Chapter 405: Millieu

“Either the Tower of Magic secures its own lines or gains command authority…” That was Terence’s answer.

After hearing about the internal conflict among the Cannibal Chef’s forces, Terence’s attitude had drastically changed from yesterday, when he was keen on cooperating with Loculi University.

Kevin agreed with Terence, and upon hearing their reasoning, Oliver soon understood why.

“This is quite strange.”

They were in District 10 of Ravely, the Capital of Gallos. Oliver, who was waiting for Murphy, spoke.

Yareli, standing beside Oliver, had changed her face with Disguise Magic from the Pure Mana School. She wore a woman’s suit that made it easy to move.

Not only did dresses suit her, but suits did too.

“The fact that Loculi University can’t work together and keeps bickering?”

“Yes… And the fact that they think they can capture the Cannibal Chef while his forces are splitting.”

Yes, Loculi University wasn’t as united as they should have been, and they were overly optimistic. Even Oliver could see that.

Contrary to expectations of the entire university joining forces to capture the Cannibal Chef, Kevin and Terence found that the departments were still blaming each other for the betrayal of the Life Alchemy Department.

It was a kind of political struggle.

Honestly, that in itself wasn’t the problem. Political struggles existed everywhere.

The issue was that because of it, they were losing focus on the more important fight with the Cannibal Chef.

There were also those skeptical about the fight with the Cannibal Chef or those who thought there could be traitors, so they said they should focus on internal audits first. It seemed the university was far from unified.

“I agree, but they can’t help it either.”

Yareli both agreed with Oliver and defended them.

“Why do you think so?”

“Because it’s a natural law. Any organization, including a nation, naturally solidifies over time, and in that process, factions and vested interests form. Of course, sides will be drawn… That’s why sometimes seemingly foolish political fights happen. Loculi University isn’t foolish; it’s just an inevitable flow.”

“Hm… But Terence called them fools.”

“Yes, I heard that, and I agree. But the Roer Family to which Terence belongs does the same thing.”

“Oh, really?”

Oliver showed interest.

“Yes, the Roer Family is also fighting with ordinary soldiers to maintain their influence over the kingdom’s military magic sector. The Tower of Magic is no different… All people can do foolish things.”

Taken by Yareli’s sincere advice, Oliver nodded.

It was certainly true. Anyone could do foolish things without realizing it. Or even knowingly.

Including Oliver himself.

“So, let’s just focus on our tasks. I think that’s more productive.”

“You’re absolutely right. Thank you for your wise counsel.”

“No thanks necessary. We’re in the same mission, so I just mentioned it. Besides, because of Loculi’s situation, this task has become even more important.”

“Though I don’t know what it is, that’s fortunate.”

A third voice cut into Yareli and Oliver’s conversation.

Turning towards the voice, Oliver saw Murphy Kimble, along with her aunt Maggie, cousin Morrison, and Jane.

Behind them were a squad of guards, who seemed to emanate a formidable aura. But Oliver’s eyes were more drawn to Maggie and Jane’s attire.

How should he put it? It felt unusual. Maybe too elaborate?

“Hello there, Black Ma… Ah, sorry, Mr. Xenom. Please excuse the outfits; we dressed to match the local customs.”

Maggie, Murphy’s aunt and the matriarch of the Kimble family, greeted them warmly and apologized.

“Ah, no need. It’s a pleasure to meet you again… But what do you mean by local customs?”

“In Gallos, gender distinctions are strict, and nobles here are quite old-fashioned. They prefer men to dress like men and women like women. That’s why we’re wearing such elaborate clothes.”

Oliver nodded as he looked at Maggie’s large hat, ribbons, and a dress adorned with frills.

Indeed, there were women dressed like this in the mansions of the Restoration nobles he had visited with Yareli.

But he found it puzzling. As far as Oliver knew, the people Murphy was going to meet with weren’t Restoration nobles but likely members of Millieu.

“That’s because the person we’ll be meeting in Millieu, Lucien Murat, claims to be a descendant of fallen nobles.”

“Claims to be?”

“Yes, no one knows if he’s a real noble, but he’s one of the most powerful figures in Millieu, so nobody bothers to dispute it.”

“Ah, I see. Understood… Maggie, your outfit suits you well.”

Oliver complimented Maggie’s attire, recalling what he learned from the Angel House, where he was taught to always compliment a woman’s clothing.

Maggie returned the compliment with thanks.

“Thank you for the compliment.”

“Jane, your outfit suits you as well.”

“Thanks for saying that, but it’s complicated.”

“Is it?”

“Yes, I don’t like clothes like these.”

Jane tapped at her hat adorned with flashy decorations and a dress covered in frills with visible dissatisfaction.

“I prefer something simpler.”

“When we first met, you wore similar clothes, though less ornate.”

“…That wasn’t because I liked them.”

“Ah… But they still look lovely on you.”

Oliver complimented Jane directly, keeping in mind the teachings from the Angel House. For some reason, the atmosphere became slightly awkward.

“Um… Sorry to interrupt, but may I talk about the task now? That’s why we’re here, after all.”

Breaking the awkward silence, Murphy spoke up. It was a very valid point, and Oliver immediately answered.

“Yes, of course.”

“Good, I was worried you might have forgotten… Now, we are going to meet the Murat Family from Millieu. There are my subordinates with us, but only a few guards can enter, and you’re one of them, Xenom.”

“I will do my best. Murphy.”

“I know. I trust your skills and reputation, Xenom… But please still be cautious.”

“…?”

“Because Lucien Murat has a peculiar temperament, even among the thugs of Millieu. Who knows what tricks he might pull, so please be especially vigilant.”

***

Lucien Murat. As they walked along, Murphy spoke respectfully and in detail about him to Oliver.

“To sum him up in one word, he’s a businessman.”

“A businessman?”

“Or a gambler, a quick-witted man, or simply a lucky person.”

“I’m not sure I understand.”

“Hmm… Think of it as someone who makes excellent choices at crucial moments. He’s an excellent investor.”

That made sense. Oliver had learned a bit about the organization called Millieu back in Backport.

A crime firm in Gallos rooted in bandits, thieves, and fallen nobles. However, their temperament was closer to warriors or thugish gangsters.

“Yes, exactly. Millieu gangs are all like that. That’s why a large portion of their business is still pretty straightforward… In contrast, Lucien is skilled at managing a variety of ventures, such as smuggling, prostitution, and gambling. Even in the turmoil of Gallos, he made smart moves at key moments, maintaining his position for a long time. He’s someone we have to be cautious of. That’s why I specifically asked for you, Xenom.”

Oliver nodded, saying he would keep it in mind.

After all, Murphy herself had risen from among many crime firm members to the rank of Alcohol King. Her concerns certainly had merit.

“Is that Dix Castle?”

Oliver asked as he looked at an old castle in District 10 of Ravely, the Capital of Gallos.

This district, home to poor artists, cheap workers, and immigrants—all from the lower rungs of society—was said to be a violent, crime-ridden area. Yet, stationed proudly amid such a place was a castle, emanating a grandeur that could rival any in Randa.

“Yes, that’s correct. I don’t know why a castle like that is in the middle of a city, but it’s now Lucien Murat’s home and the base for the Murat Family.”

As if to prove her words, numerous armed guards could be seen around the castle.

The armed forces ranged from those holding submachine guns to mana users dressed like medieval knights.

“Well, let’s go.”

Murphy approached Dix Castle, which was surrounded by a moat created using a tributary of the Aqey River that ran through Ravely.

As they got closer, a gatekeeper, clad in chain mail and armed with a longsword, greeted them.

“Welcome, Murphy. We’ve been expecting you.”

“Hello, Jacques.”

***

His eyes, voice, and the aura around him—all far surpassed the gatekeeper’s. His name was Jacques.

He was the enforcer for the Murat Family, known to be a formidable mana user and a warrior.

Knowing Murphy, he greeted them with courteous formality, then escorted a minimal group of attendees and guards into the castle.

‘Impressive.’

Following behind Murphy, Maggie, Morrison, and Jane, Oliver looked around, observing and thinking.

The castle’s interior was even more luxurious and well-maintained than its exterior suggested.

Considering the castle’s size, it seemed like maintaining it would require a massive budget… even if Millieu’s business was straightforward and they were overshadowed by the Cannibal Chef, they had accumulated significant wealth.

‘No, it’s probably just this family… Murphy mentioned that Lucien was indeed a shrewd businessman. I guess this is their boss.’

Oliver thought as he looked toward the long corridor lined with numerous paintings towards a door. And he was not wrong.

“Ha! Welcome!”

Thanks to Jacques, the door opened, and a middle-aged man accompanied by his subordinates warmly greeted Murphy.

The man had a dark complexion, thick skin, a square jaw, slicked-back hair, and thick lips, giving him a rather light-hearted, sly look.

At least, on the surface.

But underneath, he was as cunning as any of Randa’s crime firm directors and possessed mana surpassing that of average users.

‘And an immense vitality, despite his age.’

Oliver thought, noticing the overwhelming life force Lucien had.

Murphy greeted him.

“Hello, Lucien. Have you been well?”

“Of course, I’m doing well! I can’t believe you came in person. Thank you, thank you.”

Lucien enthusiastically shook Murphy’s hand as he matched her tone. He shook it vigorously up and down.

“Since you’re so busy, of course, I had to come.”

“Thanks for understanding. Come, come, this way.”

Before Murphy could say much more, Lucien placed a hand on her shoulder and led her to a table.

Although Murphy was a former soldier and fairly strong herself, Lucien’s strength nearly pushed her into the chair.

“Everyone, please, take a seat.”

After seating Murphy at the table, Lucien gestured for Maggie, Morrison, and the others to sit as well.

“What a feast.”

Murphy remarked, looking at the spread on the table. Indeed, the table was loaded with all kinds of food.

“My grandmother always said, ‘If you have important guests, you should feed them until they’re full.’ You’re an important business partner, Murphy, so of course, we feed you like this.”

“Thanks for the kind words. However, there’s something I wanted to discuss-”

“-Wait, try this soup first. We’ve been preparing it since this morning for your arrival.”

Lucien cut Murphy off mid-sentence. Annoyed by his transparent tactics, she reluctantly tried the soup.

“…It’s delicious.”

“I’m glad you like it! We made it especially for you, Murphy. By the way, may I ask something? I’m so curious.”

“What is it?”

“In the Randa radio drama… does the female lead end up dating her student?”

“A transfer student appears and competes with the student for the female teacher’s affection.”

“Goodness! What a ridiculous plot! That’s Randa for you!”

Lucien exclaimed, not sure if it was praise or mockery. But he didn’t stop and continued with more trivial chatter.

Topics like stock prices, fashion trends, cars—mundane and miscellaneous talk. Though it seemed minor, every bit of it was intended to throw Murphy off balance.

A strategy to lead the negotiations favorably.

Even his subordinates started to join in those thoughts.

For instance, the woman standing behind Lucien.

Wearing a steel corset armor, with a dagger and rapier at her waist, she whispered something to Lucien.

“Hm? Oh… I see…”

“Say, Murphy.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“May I ask who the beautiful lady beside you is? My daughter says she’s never seen her before, and I don’t recall meeting her either. Who might she be?”

Murphy frowned.

“She’s Miss Jane, a member of my business investment firm. Her reputation is well-known, even in Randa. I meant to introduce you earlier, but we got caught up talking. My apologies.”

“No need to apologize! But a female investor? That’s something. How common is that? Female investors, I mean.”

“They’re not common in Randa either, but some do exist. She’s part of the Sisterhood, supported by Lady Miranda—”

“—Ah, that prostitute group?”

It was a small but clear voice. The woman who had whispered to Lucien said it aloud.

She spoke with a mix of contempt and provocation.

It was a statement one could not overlook, even if it were an accident. But the woman didn’t stop there; she offered some unsolicited advice to her father, Lucien, the boss.

“Let’s send her out. This is a place for warriors and businessmen. Someone like her doesn’t belong here.”

“Whoa, whoa, girl. You should never speak to a guest like that. Forgive her, please. My daughter is… How do I say it? Um, in matters like this—”

“—An apology is required.”

Someone cut off Lucien’s babbling.

Calm but firm. It was none other than Oliver.

“Hmm, what did you say?”

“I asked you to apologize.”