Chapter 272: The World's Greatest Conman

Words : 1482 Updated : Oct 9th, 2025

Jefferson was quite talkative and made no effort to hide his admiration for Leo and his two companions. After receiving such a flood of praise, both Jack and V felt thoroughly flattered. After all, it was a high-ranking political figure, sitting in a Rayfield Excalibur, singing their praises! It felt great just hearing it. Subconsciously, it made the audience feel like they were on the same side. However, Jefferson also noticed their shallow understanding of the situation. These subtle changes were precisely what politicians analyzed in conversations. In the past, everyone had their own way of reading people. But by 2076, technology had advanced to an absurd level in this area—especially in intelligence analysis. With high-grade cyberware, it was possible to read eye movements, body language, and even hormonal fluctuations. Combined with a team of analysts and strategists processing known intel, the information gathered could sometimes exceed what a person even consciously thought. Mind reading was just a fantasy, but with the latest technology, people had already surpassed that ability. Unless someone had implants specifically designed to counteract such analysis, they would inevitably reveal a great deal of information in conversation. Leo wasn't much different, but he was at least better than the two simpletons Jack and V—he wouldn't actually believe anything a politician said. Deception had the lowest cost; one should always judge by actions, not words. On the other hand, Leo had yet to meet anyone who made him feel like they were truly above him in status. However, on the surface, he remained calm. Internally, he was already ridiculing the two idiots beside him: No wonder you guys get played so easily. "Cheers." Leo picked up a glass of real water and lightly clinked it with Jefferson's. Clearly, the mayoral candidate had already done his research on their preferences. Leo didn't like alcohol. V preferred tequila. Jack liked vodka. The glasses clinked softly. After setting his glass down, Jefferson continued, "In fact, we've already worked together once before. The incident at the H8 Megabuilding..." "That one with News 54? Honestly, the media pressure wasn't much of a favor." "No, no. I also helped you out with the NCPD. I have some friends there—because of the new friends you made." Leo raised an eyebrow, finding this strange. That night, it was NCPD Deputy Chief Holt who had cooperated with the Tyger Claws. So if anyone had the power to stop the entire incident, it had to be Commissioner Coleridge. It was well known that Coleridge and Holt were rivals. With this kind of scandal, and with NCPD officers already refusing to work, Coleridge would inevitably step in at the right moment. But the NCPD Commissioner's appointment was mainly decided by Night City's corporate board—meaning Mayor Rhyne had the final say. Even if Rhyne didn't want to get involved, Coleridge handling the situation himself was expected. However, Jefferson, a strong contender for the mayoral seat and Rhyne's political rival, acting as a bridge here seemed odd. There was one possible explanation, though... By this point, Jack and V had mentally checked out of the conversation, their attention drifting toward the food on the table. Jefferson chuckled and poured Leo another glass of water. "Thanks to you risking yourselves to expose the truth, Commissioner Coleridge finally had the leverage to clean up the corruption inside the department. I almost made him sound like a good guy, but either way, public pressure alone often doesn't mean much. Sometimes, power struggles just need a little opening, don't they?" Leo thought for a moment and replied, "I'm not great with political games, so since you invited me here, let me give you my take—see if I got it right. I saw in the news that the NCPD was planning to purchase highly dangerous Centaur exoskeletons from Militech. But an angry mob surrounded the NCPD, delaying the procurement. I'm guessing the real backers of that angry mob were Arasaka. That's public pressure. But the procurement still got stalled, meaning there was a high-ranking official exerting force behind the scenes. Based on what you're saying now, that official was Holt. He's Arasaka's guy and controlled the procurement process. So... your sponsor is Militech. Funny, your campaign image has always been the cleanest politician in Night City—never taking corpo bribes, never dealing with gangs." Jefferson's smile remained, but the amusement in his eyes faded slightly. "This isn't bribery. You're really smart—ever considered going to college and getting into politics? I can tell you're a good person. Among so many mercs with no morals, you're a real oddity." As he spoke, his cybernetic eyes discreetly captured Jack and V finally giving in to their hunger— Though their way of eating was... unique. The two first glanced at the silverware on the table, then picked up their napkins before grabbing the beef with their hands and tearing into it. Oddly enough, they still managed to look somewhat refined—in the realm of eating with one's hands, at least. Jefferson's eyelid twitched, but Leo quickly pulled his attention back. "I don't care about politics," Leo said flatly. "Democratic elections where the ten biggest corpos get to vote? What a joke." Peralez's smile faded. "Yeah. The corporations are too greedy. If I become mayor, I will change that." "Higher corporate taxes, with the revenue going into education, healthcare, infrastructure, and other public services?" "Yes." Jefferson nodded, looking serious. "I mean what I say. I'm not making empty promises just for votes. This recent incident has significantly weakened Rhyne's faction, and it'll help clean up the NCPD a bit. As for Militech— I promise that once I'm elected, I'll increase the NCPD's procurement of Militech gear." So, in exchange for accepting higher corporate taxes, Militech gets guaranteed government contracts to offset their losses. The tax revenue would still partially funnel back into buying Militech's equipment. But Arasaka wouldn't get the same benefit, meaning they'd lose out. Still, there was a question. Leo pressed on, "But isn't Coleridge Rhyne's guy? Why would he listen to you?" Jefferson smirked. "Public safety is crucial. If Coleridge was willing to use this situation to clean house, that means he's still reasonable. And the increased NCPD budget I promised? That's what's funding the Militech deal. Rhyne and Coleridge actually disagree on this—Rhyne wants to cut the NCPD's budget and hire private military contractors to clear out Watson North's homeless population. But handing over public safety entirely to those corpos? I don't agree with that." The logic made sense, and Coleridge's sudden shift in allegiance seemed justifiable. As for Rhyne's plan to use PMCs to "clean up" the industrial district in Watson—that was just his version of a kill the homeless policy. Some rumors even suggested Rhyne planned to use Militech for this job, though he had long been seen as favoring Arasaka. After all, during the recent Unification War, Militech nearly took over Night City. It was Rhyne's political maneuvering that brought Arasaka back into the city, ensuring its independence. Who knew if Rhyne would flip sides again? It wasn't surprising that Militech wanted a backup candidate. So Militech stepped back, found a more "reliable" mayoral candidate, and worked with him instead. Leo gave a small nod. This was all just standard political maneuvering—technically not even corruption. Or maybe it was, but Jefferson's reasoning was solid. It wasn't just taking money to do favors. "And the remaining five corporations obviously support your tax plan," Leo continued, "because it means the top five corpos bear the brunt of the taxes. Then you rope in Militech—six against four. A narrow but workable majority." Jefferson smiled. "Actually, it's seven against three. Night Corp supports my policies too, so I have a slight advantage." At this point, only Kang Tao, Arasaka, and Biotechnica opposed him. "And have you considered what they stand to gain?" Leo asked. "Of course," Jefferson said sincerely. "I've spent a lot of time confirming it. Because Night Corp genuinely upholds the ideals of Night City's founder, Richard Night— To create a true utopia. That's also why I want to hire you. I know you have ideals too. Join me." Jefferson extended his hand, looking at Leo with sincerity. If he was a conman— Then he was the greatest conman in the world. The kind who even deceived himself. Leo didn't shake his hand. Instead, he glanced at Jack and V— The two were already lost in their food, devouring everything from beef to vegetables to fruit salad. Sigh. When will they wise up? "Tell me what you need us to do first."

Chapter 272: The World's Greatest Conman

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