December 6, late at night.
Outside a seemingly abandoned Court Viscount's mansion at the foot of Dragon Terrace Mountain in Dragon Tooth City, a low-key carriage stood at the gate. Four robed knights kept watch around it, each facing a different direction.
The carriage's side door was halfway open. Although Gatsby Lanyuan had already stepped out, his upper body was still leaning inside.
"Please tell the clan head that I'll deliver the rest of the goods within the next couple of days." Inside the carriage, Gatsby stared fixedly at the bright eyes of the lady on the cushioned seat. His right hand, which had grown two sizes fatter, was slowly creeping up her thigh. "Goods from Gallop Academy have been in such high demand lately that prices on the Black Market have risen by several tenths."
"Of course. The family has always been very pleased with your work." The woman slowly pushed away Gatsby's wandering hand with one hand, while the other caught his cheek. Her red lips drew closer and closer.
"If you handle this deal well, believe me, you'll become a true Viscount!"
"Viscount..." Gatsby froze. "Yes, ma'am! You can count on me!"
The carriage slowly pulled away. Gatsby watched it disappear into the night before letting out a long sigh.
"Women from great noble families really are different. They're absolutely intoxicating."
The mansion's walls looked old and dilapidated, but several defensive Magic Arrays protected them. Any ordinary assassin who touched the upper part of the wall would be struck by stone spikes. Even the drafty gate concealed a Magic Array; anyone who dared force their way in would alert a nearby squad of knights.
After opening the front door, Gatsby took the latest Hundred-Flower Brew from Night-Kirin City out of one of his Space Rings. He sipped