My Horny Stepmom Turns Me into Her Vampire Slave

Chapter 269: B - The boss of the Yamaguchi-gumi yakuza syndicate

"Looks like I win again. At this rate, the Inagawa-kai syndicate won’t have a single yen left," murmurs a man in his thirties as he slaps four aces down on the table.

He wears an elegant midnight-blue tuxedo, his long black hair slicked back with gel.

Masato Rōga, boss of the Yamaguchi-gumi yakuza syndicate.

Sitting across from him is an equally elegant man at least ten years his senior, dressed in a brick-red suit, with burgundy hair swept to one side and brilliant red eyes gleaming behind his sunglasses.

Lisander Valakis, boss of the Inagawa-kai yakuza syndicate.

"Beginner’s luck. I’ll win it all back on the next hand, just you watch."

"Pfft... and they say vampires are supposed to be incredibly intelligent. Guess you’re the exception that proves the rule," Masato shoots back before bursting into hearty laughter.

"I’m smart enough to know you’ve just been lucky. Come on, deal the cards."

"Suit yourself. But fair warning — a debt is a debt. If you don’t pay up, I’ll have no choice but to declare war on you and take what I’m owed," Masato murmurs in a casual, unconcerned tone.

Lisander shrugs.

"The Inagawa-kai and the Yamaguchi-gumi are already at war anyway, so it wouldn’t make much difference."

"War? Pfft... those are just little skirmishes to keep the economy moving."

"And yet people on both sides keep dying all the time. That’s a pretty steep price for a few little skirmishes. Cooperation between the Inagawa-kai and the Yamaguchi-gumi would certainly be more profitable than this sham rivalry."

"Maybe. But that rivalry is exactly what got you and me where we are today. Bringing all the lycan clans under a single banner would’ve been impossible without something to bind them together. Fear of a common enemy was exactly what they needed. And the same goes for you vampires. Instead of seeking a truce, you should be doing everything you can to keep the rivalry between the Inagawa-kai and the Yamaguchi-gumi going for as long as possible."

"Ah... you lycans are so damn belligerent... beasts inside and out," Lisander murmurs as he picks up the cards Masato just dealt him.

Knock! Knock!

The sudden knock at the door interrupts their conversation.

The moment Masato gives permission, the door swings open. Standing in the doorway is Genzo Rōga, Masato’s younger brother and one of the very few people who know about the arrangements between Masato and Lisander, as well as other, even more closely guarded matters.

"Sorry to bother you, Masato. I’m here to deliver a report from Itsu Chihane regarding the search we were tasked with by... those people."

"No need to be discreet, little brother. Lisander Valakis already knows all about the Cult of the Primordial Shadow, so you can speak freely. Go on, let’s hear it. Good news, I hope."

"It seems Itsu has identified the two hybrids. According to the report, they’re sisters — Irina and Claire Kurotsuki. They’re fourteen and fifteen years old, respectively, and they live in Ashiya. The rest of the details are all here," Genzo concludes, placing a stack of documents in front of Masato.

"Two hybrids, then...? And yet that dark elf only mentioned one. Looks like I know something the Cult doesn’t. Very good," Masato murmurs, giving the papers a quick glance.

Then he looks back at his brother.

"If all you’ve brought me is a report, I take it Itsu hasn’t captured them yet."

"This report is four days old, and I haven’t heard from him since."

"I see. He acted on his own and got himself killed. What a shame. You may go now."

"No new orders, Boss?"

"Let everyone know there’s no need to keep searching for the half-demon anymore. That’s all."

"And what about capturing the Kurotsuki sisters? How do you plan to handle that?"

"I’ll take care of it myself. It’s the only way to make sure I get my hands on those two brats."

"I understand. I’ll do as you ordered."

With one last respectful bow, Genzo takes his leave, leaving Masato and Lisander alone once again, still in the middle of their poker game.

"I figured you’d inform that dark elf and dump the whole job on him, but instead you’ve decided to handle it yourself. You really do love risking your neck for no reason, don’t you?" Lisander remarks.

"And let him take all the credit? Not a chance. I’ll personally deliver the two hybrids to the Cult, and finally earn the seat at the table I deserve. Once I do, I might even put in a good word for you — if you ask me on your knees."

"I already told you, I have no intention of getting involved with you people. I’m perfectly fine where I am, and if you value your life, you should get out while you still can. Take it from me — you’re playing with fire. Small fish like us have nothing to gain from getting mixed up in conflicts way beyond our league."

"And that’s where you’re wrong, my dear Lisander. It won’t be long before we’re all dragged into that conflict, whether you like it or not. It’s only a matter of time before the Cult gets its hands on those hybrids and the divine artifacts. And when that happens, they’ll have the power to wage war across the entire multiverse. Every civilization in this world and all the others will either be destroyed or subjugated. It’s inevitable. All I’m doing is choosing to side with the winners. That’s all."

"You’re optimistic if you think you’ll still be alive when that happens. Luck’s been on your side lately. What were the odds that the hybrids the Cult is looking for would just happen to be in Japan, despite the sheer vastness of the multiverse? About the same as the odds of me being dealt such a terrible hand yet again. Your reckless ways have always paid off, but luck is a wheel that never stops turning, my dear Masato. And sooner or later, Lady Luck will come to collect."

"Fortune favors the bold, as they say, right?"

Masato slaps four kings down on the table.

"...and it looks like I’ve still got plenty of luck left to spare."