Bad Born Blood Chapter 262

262
‘Giselle Custoria.’

I hated mentioning that name in my head as much as possible, because every time I thought of Giselle, the worst assumptions would come to mind.

The chances of the missing Giselle’s survival… …can only be viewed coldly, objectively, strictly speaking, as pessimistic.

But today, at least, Giselle seemed to have come to terms with reality.

Don’t be agitated. Lock up your emotions. Change your thinking before the hormones that stimulate emotional expression run wild.

I closed my eyes and opened them. The thought was long, but reality is fleeting.

‘Lante, former Royal Guard member and current Imperial Sword officer.’

Lantega was before my eyes. I could see his shabby body and oxidized artificial skin.

‘That shabby appearance is a disguise.’

When the time comes, Lanté will reorganize himself to be as handsome as he was in the past.

“Are you saying that Giselle Custoria is the leader of the swords?”

I said as dryly as I could. I hope my pupils are as inorganic as glass.

“The Sword of the Empire copied the organization chart of Nemesis. Even an executive like me doesn’t know who the leader is. Thanks to that, even if one side is bitten, the head will survive. However, it is certain that Giselle is the one who provided the funds and gathered the people to organize the Sword of the Empire. I was also persuaded by that child to join the organization.”

The possibility of it being a lie was extremely low.

The empty pieces in the picture in my head began to fill up, and the overall shape of the picture became clear.

‘To Haylas’s inner circle, Giselle is the daughter of a respected superior. She is like a niece to them. They have ample reason to trust her, and Giselle has the financial resources to create and support the organization.’

Giselle organized the Sword of the Empire. The idea itself was difficult, but the motivation and ability to do it were all in order.

‘The reason Giselle distanced herself from Gilda and hid her intentions from Ilay… … .’

Even I, a close friend, have a hard time completely trusting Ilay. Ilay must have seemed extremely dangerous to Giselle.

I licked my lips. I had to pretend to look for my close stepbrother. I had to avoid showing too much emotion. The guards were generally old-fashioned.

“Was the disappearance a fabrication and a pretense by Giselle?”

For the first time, Lanté looked troubled. He hesitated and then answered.

“To be honest, I don’t know whether the child’s disappearance was a cover story or whether he was caught by the Empire… Either way, it would be best if you didn’t tell me or the rest of the crew.”

My heart was growing cold. My expectations were freezing.

If the disappearance is a staged act for cover-up, the truth must be hidden to keep it a secret. Even if you were kidnapped by an outside force, the right answer is not to tell anyone else.

“I’m curious about Giselle’s ‘current’ whereabouts.”

I emphasized again.

“We’ve never met before, except during the early days of the organization. We’re just waiting for the day of resolution, and we’re just scattered as point organizations, growing our power individually. In reality, we’re separate groups with the same goal, gathered under one flag. However, if your joining becomes a fait accompli… … I can talk to the ‘head.’ If Giselle is still the head of the organization, I can contact her right away. You’re an important person to us.”

Lantega made a condition. It is not impossible that he is lying.

But even if it was a lie, I had to swallow it. I didn’t want to miss the clue.

“I promise you in the name of Custoria that I received from my father. When the time comes for you to rise up, I will do my utmost to help you.”

It’s just a promise in words. But there’s nothing else I can do. It’s not something I can take out my heart and entrust it to.

“That’s enough. After all, nothing is certain in this world, and the only thing we can trust is the sword of honor engraved on our hearts.”

Honor is the foundation of humanity that allows the Guard to handle high-performance combat vehicles. A Guard member who loses honor is nothing more than a paranoid killing machine.

“thank you.”

I put my hand on my heart and showed my respect.

“It will take time for regular contact with the head, so please wait ten days. If you wander around the place where we first met, I will come and find you.”

I didn’t let go of my tension until I left the underground base. My thoughts and feelings about Giselle kept welling up in my heart and head.

‘If you find Giselle here… … .’

I’m going to take her and run away from the world desperately. I don’t care what happens to this fu*king world anymore.

* * *

Boyan was a burden to me.

The burden of the burden may be an exaggeration, but it was true. Gabriel, who was another burden, was left to Ragnata. If it was Ragnata, he would keep his word.

If one day, Ragnata and I meet again alive… … I will be truly grateful to her. I will do anything I can for her.

‘But Ishmael is different from Ragnar.’

Ishmael is a calculating bureaucrat. He took over Boyan only for his own benefit.

‘If Boyan decides that I am not helpful to him right now, then it is the end for him.’

I could pretend not to see Boyan here. I could just move forward, taking care of my own greed, regardless of what happens to him.

‘I’m just using this as an excuse to say that I’ve done enough.’

If I had known things would turn out like this from the beginning, I wouldn’t have even put Boyan away. A momentary impulse was grabbing my ankle.

But that’s not particularly unusual. That’s how the world works. Most incidents and conflicts are caused by desire and impulse, not rationality.

If I hadn’t had such strong desires and impulses… …I would have been living a prosperous life as a promising soldier in the Imperial Army.

‘I regret giving up Boyan now.’

There’s no denying this. If I went back in time, I wouldn’t have granted Legor’s request.

‘Regretting doesn’t mean my judgment and choice were in vain.’

Because of that, I have to handle it even if there are more obstacles in my way.

Boyan is different from the likes of Jafar, Anguis, Regina, and Lapis. He can’t take care of himself, and everything he does is clumsy and sloppy. In my opinion, he always does stupid things.

‘So you’re a child, not an adult.’

I consoled myself and headed to the Border City branch of the Strategic Weapons Research Department.

“Oh, Mr. Luca. It’s good that you came. I was just about to take a break.”

Ishmael took the time out of his busy schedule to meet me. He brought me a cup of coffee and led me inside.

I saw Boyan working through the office window. His main job was running errands and organizing paperwork.

“At first, everyone was nervous when they heard that Crawler was coming. He was not an adult, but he was an office worker. However, he is now well-received because he takes on even the smallest physical tasks and is proactive in everything he does.”

I observed Boyan closely. It was obvious that he was wandering around organizing his documents, wondering if he had taken any stimulants today.

“Don’t you ever show your aggression while working?”

I spoke frankly. Impulsivity is one of Crawler’s biggest problems. He has a particularly hard time controlling his aggression. In short, he is very prone to getting angry.

“It’s not like Mr. Luca is saying this to make people happy, but there really is no such sign. Even when someone scolds him, he remains intimidated. At first, he had a hard time giving orders, but now he does it without hesitation.”

It seems that regular training is effective. If you don’t suppress your instinctive desires but rather relieve them appropriately, you can easily control them even in normal times.

“Could you call Boyan for a moment? He will be in the garden between the main building and the annex.”

I said, recalling the outdoor garden I had seen on my last visit.

Ishmael nodded and went inside.

In the meantime, I walked through the main building and headed towards the passageway leading to the annex.

Phew.

A breeze blew through the well-maintained garden. The direction of the air must have been calculated and designed accordingly.

I looked out across the garden. I could see other government buildings in Border City. Most of the people moving between the buildings were human.

The only other species that were occasionally seen were Tarpa and Badaboondas. It was a strange sight to see Tarpa, which was as big as a human’s chest, and Badaboondas, which was nearly twice as big as a human, talking.

Green-skinned Baebagdas bent his knees and waist to meet Tarpa’s gaze. It was a scene that showed the coexistence that the Federation pursued.

‘But Tarpa and Vagabonders are a race that suits the taste of humanity. They were a race that was friendly to humanity from the beginning.’

Races that were not compatible with humanity were hard to find in this area where public institutions were concentrated.

The Crawler race was occasionally seen in buildings under reconstruction or on cargo transport vehicles. There were no office-like Crawlers like Boyan.

‘Empire or Federation or… … .’

It is the same with contradictions. The organization called the state has always been like that.

Ragnata’s words came to mind. She had experienced the world more than I had.

‘There is no right or wrong.’

Ragnata said so, and I answered that I have my own right and wrong.

The experienced and intelligent Ragnata was aloof from the world. She was too wise to claim her own selfishness and desires as justice.

“It’s difficult.”

I muttered. The wider my vision becomes, the harder it is to assert my righteousness.

In the end, it’s just an expression of my selfishness and desires, so no matter how grandiose the shell may be, the essence won’t change.

Ssuk.

I turned my head.

Ishmael and Boyan were walking out of the main building and into the garden. Boyan, as befitting a subordinate, was following one step behind Ishmael.

“Excuse me, I would like to speak to a guardian.”

“Of course. If you can give me some time later, Mr. Luca, please.”

Ishmael pushed Boyan back and went back to the main building.

Boyan opened his eyes wide and looked back and forth between my face and Ishmael’s back.

“Were you close with the Vice Minister?”

“no.”

I answered briefly. Boyan scratched his neck as if embarrassed.

“Hmm.”

“Move your belongings from Japa’s office to the official residence. From now on, consider yourself a member of the federal government.”

“But when Lord Japha recovers, I will at least say hello… … .”

“You can go and see them then. I’ll tell Ishmael too, the press will come looking for you. Don’t get angry or aggressive when they ask you rude questions. If necessary, ask Yanaka to give you some stimulants to control your emotions. From now on, you’ll be the center of attention as a symbol of a discriminated race. Oh, and keep your good report cards ready. It’s proof that you can do Crawler too.”

I gave advice, recalling my experiences in the Empire.

If an individual wants to protect himself from those in power, he must have the public and the press on his side.

Boyan was taken aback by my long-winded speech.

“What are you talking about… I don’t really understand.”

“I mean, even if I’m not around, you should create a way to protect yourself. You’re not really an important person. If you just create the right public opinion, Ishmael won’t be able to kill you or kick you out.”

“yes?”

“I don’t know what will happen in the future. I will try to maintain cooperation with Ishmael as much as possible, but… … there is a possibility that I will be rejected. However, Ishmael is a reasonable person. If you are of use, he will keep you even if it is not my request. Fortunately, the federal government values ​​diversity and coexistence. You are quite useful as a tool of governance.”

“Follow the story… … .”

“If you have trouble understanding, empty out your pocket of any stimulants. I’m sorry, but I don’t have the time or the luxury to listen to your whining any longer.”

I bared my teeth fiercely. Boyan also nodded, clenching his fists.

“Something… … It feels similar to when my father left me.”

Boyan smiled awkwardly and said sharply.

“I’m not saying I’m leaving you right now. I’m just assuming the worst. If you need help, just call me anytime. I’ll run to you if I can.”

I told Boyan about the plan I had prepared.

There are discriminators like Son Seok-jae in Border City, but there are also opposing forces. Boyan can be a good symbol for the anti-discrimination forces.

As the story went on, Ishmael came out of the main building. He looked at his watch and was coming towards us.

“Ishmael is coming. Go and see, Boyan.”

Boyan bowed his head and stepped aside. Ishmael took his place.

I hit the player quickly.

“I made contact with the ‘Sword of the Empire’ a while ago and infiltrated it, Vice Minister.”

I spoke before Ishmael could ask any questions.

Shudder.

Ishmael’s pupils dilated, and I could see his mind’s focus narrowing.

“… … You are capable, Mr. Luca.”

“Because he was also a spy for the imperial family.”

Ishmael tilted his head for a moment.

When incoming information deviates significantly from expectations, a gap occurs in human cognition, meaning that we become momentarily stupid.

“yes?”

Ishmael, who had always been intelligent, asked back with a stupid expression for the first time. A stupid expression really did not suit the man.