Chapter 558: An Absurd Proposal
by xennovel“What?”
Oliver asked as if he couldn’t believe his ears. It really sounded nonsensical.
A priest telling a warlock to become a Flesh Cook? It was beyond anything Oliver could understand.
“I’m afraid you misunderstood. I didn’t mean for you to become a Flesh Cook. I meant for you to fill the vacant spot.”
“I’m sorry, but it sounds the same to me, Your Highness… What’s the difference between the two?”
Oliver raised a very reasonable question.
Flesh Cook. One of the fingers of the Black Hand, a monster that split Gallos’s underworld.
Filling his void was no different from becoming a monster like the Flesh Cook.
So, Oliver was puzzled. Why would a Holy Knight—a knight tasked with vanquishing warlocks—make such a proposal?
“Is it strange?”
“To be honest, yes, very much so. It doesn’t feel like a trap, though.”
Oliver looked into the Holy Knight’s emotions. Interestingly, there was no malice in Armand.
Although there was clear self-interest, it wasn’t the sinister and malicious type. It leaned more toward public interest, akin to what Paul Carver might do.
What Armand felt was calmness, curiosity, and expectation.
The expectation that Oliver could fill the void left by the Flesh Cook.
Was that why? Although Oliver had no interest in Armand’s proposal itself, he grew curious about the reason behind it.
Why would a high-ranking Pater Church official hide his identity to help Millieu and then go as far as to suggest that Oliver should take the Flesh Cook’s place?
As if reading Oliver’s thoughts, Armand spoke.
“You seem to have many questions… Have a seat. This is going to be a long conversation.”
Armand proposed, and after a brief thought, Oliver sat across from him.
“Let’s take it step by step. Where should we start?”
“Step by step…”
“May I ask why Your Highness has personally stepped in to help Millieu despite saying you’re busy?”
“That’s a simple question. It’s because I needed the Flesh Cook’s legacy that much.”
“I see.”
Armand tilted his head slightly.
“Gallos is in a bad situation right now. Because of the chaos caused by the Flesh Cook, the Royal Family has lost its authority, and many rats are scrambling to seize the lion’s position. In times like these, we’re desperate for good news to change the atmosphere. That’s why I stepped in personally.”
Oliver somewhat understood what he meant. He had heard and even witnessed how dire Gallos’s situation was.
For a high-ranking official to come forward to solve the situation, while unusual, was not impossible.
“Although it’s been a while since I left the front lines, I’m still confident in my abilities.”
Armand showed his confidence, a confidence that had some basis.
In fact, Armand’s current physical condition, holy power, and vitality even surpassed those of active Holy Knights.
It was evidence that he took good care of himself despite his busy schedule.
More importantly, Oliver had witnessed him decimate hundreds of zombies alone with a Gatling gun in the Verdant Forest. Confidence was justified.
‘That was Bay the Bomber’s zombie horde… the one with Claude and his group…’
Remembering that battle, Oliver thought of Claude, who had perished in the Verdant Forest after clearing a path for the Puppet.
Claude had come to the Verdant Forest for the Puppet, only to die in vain, used as a mere tool.
“Hmmm…”
“Are you okay?”
As Oliver let out a slight hum, lost in thought, Armand noticed something odd and called out.
Thanks to that, Oliver snapped out of his thoughts and returned to reality.
“Ah… I’m sorry. I got distracted for a moment.”
“I’m curious about what could distract you during a conversation. Were you thinking about the matters in the Verdant Forest?”
Armand’s sharp guess left Oliver momentarily stunned. It was as if he could see through emotions like a warlock.
“…It’s nothing. But where were we in our conversation?”
“I mentioned that I hid my identity to support Millieu for Gallos’s sake… And the proposal for you to fill the Flesh Cook’s void is for the same reason.”
Oliver snapped out of his reflection and focused on the conversation again.
“Ah, yes, you mentioned that… But I still don’t understand. How could that be beneficial for Gallos? Isn’t it better for Gallos if a figure like the Flesh Cook doesn’t exist?”
“I don’t know whether your understanding is poor or if you are just not interested, but think carefully and ask again. Is Gallos better off with or without the Flesh Cook?”
At that moment, Oliver understood what Armand was saying.
“People fear lions more than rats, but the number of people killed by lions isn’t that many. Dozens? Maybe a few hundred? But rats and mosquitoes are different. They may seem insignificant, but they’ve killed countless people.”
“So, Your Highness is saying the Flesh Cook is the lion, and the other warlocks are the rats or mosquitoes?”
“Exactly. Their power may be insignificant compared to the Flesh Cook, but they’re even more harmful.”
Oliver agreed with that statement, but not entirely.
As Armand said, the current period without the Flesh Cook was more chaotic. With the Flesh Cook gone, numerous warlocks fought daily.
Even though the Holy Knights and the police were trying their best, the situation was beyond their control.
It was a fact evident by just looking at the daily newspapers, radio channels, or simply observing the streets.
“But on the other hand, I can’t entirely agree.”
“Why not?”
“After all, didn’t the Flesh Cook also commit countless crimes? The only difference is that they were more systematic and secretive.”
This was true. Although it seemed more chaotic now with the Flesh Cook gone, his era wasn’t peaceful either.
It only appeared peaceful because the Flesh Cook made it look that way.
The information about the Flesh Cook that Oliver had heard from Merlin and Kevin confirmed this.
The Flesh Cook’s dishes that granted youth and vitality, and the Bloody Wine. The collusion with politicians and business elites using these. The human trafficking, loan sharks, fake orphanages—all to secure human flesh and blood. The crimes were just as numerous then as they are now.
The only difference was that the Flesh Cook’s crimes were hidden from the public, concentrated on the lower classes.
After listening, Armand responded.
“And is that a bad thing?”
Oliver was taken aback by the unexpected reply. It was an answer inappropriate for a religious figure.
“…Isn’t it obviously bad?”
“Yes, it is bad. But, the fact is, from the time humanity created states to the present, crime has never been completely eradicated. The real goal is not to erase it but to control it.”
Oliver remained silent. He had already heard something similar from Paul Carver and had read related books.
“Even so, don’t you think it’s a bit much for a high-ranking religious figure to say that… after all, you are a person of faith.”
“Hah… I can’t recall the last time someone referred to me as just a religious figure.”
“Are you not a person of faith?”
Oliver cut in, asking directly. This time, Armand remained silent for a moment before answering.
“…Yes, I am. No matter what titles or roles I have, ultimately, I follow the teachings of the divine. But at the same time, I am also someone concerned with worldly matters.”
“…”
“So, sometimes, instead of delivering the sacred teachings, I have to offer more practical, worldly solutions.”
“…That’s fascinating. It reminds me of something I’ve heard before.”
Oliver recalled a conversation with Joanna right after Rosburn’s disappearance.
Although he now understood Joanna’s circumstances and why she had acted that way, part of him still felt uneasy, and now, he had a similar feeling.
Sensing Oliver’s unease, Armand spoke up.
“Oh, you’re disparaging me… I get it. People often react this way when someone who should speak the words of God says things like these. They want something different, yet everyone wants to hear beautiful words that please them.”
“…”
“But unfortunately, I lack the ability to do that. If I could make everyone happy with my words, I wouldn’t be able to solve the problems tainted by the harsh realities of this world. So, I have to choose. I can either do nothing and say pleasant things to avoid being hated or get my hands dirty to solve the issues. I choose to do what I must.”
Oliver listened carefully to Armand’s words and observed his emotions.
There were many questions he wanted to ask, but Oliver decided to focus on the matter at hand.
“…Why are you making such a proposal to me?”
“The first reason is your ability. To fill the Flesh Cook’s void, you need overwhelming power, different from ordinary warlocks.”
“I’m not at that level.”
“Oh, really? You’re saying it’s nothing when you brought down a creature from the Sleeping Forest in one blow, then fought consecutively against a Prince of the Swan Sect using Sacrificial Magic and a Puppet? If you think that’s humility or courtesy, keep quiet. That’s not humility; that’s a different kind of arrogance.”
Oliver remained silent.
“Good… The second reason is your reputation. As you know, your exploits in the Verdant Forest are now spreading beyond Gallos’s underworld, to places far away. And people are calling it the birth of a new Finger or the return of the Flesh Cook.”
Oliver couldn’t say anything after hearing this, having already been told similar stories by Eve and Murphy.
No matter what Oliver thought, that was the reality.
“Even I was a bit surprised. You’re so similar to the Flesh Cook, especially with that absurd strength.”
“…I train a lot.”
Oliver made up a random excuse.
“Training? I hope others believe that your strength simply comes from training. People are starting to believe it wasn’t the Archive that took down the Flesh Cook but you.”
“Me?”
“Rumors always spread when it comes to this kind of stuff, especially when someone emerges with strength similar to the Flesh Cook’s. But it makes no difference to me.”
Armand said indifferently. He was more interested in how to make use of this, rather than the truth of the matter.
Oliver felt that the situation was spiraling in the wrong direction. But Armand continued his explanation as if nothing was wrong.
“The third reason is your unique status. You’re a fixer in the underworld who uses black magic, but at the same time, a mage hired by the Tower of Magic and a legitimate business owner in Randa.”
“I’m sorry, but that only makes it more impossible, Your Highness.”
“Are you worried that taking the place of a giant in the underworld like the Flesh Cook would jeopardize your status, which is delicately balanced between the shadows and the light?”
“Yes.”
“Then there’s no need to worry about that.”
“…Pardon?”
“If you accept my proposal, I’ll help black magic become a legitimate practice, with you at the center of it.”
* * *
Oliver tilted his head at the cryptic statement, then quickly straightened it.
It was the first time Oliver, who remained calm even in life-and-death situations, was that surprised.
Legalizing black magic? The most unbelievable part of this proposal was that, while it surely had ulterior motives, Armand was sincere.
There was no intent to deceive or go back on his word.
“Were you surprised?”
“…Yes, I’m surprised. But is it acceptable for someone who serves as a pillar of the Pater Church to make such a proposal?”
“On the contrary, it’s precisely because I’m part of the Pater Church that I can make this proposal. Who else could, if not us?”
Armand was right. Legalizing black magic was something that no one else—no politician, mage, or any other figure—would dare to propose. But strangely, it was a different story when it came to the Pater Church.
Because only they could supervise and curtail the practice of black magic.
Legalizing black magic. Whether it was possible or not was something that could only be determined by trying, but the fact that the conversation could even be brought up was entirely due to the Pater Church, especially its high-ranking officials.
Like Armand, who stood right in front of Oliver.
Oliver felt the chaotic questions that had been swirling in his mind for some time starting to clear and line up in order.
“Why are you doing this?”
“It’s the same reasoning as with crime. Since it can’t be completely eradicated, it’s better to keep it under control. You should understand that.”
Armand clearly understood the nature of black magic.
Most people believed black magic was primarily learned by those who craved blood, death, and worshipped demons, but the reality was somewhat different.
Although the nature of the art did tend to twist one’s character, most people studied black magic not for those reasons but for more practical ones.
For example, as the only means to dream of a better future.
That was true for others like Joseph or Marie, whom Oliver had met.
To gain the strength to protect themselves or to gain financial stability.
Of course, there were a few with different reasons, but those cases were rare.
“As a priest, it’s not something I should support, but I can’t say I don’t understand that feeling.”
“Learning black magic?”
“Yes. It doesn’t make sense to force someone to work 10 to 16 hours a day, only to still not have a roof to sleep under, in the name of righteousness.”
There was sincerity in his words.
“I understand why so many from the lower classes turn to black magic. And that’s why it becomes even more hidden and dangerous.”
“Your Highness, you’re quite different from the typical Holy Knight.”
“Oh, you seem to know well about Holy Knights. What usually sets them apart?”
Oliver hesitated.
“…No, that’s not what I meant.”
“Really? How intriguing. Even a warlock, a figure of prejudice, harbors his own prejudices.”
It was a sudden statement, but Oliver remained silent. Armand’s words seemed partly true, and Oliver apologized.
“I apologize. It seems I spoke thoughtlessly.”
“No need to apologize. Most people make that mistake… Anyway, the reason I’m making this proposal isn’t just to quell the current chaos. I’m aiming to bring black magic into the light and make it safer to control.”
“Hmm… It’s an interesting idea, but I doubt it’s possible when dealing with something that uses human lives as ingredients.”
“When extracting emotions and life force in small amounts, it doesn’t significantly harm the body. If you think of it like donating blood, it’s not impossible. Using corpses will require more discussion, though.”
Armand once again demonstrated his knowledge of black magic, revealing a deep understanding beyond mere analysis for the sake of suppression.
“More importantly, it’s not about whether something is possible but about making it possible.”
“I see your point.”
“And it wouldn’t be a bad deal for you. You would become a legitimate black magician and help design the structure for it.”
Oliver understood what he meant.
If, as Armand suggested, Oliver filled the Flesh Cook’s role to stabilize Gallos’s underworld, and did so with the support of the Pater Church, Oliver could control the warlocks in a way different from the Flesh Cook.
And Oliver understood the many interests that would arise from this.
“I don’t need to explain those benefits. You can ask your co-representative.”
“Hmm? You know about Forest?”
“Investigating Randa’s registered businesses would quickly reveal that. Did you think I would make such a proposal without at least that level of investigation? Same goes for the cult that follows you.”
Oliver wondered what kind of day he was having.
“Don’t misunderstand. I don’t hold any grudge or interest in that. I even know you rejected their worship.”
“…The Pater Church’s intelligence is impressive.”
“Whatever it may be, the Pater Church is responsible for serving God and protecting this land… The point I want to make is that your followers would also benefit. Even though you’ve already laundered your operation through a legitimate business, it’s still black magic. It won’t take much of a misstep for things to become precarious, especially in uncertain times like these.”
“…”
“You’re not saying anything. I believe I’ve made a convincing argument, showing both public and private benefits your acceptance of my proposal would bring.”
That was true. Despite the long conversation, Armand’s proposal was logical and flawless, a thoroughly persuasive offer.
From a public perspective, safety in Gallos and the legalization of Black Magic were two major issues resolved. Privately, there were tremendous economic benefits and security to gain.
However, there was a problem.
“I wonder if I can really handle such a difficult task.”
“Wonder?”
“Yes, I’m not sure if I have the confidence to accomplish something so significant.”
“Not confident? Is it because it seems troublesome?”
Armand said something unexpected.
“Pardon?”
“No, it’s just that from what I’ve seen, whether it was how you fought in the Verdant Forest or how you’re acting now, you seem like someone who’s either too lazy because they’re irritated or a fool who doesn’t know what to do.”
“…I don’t really know. But.”
“But?”
“Isn’t that not necessarily wrong?”
Oliver spoke honestly. Whether being lazy or acting like a fool, that isn’t necessarily a crime, right? Armand responded to this.
“It’s not wrong. But if you can do something better, something more right, and don’t do it, that might be why the world is like this.”
“What do you mean by ‘the world is like this’?”
“A world where children work in mines, and poor mothers sell their maternal love, eventually even selling their babies?”
Oliver was momentarily at a loss for words.