Upon hearing Hugh's oddly suggestive words, Texas's hand paused briefly, her eyes narrowing sharply.
"…What exactly are you trying to say?"
Texas frowned deeply, posing the question. Hugh merely waved his hand, his face adorned with the same calm smile as always.
"Oh, nothing much—just curious about the Thumb's next target, that's all. After all, the previous incidents were just appetizers for T Corp… and there are plenty more appetizers to come."
"However, T Corp's appetite isn't small. Nor, I assume, is the appetite of Lobotomy Corporation or the Thumb… Apart from these little appetizers, I think it's only right that we serve one or two substantial dishes to satisfy everyone's hunger, don't you think?"
Hugh tilted his head slightly as he spoke. For a brief moment, a peculiar feeling surged within Texas. She shook her head slightly, fixing her gaze once more upon Hugh, and asked in a low voice:
"…So this 'substantial dish' you mentioned, is the Bellone family?"
"There's also the Saluzzo family, naturally. But surely, we can afford to wait a little longer for that dish, yes? Besides…"
"I assume you're far more interested in the Bellone family anyway?"
Hugh spoke casually. Texas narrowed her eyes further:
"And where did you get that idea from?"
"T Corp happens to know a thing or two about your conflict with the 'Signore dei Lupi'—Zaaro, the Wolf Lord behind the Bellone family."
As Hugh spoke, his eyes remained calmly fixed on the distance. Texas quietly clenched her fist, only to relax it shortly afterward. A sense of unease briefly rippled through her heart.
"…How exactly did you find out about that?"
"As the founder of the company, naturally I'm privy to a great deal of information… Especially since T Corp aims to become a Wing of the World."
Hugh shrugged lightly, speaking with serene composure. Texas fell into silence. After a long pause, she finally sighed softly, replying slowly:
"Well… I admit, you're right. So what exactly is your proposal?"
"T Corp's goal is the Bellone family. As for the Thumb, I imagine your target is simpler—Zaaro, the Wolf Lord himself. Yet, in the Thumb's current state, confronting the Wolf Lord would probably be quite difficult, wouldn't it?"
As Hugh spoke, he glanced meaningfully at Texas. Texas kept silent, but her silence was as good as an admission that Hugh's assessment was correct.
There was no reason to deny it, after all. Hugh hadn't said anything incorrect about the Thumb's current strength. It was all laid plainly on the table.
"So, the Thumb's expansion will provide an excellent excuse to engage the Bellone family. Meanwhile, as representatives of T Corp and our allies in Lobotomy Corporation, we will offer you some assistance… In other words, we will take care of the Wolf Lord."
Hugh's voice was gentle yet firm. After hesitating briefly, Texas finally nodded, tacitly agreeing to Hugh's proposal.
"In that case… there's still one more matter. What about the Saluzzo family?"
Texas's eyes narrowed slightly as she asked quietly. Hugh simply smiled and responded calmly:
"When the time is right, certain dishes will serve themselves."
Texas gave Hugh a puzzled look, sensing he had no intention of explaining further. Hugh just waved lightly, speaking again to Texas:
"Well then… Good luck to you, Miss Texas. If you agree to this arrangement, let's schedule the move for the morning after tomorrow. At that moment, the Wolf Hunter, the Wolf, Zaaro, the Bellone family, and even the Saluzzo family—all will find themselves swept into this drama."
"…On behalf of T Corp, we hope you'll make your decision quickly and give us your answer soon."
After finishing his speech, Hugh turned and left the room. Texas hurried forward a few steps, calling out loudly after him:
"So, where exactly are you going now…?"
"To conduct another negotiation, of course. A merchant's trade never ends."
Hugh replied without looking back. Texas fell silent briefly, and just before Hugh disappeared completely, she suddenly spoke again:
"…The Thumb accepts your proposal."
"Then… the morning after tomorrow, we'll meet again under the rain."
The corners of Hugh's mouth lifted into a subtle smile. After speaking these last words, he stepped once more into the drizzle of Siracusa. Texas sat heavily in a nearby chair, exhaling softly.
I really wonder just how many deals Hugh has lined up…
Yet Texas wasn't overly concerned.
She knew the one who would gain the most in the end was undoubtedly Hugh… But precisely because this was a trade, she understood one thing clearly.
While Hugh would certainly profit immensely, the Thumb wouldn't walk away empty-handed either.
After departing from the Thumb's temporary base, Hugh rushed straight to the Bellone family residence without pause.
As the so-called Harbinger of Destruction, Hugh easily gained an audience with Bernardo Bellone, the head of the family.
Shortly afterward, a time acceleration device was placed prominently on the table between them. After exchanging only a few simple pleasantries, Hugh cut directly to the point, swiftly laying out both sides' demands for this negotiation.
"…Let me be blunt. Thanks to this time acceleration device, the flow of time inside differs from the outside. The Wolf Lord won't know about the contents of our deal."
Glancing briefly at the device on the table, Hugh smiled faintly, continuing softly:
"So then… Mr. Bellone, would your family be interested in waging a little rebellion?"
"…What exactly are you implying? I thought you'd come to discuss the Wolf Hunter."
Bernardo's voice was heavy, eyes fixed sharply on Hugh. But Hugh wore his usual calm smile, answering unhurriedly:
"No need to rush things like this… I merely came to make you a proposal."
"You launch a war—and we help you fulfill a certain wish."
"…What exactly are you planning?"
Bernardo's eyes flickered with an unusual gleam as he asked Hugh this question.
"To kill Zaaro. The Thumb will initiate a conflict against you. During this battle, you find a way to draw Zaaro out. The rest, we'll handle. After that day, you'll never see Zaaro again."
Hugh smiled serenely as he explained. Bernardo's expression shifted subtly. After a thoughtful pause, he finally asked:
"And… what price must we pay for this?"
"Not much. A few necessary casualties, and you already know exactly who can fill those roles. Aside from that, T Corp simply needs some people—nothing else."
Hugh spread his hands lightly, a serene smile still upon his lips.
Now, this is what we call catching two fish with one bait!