Chapter 29: Ch.28 Fading Honor

Chapter 29: Ch.28 Fading Honor

In today's Gotham, perhaps only Falcone would still refer to Penguin as the "little cripple."

There was no malice or emotion behind his words. It was as if he were talking about a wayward relative in his family. It was just two old friends chatting about everyday things, with no reservations.

Gordon frowned, puzzled by Falcone's intentions. After kidnapping him with dozens of guns, was he really just here to catch up?

Falcone took a sip of his drink, then sat back in his chair with a sigh.

"After I came back, I looked at her territory. I have to say, she's far worse than her mother. It's embarrassing for me as her uncle."

"Penguin..."

"Yes, everyone now calls her Penguin. She even embraces that nickname. But she's forgotten that she should be Miss Cobblepot, not defined by that name derived from her limp." Falcone leaned back on the sofa, gently twirling the ring on his finger.

"She's different from you," Gordon said, taking a sip of his drink. Facing Falcone, he needed a way to calm himself and think clearly.

"Yes, that's why I spared the Cobblepot family back then. She's cunning but useful. I thought she had a bright future." Falcone smiled as he reminisced, looking up at the dark ceiling as if gazing at the sky. "But she's lost too much ground over the years, even letting new families rise up. That's her biggest mistake. Look, she even allowed the Yakuza to enter Gotham."

"The Yakuza entered under the guise of legitimate businesses, using investment as a front. But one day, I'll bring them to justice."

Gordon knew about these Japanese gangsters. Most of the biker gangs in Gotham now were theirs, involved in illegal street racing and drug trafficking. He just needed more evidence, and he'd been working hard to get it.

Falcone nodded, waving a hand slightly in Gordon's direction.

"Yes, I understand, but this wasn't supposed to be your job. You stand in the light, and this should've been Miss Cobblepot's responsibility." Falcone's next words shattered Gordon's worldview: "Before I left, I met with her. I protected her family and territory so she could assist you, and she agreed."

"What—" Gordon was shocked. What was going on?

"You're a police officer, and you can arrest any criminal. But when people like the Yakuza, disguised in legal garb, enter Gotham, aren't you powerless against them?" Falcone spoke calmly, as if he'd anticipated everything. "So I left Cobblepot behind. When darkness you can't handle appears, she can take care of it the way the underworld does. But she..."

To be honest, Penguin might be short and walk comically, but she was very clever and utterly unscrupulous.

Flattery and bootlicking were her forte. She followed the old family ways while adopting the methods of the new powers.

She didn't need honor but remembered the rules.

Penguin rarely caused trouble for Gordon directly. Most of the time, she focused on running her restaurant. If she saw him on the road, she'd enthusiastically invite him to dinner, loudly describing the day's lobster and salmon's authenticity and freshness at busy intersections.

Gordon would always roll up his car window quickly, blocking out her endless chatter, and drive away. But Penguin never minded. The next time they met, she'd recommend new dishes.

She had close relationships with many city officials, and the Iceberg Lounge was the most popular spot in town. Every night, the city's elites gathered there, and she mingled smoothly among them.

It was just like how the ten families operated back in the day, and Gordon didn't like that atmosphere.

"Because she broke the law." Gordon said to Falcone.

"I know. You're just that kind of person—you can't tolerate any blemish, haha." Falcone laughed again, picking up a white handkerchief to dab at his mouth. "But I also know it's that little girl from the Wayne family egging you on, right? She's always hated us."

"Because you killed her parents."

"It wasn't just us... The Waynes were also founders of this city. We shared the prosperity and wealth of Gotham. She should have become an outstanding entrepreneur or a leader, not this... not who she is today." Falcone looked guilty. Bryce's parents were also his friends, and they often watched plays together.

"A hero today?" Gordon raised an eyebrow.

"A lunatic today," Falcone looked up, his old eyes scrutinizing Gordon as if peering into his soul.

"Tell me, Gordon, do you still think Bryce is normal? Dressed in that costume, flying around the city, unleashing her inner fears... spreading that fear to her enemies, reflecting it back on herself. Is that normal?"

Gordon's lips moved slightly, as if dryness had made him speechless. He wanted to say something but found himself unable to utter a word.