adventurers siding with the Boruntar Faction, but with few exceptions, they followed him simply because he was their employer. Unless something happened to shake that foundation, few would defect to their side. Galahat sighed again, his breath heavy with the worry that fellow adventurers would inevitably be forced to shed each other's blood.
"Exactly," Mult continued. "Since we’re outmatched in terms of influence, the only way to get Galahat-san to the top of the Azoth Firm is through force. The easiest and fastest way would be for our sympathizers within the firm to pin down or secure the executives currently running the show, while we move in to secure Boruntar himself. A smooth transition of power means less time spent fighting, which would keep the clash between adventurers to a minimum—at least, that’s what they said."
"What they said?" Phron asked, sounding curious about his phrasing.
Mult nodded as if it were obvious. "You think I could come up with a detailed tactical plan like that? Like I mentioned, the firm members helping Galahat-san are the ones who drew this up."
"...I see. Well, it’s true that the shorter the battle, the less likely it is for adventurers to get seriously hurt."
"True. Very few people actually enjoy fighting... well, I won't say they don't exist, but they’re definitely a minority," Galahat said. "Mult, is Big Brother still at the mansion in the noble district?"
"Yes. He spent a disgusting amount of money on that place. I’d bet the defensive measures are just as substantial."
Rei made a face. "Does he have traps set up inside the mansion?"
Galahat shook his head slightly. "He wouldn't go that far. It would be too dangerous for him to actually live there. Instead, the fences and gates surrounding the property are made of reinforced, heavy-duty metal."
"Can't we just hop over the fences and gates? There are only a few of us. Set could ferry us over in a couple of trips. Even Brasso here, who’s probably the heaviest, should be manageable for a short flight."
"That’s not possible. While there aren't traps inside the mansion, the perimeter is a different story. To guard against thieves acting like chivalrous robbers and the like, Big Brother made sure the exterior was perfectly prepared."
Galahat didn't elaborate further, but as the head of the Azoth Firm—a man known for his ruthless business practices—Boruntar had often been targeted. Countless thieves or people seeking revenge for being cheated in weapon trades had tried to hire thugs or adventurers to break in. Most had been caught by the noble district patrol, while others were found collapsed on the ground, paralyzed by the electric shock effect of the fences and gates.
Building a massive mansion and surrounding it entirely with magic item fences and gates cost a fortune. That level of security was only possible due to the Azoth Firm’s wealth and Boruntar’s power. Gilm was a city on the frontier, a place rife with danger. Those who were stingy with their equipment paid the price with their lives. By controlling the weapon trade and exporting equipment made from rare monster materials to other cities, the firm raked in massive profits. Boruntar used that wealth to secure favors and distribute bribes. His influence was so vast that the group of thugs who had harassed the inn or the adventurers who attacked Set in the stables would likely be released after paying a small fine, rather than being properly imprisoned.
"So a frontal breakthrough is our only real option," Rei noted. "I won't say it's impossible. I mean, the highest-rank adventurer in the Azoth Firm's employ is you, Galahat, and you're Rank B, right? The rest are below that, meaning they’re Rank C at most. There are about forty of them. Dealing with that many shouldn't be too much of a problem."
Rei spoke as if it were a trivial matter, but Galahat, the man at the center of the storm, called for a halt.
"Wait. I know you’re strong enough to handle forty men head-on, Rei. But as I said, most of the people on that side are only there for the paycheck. If possible, I want to minimize the injuries we inflict on them."
"Isn't that exactly why we’re going for a frontal breakthrough? To finish it quickly?" Phron asked, her expression turning skeptical. "Aren't you contradicting yourself?"
Galahat nodded, his face sour. "Yes. I know I’m asking for the impossible. But think about it. Even if we settle the coup tonight, what happens tomorrow? The Azoth Firm needs to send out caravans to other cities. Who’s going to guard them if all our men are incapacitated?"
"They could just hire from the Guild... oh, I see," Phron sighed.
The Azoth Firm's reputation among the guild's adventurers was currently at rock bottom; very few people were willing to take their requests. Those currently employed only did so because the pay was exceptionally high. Galahat knew that if they lost their current roster, it was unlikely they could find replacements who knew the ropes. They could try recruiting Rank F or Rank G novices, but they couldn't be counted on as a real fighting force. Talented rookies were a one-in-a-hundred find.
Phron clicked her tongue as she realized the dilemma. "So what do we do? If we can't take them down quickly, the fight drags on, and more people get hurt anyway."
"...Which is why I’m asking Rei. We’re going to be relying on you, but please, do not inflict any heavy injuries. And killing is absolutely out of the question."
"Do you really expect me to care that much?" Rei asked. "I’ve told you before, I could finish this on my own. And yet, you want me to help you while fighting with my hands and feet tied?"
"I’m begging you... please!" Galahat bowed his head deeply.
Rei watched him with a troubled expression, thinking for a few moments before finally speaking.
"Fine. I’ll accept it as a formal request."
"Really?! Thank you. For the reward... how does 2 platinum coins sound?"
"What!?" Mult gasped from beside Galahat.
2 platinum coins was an astronomical sum for a Rank D adventurer. It wasn't the kind of reward Rei or Mult usually saw.
"I'll take it," Rei agreed. "But the best I can promise is a rough level of holding back. I can't guarantee everyone walks away with just scratches. You’ll have to permit at least some broken bones."
In a world with healing magic, a bruise could be fixed in minutes. Even a broken bone wasn't a major issue for a skilled mage to mend on the spot. However, healing severe breaks consumed magic power, meaning it couldn't be done indefinitely. Potions and magic potions existed, but those capable of instant bone repair were expensive, and magic-restoring potions were even pricier.
"That's fine," Galahat said. "Internal organ damage like mine takes time to heal, but broken bones can be managed."
"Alright, the deal is struck. Let's get moving. Too much has happened today. I’m starting to get worn out myself, so I want to wrap this up and get into a soft bed."
Phron stretched as she thought back on the exhausting day. It hadn't even been twenty-four hours since they finished the harpy subjugation. Even with a short nap, the fatigue was clearly setting in. She stood up, spurred on by the thought of the ultimate luxury: falling into a deep sleep under a warm blanket.
Galahat stood up as well, casting an apologetic look her way.
"Galahat-san? What are you doing?" Mult asked, surprised.
Galahat checked his own condition, moving with a grimace. "We're going to drag my brother down. I have to be at the scene."
"Wait! You're in no condition to fight! Especially when we have to hold back and make sure no one dies..."
"I know. But it'll be a mess if I'm not there the moment Big Brother is removed from his position as chairman."
The group frowned. It was true that Galahat’s presence would lend legitimacy to the transition of power, but still...
"So you want us to drag you along as a burden?" Rei asked.
"...Please."
Galahat and Rei locked eyes for several seconds. Eventually, Rei was the one to look away.
"Fine, do what you want. But look after yourself. Actually... Mult, you stay on guard duty for Galahat. Even if you're in different factions, you're all still adventurers employed by the firm. If you fight them head-on, things might get messy later."
"My apologies," Galahat said briefly.
With their policy finally set, the group departed the hideout and made their way toward the noble district.