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Chapter 62: Loyalty
🕑 Added 2023-09-10 05:30:01 +0000 UTCCharles politely shook hands with the Hell's Kitchen's controller and waited for him to continue.
Kingpin, with a serious expression, said, "Charles, are you familiar with an organization of ninjas called the Hand?"
Hearing the name "the Hand," Charles chuckled, "They dare to call themselves ninjas?"
In his memories, the Hand was an organization composed of defectors from K'un-Lun, and its five founders were Alexandra, Madame Gao, Bakuto, Sowande, and Murakami, all of whom were elders from K'un-Lun who had been exiled for attempting to use dragon bone fossils to extend their lifespans.
Charles realized some key factors here: New York, Madame Gao, dragon bones, Daredevil, and Iron Fist. He wasn't sure at what stage things were, but he believed they hadn't started excavating the dragon bones yet.
Dragon bones... I wonder if they can recharge my system?
Please don't disappoint me!
Kingpin smiled and didn't find it surprising that Charles Doyle didn't regard the Hand highly. After all, Charles had the power to do so, especially now as an elder of the High Table.
The High Table's influence was stronger than that of the Hand, although the Hand had a more mysterious nature.
"Charles, recently my operations have been affected by a masked vigilante, and there have been issues with my shipments. Madame Gao is unhappy with me as well due to these problems. I might need your assistance."
Kingpin then produced a shuriken with a unique mark and placed it in front of Charles Doyle.
Charles raised an eyebrow and didn't expect the item he had just gifted to him to return so soon. He took the shuriken from Kingpin's hand and asked, "Are you still involved in business with Madame Gao?"
"What do you need me to do?"
Understanding Charles Doyle's implication, Kingpin knew that Charles had a strong aversion to such types of business.
However, he explained, "Charles, as you know, Hell's Kitchen is different from the Continental Hotel. I can't refuse it for now."
"I haven't decided on my course of action yet, but I might need your help when the time comes. Despite Bullseye's excellent marksmanship, his abilities may fall short in this matter."
Just as Charles was about to respond, a breaking news story suddenly interrupted the banquet on an electronic screen in the room.
The news featured a reporter standing outside Stark Industries Tower, reporting, "According to our sources, genius playboy Tony Stark has been missing for over two months since receiving the Annual Peak Award from the military."
"According to insiders, our genius scientist may have already died. Now, let's attempt to interview Virginia ‘Pepper’ Potts, Mr. Stark's personal assistant, to verify the authenticity of these claims."
But before the reporter could even enter Stark Industries Tower, security personnel outside stopped him.
Kingpin looked in Charles's direction, and they both saw the news report. He then lamented, "It's true that this big capitalist has been missing for quite some time.”
“The gossip news hasn't featured him in a long while. Maxim magazine's cover girl hasn't received his favor in two months."
"I hope he's okay because their company's weapon development is really impressive!"
Hearing Kingpin's words, Charles knew that Iron Man was about to make an appearance.
Iron Man's appearance signaled the beginning of a major event in the Marvel Universe, and the world was no longer going to be peaceful. The matter of the dragon bones had to be put on the agenda.
Charles smiled and reassured, "A genius like him will be fine."
Charles then returned to the previous subject and said, "Kingpin, I understand your intentions, and for this matter, I can help you, but just relying on my marker isn't enough."
Kingpin pondered for a moment and then asked, "What's the price?"
Looking at the new High Table elder in front of him, Kingpin was concerned that Charles might not be satisfied with the current situation and would want to bring Hell's Kitchen into his territory.
Charles sensed a slight increase in Kingpin's heart rate and smiled, "Buddy, don't worry. I don't need your allegiance, and I don't need your organization either."
"Just when you have a target in mind, you'll need to place an order at my agency. As for the price, it'll be determined based on the mission objectives."
Hearing Charles's words, Kingpin felt much more relieved. He had just had a falling out with Madame Gao, and if he offended Charles Doyle as well, he might really have no way to survive.
Fortunately, Charles's request was simply for money, which was no problem at all for him.
"Thank you, Charles Doyle. I will continue to place orders in your agency as before."
Charles nodded and didn't say more. At this moment, Ginny came over with a tray that held glasses of Macallan Lalique Series 55-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky.
"Boss, the whiskey is ready."
Charles picked up the whisky and poured some into three glasses, handing two of them to Kingpin and Ginny. He said, "Try it. This is a fine bottle from Winston's collection."
Kingpin accepted the glass and said, "Thank you."
Ginny set the whisky and the tray aside and took a glass herself, saying with a smile, "Thanks, Boss."
Kingpin took a sip and commented, "This whisky is really good. I have a bottle of Macallan 50-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky in my office that I've been reluctant to open. Next time, I'll have Bullseye send it to you."
Charles accepted the offer of the whisky graciously, and just as they were about to continue chatting, Ginny interrupted.
"Boss, the Adjudicator has invited you to the hotel's conference room. The loyalty ceremony is about to begin."
Charles put down his glass and told Kingpin, "I'm sorry, I have something to attend to. I'll take my leave."
Kingpin smiled and replied, "Don't worry about me. Attend to your own business. I'll be leaving shortly as well."
Charles nodded and didn't say anything more. He straightened his suit, then followed Ginny to the hotel's conference room.
Inside the conference room, a large chair was placed in the center, and behind the chair stood Charles's six subordinates, standing on either side.
Charles took a seat in the chair, and Ginny joined Cross's team.
Seeing Charles's arrival, the Adjudicator spoke, "Let the loyalty ceremony begin!"
First to enter was Winston, the manager of the Continental Hotel. He approached Charles and knelt down on one knee, saying, "I have served the High Table faithfully. From now on, I pledge my loyalty to Elder Charles Doyle and the High Table."
Winston then removed a necklace he had been wearing around his neck and placed it in Charles Doyle's hands.
Charles knew that this was part of the loyalty ceremony, where one would offer their most valuable possession as a symbol of loyalty. In the original timeline, John Wick had even cut off his own finger to prove his loyalty.
Charles approached Winston, took the necklace from his hand, and said, "Thank you. I accept your offering and loyalty."
After that, Charles returned to his seat, and Winston left the room. Then, one by one, the leaders of various factions entered the conference room and stood before Charles to swear their loyalty.
