Ch 08: Failed Attempt

"He's our employee; of course, we give him orders," Roy said with a smile.

"I mean, do you plan to do something?" Maria asked, studying him closely.

"Don't get tangled up in these matters. They're not for you," Roy replied, taking a sip of his tea.

"I just asked. I've been hearing about fights and disputes since childhood, but I hope you stay out of troubles," Maria said.

Roy merely smiled at her comment.

The next day, the court's decision was exactly as expected. Roy was angry, but not as much as one might be when surprised by sudden bad news. He had anticipated this outcome, so he was somewhat mentally prepared.

Roy lost the case, and his uncle, Waltham, was granted permission to build whatever he wanted on that land.

The land was alongside a road, and until recently, it wasn't worth much attention. But with the construction of a major highway, its value skyrocketed into the millions. Waltham had decided to develop a commercial market there, a piece of land that Roy also had his eyes on.

Roy had filed a baseless lawsuit to claim the land, but now he had lost.

Waltham's mansion was located in the village of Sudmerberg, adjacent to Wilfsburg. Sudmerberg was named after Waltham's father and Roy's grandfather.

Sudmerberg was a small village, with land, workers, and authority all belonging to Waltham. The only road in and out of Sudmerberg passed through Wilfsburg, with a long railway track on the other side.

Roy decided that he would kill Waltham. With Waltham gone, his family's power would be crushed.

Desmond had assigned three of Roy's most trusted men to the task. They were experts in marksmanship, fearless, and experienced criminals under Roy's command.

That evening, Waltham was returning home in his jeep. On either side of the road were crops, trees, and an orchard.

The three men lay in wait, hidden in separate spots. Roy had instructed them that he wanted Waltham dead and would tolerate no mistakes or failures.

Waltham was seated in the jeep with his driver and three armed bodyguards, who were alert and well-armed.

As the jeep kicked up dust and approached, the three men readied their weapons. When the jeep drew close enough, one of the hidden men took aim and fired, hitting the jeep's tire. There was a loud bang as the tire exploded, causing the jeep to swerve. The driver barely managed to control it as it skidded to a halt, crookedly positioned on the road.

At that moment, the three attackers began firing at the jeep from their positions. Bullets shattered the windshield, and Waltham ducked down inside.

Suddenly, the bodyguards inside the jeep, without a thought for their own lives, returned fire. They jumped out of the jeep, bravely facing the attackers with weapons far more advanced than the assailants had anticipated. Unable to match the firepower, the three attackers were forced to retreat. They had no choice but to flee.

When Roy learned that Waltham had survived, he angrily kicked the table in front of him, sending it flying across the room. Rage burned in his eyes. He wanted to kill the three men standing before him but restrained himself and ordered them to lay low for a few days. The three men quickly left.

"He survived..." Roy hissed through clenched teeth. "We had just as many men, but his time isn't up yet. Next time, there won't be a next time," Desmond said.

"Next time?" Roy growled. "My rule in life is that the first time is always the last time."

"Sir, may I say something?" Desmond asked.

"Speak," Roy replied.

"For some time now, failures have been coming your way, one after another. Do you feel that too?" Desmond asked, peering over the top of his glasses at Roy.

Roy seemed struck by Desmond's words. He fell silent, deep in thought.

Desmond continued, "You tried to buy that land in the city, but it slipped through your fingers. You invested forty million in one place, hoping for a profit, but lost twelve million instead. And now you've lost this case and failed to kill your uncle. Something's off."

"You're right. Something is happening," Roy admitted, thinking it over. "This didn't use to happen before."

"But now it's happening continuously," Desmond pointed out.

"Why is it happening now?" Roy asked, his eyes questioning as he looked at Desmond.

"Only you can figure that out," Desmond said. "I can't seem to understand it myself." Roy began to ponder.

"What's the moon phase today?" Desmond asked, looking at him.

"Why do you ask?" Roy replied. "Is there something special about today?"

"Did Lucien give you a specific moon date?" Desmond inquired, as if reminding him. "I think you've forgotten, and you haven't visited him, have you?"

Roy was suddenly startled by his words. "Yes, he did give a date. Why didn't you remind me?"

"I'm reminding you now, sir."

"Is it today?"

"Tomorrow... at ten in the morning," Desmond informed. "Tomorrow, you're not to do anything else; first, you need to visit Lucien."

"Good thing you reminded me, or I would have completely forgotten. Ten o'clock tomorrow..." Roy's body seemed to surge with energy. "The day would have passed, and it would have slipped my mind."

Just then, the telephone rang. As soon as Roy put the phone to his ear, Waltham's voice echoed in his ear.

"Did my nephew enjoy attempting to assassinate me?" Waltham's tone was laced with sarcasm, followed by a thin, mocking laugh.

"Oh, it's you. What attack are you talking about?" Roy replied with calm indifference.

"Have you developed a habit of forgetting, or do you simply not want to remember your failures?" Waltham threw another sarcastic remark, laughing softly.

"It seems you're deluded," Roy said, glancing at Desmond.

"Don't worry. I'm not filing a report about the incident anywhere. I've kept completely silent. I've never relied on anyone to handle my affairs. Just be careful. Times aren't good. Anything can happen," Waltham warned, his tone carrying a threat.

"What could happen?" Roy asked with composed seriousness.

"How should I know? I'm just talking about the current state of affairs. Look, I was suddenly attacked," Waltham replied.

"I know how to handle situations," Roy said in a cold tone.

"Of course you do. After all, you're our blood," Waltham's voice came through. "Just be careful." With that, he hung up the phone.