Knight Lords: Infinite Simulation and the Path of Light

Chapter 206 Marigoloyan's Past
"So, can Boss Marigolo Yang give me an explanation now?"

After Haven crushed the dice on the table, something fell from the center of the dice, causing a murmur among the onlookers.

Although everyone assumes that it's normal for someone to cause trouble, cheat, or use tricks when gambling in such places, it's unacceptable for anyone to actually confront this issue directly in front of everyone.

Marigoldo Yang's expression instantly became uncertain, and many thoughts flashed through his mind. If he had handled things the way he used to, he would probably have given both of them a fair share of blame. Regardless of who was right or wrong, as long as they dared to cause trouble in Rotten Mushroom, he would not have let them off easily.

But now the situation is different. Exhausted, Marigoldan no longer wants to waste his energy on these trivial matters. Moreover, although the young man in front of him looks young, he is quite skilled. Russell, that good-for-nothing, may seem like a good-for-nothing who spends all his time idly eating, drinking, and gambling, but he is actually quite capable.

As someone who had also retired from the city defense patrol, Russell's own strength, while not reaching the low-level, was basically there. Unexpectedly, he showed no ability to resist in front of this young man, which made Marigroyan have to seriously consider how to deal with this matter.

"Hehehehe~ Young man, please calm down first. Of course, I'll take responsibility for what happened in my tavern. May I ask your name, young man?"

Haven rubbed the dice crumbs between his fingers and said calmly:
“Will, Will Hick.”

"Okay, Mr. Will, why don't you release him first, and I will give you an explanation."

Somewhat weary, Marigolo Yang handed his broadsword to the man beside him. As he got older, he realized he was becoming less and less adept at handling such matters, and it was time for him to let go of everything.

At that moment, the thought quickly arose in Marigoan's mind, and he accepted it very naturally: what is more terrifying than aging is the loss of ambition, and that is exactly what Marigoan is now. He is no longer a wild dog that would bar its teeth and snatch food; he is now more like an old dog whose spine has been bitten off.

Haven, who had expected another fight, looked at the demoralized tavern owner and pouted in disappointment. However, remembering that he was there to investigate, not to fight, he released his foot from Russell's chest.

Just as Russell, relieved, was about to unleash a torrent of abuse, he was sternly stopped by Marigoldo Yang.

"Shut up, or even if your cousin comes, it won't help you."

Looking at Marigoldo Young, who was like a furious old dog, Russell opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing more.

"Alright, Mr. Will, there are too many people here. Let's go to a less crowded place to talk in detail."

Seeing that he had achieved his goal, Havent grabbed the scattered gold coins on the table, put them in his money bag, and turned to follow Marigoldo Yang out.

Seeing the two men leave, Russell, who was lying on the ground, struggled to sit up, spat out a mouthful of bloody saliva, and looked at the departing two men with resentment.

In a room that looked like an office, Marigoldo Yang sat on the sofa watching Havent look around.

"young people……"

Just as Marigoldo Young was about to speak, Haven interrupted him.

"Marigroyan!"

His full name is Marigloyan Otaf Radarmen. He was born in the Holy Calendar 2074 and graduated from Hadria Warrior Academy in 2097. He then joined the Third City Defense Patrol Regiment of the Imperial Capital and was promoted to captain of the Eighth Squad of the Second Battalion of the Third City Defense Patrol Regiment in 2099.

Later, in 2101, he retired from the city defense patrol and, during his childhood, opened a bar in the eastern part of the city, which he named "Rotten Mushroom."

As Havent casually read out the intelligence, Marigoldo Yang, who was sitting on the sofa, was already shocked beyond belief. His triangular eyes were wide open in panic, and his mouth opened and closed repeatedly, as if he had frozen in a daze.

After a long while, Marigoldan finally recovered from his daze. He then stared at Havent as if she were a monster, his slightly trembling body betraying his state of mind. Under Havent's grinning expression, he stammered, "..."

"You~~"

"Who are you and what do you want to do?"

Seeing that the dead tavern owner had regained consciousness, Haven nodded in satisfaction.

The truth-seeking eye has been successfully revealed.

I had been unable to cast this level 5 support spell before, but I actually succeeded today. It seems my luck is pretty good today.

"Hmm... that's a philosophical question. Who I am isn't important. You can call me Will."

"Of course, if you feel that this name is not real, that's fine too. As long as you're happy, call me whatever you want, as long as you cooperate with me."

Although Haven tried to be as polite and gentle as possible, Marigoldoyan, who had been exhausted by various troubles these past few days, reached the breaking point of his mental defenses at this moment.

Ah~~~~~~~~~~

"I know nothing~~~ I know nothing~~~"

Completely psychologically broken, Marigoldan now has only one thought in his mind.

Run~~~Run~~~
I want to escape from here, I want nothing, I want nothing at all.

They're coming to arrest me! They're coming to arrest me!

Watching the tavern owner, who was like a shameless old dog, clumsily trying to escape through the window next to him.

Haven's face instantly darkened. This was too disrespectful to him. Why was he running away when he was being so kind and approachable? It made him look like a big bad guy.

Immediately, Haven raised his right hand, and along his open palm, a ball of black liquid instantly covered his right hand. Then, five pitch-black, tentacle-like things shot out, instantly binding the struggling tavern owner. With a slight thought from Haven, Marigold was dragged back.

"Shh~~~"

Seeing the tavern owner's wide-eyed stare, Haven gestured for him to be quiet.

“That’s not very interesting. You see, I approached you quietly, and even put in some effort, which means I don’t want to make things too complicated.”

Seeing the other person's face getting redder and redder, Haven scratched his head in confusion, then looked down.

"Uh~~~ Sorry, sorry, you should give us some air."

“Well, now you can listen to me calmly. Although I originally wanted us to have an honest, face-to-face conversation, preferably with some drinks and snacks, given your behavior just now, that plan is now rejected.” Despite Haven’s attempt to calm Marigoldon down, his rambling had no effect; at least visually, old Marigoldon was trembling even more violently.

"So, I'll just say what I think for now, and you just need to listen."

"First of all, I have no problem with your daily illegal and disorderly conduct, double-crossing, and gang-related behavior, so you can rest assured that I am not here to find you because of these things."

Secondly, I've come to see you today because I have some questions I'd like to discuss with you.

As he spoke, Haven coughed and cleared his throat.

"I know you've been contacting some people or organizations lately, and I want to know their background. How about it? The question is simple, right? Think carefully about how to answer me, and then blink when you've thought it through."

After waiting a moment, Marigoldoyan blinked twice at Haven, who was squatting above his head, with his wide eyes.

"Sigh~ That's right. What can't we sit down and talk properly about? I just gave you your information to reduce the communication costs between us."

After the black bandages wrapped around Marigolo Yang's face were loosened, the once-powerful gangster, who had been in power for over a decade, gasped for breath, as if he had almost suffocated.

"Haha~~ I'm sorry, I just acquired this ability myself, so I'm not very skilled at using it yet. I don't think you'll mind too much."

After taking seven or eight deep breaths, Marigoldan's violently shaking body finally calmed down. He then looked at Havent with a complex expression, a mixture of despair and relief.

"Are you from MI8 or the Night Watch?"

Upon hearing Marigoldoyan's question, Haven was momentarily stunned. It seemed this tavern owner wasn't so useless after all.
"Ok?"

"Looks like you're not stupid. But like I said, who I am isn't important. I just want to ask you a few questions. Once you've answered them, I'll leave."

Marigold remained calm in response to Havent's reply, as if the scenario he had been anticipating wasn't so terrible after all.

"I can answer your questions, but what can you offer me?"

"Hmm? Interesting, what an interesting answer~~~"

The black ribbons wrapped around Marigoldan receded back into Havent's wrist like the tide going out. Havent found a chair and sat down, looking at the tavern owner with great interest.

"So you want to negotiate with me? Tell me, what do you want? As long as it's not too difficult, I don't mind granting your wish."

Mariglo Yang struggled to get up from the ground after being released. In his hasty escape, a splinter had cut a large gash on his palm, from which blood was trickling out. However, Mariglo Yang did not seem to care at all. After sitting up, he stared straight at Havent.

How can I trust you?

With a clang, Haven threw a silver badge in front of Marigold.

"Tell me, I think it would be better for both of us to cooperate a little. After all, once you get to Vauxhall Cross Street, it won't be a pleasant journey."

As a former squad leader of the city defense patrol regiment, Vauxhall Cross Street naturally recognized the MI8 badge and had worked closely with the people in this department, so he was very familiar with their way of doing things.

After sitting on the ground in silence for about ten seconds, Marigolo Yang deflated like a punctured balloon, his once straight back instantly hunching over.

"Sir, what would you like to know?"

"See? That's right. A wise person knows when to yield."

Despite Havent's praise, Marigoloyan felt no joy. He was now a lamb to the slaughter, and a lamb is not usually pleased by the butcher's praise.

"I'd like to know who or what organizations you've been serving lately?"

Marigold looked at Havent with a pleading look in his eyes, like a ravaged old dog.

"Sir, if I tell you, can you protect the safety of my entire family?"

Looking at the pitiful-looking old man in front of him, Haven touched his chin awkwardly. It didn't seem like this kind of scum would be entirely unjust to die.

"It depends on the value of the intelligence you provide. If it is very useful intelligence, then I can consider this request."

Although Marigoloyan desperately wanted to get something more, the situation was no longer entirely in his control. After hesitating for a moment, he spoke:
“Sir, I am an unofficial intelligence officer from the Dark Alliance’s Capital Station No. 3. Of course, I’m not entirely unofficial, as I was promised to become a full member after the last mission.”

"The Dark Alliance? That's not a very surprising answer."

"Ah~~ I'm sorry to interrupt you, please continue."

Looking at the very polite young MI8 investigator in front of him, Marigoldo Yang couldn't help but swallow hard. This gentle yet oppressive feeling was simply suffocating.

"Actually, when I first opened the Rotten Mushroom Tavern, I relied on my previous connections in the city defense patrol team and my bravery. Many years ago, they came to me. At first, they just asked me to keep an eye out for various movements and report to them regularly, and I could get a lot of money in return."

As Marigoloyan began to recount his memories, his speech became less hesitant.

"I thought this situation would continue like this forever. I was having a great time, and some of the guys who used to cause trouble at the tavern stopped showing up. Just when I was dreaming of saving up a lot of money and then passing the tavern on to my son, they came."

At this point, Marigoloyan's voice trembled involuntarily, as if he were recalling something terrifying.

"One day, a man who called himself Del came to me and said that he would be my superior from now on. Now the organization has some things that need to be done by me. Although I was not very willing at the time, I had no choice. I smelled a strong bloody smell on that man. It was the smell of killing a lot of people."

The very next day, after my greatest enemy, Bobby, died in his home, I knew that if I didn't obey them, Bobby would be my fate.

A tear slowly slid down Marigold's cheek, as if it had been suppressed for too long and was finally being released.

(End of this chapter)