TLWFL 04

Chapter 04

Fortunately, the information guild was exactly as described in the novel.

A worn-out wooden sign painted black, with a small bird and leaf painted in pale yellow on it.

They say this actually represents a baby eagle, but no one’s going to see it that way. It looks like a yellow chick. Anyway, thanks to this distinctive sign, it was easy to find.

Everyone said the same thing:

‘You mean that run-down weapons shop? It’s over there, but… Miss, these days, other places are doing better.’

That’s what they said.

That run-down weapons shop is actually the best information broker in this world, everyone. All the main characters in the original used this information broker.

But it really did look like it was going bankrupt from the outside.

I took a deep breath and opened the door.

“Hello?”

Unlike how it looked from outside, the inside was quite spacious and comfortable. One person at the counter, and a couple at the tables. What kind of weapons shop looks like a bar?

I clicked my tongue softly and went inside.

“You seem to be a first-time visitor. Thank you for seeking out Lindberg, miss.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Lindberg.”

The man at the counter smiled faintly. But according to the original, that man is not Lindberg. He’s just Lindberg’s shadow. To make the deal you want, you need to meet the real one, not the shadow.

The shadow spoke.

“Are you here for a weapon? A dagger? Or a bow? If you’d like, I can also procure a gun. However, these guns are tricky to possess…”

“I came to a weapons shop, so I should get a proper weapon, right? Please load up a small revolver with plenty of magical gunpowder.”

This was the incantation to summon the real Lindberg. A secret password known only to those in the know. The shadow’s eyes widened.

“Magical gunpowder, did you say?”

“That’s right.”

I placed the money for the transaction on the table. The shadow checked the bills and nodded. In Korean currency, it’s approximately 10 million won. According to the novel, it was an appropriate amount to start the first transaction.

The shadow opened the door leading behind the counter.

“This way, miss.”

Hoo, so this is the beginning. I feel like Alice.

I took a deep breath and carefully followed.

—

The real information broker, Lindberg, stared at the new guest with a cold expression. I can say with certainty that there isn’t a single person in this capital who doesn’t know Rozelle Roterua. Rozelle was famous for her beautiful appearance and kind personality. Moreover, many said she was smart, so there was no need to worry about the Loterua.

A famous figure in high society had appeared in this back-alley place for what reason?

“…Nice to meet you, Lindberg.”

And she knew his identity precisely. Lindberg emerged from the shadows.

“I never expected to meet you like this, Lady Rozelle.”

“You know me?”

“How could an information broker not know a celebrity?”

“I see.”

Rozelle nodded.

Lindberg offered Rozelle a seat. Rozelle sat down with a somewhat tense face. The rumors about Rozelle were actually understated.

Rozelle’s appearance was like a fully bloomed summer rose, as people said. But she was a person too precious to be confined to such a static creature.

Lindberg spoke slowly.

“What brings you all the way here, my lady?”

“Even a noble lady needs information, Mr. Lindberg. I want all the information related to this Muteso landslide.”

Lindberg narrowed his eyes. The Muteso landslide was a disaster caused by the Loterua. If she wanted to investigate the landslide, wouldn’t it be faster to ask the Count of Loterua?

There must be a reason she came to Lindberg like this.

Lindberg asked, trying to gauge Rozelle’s intentions.

“Did you say, the Muteso landslide?”

“That’s right, Lindberg. I heard there was a landslide in Muteso due to logging, and the damage to the farms is severe. Thanks to that, the business has gone awry, and the Loterua will suffer enormous losses.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“I need the key to resolve this situation right now. But people told me that if I went to see Mr. Lindberg, I could get the information I need.”

Rozelle took a deep breath.

“I need to gain maximum profit from the Muteso timber. So I want the most detailed information. Whether there are people who need the Muteso timber. And how to escape the Loterua’s crisis… I even need a way to resolve the landslide.”

Lindberg smiled crookedly.

“So it’s a case of giving the disease and the cure.”

Rozelle glared at Lindberg, but it was an undeniable fact. Whether Rozelle was involved or not, this was something the Loterua had done.

Rozelle bit her lip tightly.

“I will gather the relevant documents and send them to you. Lindberg’s messenger will be wearing a black muffler. With a yellow bird embroidered on it.”

Rozelle nodded.

“How long will it take?”

“It should take two days. If you visit in person… you can get the information faster if you come tomorrow night.”

“Then tomorrow at 8 p.m. Is that alright with you?”

“Plenty.”

Rozelle let out a sigh of relief. Still, she felt like she had found a way out. She had found someone she could use like an ally, even if not a real one.

“…That’s a relief.”

Rozelle muttered weakly and rose from her seat.

“I’ll come tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow.”

Lindberg saw Rozelle off. After confirming that Rozelle had completely left the building, Lindberg stood crookedly. The shadow at the bar stealthily approached Lindberg.

“…Your Grace. You seem quite amused.”

Lindberg snapped his fingers, and the magic peeled away.

Reston’s face, which had been hidden within the magic, was revealed in the darkness. Reston muttered in a low voice.

“Indeed. It’s amusing.”

His lips, curved languidly in the shadows, glowed a particularly vivid red.

—

Lindberg—no, Reston—found this situation quite interesting.

Originally, Rozelle was a person who only looked out for herself and her own family. It was for that reason that Rozelle had wanted to marry Reston.

It was understandable that Rozelle was trying to resolve the Muteso timber issue for the sake of her family.

But Reston couldn’t understand why Rozelle had come to find Lindberg. Why? The usual Rozelle would have coaxed some stupid, gullible fool into taking the Muteso timber off her hands.

Just like how the Count of Loterua extorted gold ingots from his own relative and promised to debut his daughter into central high society.

“But she came to find me.”

Reston had prepared two cards for Rozelle.

He was curious to see which choice Rozelle, who would soon be coming, would make.

Reston draped the magic over himself again. He returned to the appearance of a plain, neat Lindberg.

And at the expected time, the door opened.

Rozelle had come to find Lindberg.