Chapter 55
Chapter 55
Defeat in total war meant having everything taken away, as the term suggests.
This included items, materials, and even the club booth. However, since it's impossible to take everything with us, most of these are usually lent out under the guise of 'rental'.
To be honest, while the term is 'rental', in reality, it's closer to 'tribute'.
"I have calculated the club booth usage fee, the price of consumables inside the booth, and the usage fee for equipment and facilities."
After the total war ended, the one who welcomed us from the field was Lee Haru.
It seemed she was so confident of our victory that she already had the detailed calculations in her hand.
The last part, marked as the final calculation result, had a price of [5,000,000C] written on it.
"Five million... That's about 50% of the Bronze Club's support fund."
"Yes. To get out of this situation, you would need to regain the right to use the booth from 'Familia' or purchase most of the booth items with your own money."
The paper handed to me by Haru stated that the booth rental fee was set at [4,000,000C].
In other words, even if you buy all the items, to maintain the club, you would have to pay a monthly fee of four million.
It was not an exaggeration to say that I held the fate of the 'Ranger Club' in my hands.
"I'll leave the matter of the Ranger Club to you. Will 10% as a commission be alright?"
I wanted to offer more, but considering Haru's personality, I thought she might refuse, so I offered a slightly higher price than average.
"Personally, I think that's too much, but... to the boss, it's probably pocket change. Yes, I'll take care of it."
"Please do."
3.6 million credits per month...
That amount should be enough for snacks and maintenance costs, I thought.
"Then I'll go talk to Kwon Suhyeop. If I don't approach him first, it might bring dishonor to the young master."
The guy who lost in the total war looked at me with a face that seemed like he was about to cry.
I had left the place to avoid unnecessary trouble, but now Haru was stepping up so thoughtfully.
As expected, she's reliable. It must have been how Liu Bei felt with Zhuge Liang by his side.
"Thank you as always."
"I'm just doing what needs to be done."
Haru bowed deeply and walked toward where Kwon Suhyeop was.
And I, feeling exhausted from using a new power for the first time, walked toward where the kids were.
"...Everyone worked hard. Since you must be exhausted today, let's rest well."
The three of them nodded silently at my words.
Especially the two who had used up all their magic power were in such a state that their bodies seemed to melt.
"Really... it's too hard..."
"It feels like it's been a while since I used up all my mana."
The only one who seemed relatively fine was Jinu.
Of course, he looked tired too, but still.
Deciding that it would be difficult to talk or move any further today, I planned to meet them tomorrow to discuss the day's events in detail, and I got into the car first.
And the moment I sat in the seat.
"Phew..."
My strength drained away, and my body slumped onto the seat.
When I looked down, I saw my right forearm muscle twitching slightly.
Did I push myself too hard trying to test out my new ability?
Even thinking back, that power was chilling.
The ability to concentrate all the fighting spirit in my body into one point to amplify my strength, and even enhance my equipment to change its form, with this ability alone, I could overpower most awakened ones even with a simple stone.
In reality, the guy was sent flying dozens of meters after being hit by Midas's Gloves knuckle.ver, which had no other abilities than not tearing.
Of course, the recoil was so great that the feeling of weakness throughout my body was no joke.
It felt like all the vitality in my body had been sucked out.
Even though it wasn't on the scale of what Vito Calione did in the game, the feeling of weakness was this intense. How could someone use such a technique repeatedly, and even cover their entire body with it?
"Young Master, the clothes made by Maestro have arrived at the mansion today."
While I was slumping from the weakness, Han Seojun, who was holding the steering wheel, spoke up.
"Huh? Directly to the house?"
"Since it's a celebration of the young master's promotion to executive, the heads of each family are coming, so it's arranged for you to wear them as soon as you arrive at the mansion."
"...Oh, right."
For me, it was practically the first time seeing a gathering of bosses from other families in reality.
I couldn't fathom what kind of grand party they were planning.
'That's understandable since we didn't expand the alliance during the Seaber Crowd.'
It was all for the sake of the masterpiece. Well, thanks to that, we were able to pull off some incredible plays.
'Anyway, I'm looking forward to it.'
And so, as I silently returned home, I saw Parnello waiting for me at the entrance.
"I've been waiting for you, Young Master."
"...Did I take too long?"
Parnello shook his head with a kind smile in response to my question.
"We still have plenty of time before the dinner."
"...That's a relief."
"I'll take you to your room right away and show you the item sent by Maestro."
As we headed to the room, I saw the clothes laid out on the table.
"...Is that it?"
"Yes."
Even though it was just wrapped in black cloth, I could tell at a glance that it was no ordinary item.
As I slowly approached the table and lifted the clothes, the item's information appeared.
[Name: DisPater]
[Grade: Unique]
[Type: Armor]
[Description: A masterpiece among the clothes made by the 21st century's greatest tailor, Maestro. Made with the finest materials like the wool of the Abyssal Sheep King, the silk of Abyss Moss, and the horn of a Unicorn, it possesses both defensive power, mobility, and aesthetic beauty.]
[Skills]
[1. Maestro's Work: There are no flaws in Maestro's clothes. They greatly reduce the impact from external forces like waterproofing, bulletproofing, and sword-proofing.]
[2. Abyssal Sheep Fur: Clothes made from the wool of the Abyssal Sheep King. Greatly increases resistance to magic and allows you to hide in the darkness. It has an auto-repair function.]
[3. Abyss Moss Silk: The silk extracted from Abyss Moss is used as the lining. It greatly reduces the impact transmitted to the lining and increases the user's physical abilities by 10%.]
[4. Unicorn Horn Button: A button made from a carved Unicorn horn. It protects the wearer from magic and allows interference with spiritual things. It keeps the clothes always clean.]
[5. Luxury: The logo of Maestro's tailor shop [per l'Imperatore] is engraved on it. It greatly increases charm.]
...It was almost absurd.
Could a person really make such an item, no matter how good the materials were?
"What do you think, Young Master?"
Not knowing that I had appraisal abilities, Parnello seemed to think I was just surprised and asked me with a very pleased smile.
"Just looking at it, I can tell it's no ordinary item. Is the paper underneath the appraisal result?"
"Yes."
The paper under the clothes had the same content I had just seen written on it.
"Just a suit... yet its performance is absurd."
"I think so too, but don't forget. This suit is still incomplete."
Yes, this suit was still an unfinished product.
If a core is embedded in it, I wondered just how ridiculous an item would be born.
"Since it's a custom suit, it might feel different from what you usually wear. I'll help you put it on. By the way, I've prepared the shirt Maestro sent as a celebration of your promotion to executive."
The shirt sent by Maestro as a gift kept the body's temperature cool and purified sweat to reduce discomfort.
With this, I could wear a suit comfortably even in the middle of summer.
It explained why my father could wear suits regardless of the season.
With Parnello's help, I put on the entire outfit and felt like I was in a new world.
Of course, the academy uniform wasn't of poor quality or uncomfortable, but compared to the suit I was wearing now, it felt like a military poncho.
"It suits you perfectly."
Parnello nodded after seeing me in the full outfit.
Standing in front of the full-length mirror, I could understand why people say 'clothes make the man.'
"It's truly amazing, probably because it's Maestro's work."
Even when I moved my arms around, there was no restriction at all.
Until now, wearing a suit made free movement difficult, but with this one, that issue seemed to be resolved.
"Well then, as time is almost up, it seems you should leave. I will escort you."
Parnello, who checked the time with his pocket watch, speaks.
The time for the evening banquet was approaching.
Walking along the long corridor and looking at Parnello's back, he suddenly brings up something as if he just remembered it.
"Oh, and I received an urgent call this morning from the Hanwol Group who sent the invitation."
"Huh? From the Hanwol Group?"
"Yes, they sincerely apologized, saying they won't be able to attend due to internal issues within the group."
"Internal issues? Did something happen?"
Perhaps thinking my question was out of concern, Parnello smiles faintly.
"From what I've heard, it's not a serious matter, so you and Don shouldn't worry too much about it."
"Is that so? If you say so..."
I thought I could update my character profile on this occasion, but it can't be helped.
Instead.
"Then, tell them I will visit them after the event is over."
"Yes, let's do that."
We moved, making plans for the next time.
And I discovered something new. The scenery we saw while walking was slightly different from usual.
The mansion's security was spread out everywhere as the day progressed, and they were all touching their earpieces, constantly engaged in incomprehensible conversations.
That's how significant the evening banquet at Calione is.
A gathering of all the executives and the bosses of the subordinate families under Calione.
To be honest, it's hard not to feel nervous.
After all, who wouldn't be nervous at a dinner where mafia bosses gather as the main character?
I feel my heart beating a bit faster than usual.
Whether this palpitation is from nervousness or excitement, I couldn't tell.
One thing for sure is that my actions towards the people I will meet could greatly change future events.
The authority that comes with being a boss of one of Calione's subordinate families is immense.
But as I participate in the banquet as a successor, I try my best to maintain a relaxed expression.
As Calione's successor, I had to do that.
And so, we arrived in front of the banquet hall.
Unlike the usual place where the family dines, this is a place used when outside guests come, designed so that conversations inside don't leak out.
Knock. Knock.
After knocking twice, Parnello opens the door and enters first, addressing the people inside the banquet hall.
"The rightful successor of the Calione family and the legitimate son of Don Vito Calione, the eldest son of the Calione family and a hitman of the Execution Squad, Yoojin Han Calione, will now enter."
Hearing this grand announcement, I steeled myself and lifted my head.
Right now, the inside, hidden by Parnello's back, is not visible.
With a confident stride, I walked into the room, recalling the faces and names of the other family bosses I had memorized over the weekend.
If you include even the small ones, there are countless, but just focusing on those with regional district size or larger, there are five within the country. Including those abroad, there are a total of 24 family bosses.
Vivaldi.
Move.
Cowalnose.
Pirlo.
Milan.
Raikoslo.
Deira.
Conde.
Normash.
Neggray.
Leonardo.
Isaac, and others.
The individuals inside are nothing less than those called 'kings' in their respective territories.
I had to steel myself.
As I fully stepped into the banquet hall, the thick smoke of cigars and the bittersweet aroma filled my nose.
At the same time, a massive dining table unfolded.
In the center, with my father as the reference point, the bosses of the families were seated on either side.
Everyone was looking at me.
Puffing on their cigars.
With interest.
Smiling.
Tapping on the table.
Everyone was calculating what kind of person I was.
To them, I was the future Don and boss they would have to follow, so their attitudes were quite appropriate.
And as this was my first time standing before them as a successor, I couldn't afford to make any mistakes.
Following what I learned from Parnello, I placed my right hand on my chest and slightly bowed to them.
"I apologize for making you wait. I am Yoojin Han Calione, the successor of the Calione family and the son of Vito Calione."
Silence filled the dining room.
And when I slowly lifted my head again, what unfolded before my eyes was an utterly absurd scene.
"Did my nephew arrive?"
"I'm starving to death. Don, tell him to sit down quickly. The kid looks so stiff."
"Haha, he's cute. So cute."
"Hey, niece, I'll give you some pocket money!"
"Kids these days grow up so fast. Yoojin, with that pretty face, has already grown up... sob sob."
"──No."
...Was this really a family banquet?