The Witcher: Lord of the Empire

Four hooded men sat in a corner of a basement, barely breathing, their bodies barely moving under their hoods.

As arguments and discussions filled the room, the four of them stood motionless, like statues or lurking snakes.

This was a spacious basement, and the decoration style looked a bit like an underground vault. At this time, it was transformed into a simple underground meeting room for the people who were inside.

A round table was placed in the middle of the basement, with five people sitting around it. In the center of the round table was a silver candlestick, emitting dim light, stretching the shadows of the five people out.

Following the gaze towards the five, there was a thin man in a cloak, a burly dwarf covered in tattoos, a middle-aged man dressed exuberantly, a man with scars on his face dressed in armor, and a warrior in a nomadic robe with diagonal buttons.

The warrior in the long robe with diagonal buttons was the first to break the silence. "We are indeed plotting now, but there is no need to light only one candlestick, right? Could it be that the three friends opposite have lived in a dark place for so long that they even hate candles?"

"Olgierd, they are also our companions, and they will fight side by side with us in the future." The scarred man in armor said dissatisfiedly. "Perhaps you can hold back your temper and listen to what they are going to say first."

These two were Olgierd and Rience, who were meeting with the triumvirate of the Gangs of Novigrad

Clearly, they needed more allies.

Novigrad was the Free City, but in the eyes of Vizimir II, it was more appropriate to call it the Lawless Land.

Due to the presence of the Eternal Flame, the king's orders encountered a number of obstacles here.

There had been no real rule by the king for almost two centuries, but Vizimir II had no choice.

However, the political strength of religion was undoubtedly less than that of a legitimate kingdom, which gave rise to the underground forces of Novigrad, i.e. the gangs.

The triumvirate of the Gangs of Novigrad are:

The man who controlled all the thieves, murderers, beggars, vagabonds and street orphans of Novigrad, self-proclaimed King of Beggars, Francis Bedlam.

The leader of the crime family that controlled all the casinos, fighting arenas and brothels in Novigrad, nicknamed Whoreson, Alonso Wiley.

And the dwarf who controlled most of the alleys and taverns of Novigrad, uniting all non-human races, nicknamed Cleaver, Carlo Varese.

Faced with Rience's words, the three criminal leaders reacted differently.

"News from the North will converge in Novigrad, and news from Novigrad will converge in me." The King of Beggars said in a calm tone. "As far as I know, Mr. Rience seems to have been looking for news about Mr. Lannister in the North, but he always suffers losses. Why is he so confident this time?"

Cleaver was furious. "Don't call just anyone 'comrades', don't think I don't know that mages are racists. They talk about fighting together, but they surely want the non-human races to be at the front."

Whoreson looked around disdainfully. "This dark and damp place is disgusting. Rience, you better get to the point."

The words of the three leaders made Rience's expression become more ferocious, but he caressed the scar on his face with his left hand, and after taking several deep breaths, his excitement gradually calmed down.

Perhaps it was already difficult to see Rience's appearance as a sorcerer, but at this moment he was still trying hard to maintain the demeanor of one.

"Mr. Bedlam's news is very accurate. I have been wandering around the North for a long time, but this time is different." Rience spread his arms, causing his shadow to grow larger under the candlelight. "This time, I bring the promise of the Emperor of Nilfgaard, Emhyr var Emreis. It is not that I invite you to cooperate with me, it is the Emperor who invites you to cooperate with Nilfgaard."

Seeing the three leaders' expressions become more serious, a satisfied smile appeared on Rience's face.

"The Emperor's trade policy must have brought a lot of benefits to everyone during this period." Rience said. "More diverse commodities and lower prices have brought more benefits to everyone present. After this cooperation, Nilfgaard will continue to increase its commercial inclination towards Novigrad. What does this represent? You should know it better than me."

Alonso Wiley sat up straight, his industry was closely related to what Rience was saying, and he was already doing mental calculations.

The King of Beggars said slowly: "Nilfgaard hasn't even conquered Cintra yet. Isn't it too early to be making plans for Redania now?"

"No, no, this is not politics or war, just business. After this, with the commercial inclination, you will be able to gain more power in Novigrad thanks to your industries." Rience shook his head. "And if one day the Emperor really does take Novigrad, those who have already established a friendship with the Emperor will be able to advance even further in the new order. Why not take the opportunity?"

“Very interesting and tempting statement, Sorcerer.” Whoreson said. “You use the future as an excuse to make us work for you and the Emperor of Nilfgaard, but you don’t show me any real benefits. Why should we help you?”

“Also...” Cleaver also spoke at this time. “I heard from my dwarf friend who just arrived in Novigrad that this Lannister was sent by Vizimir II, and he has already contacted the Eternal Flame. In Novigrad, no one can deal with the Eternal Flame.”

This sentence attracted unanimous agreement from everyone, and even Olgierd had to admit it. In Novigrad, the Eternal Flame is bigger than the king.

Rience smiled with satisfaction and pointed to an empty chair. "Gentlemen, haven't you noticed? There is still one participant who has not arrived."

Everyone had noticed it for a long time. There were six chairs around the round table, but only five people present.

In a sarcastic tone, Cleaver commented, "I thought you wanted to show off your wealth, showing that you can fit six chairs for five people."

Whoreson said dissatisfiedly: "I'd like to know how busy the guy who hasn't shown up is. Sorcerer, is this person your card to face the Eternal Flame?"

As Whoreson continued to speak, Olgierd's expression suddenly changed, as if he had thought of something. He looked at Rience's smug expression, showing renewed interest.

Before Rience could explain, everyone heard a loud sound of footsteps.

They were in a secret underground vault, accessible only through a long, closed hallway. Anyone approaching would make a loud noise, with no way to sneak in or eavesdrop.

But these steps were more resonant than those of an ordinary person and too familiar to those present.

That was the loud sound of steel greaves stepping on the ground. People living in Novigrad would definitely be familiar with this sound.

"Why is it so dark in here? We need light!" A deep voice echoed in the basement.

One by one, the chandeliers were lit, finally illuminating the dark underground vault.

And with the light, the figure of a man appeared: bald, with a fierce scar over his left eye, and a sarcastic smile perpetually on his face.

"Caleb Menge, commander of the Temple Guard. I didn't expect Rience to manage to bring you along as well. It's surprising that such a brilliant figure like you sits in the same basement with us."

Olgierd clapped his hands softly as if he saw something very interesting.

On the other hand, the three criminal leaders remained silent. They were usually hostile to Caleb Menge, and when they spoke occasionally, they were sarcastic or shady. The most important thing is that they have no chance of winning against the Eternal Fire.

"Olgierd von Everec." Caleb Menge narrowed his eyes and said in a low voice. "I didn't expect to see you here either. If I hadn't come, how much longer were you planning to stay in the shadows?"

Olgierd's Redanian Free Company was already blacklisted by the Eternal Flame.

"Indeed, if Nilfgaard increases its commercial tilt, the Eternal Fire will definitely benefit the most. You will definitely be tempted." Said the King of Beggars. "But to confront Lannister like this? You, Caleb Menge, are going to confront Vizimir II's aide and Chappelle's guest in public?"

Whoreson pretended to pray: "May the Flame protect us."

Caleb Menge glanced at them. "It is not I who will face Lannister, but Olgierd. Lannister was sent by Vizimir II to face Olgierd, and there is no better candidate to be the sword than he."

Caleb Menge turned to Olgierd as he said the last sentence.

Olgierd raised his hands. "Very well, it seems that they want me as cannon fodder. With all due respect, Nilfgaard's help does not benefit me at all. Why should I stay at this table listening to their plans?"

"It's very simple." Caleb Menge said. "I will help you solve the Eternal Fire's troubles. For example, Olgierd, you will be able to live in the city in the future, instead of continuing to live outside."

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