"…In essence, this is the plan. What do you think?"
Seated in his office, Aiden summoned Veronica and briefed her on the plan he had obtained from Mephilia.
Mephilia advice was indeed a clever move, a plan that could only be accomplished with the cards Aiden held.
However, due to its unconventional nature, the plan carried significant uncertainties.
So he was Seeking Veronica's opinion, considering she, as a member of the mounted police, possessed the most experience in combating the underworld.
Although Mephilia always seemed fond of Aiden, he harbored limited trust in her.
Aiden was Mephilia guardian, and while she might assist him on a whim, there was always the risk of her turning against him unexpectedly. Overreliance on her intellect and accepting her strategies without careful consideration could pose a substantial hidden threat.
Veronica widened her eyes, seemingly awestruck by the audacity of the plan.
After pondering for a moment, she cautiously responded, "Perhaps it's feasible. Among the gangs in the old city, the Skull Gang is currently a primary target for the mounted police. I have some intel; Carlo Polpo holds a prominent position within the Skull Gang and is one of the leading candidates for the next leadership. The police occasionally use undercover agents and informants to instigate internal conflicts within gangs... However, would this approach be too perilous for you?"
"Battling won't be an issue; I can arrange for Dailey and the others to support me," Aiden replied calmly. "With their strength, facing an entire gang is manageable. At least, my personal safety should be reasonably assured."
"I can offer support too. If needed, you can take me along, and I'll protect you from the shadows!" Veronica eagerly pledged.
"Bringing you along would be pointless; the gang there would undoubtedly recognize you. If you're exposed, the entire plan could be compromised," Aiden reminded.
He could sense Veronica's strong sense of justice and her eagerness to assist with his plan, but participating on this plan wasn't suitable for her.
Aiden had researched Veronica's career history; she had been a cornerstone of the mounted police force, gaining fame in several forceful crackdowns on gangs. In the criminal underworld, she was a "celebrity" whose name wasn't unfamiliar, several even gangs put bounties on her.
"True..." Veronica realized, looking somewhat dejectedly downward.
Seeing her expression, Aiden quickly added, "However, I still hope to leverage your connections. Help me gather more intelligence. If possible, seek assistance from the mounted police; this plan could benefit them as well."
"Leave it to me!" Veronica immediately perked up, saluting with shining eyes.
Utilizing Veronica's connections and bridging with the mounted police would be advantageous for implementing this plan without any harm.
The next step is to play the most crucial card.
"Go bring Melusine to the meeting room; we need to have a serious discussion with her," Aiden instructed.
Fifteen minutes later.
"The gangs in the old district... If it were In the past, I do have some influence," Melusine remarked thoughtfully.
Seated at the iron table, Aiden and Veronica faced her on the other side.
"In the past? Are you suggesting it's not as effective now?" Aiden tapped the iron table with his fingers.
"It's not as potent as before, after all..." Melusine spread her hands, adorned with shackles, in a helpless manner. "My most exceptional daughter ended up in your hands."
When Evangeline was still active as the top-ranked assassin in the underworld, Melusine held considerable influence over various criminal factions, including several major gangs in the old district.
According to the Inquisition Bureau's investigation, over half of the assassination contracts Melusine took on were related to the underground struggles of old district gangs. As long as the payment was sufficient, she could eliminate the leader or members of a gang at any time. While she didn't have territorial control, the gangs held a deep sense of awe for the legendary "Ant Queen."
However, with Evangeline capture and the complete disappearance of the "Tainted Blood Reaper" from the underworld, Melusine influence plummeted. Some gangs even actively placed bounties on discovering Melusine true identity, aiming to eliminate her and absorb her business and accumulated wealth.
This circumstance led Melusine to take a daring move, breaking into the Rose Prison to escape such threats.
"Well, yes, that's true..." Aiden nodded in agreement, then shifted the conversation, "But conversely, if the title of the 'Tainted Blood Reaper' resurfaces, your influence in the underworld would also be restored. Is that the implication?"
"Oh?" Melusine gaze suddenly sharpened. "And what do you mean by that?"
"I want one of your 'credentials,'" Aiden bluntly stated his purpose.
He knew that when Melusine "children" took on assassination contracts, they used a special credential to prove their identity to clients.
In that world, no one dared to impersonate the name of Melusine, as those who had tried were typically killed by Evangeline when she was still the "Tainted Blood Reaper."
"Are you planning to use my title for something?" Melusine asked with interest.
"does it matter?. You are already in prison, and whatever actions I take won't affect you. People outside only know that the 'Tainted Blood Reaper' has been silent for a long time; they don't know that you've been captured. Your reputation can still be useful," Aiden stared into her eyes. "Rest assured, this is a transaction, not coercion. If you agree, I can offer you corresponding benefits. If you disagree, I won't force you."
"Oh dear, with the way you put it, I owe my life to the mercy of Warden. How could I refuse your request?" Melusine smoothly smiled. "You can take my title; I just wonder, how do you plan to revive the reputation of that child?"
"That, you don't need to worry about," Aiden replied expressionlessly.