Chapter 433: Oliver requested to meet Forest.

Al quickly regained his composure and replied that he would bring Forest.

“I’ll guide you to the office first. The boss is on the third floor, could you wait for a moment?”

The third floor… Oliver looked at the staircase going up to the third floor. Unlike the open hall of the first and second floors, the third floor was separated into rooms allowing private conversations.

“The third floor… What’s Forest doing up there?”

“He’s attending to guests…”

Al hesitated for a moment before replying, making Oliver curious about what kind of reception was taking place on the third floor.

“Mr. Al?”

“Yes, Mr. Dave?”

“If it’s alright, can I also go up to the third floor?”

“Huh?”

“I’ve never been to the third floor, so I’m curious.”

***

Thankfully, Al agreed to Oliver’s request.

Initially, he looked troubled, but after staring at Oliver’s face for a moment, he decided to guide him.

Though Oliver felt a bit sorry for possibly causing trouble, he had no regrets. Thanks to this, he had the chance to look around the third floor of the Forest Restaurant and meet Forest himself.

“Dave?”

Forest, who was talking with guests in the largest room on the third floor, spoke when he saw Oliver.

He displayed a myriad of emotions.

Surprise, embarrassment, doubt, concern, confusion.

Forest was shocked by Oliver’s sudden appearance, embarrassed by his sunken face, curious about what happened, and simultaneously worried.

The final confusion was due to wondering why Oliver came here directly.

Al looked troubled.

Standing behind Al, Oliver glanced around at the guests in the third-floor room.

Most looked like wealthy individuals from Randa, but there was no one he recognized except for Paul Carver, the Minister of Internal Affairs, sitting in the corner.

Despite being the youngest present, Carver greeted Oliver calmly.

“Hello, Mr. Dave.”

“Hello, Mr. Carver. It’s been a while.”

“Yes, it really has.”

Carver replied leisurely, then looked back and forth between Oliver and Forest, drawing his own conclusions before standing up.

“Unfortunately, since the meal is over, I suppose I should take my leave now. Don’t you all agree?”

Carver said, with a half-eaten Meat Pie in front of him—a blatant lie.

However, despite that, all the guests stood up. Even though they were twice Carver’s age, they couldn’t ignore his words.

“The Meat Pie here is quite good. I’ll have to come back.”

Carver greeted Oliver as he passed by, and the other guests followed him like ducklings.

Thanks to this, most of the guests in the room left at once, leaving only Forest, Al, and the uninvited Oliver behind.

An awkward silence settled.

Al was the first to break the silence.

“I’m sorry, boss.”

Oliver shook his head.

“No, it’s my fault for insisting on coming here. I’m not sure what it was about, but it’s definitely my fault.”

Forest shook his head as well.

“No, it’s not your fault… It’s my fault for not being prepared and expecting you, Dave.”

Oliver nodded in satisfaction at the warm scene where everyone was taking the blame on themselves. Al quietly closed his eyes, while Forest shook his head slightly.

As if giving up on something.

“Sigh… Al, you’ve done well by guiding Dave. You may leave now.”

At Forest’s words, Al bowed respectfully, then bid farewell to Oliver before leaving the room.

As soon as Al closed the door behind him, Forest poured some alcohol into a glass and started to speak.

“Weren’t you supposed to be in Gallos?”

“I just got back.”

“I’ve been getting real-time updates on Ravely from my informant there… Did you return alone?”

“Yes, I didn’t have anything to do, and I happened to hear some interesting news.”

Forest took a sip from the glass he had poured.

“Let me guess, it’s about the redevelopment in X-District?”

Oliver nodded, appreciating Forest for getting straight to the point. It wasn’t bad.

“Yes, I heard about it from Miss Jane. She mentioned that I was involved. Can you tell me what this is about?”

“Of course. But since this might take a while, why not have a seat?”

Accepting Forest’s suggestion, Oliver gladly sat down.

“Uh, if it’s alright with you, may I eat the food here? I’m rather hungry.”

Oliver pointed to a veal steak that had been partially eaten. Seeing Oliver’s shrunken face, Forest shook his head.

“You do look hungry… I’ll have something fresh brought out.”

“No, this is fine. It would be a waste to throw it away, wouldn’t it?”

Seeing Oliver insist, Forest allowed it, and Oliver picked up a fork and knife, cutting into and eating the steak.

It was a strange sight. Even though he ate very neatly, there was an intense hunger about him.

One might even call it a wild beast in a suit, there was a peculiar sort of intensity about it.

“I heard there was quite a commotion in Gallos… What happened there?”

Forest asked cautiously and Oliver hesitated for a moment, considering whether or not to discuss his battle with the Flesh Cook and their conversation.

He considered telling him. After all, Forest knew both Oliver’s real name and true face.

Oliver wanted to consult him about the strange bothersome feelings and suffocation he was experiencing.

But in the end, he decided he couldn’t. Because he couldn’t quite articulate to himself what was wrong in the first place.

It made no sense to ask for advice when you weren’t even sure of your own condition.

Oliver decided to focus on the reason he came here in the first place.

Maybe by focusing on something else, he’d learn something new or simply forget about his troubles.

With that in mind, Oliver explained that during the disturbance in Ravely, he was caught in the Disease-Weakness Death Magic, leading to his current state.

“I’m hungry, but it’s manageable. Please don’t worry; I’m fine.”

Hearing this, Forest looked puzzled.

He knew Oliver’s abilities, so it was hard to believe. Yet, Forest refrained from questioning any further, out of consideration for Oliver.

“I’ll arrange for a Holy Item from the Pater Church. If it’s Death Magic, the Holy Power should counteract it.”

Oliver nodded. Though it wasn’t lethal, the hunger was rather uncomfortable, especially since it reminded him of the Flesh Cook.

“Thank you… It is somewhat amusing. The fact that a Necromancer like me needs a Holy Item to break free from Death Magic.”

“Officially, you’re also a wizard of the Tower of Magic… Did you come all the way to the third floor to discuss something like this?”

A signal to return to the main topic. Oliver shook his head.

“No, I was also curious about the third floor, and I wanted to ask about the redevelopment in X-District… Were the guests here earlier related to that?”

As soon as the question was asked, Oliver put the last piece of veal steak in his mouth and chewed.

He set the empty plate aside and started eating something else. It was delicious.

“Rather than being involved, it’s more accurate to say they’re interested in it.”

“…!”

“They’re the CEOs of small construction companies in Randa who came after hearing the rumors about the redevelopment. They had heard that I obtained the rights to develop X-District, which is, frankly, a misunderstanding.”

“Didn’t you start the redevelopment project, Mr. Forest?”

“That’s just a rumor. I haven’t started anything. Where would I even get the right to develop anything?”

“Then…”

“Do you remember the multi-family housing in X-District that you purchased? The one where Miss Marie and her people are staying?”

“Yes.”

“And Fighter Crew. Because you asked them to renovate the houses, rumors started. It’s understandable. After all, you did break ground in X-District.”

“Ah…”

Oliver couldn’t help but let out a sigh. He suspected as much, and it turned out to be true.

“Ah… I’m sorry, Mr. Forest. Because of me, you’ve been dragged into an unwanted redevelopment project… I’m truly sorry for the trouble.”

“No, that’s not it.”

“What?”

“I’m actually interested in the redevelopment project.”

***

Voom!

On a dark night. A small boat sped along River Sem, which ran through the giant city of Randa.

On the boat, Oliver stood holding a Quarterstaff in one hand and a bag with a Meat Pie and wine in the other.

Oliver recalled Forest’s words.

“I’m really interested in the redevelopment project itself. Frankly, isn’t it odd not to be interested in making money in Randa? And it’s not just me, Fighter Crew and The Selectors are the same.”

Forest said that both Fighter Crew and The Selectors are very interested in the redevelopment of X-District.

And, of course, the reason is money.

“Well, Knuckle Joe has another reason too.”

“Another reason besides money?”

“It might sound silly, but yes. Along with that guy, all the people living in X-District share a common dream. To move away from the harsh conditions of X-District and into a place that’s more livable. It’s not strange. There aren’t many who’d want to live in a place where you could get shot walking down the street, and even less so if you have family to care for.”

Oliver understood what Forest was saying. Joe, like others in X-District, had a family he cared for within his community.

“But relocating is tough in practice. Money is the biggest issue, but there are other reasons. Some have unwillingly adapted to X-District or have grown attached to it as their hometown. Others might have fears about living somewhere else entirely. Do you know what they dream about?”

Oliver shook his head. He couldn’t quite empathize with it, so he couldn’t guess. Normally, he would have shrugged it off, but strangely, Oliver felt a peculiar bitterness.

“They dream of transforming the place they live in. Making X-District a more livable place… Although, it’s a nearly impossible dream, so most just leave it as a dream.”

Silently, Oliver nodded. He vaguely understood what Forest meant.

“What about Marie and The Selectors? They’re outsiders, aren’t they?”

“For them, it’s about money too. Specifically, funds to keep their community running. I had a conversation with them the other day, and they mentioned how they lost a significant amount of wealth due to the Holy Knights’ attack, and even had to temporarily stop their main business of producing Filgarett, partly out of concern for you. I think it was a wise decision. Given how chaotic things have been in Randa recently, lying low is a smart move… But they’re still worried about their depleted funds. Even though they’re holding on with what little they have, eventually they’ll hit a limit. After all, a well runs dry eventually. That’s why they’re interested in redevelopment—to secure legal funding.”

The reasons all made sense. Then, Forest pulled out some papers from his pocket and handed them to Oliver.

They were the Business Plan and the Business Registration Application.

“This is the X-District redevelopment project plan and the business registration application. Take a look.”

“… There’s one name missing from the representative column.”

Oliver looked at the blank space next to Forest’s name on the business registration application and asked.

“That’s your spot.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you. After all, for the X-District redevelopment to be feasible, what’s needed even before capital and manpower is you. You were the one who negotiated with the Anti-Development Committee and got their approval. Without you, this project is just a pipe dream.”

Forest showed the project plan to Oliver, explaining the basic funds they could mobilize and providing various other details.

Even for someone like Oliver who was unfamiliar with business, it seemed quite plausible.

There were many interested investors, and even the City Business Support Department and banks were showing interest—enough to provide substantial support and loans.

Well, it was a project to develop an underdeveloped area.

Forest even explained the CEO’s salary and various other perks.

“Of course, that’s probably not what matters most to you… So, do you think you might want to give it a try?”

Oliver couldn’t answer right away. He had only come to find out more about the X-District redevelopment project—nothing more. He hadn’t given it any further thought.

It didn’t seem like a bad idea. The pay was good, and with his mind so cluttered, doing something else to take his attention off things might not be a bad choice.

But, on the other hand, it didn’t seem that appealing either. Money wasn’t an issue for him anymore, and the job seemed like a lot more work than he was looking for. He needed something to occupy himself with, not overly demanding work.

Moreover, there was something else that was bothering him…

Oliver suddenly realized he was being quite selfish.

In the end, after thinking it through, Oliver asked Forest for some time. He said he needed to check on something before making his decision. Forest readily agreed.

“We’re about to arrive! Be careful!”

Captain Noah, who was steering the boat, called out to Oliver, who was lost in thought.

The old man who had ferried Oliver to Z-District previously was noticeably friendlier this time.

This made Oliver curious, wondering if the old man’s tone had something to do with his expectations.

Rumble, rumble.

As they got closer to Y-District, the boat began to shake before slowing to a stop.

The muddy ground and scattered piles of trash around the waterfront in Y-District remained unchanged, like time itself had frozen.

“Are you sure you want to go alone?”

Captain Noah asked in his usual gruff tone, concerned for Oliver.

Oliver replied.

“Yes, it’s fine. I made it out safely last time too.”

“Just because it was okay yesterday doesn’t mean it’s safe today…”

Captain Noah became even more worried, noticing Oliver’s gaunt face, as if he had more to say.

“I think I’ll be alright. Thank you for your concern… Is there something you’d like to ask?”

Captain Noah hesitated, before finally mustering the courage to speak.

“So, is it true… that you’ll be redeveloping X-District?”

Oliver observed Captain Noah’s emotions—he was skeptical, yet harboring a strange sense of hope.

“I’m not sure yet… May I ask why you’re wondering?”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

Noah responded in his typical gruff, blunt way, which only made his underlying hope even more apparent. Despite his doubts, he wanted to believe it.

Oliver replied.

“I truly don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

“Yes, that’s why I’m going to find out.”

Saying this, Oliver entered Y-District, while Captain Noah watched him go, as if he were possessed by a ghost, before returning to X-District.

In all his years, Noah had met all sorts of people, but none quite like Oliver…

As the boat disappeared beyond the wide River Sem, Oliver stopped walking.

“Would you please come out?”

At Oliver’s request, Bartholomew, the elder of the Anti-Development Committee, emerged from the shadows.

Though he had not used any Death Magic, it was as if he had completely merged with the darkness, eliminating all traces of his presence.

As soon as he appeared, Bartholomew greeted Oliver by lightly attacking him with the Quarterstaff made of flesh, to which Oliver responded by swinging his own Quarterstaff in kind.

In the dead of night, the sound of the wind cutting and the Quarterstaffs clashing rang out, leaving deep scars on the ground each time they struck.

After several exchanges of blows.

Bartholomew and Oliver swung their Quarterstaffs at each other, causing them to collide.

BOOM!

An indescribable sound erupted. Both of them slid back, scraping their feet along the ground.

“Your skills have improved remarkably, oh Great One…”

“Have they?”

Oliver, whose mind was slightly clouded by various events, replied half-heartedly. It was probably due to his close combat training in Gallos and the fight with the Flesh Cook.

“Did you know I’d be coming here?”

“Not exactly. But I was told you would come eventually.”

“Oh… Who told you?”

“The Great One informed me.”

“…”

Oliver fell silent, finding the reply as cryptic as ever. In the silence, Bartholomew spoke first.

“What brings you to visit us here?”

Oliver snapped out of his thoughts and remembered why he had come. Although he still had many questions for Bartholomew, he decided to put them aside for now, as there were still too many unresolved mysteries.

He didn’t want to complicate his thoughts further.

“I’ve come to ask… No, rather, to request permission for something.”

“The Great One doesn’t need to ask us for permission.”

“…Do you remember when I came here last time?”

“I remember. You came to ask if it was acceptable to repair the new settlement for the followers of the Great One.”

Oliver hesitated momentarily. It was similar, yet something felt very different.

He wanted to correct the statement, but he pushed the conversation forward instead. Correcting every detail would get them nowhere.

“Yes… I’m not certain about what we will do, but may I ask if we can also redevelop other buildings in X-District aside from the ones I mentioned?”

“As you wish, Great One. As I mentioned before, we won’t dare interfere with whatever you choose to do.”

Bartholomew answered without hesitation. Truthfully, he had hoped there would be some refusal, but the acceptance was so prompt and clear that he was left at a loss for words.

“Ah… Thank you for your kindness… Here, please take this. I brought it along as it felt improper to come empty-handed.”

Oliver handed over an envelope he was holding. It contained a Meat Pie and a bottle of wine, ordered from Forest Restaurant.

In contrast to his usually solemn demeanor, Bartholomew received the envelope politely and with great care.

“Thank you for the gift.”

“No, it’s nothing… May I ask one question?”

Oliver spoke up suddenly. It was no surprise, as the concern weighing on his heart finally found its way out.

Bartholomew agreed readily, and Oliver explained a conversation he had shared with the Flesh Cook.

He left out the part about the Flesh Cook and only summarized the dialogue.

Bartholomew listened intently to the story, and once Oliver finished, he posed his question.

“Is that Great One also connected to this story…?”

It was an unexpected question, but it brought Oliver a sense of satisfaction, like scratching an itch in just the right spot. However, Bartholomew’s response didn’t provide the same relief.

“I’m sorry, but as I’ve said before, it’s not something we are worthy to speak of.”

The same answer as before, but this time, it was slightly bothersome. Like when basic needs such as hunger, an itch, or sleep are not satisfied.

Oliver asked again.

“Then when will I know?”

“You will learn when the sky turns to darkness and the undeniable will of the divine descends. Whether you want to or not.”

Bartholomew gave yet another cryptic response. It felt more like a prophecy than an answer.