The Genius and Calamity of the Villainous Noble: A Brilliant Prodigy Unaware of Their Reincarnation as the Game's Antagonist Defies the Scenario and Dominates with Talent and Hard Work - Chapter 1.6

The Underworld.

No matter the world or the civilization, as long as humans inhabit it, there will always be shadows—dark corners where unsavory acts thrive.

And here I was, venturing into one of those shadows: a criminal underworld organization.

“What does the Reinhardt ducal family, known for steering clear of any ties to the underworld, want with us?”

I sat across from a man with sharp eyes and a laid-back demeanor, the leader of one of the many underground organizations, The Keepers of Gold. His name was Wolf, and we faced each other over a small table.

“It’s true that the Reinhardt family has no connections to the underworld.”

While the royal family of this country, the other three ducal families, and most noble houses maintain some sort of contact with underground organizations, the Reinhardt family is the sole exception.

Instead, the Reinhardt family uses its vast network of subordinate trading companies to handle any dealings that might resemble underworld activities.

“So, what’s brought about this sudden change?”

“It’s nothing serious. My father, in all his wisdom, decided to hand a trading company to his so-called child prodigy—me—giving me the freedom to do as I please and learn how to make money. Since I was told I could do whatever I wanted, I’ve decided to ignore the incomprehensible restrictions of the Reinhardt family and, quite naturally, come here to borrow your resources. I trust that clears things up?”

“…You’re possibly the least trustworthy person I’ve ever met. First off, prodigy or not, you’re way too young.”

“Fair enough.”

Looking at me, knowing about the Reinhardt ducal family, and hearing my claims, no one in their right mind would believe me. The truth is simply too absurd.

“But that’s irrelevant. I’ll send you the details of what I want later. I look forward to working with you.”

“Who said I agreed to anything?!”

“Oh, there’s no room for refusal. You understand why, don’t you?”

“Tch.”

Wolf clicked his tongue in frustration.

No matter how powerful an underground organization might be, none of them could stand against the Reinhardt family if we decided to prosecute their crimes and pursue arrests.

“Then it’s settled.”

I stood up.

“As I mentioned earlier, I’ll send you the details of what I need you to do later. All you have to do is carry out the tasks as instructed.”

“Let me make one thing clear—we’re not taking on anything crazy. The only reason I’m even considering this is because it looks profitable. If you’ve got some disaster that’s forced the Reinhardt family to crawl to us, we’re absolutely refusing. Got it?”

“Rest assured, that’s not the case. In fact, I plan to turn you from an underground organization into a legitimate subordinate trading company. There’s a very specific reason I chose to approach a profit-driven group like yours.”

“What?”

Wolf tilted his head in confusion, clearly unable to comprehend the meaning behind my words.