Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 2 Tense Rick

(Chapter 1 is occasionally reported and blocked)
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"How did he get so drunk again?"

In an abandoned house in the second district of Downtown, Quaid's second-in-command, Nal Rick, looked at Quaid with disgust as he lay there drunk, clutching a bottle of liquor.

"Lock him up for a day, and release him when he's sober."

He waved his hand, signaling two young fraternity members to help him down.

Rick scoffed softly as he watched their retreating figures.

He's drunk like this, so it seems he didn't do anything to the child.

Rick thought to himself, a mysterious smile spreading across his face.

Nar Rick—who prefers to be called by his surname rather than his first name—is an ambitious and equally capable Brotherhood member, unlike Quaid, whose power has declined and who has fallen from a gang leader to a beggar's business.

He once studied at the Accounting Academy in Shuka City in the south of the kingdom. If it weren't for his father, a scribe, committing a crime, Rick might now be an accountant in some town department or even a noble family. It's not impossible that he could even go further and become a big businessman in some industry.

Then he can spend money to buy a noble title and enter the first tier of the upper class of the Star Kingdom: Three hundred years ago, wasn't the Shukader family, which was marked by the sunflower, born in this way? Now they are also an important noble family in the kingdom.
Even though he had fallen into the clutches of the mafia and was forever cut off from the path to nobility, Rick believed that he was more qualified than his colleagues, whose minds were filled with muscles and women, to be a person with the power to speak and make decisions in the fraternity.

When the Brotherhood's business expanded to the southern coast of the kingdom, Rick, a southern hoodlum, was recruited and used his talents to orchestrate several successful human trafficking chains from the south to the capital.

So the Brotherhood's higher-ups took notice of him and promoted him to Everstar City—the kingdom's capital, the heart of the stars, and the shining pearl of the western continent—and put him in charge of the Brotherhood's beggar accounts in the capital.

Yes, Rick knew that although the higher-ups had made him Quaid's second-in-command and accountant, it was tantamount to entrusting him with all of the Brotherhood's begging business in Everstar City.

Look at his "boss," Quaid, a fearsome thug who made a name for himself with knives and axes in the old Lower City District 3, now a piece of trash who only seeks dignity from beggars. If Quaid weren't the son of some high-ranking member of the Brotherhood, he would have been trampled under the mud of the Everstar City slums and rotted away long ago.

Moreover, he was responsible for most of the beggars' losses.

Of course, this was also fortunate, as Quaid's father would give him a considerable amount of money each month, allowing Rick to profit from it.

With a son like that, Quaid would have lost power in the organization long ago if his father hadn't been a tycoon in charge of arms dealing.

What happens when a gangster boss loses power?
Rick shook his head and watched Quaid leave.

Compared to drug and arms smuggling, oil and mineral trading, or even collecting illicit debts and managing the streets, the begging business seems insignificant and lowly.

But this is his chance.

The Black Street Brotherhood rose to prominence very quickly, or rather, too quickly. Faced with an ever-expanding sphere of influence and an increasingly complex underground situation, they were often short of manpower: the thugs who joined out of admiration were unreliable, the scum who defected halfway through could not be trusted, and as for outsiders, don't be ridiculous, they had only heard of the Blood Bottle Gang.

Compared to the powerful Blood Bottle Gang, the Brotherhood can only rely on itself.

Fortunately, after the great calamity more than a decade ago, there were many orphans and abandoned children throughout the kingdom. The Black Street Brotherhood would certainly not let these potential children go: infants were taken in and raised by "Black Widow" Beth, while some were sold. Slightly older ones were sent to Rick to be "beaten" into beggars. Those who were even older, in their teens, would be sent to "Iron Man" Locke, who was in charge of training thugs, "Heartbreaker" Belisia, who trained prostitutes, and other special leaders to be tempered into members of the Brotherhood.

Therefore, Rick, who manages the beggars, believes that he is at the core of the Brotherhood's operations—the beggars running wildly through the streets are not only the future lifeblood of the Brotherhood, but also the most secretive intelligence network on the streets of the capital.

Rick was quite pleased with this: Think about it, he was the leader of the fraternity that all future new members would see as early as their earliest memories. He could see who had potential even in their childhood, and then bestow favors and win them over at the right time, so that in the future…

See, so I, Nar Rick, am an ambitious man.

And, and…

Rick was always very excited when he thought of this: And this is Everstar City!
Star Kingdom—the capital of the second largest kingdom in the western continent, and the birthplace of the Black Street Brotherhood.

Being able to work here means that the big shots in the fraternity will always see you, and being seen means you'll always have a chance for promotion.

Of course, the chances of causing trouble are not small either.

Fortunately, Rick, with his hands behind his back, watched the drunken Quaid walk away and raised an eyebrow: Luckily, this guy took the blame.

Under the moonlight, Rick turned around and continued walking.

Looking at the twenty-odd abandoned houses in front of him, he knew that there were many beggars in each of them, and these were the most important talents and bargaining chips for him to climb up the social ladder in the future.

For example, the black-haired Thales in the sixth room.

Two years ago, when Beth, who was in charge of the baby, brought him in, she showed a different attitude towards the child.

Sure enough, even now, this child, though only eight years old (or was it seven?), is clever and cunning. A week ago, he actually came up with a way to beg by acting out a play—a cute child was beaten up by other older children who stole his money and food, so when he hid in a corner and cried alone, kind ladies passing by couldn't help but give him more compensation than usual.

Compared to the irritating, wailing beggars, Rick thought that the gang desperately needed people with brains like this.

This child will surely climb even higher when he grows up.

I should reward him to win Thales's gratitude.

Of course, rewards without contrast will not inspire gratitude.

That's why, when the boy in Room Six told him tonight that Thales might have been hiding money, Rick suggested that Quaid go and "settle the score" with the boy.

Once Quaid has beaten Thales to the point of near death, and Thales steps in to stop him, even at the cost of opposing Quaid (that's all the good that good he is), Thales will consciously or unconsciously regard him as a protector.

Rick didn't care whether each beggar had paid their share of the money; that was something only short-sighted people would care about. Compared to a few copper coins, Rick knew that human relationships were a more important asset.

But that boy, that boy named Thales, was still too clever.

Rick knew that regardless of whether Thales had the money or not, Quaid would torment him to death; in fact, if Thales did give him the money, it would only be worse.

Clearly, the boy managed to escape this ordeal—as is customary, Quaid, in high spirits, would "carefully" create these disobedient children to entertain him, regardless of whether they were truly disobedient.

Rick felt a pang of sadness.

It's okay, we still have to do what needs to be done.

Even if it doesn't work, we can just find an excuse to let Quaid beat him up again.

Rick walked to the sixth room, stepping over the dilapidated door.

He saw Thales panting heavily, lying on the ground in the overgrown yard, while several children were applying something to him—good heavens, how could seven, eight, or nine-year-old children be planting Urdron leaves in the yard?

Rick frowned: Usually only experienced gangsters and long-lived poor people know that this wild plant can be used as a convenient, quick, and inexpensive herb for treating external injuries.

"Ah! Mr. Rick!" The lame Ryan was the first to notice Rick's arrival. His experience of having his leg broken made him more sensitive to his surroundings.

Less than an hour after Quaid left, the fear in the yard had not yet dissipated. Ned—the boy who had snitched—had tears still on his face, Kelly covered his dark face, and the older boy, Cindy, shrank back a step.

The youngest girl, in particular, was so frightened that she screamed.

Beth had instructed that this was a descendant of nobles with inherited traits, and there was a high chance she would be a beauty in the making. She should not be ruined. Belisia could train her later and make a lot of profit.

Rick looked at the girl and clicked his tongue inwardly.

It's a real pity that my beggar child has to be handed over to the association after she turns ten, or at most twelve. If only I could keep her until she's fifteen... or even thirteen.

“Mr. Rick!” Thales interrupted Rick’s subtle thoughts. Rick turned his head with difficulty, wincing in pain as the injury on his back was aggravated.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Thales,” Rick sighed, a look of pity on his face.
“I can’t stop him… Quaid… I’m just his second-in-command after all, and I can’t afford to offend his backer.”

“I could only come over secretly afterward,” Rick said, crouching down under the cautious gazes of the children, anxiously examining Thales’ injuries. “Luckily, he didn’t hit him too hard today, otherwise…”

“Mr. Rick, I’m fine,” Thales said, struggling. “I’m just sorry, my period last week was indeed…”

"Forget about the monthly allowance!"

Rick took the broken bowl from Cindy, poured out the water, picked up a few Urdron leaves, and began grinding them with a stone:
“You were sent to me when you were just old enough to understand things. Over the years, I’ve watched you grow from trembling little ones into rough-handed, clumsy kids. To me, you are far more important than a few coins.”

Rick's face showed a hint of pain: "At your age, you shouldn't be begging on the streets, but it's the Brotherhood's rule..."

“Mr. Rick,” Thales seemed somewhat moved, clenching his fist, “I…”

“Come on, grind the herbs with a stone; it’s more effective than chewing them.” Rick wiped the herbs in the bowl and applied them to Thales by hand. Kelly, standing beside him, bit her lip and whimpered.

“Thank you, Mr. Rick,” Coria said softly. “It would be better if you were in charge of us, instead of Quaid.”

Thank you, darling, Rick hummed to himself.

“Don’t let Quaid hear that,” he said with a helpless smile. “To be honest, I’m afraid of him.”

The children smiled knowingly—Rick knew that showing common ground and humor at the right time was a good way to get people to accept him.

“Thank you very much, Mr. Rick,” Thales said solemnly. He knew that in many people’s eyes, he appeared more mature, so there was no need to act too childish.

Rick nodded:
"Take care of yourself. You're a smart kid, and I believe you can do it."

Thales nodded with difficulty.

“Oh, right,” Rick said, as if suddenly remembering something. He handed the bowl to Ned, took a money pouch from his waist, and handed it to the bewildered Cindy.

“I have to hand over my money every month, and I don’t have much of my own. Here are thirty coppers. Go to Grove’s Apothecary—the one on the border between Twilight and Downtown—and buy some wound medicine. This should be enough, if the price of medicine hasn’t gone up.”

This money is certainly not enough, Rick thought to himself.

I went to Grove Pharmacy a week ago, and most of the medicines had increased in price significantly.

What can they do if they don't have enough money?
Of course, they'll take it from the money they beg for. That way, they definitely won't have enough for next week's allowance, and then...

"Be careful when buying medicine, don't let anyone else know, especially Quaid."

Rick smiled and stood up.

Of course, Rick thought, Quaid would find out eventually. It would be even better if they didn't use the money to buy medicine.

Quaid will then know: they really did hide money.

Rick's lips curled slightly.

At that time, I will be able to gain their final loyalty.

“Mr. Rick,” Coria said, looking at the money bag in Cindy’s hand, tears welling up in her eyes, “you, you are such a good person.”

Ned, biting his lip, nodded vigorously.

Even the older boy, Sinti, was somewhat moved. He touched the money bag in his hand and weighed it in his hand.

Rick sighed, shaking his head with a mixture of emotion and relief.

"No, I should apologize. This is all I can do for you."

“Mr. Rick,” Thales said, lying on the ground but looking at Rick with a hesitant expression, “I don’t know…”

"Hmm?" Rick raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong?"

“I heard that if we’re not sold to an orphanage or someone else… then when we grow up, we’ll be sent to other places for training,” Thales asked cautiously, seemingly afraid of offending Rick.

"So... after we finish our training, can we work under you?"

Upon hearing this, Kelly, Ned, and Coria looked at Rick expectantly.

Snap, Rick mentally snapped his fingers.

Score.

It's faster than I expected.

“Hehe, that much,” Rick flashed a bright, cheerful smile:

"Don't let my current appearance fool you, in the fraternity I'm a man with ideals."

Rick smiled, bent down, and patted Thales's hair, making him appear even more approachable.
"My boys will be the best and strongest in the entire Brotherhood!"

That's the truth, Rick thought to himself.

"So, if you want to work for me, you'd better work hard!"

"Ok!"

The children nodded in unison, full of hope, and Thales was no exception.

“I’m leaving, Thales, and the children,” Rick turned around, tilting his head to reveal his profile.
"Next time something like this happens, come and tell me secretly. Although I can't stop Quaid directly, I can always cause some trouble to keep him away from you."

After saying that, Rick revealed his white teeth, which gleamed in the moonlight.

He left the courtyard of the sixth house without looking back.

“Mr. Rick is such a good man.” Ned’s tears had dried. “Unlike that wicked Quaid.”

"Mmm." Coria nodded, her eyes beaming with joy, as if she had just eaten candy.

“But,” the limp Ryan, who was still in a state of shock, hesitated before speaking, “I always feel that Mr. Rick scares me more than Quaid.”

So you're a coward!

"Coward Ryan, how are you going to get any money looking like that!"

Only Thales's eyes gradually calmed down after Rick left.

When Thales saw Sinti counting the thirty copper coins in his purse one by one, he breathed a slight sigh of relief.

His back was still hurting.

He knew that proper external wound medicine would be better for his injury.

But Thales had just been to Grove's Pharmacy yesterday morning, taking the typhoid medicine from Jenny through the back door. He'd heard her complain about her stingy boss raising the prices of all the medicine, even the wound medicine, which now cost forty coppers—exactly ten coppers more than Rick had given him.

However, he also learned from Yara, the daughter of the Sunset Bar owner…

Rick covered Quaid's considerable expenses at the bar.

but……

I have to hand over my money every month, and I don't have much of my own.

Rick's words echoed in the boy's ears.

Thales couldn't help but glance at the bag of copper coins beside him.

The beggars had forgotten their fear and were playing around with each other.

Only Thales frowned and turned his head away with difficulty.

He glanced at his battered back, sighed, and then lowered his head heavily.

This damn world.

----

Rick, in a cheerful mood, had just reached the tenth house.

As he was calculating when to teach that eight-year-old kid named Karak a lesson and bring him under his command, he suddenly felt a chill down his spine.

Rick was stunned.

This is an innate ability he possesses.

In a state of absolute calm—absolute calm, where even the slightest shift in attention would render it ineffective—if a living creature approaches within about five meters of him, he would feel a chill run down his neck.

That's all.

But let's not talk about him not being a warrior. Even if he were a warrior, compared to the powerful Terminator swordsmen of the Kingdom's Guard, the wealthy knights of the various noble families, the old ruffians of the Blood Bottle Gang who have retired from the army, and even other superhumans, his superpower is simply insignificant.

Even the stronger thugs in the fraternity could pin him to the ground and beat him.

But Rick felt that one day, this ability would save his life.

Such as now.

Rick quickly turned around, scanning his surroundings in the moonlight, while reaching into his pocket with his left hand and gripping the small but deadly miniature crossbow.

The bright moonlight.

Empty streets.

Uncovered
But there was no one.

Somewhat puzzled, Rick took a deep breath and remained absolutely calm.

The chill on the back of my neck persisted.

Could it be that a rat crawled through the sewer beneath our feet?

Rick turned in three different directions and ran quickly for a while.

However, the lingering chill on his neck dispelled his suspicion.

Which mouse was directly below him, following him for twenty meters in three different directions?
Rick grew increasingly terrified.

He shouldn't have come out alone.

Even though this is an abandoned building, it's Brotherhood territory.

He should bring twenty thugs, each with a magic gun, no matter how heavy that damn thing is.

Just like the Brotherhood's drug trafficking boss, Lazanchi Faisal, he was always accompanied by thirty men.

If he had enough money, he should even hire two Terminator swordsmen, or a superhuman warrior, or even a magic user—but he'd heard from Boss Morris that he couldn't afford to mess with magic users.

Narricane, calm down.

He told himself: You are the man who will one day rule the entire Yongxing City, and even the entire underground world of the Star Kingdom.

Calm down, must be calm.

He forced himself to remain calm and turned around, walking back the way he came, as if he had just been doing a light jog.

Did I offend someone?
Does anyone want to lose their life?
Is there anything noteworthy about this neighborhood?

Rick walked several hundred meters, and in the moonlight, the surroundings were empty and deserted.

But the back of his neck was still cool.

(End of this chapter)