Meanwhile, at the San Francisco City Hall, in the mayor’s office.
“Mayor! We can no longer ignore the South Brotherhood issue!”
“……”
A middle-aged man was shouting at someone sitting in a chair, busy with work.
The person sitting in the chair was none other than Luke Jefferson, the mayor of San Francisco.
Standing next to him was a young woman, Billy Jean, Luke’s chief aide.
And the one shouting at the mayor was Ash Gray, the head of the San Francisco branch of the Pinkerton Agency.
Pinkerton.
In the U.S., especially in the West, this was the largest private military company, handling security, mercenary work, and detective services.
Rumors even circulated that Pinkerton now had more agents than the U.S. Army, given their immense power.
Pinkerton not only maintained order in the West but also captured outlaws on behalf of the law, which is why someone of Ash’s rank could have a private audience with the mayor.
However, even considering that, Ash Gray’s tone toward San Francisco Mayor Luke Jefferson was unusually sharp and rude today.
“Currently, the arrogance of the South Brotherhood in San Francisco is crossing the line! Someday, they will cause great harm to this city!”
It was all because of the South Brotherhood.
The South Brotherhood was officially recognized as a gang by the federal government.
To Pinkerton, gangs were enemies that had to be eliminated unconditionally.
But unlike the federal government, the city of San Francisco and the California state government protected and recognized the South Brotherhood, leaving Pinkerton unable to touch them.
In the West, where federal influence was limited, outlaws couldn’t be captured without a warrant from the state government.
Pinkerton had even lobbied the California state government and San Francisco, but to no avail.
‘Our proud Pinkerton can’t even take down a gang right under our noses…!’
Ash Gray, the head of Pinkerton’s San Francisco branch, couldn’t accept this reality and was now directly confronting the mayor.
But…
“……”
San Francisco Mayor Luke Jefferson ignored Ash’s complaints, focusing solely on paperwork with his aide, Billy.
It was a blatant act of disregard, but Ash couldn’t escalate further.
After all…
The man before him was known as the “Wolf of San Francisco,” enjoying the support of countless citizens…
He was practically the king of San Francisco.
“……”
“……”
The standoff continued in silence for a while.
*Flap.*
After finishing the paperwork with his aide Billy, Mayor Luke Jefferson slightly raised his head and shot back at Ash.
Luke’s gaze was so sharp that even Ash, who had spent 30 years in the line of fire, flinched.
“I find it hard to agree with you, Director Ash. Has the South Brotherhood caused any harm since settling in San Francisco?”
“…Yes, of course. They’ve been extorting money from citizens under the guise of protection fees…”
“Isn’t that the same as Pinkerton taking money from citizens under the pretext of private security?”
“……!”
Even as a licensed private military company, Pinkerton’s actions weren’t always positive.
Pinkerton had a history of extorting money from citizens under the guise of private security.
…A dark chapter in Pinkerton’s history.
“……”
When Luke hit a sore spot, Ash found it hard to continue.
Seizing the moment, Luke pressed on.
“As you know, Director, I follow the orders of the California state government. And the state government defines the South Brotherhood not as a gang, but as a vigilante group.”
“A vigilante group…! They are absolutely not at that level…! And surely, someone of your position has the authority to deal with them without state interference?”
“……”
As Luke avoided answering, Ash gritted his teeth and touched on a sensitive topic.
“…Mayor, are you perhaps colluding with the South Brotherhood?”
“…What?”
“I’m asking if you have a corrupt relationship with the South Brotherhood!”
Luke was an outstanding politician who ran the city administration excellently, but he had shown excessive leniency toward the South Brotherhood.
Many people were convinced that Luke had a corrupt relationship with the South Brotherhood, and Ash was no exception.
Ash intended to pressure Luke by bringing this up.
But…
“Director Ash.”
“……”
“What exactly are you implying?”
As soon as the accusation of collusion was made, the atmosphere turned icy.
Luke’s cold gaze overwhelmed Ash, who gulped nervously.
“I understand that Pinkerton is working hard to maintain order. That’s why I’ve tolerated your arrogance until now.”
“……”
“Collusion, you say? Director Ash, you seem to be mistaken. You’re not a public official either.”
*Bang!*
Luke slammed his fist on the table, veins bulging.
“Pinkerton is a private company. For a private company’s executive to dare tell a mayor, elected by the citizens through democracy, what to do… Isn’t that collusion and interference?”
“…Mayor, that’s not what I meant.”
“Shall I tell you why you foam at the mouth whenever the South Brotherhood is mentioned? It’s because they’re gradually replacing your work, isn’t it?”
“……”
…He was right.
The reason Pinkerton disliked the South Brotherhood wasn’t just because they were a gang, but because they were taking over Pinkerton’s business.
The South Brotherhood was taking over Pinkerton’s main services: security, mercenary work, and even private detective work.
For Pinkerton, which couldn’t afford to lose the massive San Francisco market, eliminating the South Brotherhood was essential for survival.
When Luke pointed this out accurately, Ash was left speechless.
Seeing that, Luke tapped the documents and stood up.
“If we’re done, please leave.”
“……”
When Ash didn’t move, aide Billy spoke up with a blank expression.
“Mayor, you have a daycare visit scheduled by 2 PM.”
“Ah, right. I should get going then.”
“…Mayor! Just a moment!”
This wasn’t the first time Ash Gray had come to Luke to discuss the South Brotherhood.
Under orders from Pinkerton’s leadership to resolve this issue, Ash clung to Luke like a desperate man.
“…Can’t you spare just a little more time?”
“I’ve said all I need to say.”
“Mayor…!”
But Luke was merciless.
‘Damn it… this damn wolf…!’
Luke’s nickname, the “Wolf of San Francisco,” wasn’t for nothing.
This young politician, just entering his 40s, had a knack for captivating people with his handsome looks and unique charisma.
Even Ash Gray, the head of Pinkerton’s San Francisco branch, had no choice but to bow before him.
“Mayor…! Please…! Just 10 more minutes…!”
As Ash desperately tried to continue the conversation, following Luke out of City Hall, something unexpected happened.
*Thud.*
“……”
“…?”
Just as Luke was about to board a waiting carriage, his steps suddenly halted.
But it didn’t seem to be because of Ash’s pleas.
More importantly…
“……”
As always…
Luke’s face, which had been maintaining a blank poker face, twisted as he stared at the front gate of City Hall.
‘What on earth is going on…?’
Ash shifted his gaze to where Luke was looking.
And at the end of it…
“No, seriously, I know the mayor here! …Let go of me, man.”
“Without a pass, you can’t enter. Sigh… Besides, the mayor doesn’t meet anyone without an appointment.”
“I told you, I’m close with the mayor! Huh? I’ve had meals and coffee with him! I’ve done it all!”
…There was a troublesome citizen, the kind you often see at City Hall.
The security at City Hall is handled by the South Brotherhood.
A security guard from the South Brotherhood grabbed the troublemaker’s sleeve, seemingly about to drag him away.
But then.
“Hey, did you just hit me? Hey! Let go… huh? Mayor!”
“……”
The troublemaker, who seemed about to be kicked out, waved his hand excitedly upon seeing Luke.
But something was strange…
“Mayor! It’s me, me! You remember me, right?! I’m back! Let’s talk!”
“……”
Luke’s face, looking at the troublemaker, wasn’t just twisted…
‘Is he… flustered? The Wolf of San Francisco?’
He was visibly shaken.
It wasn’t just Ash who was shocked by Luke’s reaction.
Luke’s aide, Billy, also panicked and asked,
“Mayor? Is something wrong? Do you actually know this citizen…?”
“……”
Luke didn’t answer Billy’s question, just kept staring at the troublemaker.
Then, with his poker face crumbling, he turned to Ash.
“…Ash, branch manager. Let’s talk later. I have a guest right now.”
“…Huh? Oh, sure.”
As Luke hastily declared he had a guest, Ash nodded.
Luke left Ash behind and practically ran toward the troublemaker.
Seeing Luke’s uncharacteristically restless behavior, Billy followed, equally flustered.
‘…Is he really running?’
The Wolf of San Francisco, known for his calm, meticulous, and composed demeanor.
Ash could only stare blankly as he watched Luke run like a dog.
**
I must have looked so happy that Luke, along with a young woman who seemed to be his secretary, hurried over to me.
“Hey, Mayor! Long time no see!”
“…Noah.”
I waved back at him, greeting him warmly.
And then…
Grabbed.
“…Noah, are you really Noah?”
Luke, as if he couldn’t believe I was here, gripped my shoulder painfully and checked my face.
“Haha, of course it’s me! Did you miss me that much?”
“……”
Luke’s expression changed moment by moment as he looked at my face.
Sometimes he looked flustered, other times he seemed angry.
Finally, he calmed his flushed face and asked me,
“…Alright, it’s you, Noah. But you’re not alone? Who’s the lady behind you?”
“Oh, she’s my secretary. Emma, say hello. This is Luke Jefferson, the mayor of San Francisco.”
“Ah, nice to meet you. You can just call me Emma…”
Emma, flustered by the sudden introduction, bowed her head to Luke.
“Nice to meet you too. Oh, this is my aide, Billy Jin.”
Luke introduced his aide to Emma as well.
“Hello, I’m Billy Jin, the chief aide to Mayor Luke. Just call me Billy.”
“Wow, your name is really Billy Jin? Like the song title?”
“…Huh? I don’t know if there’s a song with my name…”
“Hey, an American who doesn’t know this song?”
As I teased him with a short moonwalk, Luke chuckled and answered for the flustered Billy.
“Billy, it’s fine. Noah’s always been full of nonsense.”
“Haha, that’s right. I often say things NPCs can’t understand. You still remember, Mayor.”
“I haven’t forgotten a single thing we’ve been through. But Noah, what brings you to San Francisco?”
“How about we sit down and talk over some coffee?”
And so, we exchanged pleasantries and chatted casually.
To others, we must have looked like neighbors catching up after a long time.
“Then why don’t we talk in my carriage? I was just about to head somewhere.”
“Mayor…!! The carriage is…!”
“It’s fine, Billy. Noah can ride in the carriage.”
Luke even offered to let us ride in his carriage.
At the tip of Luke’s finger was a massive carriage, almost the size of a studio apartment.
I didn’t mind where we talked, so I nodded readily…
“Sure, let’s go. Emma, come on.”
“Yes.”
Emma and I got into the carriage with Luke and Billy.
And then…
“Oh, we have guests.”
Click.
Click, click.
The men waiting inside the carriage immediately pulled out guns and aimed them at us.
“Boss… what’s this… ah…!”
Emma, startled, tried to get out of the carriage, but Luke and Billy pushed her back in.
“……”
Once inside, Luke’s expression changed again.
Click.
He also pulled out a gun and coldly aimed it at me.
“Let me ask you again, Noah. You swore you’d never come back, so why are you standing in front of me now?”
Luke’s gaze was so cold it could freeze skin.
Then, I noticed the words written on Luke’s carriage.
[The South Will Rise Again!]
I laughed and formally introduced Emma.
“Emma, say hello again. This is Luke Jefferson, the mayor of San Francisco and the leader of the South Brotherhood.”
“……!”
As soon as I said that, the temperature inside the carriage dropped to near winter levels.
That’s right.
The man sitting in front of me was the current mayor of San Francisco…
And the leader of the South Brotherhood, with a record-breaking bounty of $150,000…
The final boss of <Lawless>, Luke Jefferson.
