Those Who Live Without the Law

Chapter 53

Change of Client

When I arrived at the drawing room, Simid Kellogg was already sitting on the sofa, watching the firewood crackling in the fireplace.

"Just as you said, I locked him up."

At Simid's words, I let out a soft grunt and clicked my tongue.

"That young master isn’t exactly a child. But then again, they say raising your child is a parent’s responsibility. Don’t tell me you even skipped his breakfast?"

Simid shook his head at my question.

"It’s not a punishment. I’m just giving him a moment to cool his head."

Regardless of how he phrased it, the fact remained that he had locked someone in a room without regard for their consent.

And judging by the lack of response, it seemed he really had skipped breakfast. For a grown adult, that kind of punishment felt a bit heartbreaking.

To be locked up in your room and go hungry past your twenties... Jerry must have felt more mortified than anything else.

"A son’s problem is a son’s problem."

I threw another log into the fireplace and looked at Simid.

"So what’s the real reason you wanted to see me now?"

"How long does it take to use the battle gear? And in the meantime, do you have anything to help Irena with?"

I answered Simid’s question without resistance.

"I'm estimating at least a month. Irena needs to figure out how to use the battle gear on her own. I’m just providing the space where that can happen."

In other words, I had nothing to do for at least a month while staying in this mansion.

Simid, listening quietly, nodded.

"Then, in the meantime, I’d like you to take on a job for the Kelloggs."

I immediately made a circle using my index finger and thumb.

"If the pay’s right and it’s something I can do, I’m open to anything."

Hearing that, Treasury Chief Simid Kellogg let out a breath and said,

"Wouldn’t it be nice to have at least one secure account?"

As soon as I heard the word ‘money,’ my expression changed. Just moments ago, I’d looked like some idle drifter who came to share jokes...

"You’re really something. Giving me a headache like this."

The moment I heard that offer, my voice and face changed.

"I am the great and proud Treasury Chief of the Valorn Empire. I can arrange at least one secure account that won’t stir up rumors."

A secure account guaranteed by the Treasury Chief.

It was a reward so great, it couldn’t even be compared to mere money.

"It’s an offer I’d really love to refuse."

And the very fact that such a reward was being offered already made me uneasy.

"But you want it, don’t you."

There were so many things one could do with a secure bank account that it would be exhausting to list them all.

However, I didn’t openly show how much I wanted it.

"There are plenty of people who could make good use of it, sure. But for someone in my position… it’s a bit tricky."

"Then there’s always the option of just giving you cash."

I let out a cold laugh.

"Start by telling me what you want me to do. I like the payment. But what matters is whether it’s a job I can actually handle."

That damn old man had offered an insane reward. So obviously, the job must be just as insane.

A secure account wasn’t something you got just for finding a lost cat.

"I have business in the storage of the Rezantin Royal Museum."

The Rezantin Royal Museum. One of the national museums established by the Valorn Empire. It was located in the city of Rezantin.

"…."

I crossed my arms and looked at Simid Kellogg with suspicion.

What the hell did he want me to steal from a museum? Besides, if my memory served me right…

"The Rezantin National Museum is basically a military facility, with parts open to the public."

The place was known for having tighter security than most Imperial Army headquarters.

"If it were easy, I wouldn’t have offered such a reward, nor would I be asking you."

Why was the Rezantin National Museum so heavily guarded?

Because over 80% of the artifacts managed by that museum were battle gears produced before the mass production system was established.

‘To put it simply… it’s a storage depot.’

If a full-scale war or national emergency broke out, the Rezantin Royal Museum would supply its stored battle gear to the Imperial Order of Knights.

It was called a museum, but its real function was as a massive supply depot for the knight order.

That’s why the security had to be strict. And not even to arm regular soldiers—this depot was reserved for knights. It had to maintain tighter security than even a military command center.

And Simid Kellogg was now asking me to hit that supply depot exclusive to the knight order.

The reward was incredibly tempting. But because the reward was excellent and the job dangerous, my head started to throb.

‘A reward too good to give up, a job too messed up to accept without hesitation.’

After a bit more thought, I said to Simid,

"I’ve got partners. I’ll need to discuss it with them first."

"Even if several of you are involved, I can only offer one secure account."

Creating a secure account was no simple task. In fact, in a political system like that of the Aylan Republic, it was virtually impossible to set up an account that guaranteed absolute safety.

It was something only possible because this was the Valorn Empire. At that, I broke into a wide smile and answered,

“It’s fine. That secure account is going to be owned by a nonprofit I plan to set up.”

“You want me to turn a corporate account into a secure one? That’s several times harder.”

I immediately lost interest and filled a glass with water.

“Is that so? Then I guess there’s nothing more to talk about.”

If the account was owned by a corporation, then others besides me could potentially access it.

Of course, normally, if the financial flows of such an account seemed suspicious, even the Empire would want to investigate.

But they couldn’t. Because this account was guaranteed secure by the Treasury Chief.

“Aren’t you asking for a bit too much? Greedy fellow.”

“Have you already gone senile? Maybe try thinking a bit about the difficulty of what you’re asking me to do.”

We were talking about hitting the Rezantin Royal Museum. I didn’t know exactly how hard it would be.

Besides, before accepting anything, I had to check with Spring Parsley.

“If nothing’s decided yet anyway, I need to have a deep conversation with my partner.”

If Spring Parsley said no, I wouldn’t do it either.

Even if an architect had robbed the National Tax transport train, if they couldn’t draft a blueprint for this job, then no matter how sweet the secure account reward looked, I’d have to walk away.

“Too many people knowing is never good.”

Simid said firmly.

“I get it. So you want me to work alone. I can’t do that, so let’s just forget your offer. Go find someone else.”

I answered just as firmly. There was a necessary procedure to go through. If someone tried to skip it just because they didn’t feel like it, there was nothing I could do.

Having let go of all attachment, I stood up.

“I thought you said you’d cooperate.”

“Sure, cooperate. But I never said I’d wear a leash. At your age, you ought to know the difference between cooperation and obedience.”

And with that, I left the drawing room. It wasn’t some ploy to make the other person anxious.

I genuinely wasn’t interested anymore, so I just walked out. It wasn’t a calculated move hoping to be stopped.

Whether he called me back later or not didn’t matter. Simid Kellogg could clearly read that intent from my demeanor.

“Good grief. These youngsters these days.”

Once a decision was made, there wasn’t a trace of hesitation left. It was a kind of resolve that was rare even among older folks.

‘If the conditions aren’t right, no negotiation can take place.’

Everyone talks about this principle, but it’s rare to find someone who actually sticks to it.

Was this the wrong choice?

Was there a better way?

Everyone experiences such regrets after making a decision. But I managed to completely ignore all those idle thoughts.

“He’s the right man for the job, though.”

The item Simid Kellogg wanted to acquire was lying dormant in the storage of the Rezantin Royal Museum.

Kairus wasn’t the only card Simid Kellogg had. But it was also true that, besides Kairus, Simid had no card light enough to play easily.

‘Everyone’s risking their lives and working together for the cause.’

Among those who shared Simid’s ideals, no one was in it for the money. These were people driven by cause and principle.

That was proof of just how carefully Simid Kellogg had chosen his people. To make a revolution succeed, those involved mattered deeply.

The more people who moved for shared ideals, not for personal gain, the higher the chance of revolution succeeding.

‘They aren’t swayed by money. But just as that was starting to become a limitation…’

Kairus made his offer. While everyone else was solemnly bearing the burden of noble duty, a drifter chasing a bit of cash suddenly joined in.

‘Even if he fails, it’s fine.’

Kairus was a disposable card. In battle terms, a mercenary paid to fight.

If he succeeded, it would be a huge gain, and if he failed, well, it was just one dung fly who chased money getting squashed.

In other words—

A risky, but perfect card to casually toss toward a high-reward objective.

“Wait a moment.”

I had already made up my mind and was walking away without hesitation. Likewise, Simid Kellogg needed to make a fast and firm decision.

He called out to me again, and I paused for a moment.

“I accept your offer. You may consult with your partner about this. I want your answer within three days.”

“That’s more like it.”

I locked eyes with Simid Kellogg, a glint in mine.

‘So that’s how it is, old man. You think I’m expendable.’

I didn’t care. The prize at the end of success was sweet.

I knew I was a throwaway piece, but it didn’t matter—I had a way to hold Simid Kellogg to his word.

A revolution had to be kept secret, and now I, an outsider, knew that secret.

If he didn’t keep his promise, I could expose his treason to the Empire.

“This is the Kellogg estate, so you must have a phone. Let me use it.”

It was time to talk with Spring Parsley. Once she found out I’d landed another massive job, she’d probably be thrilled.

But if she panicked and blew up, saying there’s no way we could do it?

Then we wouldn’t do it. If Simid Kellogg didn’t like that, too bad.

If something can’t be done, it can’t be done.