Caught in the Act

Walking to the phone booth at the edge of town, Coleman dialed the number.

"Young Master, do you have any instructions?"

A gentle, refined voice sounded from the other end of the line, his tone laced with respect.

"Klein Town. There's a guy named Manster. Please go and capture him."

"Oh? Has this person offended you, Young Master?"

The man on the other end remained as calm and composed as ever.

Coleman, however, was quite fond of this fellow. He considered him one of the few servants he had who could actually understand human speech and handle matters with just the right touch.

If it weren't for his father refusing to budge, he would have poached this servant for his own retinue and planted him as a mole within the Layton Family.

"Of course not. What are you thinking, Posena? My temper is truly excellent!"

The man currently wiping a picture frame in Coleman's room merely smiled.

Looking at the 'human sculpture' in the frame, he replied without changing his expression, "Of course, your temper is naturally very kind, but there are always some people who lack eyes, aren't there?"

"Oh, you're right, Posena. There are indeed some people who are like brainless vertebrates. But, what I want to say is, don't kill him. Just give him a scare; you understand."

Posena's hand paused for a moment. He thought for a second, then realization dawned on him, and he said with a smile, "You mean..."

"Shh, that's right. Just as you thought. He's an interesting little guy."

Even though Coleman was a little guy himself, the word rolled off his tongue without the slightest sense of incongruity.

Posena pondered it and generally understood the young master's intent.

He wanted to let this interesting person know the dangers of the outside world and realize the security he could provide.

But since he didn't want the man to actually die, he would arrange for some reliable people to give him a fright.

"Don't let the cat out of the bag. I know you can do it, my dear Posena. You are the one I value most, aren't you?"

Hanging the frame back up, Posena looked with satisfaction at the wall covered in frames and replied to his master in a gentle tone, "I will certainly not let you down."

Fabricating a script—that wasn't difficult at all.

However...

For the sake of authenticity, the little guy targeted by the young master would inevitably have to suffer some physical pain.

But...

"Young Master, may I provide you with a response in three to four months?"

As Posena drafted the rough script in his mind, a brilliant idea popped up.

Coleman blinked, speaking slowly, "Of course. This is a matter under your charge. As long as it's done within a year—no, within three years—that will be fine."

There was plenty of time; Coleman didn't mind his servant putting on a grand performance for him.

After all, providing help in the snow is always more practical than adding flowers to a brocade.

Besides, if Manster were hunted down right after meeting Coleman, anyone would suspect that this group was sent by Coleman to force Manster into submission.

That would be no fun at all.

He curved his eyes in satisfaction. As expected of the subordinate he favored.

He had even thought of that.

"Alright, the freedom of this game is yours. Do whatever you want with it. Oh, and if it's inconvenient, feel free to find a place to wear a mask—I highly recommend the Sko Family!"

The petty Coleman decided to let his subordinate 'retaliate' against the mafia that had been hounding him.

Hmph, who told them to keep biting at his heels!

If it weren't for those idiots, he would be comfortably lying in bed watching TV with his brother right now, wouldn't he?

And it was getting quite late to be out and about.

His brother was going to lecture him when he got back.

He looked up at the moon, which had already traveled halfway across the sky, and felt a bit troubled.

It was his first time sneaking out for this long.

His brother wouldn't come looking for him, would he?

Posena was stunned. The name of that family was not unfamiliar to him.

It seemed they had clashed with his master's family many times, both in the open and in the shadows.

If not for the checks and balances between the various families, the Zoldycks would have long since fallen out with those profit-seeking, smiling tigers.

It seemed they had offended the young master.

He smiled and accepted the order, "Of course, I will certainly handle this matter well."

"Then that's that. I'm going back to sleep."

"Understood. Goodnight, Young Master Coleman."

"Goodnight, Posena."

Hanging up the phone, Coleman couldn't help but sigh.

I hope I don't run into Illumi the moment I get back.

He calculated the days.

Thankfully, today was Wednesday, a workday.

His brother should be out working tonight.

As long as I get back before he does...

"Coleman, what are you doing?"

A familiar voice came from behind him.

Coleman's hair stood on end for a split second, before he forced himself to relax.

Oh well, I'm done for.