Chapter 15 - Fritz Keller

In dark room a man sat on a office chair drumming his fingers on the handle. The man has a neatly trimmed beard and brown hair, giving him a refined appearance. His facial features are strong and chiseled, with a prominent nose and a well-defined jawline that adds to his intimidating aura. Dressed in a tailored dark suit, he exudes style and authority. (Character Art Uploaded)

The door of the office and creaked a familiar face walked in the room with a lackluster expression. It was the 'help-desk-guy'. His hands trembled as he closed the door behind him.

Fritz's cold gaze bore into him "Do you have any idea what you have done?" his voice was calm but cold and devoid of any emotion.

"I-I thought it wa-was a good deal b-b-boss. That man just w-wanted a c-car-" he stammered.

Fritz got up from his chair and walked behind the terrified young man's back as if circling him "You 'thought' Tony, and that's the problem. You are paid not to think but follow orders. That car was not for regular sale; it had a special purpose."

Tony was terrified and he started babbling nervously "Boss! I can fix this! I can find the guy who bought the car, he left his name and—" but Fritz cut him off.

"Do you understand your mistake?"

"Y-yes b-boss."

"Then you should accept the punishment." and before Tony could get a change to say anything - *bang* A sudden bang split the somber atmosphere, the unmistakable sound of a gunshot.

Tony's lifeless boy fell on the floor with a thud. The man lay motionless on the cold floor, a crimson pool slowly expanding around him as Fritz looked at his corpse.

"Gustav!"

"Master!"

"Ask someone to clean this up. Find that car. Find the person who bought it. I want names, connections, and every detail."

"Yes, Master."

"I don't care how you do it, but make sure there are no loose ends. We can't afford any surprises that will jeopardize the plans of the consortium."

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At the bar 'The Pilgrim' -

Matthew looked at Sophie and sighed. "Tell me the cost first."

"It's money of course." Sophie had the same mischievous on her face.

Matthew's eyebrow twitched in annoyance. The last time he offered her money she denied it but now when he was short of it she was asking for it. "How much?" he still asked her. He didn't knew how Sophie got such comprehensive and accurate information so quickly but if he could find out her secret he would get his hands on a valuable source of information.

"5000 Alpenas." Sophie stated directly.

"Deal!" Matthew decisively accepted. 5000 Alpenas was a lot considering he also had only a little over 5000 left. But Matthew knew that 5000 Alpenas were nothing compared to a fast and reliable source of information. And after what he had experienced with Fritz's Autos and the weapons he found he was in an urgent need of information.

If you ask me what's the most valuable commodity you can buy in this world, I would say it's information. Knowledge isn't just power; it's the very essence of strategic dominance. In the underworld of cunning politics and calculated maneuvering, possessing exclusive information is akin to wielding a formidable weapon. Those who have the right information at the right time - control the narrative, manipulate perceptions, and stay ahead of their rivals. Information isn't merely a resource; it's a tool for dominance and ascendance.

"Well a friend helped me, Lyzzie. The owner of this fine establishment, Lysander St. Clair, or as those who belong to the darkness call him - 'The Pilgrim'" Sophie grinned.

Matthew's eyes widened 'Oh! Lysander - Lyzzie and the bar's name is The Pilgrim, make sense, huh?'

"I will recommend you to him and I think you can afford him" Sophie said and she called Lysander and Angelina over from the bar.

'It was a trap! To make him spend more money. She will probably share the money he buys information with.' Matthew smiled bitterly. 'It's always about the money, huh?' 

Angelina walked over from the bar accompanied by a elegant looking bartender "Matthew I introduced you to my friend Lyzzie, the best informant in all of Grenzstadt"

"Lyzzie this is my good customer, Matthew."

" Mr. Matthew. It's truly a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lysander St. Clair at your service." He extended his hand.

"The pleasure is all mine, Matthew Marshall" Matthew said shaking hands and getting a good look at this man - He was a Englishman probably in his early thirties. He had well kept light brown hair, and was wearing a sharp tie and vest. He looked polite and sophisticated yet warm and approachable at the same time. (Character art uploaded)

"Matthew is in need of your services and can afford your prices, and since 'I' introduced you to such a valuable customer I will take 20% commission."

'I knew it!'

Lysander who as if, was used to Sophie's antics and knew there was no way out of this just sighed and accepted - "Very well."

Sophie smiled victoriously.

Angelina just clutched her forehead lightly. "Are you done? If you are, let's go, I have a lot to do."

Sophie once again smiled and Matthew didn't like that smile at all, he had a bad premonition.

"Oh! you don't have a lot to do anymore." Sophie said smilingly "I, your adorable little lover, has found a perfect solution to your problem."

"What do you mean you have found a solution?" Angelina completely ignored the 'lover' part.

"Matthew is coming to Vinopolis with you"

"What?!" Matthew and Angelina exclaimed at the same time.