I Don't Know the Original, I'm Too Busy Trying to Make a Living-Chapter 197

‘What could he possibly be writing so diligently?’

This was Sir Ralph’s first thought.

Jack was the self-proclaimed sly king of the underworld, someone infamous for his craftiness and shamelessness. Seeing him so focused on anything was a rare sight.

His second question revolved around the identity of the man napping on Penelope’s shoulder.

‘Who in the world would dare act so casually with the lord...?’

At that moment, Vince tapped Ralph on the shoulder, reminding him that he had yet to greet the lord.

“My lord, you called for me?”

“Thank you for coming so quickly, Sir Ralph. I know the security force must be busy.”

“If the lord summons me, I must come immediately. However, this area is far more dangerous than it appears. Did you not bring a knight to escort you?”

“I ended up here by chance. By the way, I heard you’re somewhat acquainted with Jack.”

“...Well, I do know him,” Ralph replied hesitantly.

It wasn’t a lie—he’d exchanged a word or two in passing. Still, calling that familiarity felt like a stretch.

That said, Ralph prided himself on knowing more about Jack than even the man’s own family. He’d done his research to ensure that the moment Jack slipped up, he could lock him away.

‘When I catch him, I’ll make sure to break his legs.’

Rather than explaining, Ralph shifted his attention to the man asleep next to Penelope. The figure, wearing a hood, remained oblivious to the situation. The sight was getting on Ralph’s nerves.

As Ralph’s expression grew darker, Penelope tilted her head and spoke.

“Ahwin, the Chief of Security is here. At least say hello.”

“...”

Ahwin didn’t stir. It ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) didn’t seem like he was deliberately ignoring her; he simply appeared too drained to respond. Then again, the difference didn’t really matter.

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Penelope, noticing Ralph’s increasingly puzzled expression, eagerly explained on Ahwin’s behalf.

“He’s been busy researching things late into the night. He tends to be tired during the day. Oh, you’ve met him before, right?”

“...Yes, I have.”

Ralph finally pieced together the identity of the man dozing beside Penelope.

‘Of course. Who else but the Tower Master would be at her side? Foolish of me not to consider that first!’

Cold sweat ran down Ralph’s back.

He vividly remembered witnessing the Tower Master levitate a group of troublemakers who’d been extorting merchants. Unfortunately for them, they’d chosen the wrong person to provoke—Penelope.

The thugs claimed they’d been flung up to the clouds before crashing back down. The incident had since become legendary among the security force.

‘Now I see why Jack is being so cooperative.’

The realization hit Ralph and Vince simultaneously.

Jack had likely tried to cross Penelope, only to find himself on the wrong side of the Tower Master.

Ralph felt a long-standing burden lift from his shoulders. The satisfaction was unparalleled. A glance at Vince revealed the deputy commander grinning from ear to ear.

Penelope spoke again, her tone firm.

“Jack has agreed to cooperate. Once he submits the list, compare it with the names the security force has, and round them all up.”

“All of them?”

Ralph swallowed dryly.

“Yes. Knowing that illegal activities are happening right under our noses, it’s my duty as lord to act.”

“You’re absolutely correct, my lord,” Vince said, bowing his head. Ralph, however, felt a new wave of concern wash over him.

‘Cleaning up Hamp Street won’t be as easy as the lord thinks.’

Ralph knew this district all too well. It wasn’t negligence that kept him from dealing with Hamp Street—it was the connections its leaders had.

Tracing those connections could lead to unexpected places: noble families from other territories or even influential figures.

Halo’s wealth and resources had attracted these shadowy forces like moths to a flame. Ralph had refrained from acting because tackling this problem would be more trouble than it was worth.

Penelope, however, offered a decisive solution to Ralph’s hesitation.

“Say you received a tip from an insider and get an investigation order from the judge. Then wipe everything clean.”

“...”

Penelope smiled brightly.

“If you dig, you’ll find something.”

The old adage held true: no one was without dirt to uncover. With sufficient evidence, they could ensure swift and thorough legal action, leaving no room for resistance.

Penelope wasn’t unaware of the challenges the security force faced—on the contrary, she understood them all too well. That’s precisely why she was taking such a direct approach.

“The judge might refuse the order, but if that happens, remind them it’s a command from the lord. And if they still resist, tell them they’ll be dismissed. Jack, this is what we call ‘command and obey.’”

“Thank you for the clear explanation.”

Jack responded with an exaggerated tone of admiration.

Penelope nodded, taking a relaxed sip of her coffee. Now properly cooled, it was aromatic and pleasant.

“Oh, by the way, Jack will serve as a whistleblower in exchange for a reduced penalty. He’s quite lucky, really.”

“Yes, incredibly lucky,” Jack parroted obediently.

Ralph felt a shiver run through his body.

This was an opportunity!

A golden chance to clean up Hamp Street once and for all.

“Wouldn’t it be best to act swiftly?”

“Of course. I’ll mobilize the First and Third Divisions of the security force, along with the Special Unit. We’ll have it all done before dawn tomorrow.”

“...Wow.”

Jack couldn’t help but mutter in awe before quickly shutting his mouth. He threw himself into sorting through records, fervently compiling the names Penelope had demanded.

If they were to launch the operation before sunrise, the list would need to be completed by midnight.

‘I may hate this, but I need to save myself first.’

Jack stole a glance at the Tower Master, who remained asleep next to Penelope, and redoubled his efforts.

He knew more about the Tower Master than most, thanks to his past involvement with an information guild.

The Tower Master wasn’t a mere man—he was a coiled dragon. Provoke him, and the consequences would be catastrophic. No, it would be a calamity.

Jack had no intention of risking his life or soul against such a force.

‘Stay as low as possible, avoid offending the Tower Master, and curry favor with the lord.’

With his survival strategy clear, Jack worked tirelessly.

***

The Next Morning.

Hamp Street was in chaos.

The First and Third Divisions, along with the Special Unit, descended on the district like an unstoppable force.

It was as if a stampede of raging bulls had swept through the streets.

Those involved in the area’s illegal activities were swiftly apprehended by the security forces, their confusion evident.

Among them, the most shocked was Countess Susan Corindel.

That morning, her luck had been unusually good—she had won three rounds in a row, amassing a small fortune in the underground gambling den.

Then, out of nowhere, the raid began.

“Security force!”

“Run!”

“Ahhh!”

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The sound of locks being broken echoed through the underground space as the security force stormed in.

“There’s an emergency exit! This way!”

At the dealer’s shout, everyone rushed for the stairs.

Susan, however, was too slow, delayed by her greed as she tried to gather her winnings.

‘I worked so hard to win this money! How can I leave it behind?’

Her eyes burned with desire as she clutched a bag filled with coins.

Deciding it was better to secure the money than to flee empty-handed, Susan searched for a hiding place.

Bang! Crash!

The security force was breaking through the doors.

Susan found a corner and flipped back a carpet. Her eyes widened at what she saw: a circular indentation in the wooden floor—a hidden trapdoor leading downward.