"!!!" Noel was shocked to the core, not understanding why the other party became more loyal after being suspected.
For Harley, the fact that Noel actually knew about this information meant Noel had a strong information network. After all, it wasn't easy to find information like this. This showed Noel's ability, which made him grateful because the person he served was this powerful.
Harley answered without hesitation. "I have three reasons. Firstly, I have been trying to figure out the Supreme Devil Organization. So, I've been trying to make contact with the people the Supreme Devil Organization has chosen in order to find out their way of contact before trying to somehow find their base.
"The second reason is that this matter is related to a bigger picture. From the information we've collected, it seems that he has made contact with the people from the Tower Association. Although I'm not sure yet, I believe an Elder from the Tower Association has been working with the count.
"I'm still not sure about what kind of project they're working on, but we're trying to find it out.
"Last but not least, we are Eternal Flower Brothel, not Sleeping Flower Brothel. Only the insiders know that we are actually the main branch of those Sleeping Flower Brothels.
"So, if the people suspect us of working with the Supreme Devil Organization, we can simply destroy this Eternal Flower Brothel. You can say that this is just a disguise. And because of this disguise, we can take this bold action. This is the fastest way to get information!"
Noel could understand what he meant. Since no one knew about their true identity, they could simply abandon their disguise if necessary. As long as there was no trace of them, they would be perfectly fine.
It was risky, but the potential reward was worth it. So, he had no reason to tell them to stop.
"Hmm… Actually, why a brothel? There are a lot of organizations that specialize in espionage, right?"
The smile on Harley's face suddenly became pale as if he was reminded of a certain sad memory.
"I have been following Young Master's news, from you joining the Demon Banner Army to your current position. We are not helping you, but we've contacted Dimitri a couple of times. That's how he can keep following you.
"And I'm sure you remember that you once saved nineteen women from the bandits, right?"
"!!!" Noel certainly remembered those people. After all, they were one of the first batches of people he had helped.
"Your father once did something similar. But that group was far bigger than the one you helped… Because they can't do a lot of things, your father has been trying to take care of them, dividing them into groups that handle one task specialized for them.
"And these women, who have nothing but their bodies to offer… Well, it's also because they've been working in this kind of environment that your father has agreed to make a brothel. But because it will smear the reputation of the Ardagan Family, the ownership of the brothel is under our division management.
"Still, your father helped us despite the difficulty and we managed to grow to this level. And right now, we have the power to finally help the master and you, Young Master."
"I see…" Noel let out a sigh.
"Though, I have to say that you remind me of Master. His kindness has helped a lot of people and those people have reached their peak like me. And that group of nineteen women you saved back then? They actually had left the village.
"Of course, it wasn't because they were expelled from the village. Instead, they formed a mercenary group. Their skills might be sloppy, but they have made cooperation with a certain merchant group that ends up sponsoring them.
"The leaders of that merchant group are the twins you know from a certain Master Blacksmith."
"!!!" Noel's body shook as he couldn't believe what he had just heard. "What did you say?"
Harley smiled. "It's surprising, isn't it? You once helped the twins and ended up making a connection with a Master Blacksmith. And the group of independent women, who once thought death was salvation, became a mercenary group and related to the people you also helped.
"Just like your father, although not all people you saved would be eternally grateful to you, there will always be people that will end up meeting each other. They create a stronger bond and your kindness will be repaid.
"To be honest, I'm a bit concerned about our Lisciana. She has no emotion because of her past. After I hear about the group you made with some children, I'd like to ask you whether it's alright to let her join their group or something.
"What Lisciana needs right now is their warmth and energy. I hope that it can transform into emotion for Lisciana. On the other hand, it should be better for the kids to have a musician at their party since they are going to dance, right?
"Lisciana might not be strong, but she should have enough strength to protect them. This way, Young Master doesn't need to worry about them anymore. Don't you think it's a win-win situation?"
"…" Noel was speechless. He didn't have any words to rebuke him. Because of it, he couldn't help but mutter, "Link, huh…"
Harley smiled. "That's right. You don't realize that your kindness has spread and their relationship will become a link that will end up going back to you. That's why I'm going to say this, Young Master."
Harley stood up once again and politely bowed to him like a faithful servant. "I, Harley, and all the people under the Eternal Flower Management will be of service. Let's rebuild the Ardagan Family, Young Master."
Noel simply did what his father taught him. He didn't realize that his action would turn out this way. But it somehow ignited a fire in his heart.
Noel couldn't help but smile as he said, "You make one mistake, Harley. I'm not going to rebuild the Ardagan Family. The old Ardagan Family ended the moment my fake parents died in front of everyone.
"And in the future, there will only be a new Ardagan Family. This time, I'm not going to make the same Ardagan Family, but a Family that will surpass the glory of the old. I'm going to make history, Harley. And to do it, I need your help."
Harley's body shook when he heard his ambition. He couldn't help but smirk as if the challenge lit up his courage. "Young… No, I shall serve you with my life, my master!"
