Freeman!
The owner of Silver Brow Racetrack and the master of No. 14, Whitebird District.
A friend of Delong, one of the Inner Bay's Old Lion's financial advisers.
After Delong chose to enter the game himself, this former gang member, who had gone legitimate and become a wealthy proprietor, had vanished from everyone's sight.
Arthur, who was controlling the [Exquisite Puppet] and posing as "Auben," had never expected him to appear here.
Several suspicions immediately arose in Arthur's mind.
But Lv6 [Bluff] kept Arthur from betraying the slightest hint of surprise. Instead, his face took on an expression that suggested he had expected this all along.
"Heh. A pathetic trick."
Arthur spoke softly.
Freeman, sprawled on the ground, looked entirely in agreement.
"You are the true sovereign of the night. Naturally, such tricks cannot deceive you. Please, you..."
As Freeman spoke, he struggled to turn over.
He did not stand up.
Instead, he prostrated himself, raised both hands high above his head with a ring cupped in them, and presented it to Arthur.
It was a plain, antique silver ring, without any decoration, pattern, or engraving on its surface-one glance was enough for Arthur to recognize that familiar style and conclude that it had been made by the Blood Marquis's wife.
At once, a trace of fond remembrance appeared on Auben's face. Even his scarlet eyes softened at that moment.
Freeman, who had been secretly studying "Auben," cast aside all hesitation when he saw that expression.
"Under the contract, I return to you the inheritance that originally belonged to the Blood Clan, and you will restore my youth-when you pick up this ring, it will signify your willingness to swear upon the honor of the Blood Clan and uphold this contract!"
A contract!
The moment she heard that word, the