Prologue, (I think)

The following is a fan-based fiction. The Eminence in Shadow is owned by Nexus, Enterbrain, and Daisuke Aizawa. Please support the official release.

Privileged, I supposed that is the best way to describe my life…. In fact, I have nothing that could even be considered as a tragic backstory. Dead loved ones? All of my friends and family are still pretty much alive and well. Abusive family? My family is loving, caring and most importantly, communicates with each other a lot, so that isn't a problem. Past abuse? That didn't happen either.

Borned into the most advanced and prosperous country in the world, who's technologies and social development is quite literally centuries ahead of the rest of the world. I live a life of luxury that would make any royalties drool with envy. I come from a bloodline that's famous for producing geniuses who each became masters of their chosen field. a I even received personal tutoring from my best friend who just so happens to be a literal magic god wizard.

I even became immortal by accident, imagine that.

Suffice it to say, I lived a pretty good life.

So then you should be wondering, why am I here? In this backwater kingdom being chased by a group of edgy girls in black cloak spandex? Well that's something I want the answer to as well.

"He's over there!"

"Surround him!"

"Tell Epsilon we found the target!"

"Nope nope nope nope nope NOPE!"

You see… These edgelords are very persistent, they even broke into the school at least 20 times in the last month alone. But thankfully they only show up during night time. You would think that these people are vampires, but no, they're not. An uv flashlight did not affect them, garlic also didn't do anything as well….

Let's see, I can't sense any of these edgelord nearby, so…..

Parade, mock teleportation…. I disappeared, and in the next second appeared in a back alley a few kilometers away. Ah~ a perfect escape spell combo, use Parade to hide my present and mock teleportation to transport me to my destination

"Haha! Get wrecked nerrrrrd!"

I walked further into the back alley and down a flight of stairs hidden under the surrounding building's shadow. This place is what people back home would call a secret restaurant. Using a parade, I disguise myself as one of my persona of an old aging man called Benjamin "Benny" Forbes, a regular patron at this fine establishment.

Now some might ask? Why? Why here in this hidden inn of all inn of all places? Well, it's because-"

'Sigh~ just shut up please, I'm trying to read here!'

Sorry…..

The inside of the inn is much more different than the dark alley that made up the entrance. The place is well lit with wooden tables and chairs of foreign design. This inn's speciality is foreign cuisine, especially made to cater to foreign diplomats and merchants who would like some food to make them feel at home. Sadly there isn't any food from his homeland.

"Oi Benny, someone's here to see you!"

"Oh? Pray tell, may I inquire as to whom it be?" I don't remember having any appointment today, but then again, it might simply be someone who decided to check some rumors. I do go ego surfing sometimes, so I understand what sort of reputation I have in the community. Apparently, Benny is considered an unofficial advisor and mediator within the tavern. Patrons seek him out for guidance on various matters, not only economic but also personal and professional. He listens attentively to their problems and offers well-considered advice, often incorporating economic principles into his responses. His calming presence and thoughtful insights have earned him the respect and admiration of the tavern's regulars and the merchant comuni-.

'Yes yes, is your ego inflated enough yet?"

What? I was just explaining the situation…..

'You're not explaining your situation, you're stroking your egos.'

ouch…..

"I'm not supposed to diverge on the identity of the client, so let me tell you this. It's a big fish this time."

A big fish? That means a person or group who has substantial financial wealth or influence.

"Just how substantial are we discussing in terms of size here?"

"Whale." So it's the very big boys, but which one? There's only so much whale that this country can sustain without any of them starving to death. As of right now, there are only two whales in the Midgar kingdom, the Great Commerce Alliance, and the Mitsugoshi Company who's both are competing for the sole dominant position as the economic giant in the kingdom.

"Ah, dear me~ let's proceed and get this done, shall we?"

"Of course, follow me."

I followed the waiter to a private room, judging from the location, this is one of the first class rooms, this person must really be trying to impress me. The waiter opened the door and stepped in first.

"Mr Forbes' here."

I walked in. The inside of the private room is exactly what you expect in a first class private room, polished wood, chandeliers and gold everywhere.

"snort* Well, ain't that an overly flamboyant sight?"

"Well, appearance is important in business transactions, I'm sure you of all people would understand that~"

"Does it truly matter how things look? The only thing of importance lies in the transaction itself, not in these extravagant trinkets and superfluous displays."

"As expected of the famed negotiator, but the way we do things is a bit different. Providing top quality product and service through dedication and innovations is our company motto after all."

So they're from the Mitsugoshi Company….. that's unexpected. Mitsugoshi Company has a reputation for being well….. Aloof is the best way to describe it…. So it's actually very surprising to see a representative of the Mitsugoshi Company here.

"And pray tell, what is it that you desire from me?"

"Straight to the point I see, that's refreshing. My name is Luna, the director of the Mitsugoshi Company."

So she's the CEO…. I heard about her before, but never saw her myself. I never expected for the director of such a successful company to look so young.

'You don't get to say that when you look 9.'

touchy

"You didn't answer my question."

"I was going to meet you to discuss a little request of mine, Mr Forbes. I wish for your blessing."

"A blessing? Do I appear to you as some sort of deity?"

"There's no need to be so humble. You might try to hide it, but it's impossible for someone with this much power to hide forever."

"Power? What are you yapping about?"

I don't have power in this kingdom, I'm not supposed to have any political power here at all. It's against the rules. A person from the developed world should not interfere with the development and growth of the developing world. So…. what?

"Not power in a traditional sense of course, our research into you shows that you always tried to avoid that for some reason. But that doesn't make you any less powerful. You tried to hide it, but I saw how influential you are in this kingdom."

What?

"You're the one who founded the Midgaran Confederations of Trade Union which is the umbrella organization of 21 labor unions which you also founded."

"Well now, pray tell, what of it?"

"The Midgaran Confederations of Trade Union has a collective bargaining power surpassing every single nobility in the kingdom combined. You can shut down this kingdom's economy in a word if you want to."

Oh… I think I understand what she's implying here.

"Listen here, young whippersnapper. I may be old, but I ain't no dictator. The Midgaran Confederations of Trade Union, it's called a trade union for a damn good reason. It's supposed to be run by the people, for the people, and to the people. The people themselves are the ones who decide what the hell they should do, not me, not you, not the high and mighty nobility, nor even the pompous king. So, if you're looking for support from the people, you better roll up your sleeves and convince 'em yourself. It ain't my job to do your dirty work, kid."

Well, that should send her on her way…..

"I was planning to do exactly that. But you see, this idea of democracy idea is foreign to me, so I need your help."

"What?"

"Help me create an labor union for the Mitsugoshi Company."

Wha-what?

"Hell no."

"Why?"

"Listen here, young lady, the Mitsugoshi Company is a confused enigma, aye, more baffling than a riddle wrapped in darkness. No one got any clue what's going on in that place, not the faintest inkling of the inner workings, except that they churn out fancy shmancy goods and have a wicked penchant for gobbling up every rival in sight. No sir, I ain't lifting a finger to aid you while they're carrying on like that."

"Are you sure? We can guarantee the quality of our product, in fact, I have brought an sample right here~"

The elf beside Luna placed a small dark red box onto the table, the label said Mitsugoshi Company, luxury chocolate box…

"Chocolate….."

"Yes, it's one of our most popular products. please have a taste."

So I did, and well…. It's unexpected. It actually tastes acceptable. everything I ate in this kingdom before seems to be a disgusting mockery of the stuff back home. but this…. This can actually taste like something that can be bought from a convenient store back home.

"So, what do you think?"

"Well, I'll be damned! This treat is mighty impressive for your kind, I must admit."

"So? What do you think about my proposal?"

"Still no."

"Why? I have prove to you that-"

"All you've managed to demonstrate to me is your knack for producing somewhat decent cocoa, nothing beyond that. Well, if there ain't nothin' else to bother me with, I reckon it's 'bout time for me to leave. Can't you see I'm starvin' here?"

I turned around and prepared to leave, I ran all the way there evading the edgelord militia for a reason, and that reason is certainly not to argue with this incredibly shady businesswoman with predatory lending practices. I'm here for the food!

'Sigh~ Of course you're here for the food, what else would ever get you to willingly leave the consulate compound?'

Hey! It's not like I only leave the compound because of food, I also leave due to some other things…..

'Yes, like spite. Not exactly the best emotion.'

Schwing~

I stopped my step as a blade of pure black appeared in between me and the room's exit. The blade is so sharp that the it's sharpness is quite literally audible.

"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid that's not possible." The voice was female, good to know. Looks like there's someone stopping my way, let's see… black hood, black mask, black cloak and magical body suit…. Yup, they're the edgelords.

"Hey, young lady. Your blasted sword is blocking my path. Move it, will ya?"

Ah…. that's probably not the right choice, considering that now, the tip audibility sharp blade is now centimeters away from my throat.

'Oh, you don't say?'

But, I'll probably be fine. Because you see, that neck the edgelord is pointing at, it's actually an illusion cast by a spell. So even if the edgelord decides to end my life, it won't hit anything other than air and projected light.

"Our lord has instructed me to treat the elderly are to be treated with the utmost respect. But I'll still use force if necessary. So please don't resist.

"Ugh... What in the blazes do you lot want now?"

"We of The Shadow Garden want allies, and your connections make one of the prime candidates of our choice."

"For being a prime candidate, you sure came quite late. Quite tardy, aren't we? How many years has your little group been lurking about? Five, perhaps? Or maybe just two, if we generously discount the time you spent prancing around in the Kagano territory? Bah!"

"How did you know!"

Ah…. the blade blade is now touching my throat directly, they must be really angry….

'To be fair, what you said was information that's supposed to be a secret.'

"Hmph, you weren't exactly a master of discretion when the whole darn town caught wind of bandits hunters infesting Kagano territory, blabbering away about the so-called Shadow Garden as if they're were some sort of tree-hugging orator, bellowing their speeches to the wind."

"See Alpha? I told you he's good."

"Then answer me this. What do you know of the Cult of Diabolo?"

Cult of Diabolo….. Isn't that the group who's basically the ancient conspiracy group that controls the developing and undeveloped world?

'Yes, they're the ones who started the War of the Worlds'

Oh…. Those people.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm familiar with that bunch. A real secretive bunch, always snooping around and meddling in every little thing they can lay their hands on. Can't go unnoticed, that's for sure. They're a bunch of control freaks, the whole lot of 'em."

"So you do know, then why are you not doing anything to stop them."

"Grumble Ain't I, huh? You lot have surely been keenly watchin' my every move, haven't ya?

"Yes, that was a rhetorical question. We would have killed you if you were working with the cult."

"Then why did you ask? We simply have different ways of doing things. I empower the population so that they can take their fate into their own hands, you destroy everything who stands in your way. But in the end, our goals are the same. Now that that's been properly clarified, good day to you, I suppose."

Finally, I gotta get away from these edgelord terrorists.

'Agree, the guide about improving your mental health on the internet said nothing about hanging around terrorists.'

You care about those guides on the internet way too much, not all of them are healthy.

"Please, stay. We still have so much to discuss. We do share the same interest, shouldn't we discuss our plans so that we don't trip each other over.

I really don't want to do this

'Same here. I don't really want to deal with them. But I feel that this will become really important later. Remember when a part of the New Alexandria and Lindwurm was incinerated?'

Yea, It would be very annoying if this happened again. We placed months of investment into that zone to turn it into a prime industrial sector only for it to be incinerated in a giant beam of light. At Least the damage done in Lindwurm is somewhat salvageable.

"Sigh~ alright. I'll play along. But you're footing the bill for my dinner."

"That's acceptable. Waiter. Please give this gentleman here a set of your most expensive meal, on me."

"Of course ma'am would you like anything to go with it?"

"I'll have one bottle of Château Halut-brillson please."

"And you? Benny? What would you like for a drink?"

"The usual, fruit tea using chamomile tea bags from the shipment I sent you. As for the selection of fruits, I leave that decision in your capable hands."

"So you're a tea person I assume?."

"Look, kid, juice is what tickles my fancy, y'know? But in this blasted situation, tea seems to be the lesser of two evils."

"So, shall we begin?"

"Fine."

"So, the shadow garden currently has working projects in Midgar Kingdom, Oriana Kingdom, and Lawless City….. Other than that, the Mitsugoshi Company is also operating in…."

I'll leave this boring stuff to you.

'Oi!'

Sigh~ how did we get into this situation in the first place? This was supposed to be a simple dinner!

Chapter end

There goes the introduction of the story. This is my try at making a protagonist who prefers to use their mouth over their fist. Because that just seems so much more interesting. Let's see how this turn out~

By. Lord Einzbern