Stanley seemed to expect the shock on Frank's face. He flashed a pained smile as he explained, "I won't lie to you—I've actually been kept under house arrest all this time. My authority as mayor of Zamri is virtually nonexistent, as I don't have any military authority.
"That was how Geon Kramer, the commissioner, took my wife and daughter hostage." Pausing, Stanley took out a masterfully crafted dagger and passed it to Frank. "I sought you out not merely for the sake of self- preservation, but I also intend to forge an alliance with you and pacify the political unrest in Zamri.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"This dagger will serve as a token of my trust in turn-many of my confidants have been compelled into submission by Geon's authority, but they will understand if they are shown the dagger. Take it if you believe me, or throw it away if you don't." Despite Stanley's elaborate speech, Frank's skepticism remained, though he could not say it out loud.
Instead, Frank asked, "So, you're askingto eliminate the commissioner—but what good would it do me? And to be frank, assassinating a commissioner is a big deal. If I really do it, and someone starts asking questions afterward..." Stanley did not appear annoyed by Frank's question, even explaining quietly, "Sources have informedthat Lanecorp's health and safety department is growing in strength under your leadership within Zamri. That in turn threatens Geon's control over the city, and he would definitely move against you soon enough.
"I'm sure a government faction's effort in marginalizing Lanecorp would be bad news. But if you helpeliminate Geon and aidin restoring my authority over the city, I definitely won't forget your help. Moreover, I'm your accomplice, so I'd be held responsible if you get caught anyway." And with those words, he waved Frank off, gesturing for him to leave without giving him tto think about his response.
Frank remained utterly confused as he was suddenly being shown the door, but he had no choice other than leaving with numerous questions stuck in his mind.
As soon as he stepped out, Madfist approached him, asking, "So, what did the mayor say?" "He askedto assassinate the Zamri commissioner," Frank replied bluntly, as he had always been candid when it cto his confidants.
Madfist's eyes widened, as he did not expect such a request from the mayor either.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"What?! Well, that's quite something..." he murmured to himself as he mused to himself.. "Assassinating a government official, and the commissioner at that..." Content belongs to en.kikistories"Wait..." wn Frank looked at him sideways. "You don't know why the mayor was asking forin the first place?" "Of course not." Madfist snorted, rolling his eyes at Frank. "The kid contactedthrough one of my special channels. I don't even have any idea how he accessed it, let alone know what he's planning." Content belongs to en kikistoriesFrank glanced at him sideways in curiosity. "And by special channel, you mean...' Madfist paused but soon waved him off. "It's just sunofficial means. You have no use for it at the moment-I'll tell you about it when you do." It was clearly a secret buried in the old man's past.
Since Madfist was not telling, Frank was not interested in prying either.
Instead, he asked, "Well, do you think we can believe the mayor?" "I don't know." Madfist shrugged, washing his hands off the subject on the spot "I'm just in charge of making introductions and have no idea about anything else. It's up to you if you believe him or not." Content belongs to en.kikistoriesFrank was left speechless by Madfist's utter irresponsibility.
Still, as he thought about his options along the way back to the city, he decided not to dump the token that the mayor had passed to his care.