Warlords of the witcher world

Chapter 149 The Darkness Under the Lights

The ship that Herme participated in was called the Novigrad. It was a very large ship, a yacht transformed from a large merchant ship, and the transformation was completed roughly a week ago.

Compared with the ship that ran across the ocean in the past, the current Novigrad looks very resplendent, and it is also used to lease it to rich people in Novigrad to hold various activities.

However, because the boat was too big and luxuriously decorated, not many people could afford to rent it, so it was parked at the pier for a long time.

This situation has continued until now, the yacht ushered in its first opening.

"Damn it, why didn't you tell me that this banquet is a new style banquet."

Looking at the scene in front of him, the corner of the mouth of Lord Protector Hemei who participated in the "Northern Cultural Exchange Conference" twitched.

On the deck of the Novigrad, a scene of a buffet appeared in front of everyone. The men and women attending the meeting were wearing gorgeous or revealing tights and chatting together. The waiters held up plates with wine in front of the crowd. Shuttle in and out, there are pitifully small portions of food on several tables.

The scale of this meeting is quite large, after all, it is the highest-level cultural banquet in Novigrad.

There are literati and artists in Novigrad everywhere, some of them are drinking and chatting, some are looking for clients, and some are concentrating on picking up women at the banquet.

The musician played a quiet piece of music at the side, but the sound fell in Herme's ears now, which only made him feel upset.

Compared with everyone present on the field, Herme's attire was extremely abrupt. The Lord Protector of Aeden wore a Hetman robe and a cuffed leather cap on his head. The whole person looked like a Like a savage who broke into a splendid banquet hall.

Of course, no one would dare to say that to Herme. They would only flatter Herme. This is the benefit of power.

Herme really didn't like new-style banquets, where she could only go around foolishly in tights and holding a glass of wine, with an empty stomach, it was really annoying.

So after scanning the entire environment, he went straight to the table full of food. There was a silver tray between the lettuce leaves and lemon slices, which contained pink and white prawns, which made the Duke Protector twitch his index finger. .

No one surrounded Herme, because nearby Herme's guards had stopped those who wanted to approach Herme in advance.

Of course, this barrier does not restrict those real artists, poets and dignitaries in Novigrad, it is just to prevent those small fish and shrimps from running to the Lord Protector as a demon.

And it just so happened that someone had the same mentality as Duke Protector, and this person was an acquaintance of Herme.

"Hello, Master Herme, I didn't expect to see you here."

Sigismund Dickosko was talking, but his hands kept moving. He picked up the prawn very deftly, dipped it in some sauce, and put it into his mouth.

The tall and fat Dijkstra was out of place in this elegant setting.

He stood there like a sperm whale in a fishpond.

In contrast, the well-dressed man next to him, but with a bald head like him, was more in line with this environment.

Resisting the desire to call Dijkstra by his real name, Herme threw the prawns into her mouth,

"Siji, who is this?"

"Francis Beran, I am more well-known by my nickname. Everyone calls me the Beggar King. My lord, it is a pleasure to meet you."

For a long time, among the five major gangs in Novigrad, the Lord Protector had actually only seen one Siji Luwen, and he had never met the other four gangsters.

In fact, at the beginning, when Herme saw the man next to Dijkstra, she suspected that it was the Beggar King.

Because of his previous life, he still had a certain impression of the Novigrad gang leader, but he couldn't confirm it.

"Nice to meet you, too, Mr. Bellan."

Herme responded to one of the five overlords of the Novi and Rui underground worlds, that he didn't feel that he and the Novigrad gang leader had any common words, so the meaning of coping was very heavy in the words.

The Beggar King, who is good at observing words and expressions, immediately realized Hemei's attitude, so he bowed slightly,

"It seems that you and Xiji have something to talk about, so I'll go aside."

After finishing speaking, the Beggar King stepped aside, but as soon as he was alone, a group of artists and literati seeking investment surrounded him.

"Our beggar king is really popular, but don't these high-class people who are engaged in art work dislike him as the beggar king at this time?"

Herme found a plate of king crab on the table, picked up a crab leg,
"Marondo, try it too. This thing looks fresh. Most likely it was caught directly in the sea by a warlock."

Herme's guard captain, Marondo, has been standing behind Herme with his hands on the hilt of his sword. Faced with this request from Herme, he just shook his head, expressing that he would focus on the protection of the Duke Protector.

Since Ben Ad's assassination, Marondo has been stricter with himself and his subordinates day by day, for fear that something like Ben Ad's will happen again.

"Everyone knows that Beran likes works of art and literature, and he is not as difficult to get along with as Hawthorne, so naturally many people will turn around him. And Beran never refuses people. The reputation of the city is the best, more or less, he will point out a way for you, without charging a penny. But, when he needs you to return favors, it’s best to do it honestly.”

Dijkstra picked up a small bowl at some point, which contained wasabi and baby octopus.

The little octopus seemed to be alive, still wriggling, and Dijkstra still put the octopus into his mouth indifferently.

"Wide favors, hmph, don't you tell me that he also has a list of donations, and regularly sends money to officials and guards in Novigrad."

Homer said this because he remembered a movie he had seen in his previous life, and although Dijkstra didn't understand what Homer said, he still answered seriously,

"In fact, everyone is sending money, but no one has established such a good relationship with Novigrad's city hall and the senior management of the Church of Eternal Flame like Beran. Tsk, these relationships of Beran It has been in business for more than ten years, and now Novigrad is his official relationship. Among the five big gangsters, he is famous for these official relationships. However, he never abuses these relationships. On the contrary, He has used these relationships to the point of stinginess. Many people in Novigrad's gang think that Hawthorne is the scariest, but in my opinion, the scariest person should be Beran."

What a godfather... Hemei said in her heart.

"But what are you doing here? Siggy Lewin, don't tell me you're interested in art? You, a former spy and current mob boss, are interested in art? That's a little perfunctory."

It was difficult for Hermey to connect Dijkstra's appearance and temperament with art patrons, because the difference between the two was too great.

"I have always been a patron of art and literature. I have read your works, and I have finished reading the latest fourth volume. You can't doubt my love for art."

Dix said without changing his face and heartbeat, while Herme showed disbelief.

There must be some other reason for this man to come here, but he doesn't want to tell him why.

The Lord Protector didn't ask any more questions now, but Dijkstra continued,

"There are a lot of people who like literature and art among the gangsters in Novigrad. Did you see anyone talking to Dandelion over there? That's Alphonse Willie, that son of a bitch. This bastard runs Most of the casinos, black boxing rings, and brothels in Novigrad are still a goddamn sadist. His son Hawthorne is beaten by him every day as a sandbag. He is not like someone who should be interested in art , but he has always been a lover of art and culture, and a fan of Dandelion."

Following Dijkstra's line of sight, what Herme saw was a middle-aged man with gray hair.

He had tattoos all over his face and hands, and he looked as menacing as he could be, and he was.

In front of him is our Master Dandelion, how could such a conference be without him?

To Herme's surprise, Dandelion, who was dressed in purple, could talk and laugh freely with this gangster boss. He originally thought that this guy would not be able to withstand the momentum of the gangster boss in front of him.

"Speaking of which, aren't you afraid that Dandelion will spread your identity around? I remember he was your informant once."

Following Dijkstra's example, Herme picked up a wasabi octopus and ate it. I have to say that eating this little octopus is quite refreshing.

"Although Mr. Dandelion escaped, he is still very clear about what should be said and what cannot be said."

Dijkstra scooped up a large piece of caviar with a small spoon and stuffed it into his mouth.

"And if he's really talking nonsense, it's easy to shut him up."

There was no doubt in Dijkstra's mouth, which showed that in his opinion, killing this great poet whose reputation resounded throughout the north was just the next order.

Hemei opened the oysters with a knife, sprinkled some lemon juice, and inhaled the oyster meat in one go.

"Xiji, what kind of business do you have in Novigrad? You can't really rely on giving people a bath to fund your activities, right?"

"When I was an agent of Redaniami, I set up some properties in Novigrad that even the employees didn't know who they were working for. They provided me with a lot of funds. Besides, that is the bathhouse This business is still very profitable, but you need a lot of brothers with swords if you want to be stable. In the end, I monopolized some luxury resources from Lanshan.”

Dijkstra was very frank, but if Herme didn't know his details, he might have been deceived by him. He knew Dijkstra's underground banking business.

But it's normal for him not to say it. If he were Dijkstra, this matter would not be easily revealed.

As for how he did it, Herme guessed that most of it was based on the many dignitaries and dignitaries in his hands when he was the spy of Redania Mi.

Herme didn't point out these things either, so it wouldn't be interesting if it was pointed out.

"By the way, who is the organizer of this conference? Looking at these foods, they must have been directly caught by the Warlock, otherwise even in Novigrad, it is impossible to live to this level. I am afraid that there is a Warlock now Stay in the kitchen."

Watching the waiter bring another plate of sashimi that was still moving, Hemei asked,
"His name is Vincent Atanlon, known as the Artist's Friend, a Sintra native who has lived in Novigrad for decades, and he is very enthusiastic about these activities, and he spends a lot of money on such things, Plus, he's a composer."

This aroused Herme's interest. He had heard about this Vincent news during his time in Novigrad, but he still didn't have any detailed information.

Now Dijkstra, who can be called Novigrad's inquisitor, is by his side, so he has to seize this opportunity to ask.

"How did he get his money? Is he a nobleman or a rich merchant?"

"neither."

Dijkstra wiped the oil from his mouth with his handkerchief,
"He came to Novigrad as a poor man. He lived a life of eating and drinking every day. Although he has the ability to compose, who would want a beggar's work? But later on, he didn't know what happened. Vigari's Gwent card conference became the champion and won a huge bonus. Since then, he has become a rich man. Then he invested in overseas trade and manipulated the financial market, becoming more and more rich. rich."

Dijkstra was not ashamed of his former identity at all, and he turned the information of this Vincent upside down, and Herme listened with relish.

"After his success, he began to invest in cultural works and activities. He also produced several high-quality symphonies. His Majesty Wizmir once ordered works from him. During the Northern War, he also donated a lot of money. To the Restoration Army of Sintra... In short, this Mr. Vincent is rich and famous, and he is also talented. Many young artists who came to Novigrad want to reproduce his experience, but This road is so easy to walk, and it has contributed a lot of fame to the Gwent Card Conference, but this is also the most indispensable person in this city."

When Dijkstra mentioned those Novigrad dreamers, his face was full of disdain, and he didn't continue to eat.

"Novigrad is just a dream, and there are dream chasers everywhere, but most people in this city are immersed in their own dream bubbles."

The Duke Protector, who was eating fruit salad, concluded that he didn't have the kind of disdain for Dijkstra, but more of a feeling.

"So, this is a rich artist who is willing to do good?"

"Hmph, I kind of think there's something wrong with this guy."

Dijkstra apparently took a different view,

"I've seen this guy's previous works, and my evaluation is that it's a piece of shit, and in just a few years, the guy's level has improved so much. And God knows how a person who doesn't touch Gwent cards Becoming a master of Gwent cards, and thus becoming an invincible business tycoon in the vertical and horizontal shopping malls, no matter how you look at it, there are big problems."

"So have you found anything?"

Herme asked, he really wanted to hear the result from Dijkstra.

"No, I stopped the investigation instead."

"why?"

"This person did not affect the interests of Redania. For me at the time, it was enough to be sure. However, for me now, this person should indeed be thoroughly investigated. Many people in Novigrad I have all the handles of rich businessmen and officials, but this person is like an information black hole."

"Everyone! Welcome to this conference!"

Just when Herme was about to say something, such a voice suddenly came, which attracted the attention of everyone present.

I don't know when, a well-dressed man stood on the high platform of the yacht. Judging from his appearance, he should be a middle-aged man.

"Hey, that's Vincent Atlanon."

Dijkstra introduced the person's identity, and Herme looked at the person's face. For some reason, this person gave him a very strange feeling.

It's an indescribable feeling, but it just feels weird.

"Welcome to this conference, authors, artists, and sponsors, I, Vincent Atanron, are very pleased to have you here, and even more delighted that we have also invited the author of "A Song of Ice and Fire" Master Mei."

Following Vincent's words, everyone looked at Herme, and Herme waved her hand symbolically as a response to everyone.

"Everyone, you must know that our conference has been held for a long time, and every time we hold a conference, we will select the best works, but this time, this link has to be cancelled."

Wen Sen's words caused everyone to whisper immediately. Most of the people here came to the conference to select works. This is an opportunity to skyrocket in the cultural world.

"Quiet, quiet, everyone, don't be sentimental about the end of this session, because I have brought something very good and more important to show to everyone present."

Vincent's expression began to change, and madness was seeping into it. Hemei, Dijkstra, Beggar King, and Hawthorne all felt that something was wrong.

Hemei even subconsciously put his hand on the wheel-wheel gun at his waist. He had a strong feeling that this gun would be useful next.

"I will introduce our savior to you, Lord Dagon!"

"boom!"

As the word "Dagan" appeared, Herme immediately drew out his wheel-wheel gun and shot Vincent on the high platform.

The bullet of this shot is the anti-magic gold, even a powerful warlock can't resist this blow.

However, the bullet passed through Wen Sen's figure, and Wen Sen, it should be said that Wen Sen's phantom began to twist violently, but the phantom still smiled.

"Welcome, Master Herme. It can be said that you are today's host and guest. In order for you to come, my lord has waited for a long time."

After Vincent finished speaking, his phantom disappeared, and then the exclamation continued, accompanied by screams.

For many people present, all this happened so suddenly that they only remembered to scream now, and some people hid aside in panic, desperately wanting to get off the boat.

The three gangsters on the boat were relatively calm. They called all the younger brothers to their side, and they didn't run around. They first figured out the situation before talking.

Herme looked calm, and the guards surrounded him, but in fact, he was the most flustered one here.

How is this going?Why do you say he is the guest of honor?

Just when Herme was in doubt, such a cry suddenly came out, which brought the Lord Protector back from his thoughts.

There was panic in that voice, obviously something terrible happened.

"The cables at the pier are all broken!"

(End of this chapter)