All of the people didn't know what to say. It was like prince Markus owned the entire room with his aura alone. All the people who were on Rufus's side didn't know how to react to when the prince just praised someone for killing his nobleman.
"Adolf Blausaber was an extremely bad man. Unfortunately, he is only one of many rotten noblemen in this country. Not just nobility. A lot of bad people rule this country. Wouldn't you agree, Rufus?" said the prince eyeing Rufus.
"Well, wouldn't that make you also a bad person? You are a prince as well aren't you?"Rufus questioned being slightly irritated.
August got a little agitated and was clenching his hold on his hammer.
"You are right, I am to blame. My own inadequacy is also to blame. That is the reason I am here, to see if you can help my inadequacy." said the prince to Rufus.
Haley then stepped into the conversation.
"There is obviously something you want right? Just say it," asked Haley.
"I want you to help me to overthrow the king and the nobility. I am sick and tired of my father and nobility. I want to create a better kingdom. A safer kingdom where people can have dreams and opportunities. A kingdom of smiles."
They were astonished by what the prince said.
"Why would you care what happens. You can live in your ivory tower and not ever look down on what is the actual reality of your minions," asked Edward.
"The reasons why and my motives, are for now, not for you to know. But now you do know my goal. For that reason, I am here seeing if you would be interested in working with me?" asked the prince.
Rufus was not sure. None of them were. They had so far never thought there would be a nobleman who cared for the people, let alone a royal.
"I have heard that the royals of this country are insanely strong. Inheriting the power of their ancestor the first king Jacob, who created this kingdom. So, if you are so strong why do you need our help. You could do it by yourself," asked Edward who seemed to know a lot about the royals.
"Well, there are two reasons for it. One, I can not be seen going around taking down the monarchy. I would be banished from this kingdom at least. Maybe even killed. If I plan to succeed, I am to live and lead my compatriots," explained the prince.
The prince then took a breather before he said the last reason.
"And lastly being I have no divine power."
They were shocked to hear it.
"I am simply an ordinary person. For me to have survived this long inside that institution called the royal palace I had to be able to use all my tools to the best of my abilities. So, I rely on my wits and intelligence to reach my goals. I also need strong allies such as yourselves."
The prince still didn't fully persuade them.
"Say we did want to work together with you, what would you have us do?" asked Haley
"I want you to take down the green mantis twin gang."
"Leif, what can you tell us about the green mantis twin gang?" asked Haley.
"Not much to be honest. We did pay them tribute previously, but since we have stopped paying it recently, they haven't reacted much. They are a bit shrouded in mystery. I do know that they usually work as hitmen more than your day-to-day gangsters. Even the sons of the red moon were a little bit scared of them," explained Leif.
"I have all the info you need. I know of their leaders and their whereabouts. I will tell you immediately if you decide to take action against them," explained the prince.
"But how would this benefit you? " asked Edward.
"The green mantis twin gang is a vital part in taking down the nobles. As you said, they work as hitmen and assassins. They are more like a private assassins guild than a gang with the gang being more of a front for them. They mainly hit the nobles' enemies, from a farmer who is voicing his opinion on his landowner or another rival noble." explained the prince.
"My prince. I think it is better to leave right now. The other royals and nobility will get suspicious otherwise," whispered August to the prince's ear.
"That is true. Well, let me know if you are willing to take on this challenge. I will know anyway if you will," said the prince who was leaving.
Rufus stood up.
"We will take down the green mantis twin gang, but we won't be doing it for you," said Rufus shocking everyone.
Rufus was showing for the first time initiative and leadership.
"Oi, oi, oi. Seems like we are turning into revolutionaries instead of being gangsters, Wherever you go I go. It seems interesting anyway," Edward laughed and said.
All the rest of them were not sure about it yet. Even the prince was a bit surprised.
"Well. Your own motives don't really matter either do they. It is settled. Oh, and one more thing," said the prince and dragged Doreen in front of him," Doreen here will be joining you guys as an official member of the black rat gang and she will be giving you guys her full support."
Doreen and the rest of them were all caught by surprise.
"What are you talking about. Why would I go work for them? They are just a bunch of gangsters," yelled Doreen angrily at the prince.
The prince then leaned in to whisper to Doreen's ears.
"I need someone on the inside. Even I do not trust them one hundred percent, but I know I can trust you."
Doreen then accepted her new role.
"She will be vital. She will tell you all the information you need. Now shall we get going," said the prince to Rufus and left the bar with August.
"Wait. Is she going to stay here?" asked Edward who pointed at Doreen.
"Haaaaaah? You think I'd stay with you people. Not going to happen," Doreen said with a slight disgusted look.
"Are you all ready to start the operation tomorrow? See you here tomorrow at the crack of dawn sharp," Doreen commanded.
Everyone was stunned how Doreen just casually ordered everyone around. When Doreen had left Haley yelled out cursing Doreen
"Who the "bleep" that "bleep," think she is giving out orders. "Bleeping" annoying woman,"
Everyone was shocked by the number of profanities coming out of Haley's mouth.
Old man Halfen came into the room from the back not noticing that they had been in his bar.
"Why is everyone so quiet? Did I miss something?"