Chapter 559: Jane

“Where has His Highness gone?”

“I’m not sure. He mentioned having some business and then left.”

“Hmm… That’s a shame. I haven’t even had the chance to properly greet him yet.”

“I-I’m sorry.”

Quiet murmurs of regret echoed softly throughout the party hall.

It wasn’t anything unusual.

Some of the nobles here came to see Millieu, but many more were here to meet Armand, the Grand Inquisitor.

He is not only one of the rulers of Pater Church, which has a massive influence on the chosen nation, but he also holds the title of Chancellor of Gallos. A true heavyweight among heavyweights.

Given Gallos’s political and economic structure, which relies heavily on personal connections, even more so than Randa, this is a very natural occurrence.

In a place where building connections with those above you meant greater wealth and safety.

Especially now, with the fall of the populists and the resurgence of the aristocratic faction.

Jane, who had been in Gallos for the past few months, was more aware of this than anyone.

‘I was cautious more than anyone, but things are going to get tricky.’

Jane muttered to herself, sensing some of the gazes directed at her.

Just a few minutes ago, most of these people had been looking at her with kind eyes, but now their attitudes had changed, almost as if by magic.

There were stares filled with caution, rejection, and even further, disdain or hostility.

She had a good guess why.

She couldn’t blame them. She had openly insulted a noble in front of an assembly of nobles, even if he was a rookie.

Gallos nobility, known for their in-fighting yet strong sense of kinship, would find such behavior hard to accept.

And naturally, Jane, as Dave’s friend, was not viewed favorably either.

As proof, those who had been close to Jane only moments ago were now treating her as if she were invisible.

Even Mrs. Laurent and Baron Boarne, who had directly aided Jane, were no exception.

Being in business relationships, it wasn’t entirely unexpected, though Jane still felt a sense of emptiness from it.

She had spent months learning the ways of Gallos, studying the fashion and culture of its nobility, adopting their hobbies and etiquette, and even spent a fortune on courtesans to gather information. All that effort gone in just a few minutes.

Yet, she wasn’t really angry.

She knew from a young age that this was the nature of people here. Moreover, Dave had done it for her. Even though it was out of character for him, she couldn’t be mad at him.

“Heh.”

Jane smiled softly as she recalled Oliver’s earlier actions and headed out with a lighter heart.

No matter how tangled things got, she could just make a new plan. Jane began to think things over as she breathed in the fresh air.

“Oh?”

Stepping outside the mansion, Jane noticed a man standing alone on a lakeside path.

It was none other than Oliver, who had left following the Holy Knights. Now, he was alone and eating a Calorie Bar.

Jane instinctively walked over to him.

“Will that satisfy your hunger?”

Normally quick to notice others, Oliver, deep in thought, only realized Jane was standing next to him when she spoke.

“Ah… Miss Jane.”

“You seem to be troubled by something.”

“Ah… Yes, but why have you come out here, miss?”

“Just wanted to get some fresh air. It was getting stuffy inside.”

Jane made up an excuse, pretending she was just here to get some air so as not to trouble Oliver.

Considering Oliver’s excessive level of consideration despite his power, wealth, knowledge, and abilities, she knew he’d likely apologize if she told the truth. So she kept it to herself.

But even thinking this was a mistake. Oliver quickly picked up on the situation.

“You came out because of me.”

Jane closed her eyes and gave a bitter smile.

“Please… Would you stop interpreting my thoughts? It’s embarrassing.”

“I’m sorry. It’s a reflex.”

“If you’re sorry, could you at least tell me what happened?”

Jane quickly took the opportunity to change the subject, pointing at Oliver’s bleached hair and his bandaged right arm.

It was clear he was injured, and she had wanted to ask since she first saw him, but hadn’t due to the others around.

“I got hurt while working… Due to the nature of my work, I can’t give you the details.”

Jane nodded in understanding.

As a solver, his job required not only efficiency in missions but also absolute discretion.

Instead of asking something awkward, Jane voiced another curiosity.

“It looks quite painful. Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine. I received some help.”

“…That’s good to hear.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

Oliver’s instinctual ability to read Jane’s feelings made him ask. She felt a bit off or displeased.

“Are you reading my emotions again?”

“No, I read the atmosphere and your expressions.”

“…”

“I’m sorry. I did it again. It’s hard to control my eyes.”

“Haa… I’ll forgive you since you’re being honest.”

“Thank you… But are you truly okay?”

“Yes, fine… No, actually, I’m a bit disappointed.”

Rather than a lie, Jane spoke her true feelings.

“What’s disappointing you?”

“Well? As much as it might not seem like it, I’m Dave’s second friend. I only just now found out you’re hurt, and I didn’t do anything to help.”

“But you helped earlier, didn’t you? At the party?”

Oliver pointed out what Jane had overlooked. She was taken aback.

“That’s… You should have come to me sooner. Then, I would have been more helpful.”

“I hadn’t been in Ravely for long, and had some personal things to tend to… Besides, you seemed busy too.”

“Well, I was busy…”

Jane couldn’t deny it.

People assumed Jane’s success was pure luck, and while that was partly true, it didn’t mean she had spent her time leisurely.

It was only natural. Luck might come to anyone, but catching it required willpower and effort.

The busy months Jane had spent were proof of that.

She wondered if she could have been of much help to Oliver during that time.

With that thought, Jane felt a strange sense of futility and weariness, as if roles had somehow been reversed.

Oliver, who sensed her emotions, spoke up.

“Then, may I ask for your help now? I actually have two things I’m curious about.”

“…What is it?”

Jane was both welcoming and suspicious, wondering if Oliver was just being considerate.

Oliver pointed at his head, specifically the part of his hair that had gone white.

“Do you think my hair looks okay?”

“…”

“Some people say it’s too traditional, like an old magician’s style, and that it’s outdated.”

“Are you seriously asking that?”

“Yes… Why?”

“No reason. I just thought it was a joke. If it were, I’d say it’s a bit funny.”

Oliver tilted his head, puzzled. How could a comment about hair being outdated be a joke?

“Hmm… I think it’s fine.”

“Really?”

“Yes, it seems like you’re going against the trend, but in a way that suits Dave.”

“Is that a compliment?”

“Hah! Of course, it’s a huge compliment. Now, what’s the second thing you’re curious about?”

Jane laughed heartily, her smile more genuine than the forced one she wore at the party. For some reason, she felt lighter and happier.

“Ah, if you’re going to ask about the bandage, I think it actually looks pretty cool. It gives off a mysterious vibe, like you’re hiding something. It suits Dave.”

“Thank you for saying that. However, that’s not what I wanted to ask.”

“What is it then?”

“Has something happened in Randa lately? Anything like changes or threats?”

Oliver asked, recalling his recent conversation with Armand. He intended to reach out to Eve, but she was likely preoccupied with tasks at the Tower of Magic.

Jane paused and thought deeply before answering.

“Hmm… Randa?”

“Yes.”

“That’s tricky.”

“Oh, I’m sorry if it’s something you can’t answer. I assumed since you’ve been in Gallos…”

“-No, no. It’s not that I can’t answer, it’s just the opposite. There’s so much to tell.”

“So much?”

“Yes. Although I’ve been in Gallos these past months, I’m still a Randa person at heart. I always keep myself updated with the latest information through the Sisterhood.”

“Ah…”

Oliver responded, impressed. The Sisterhood was known for having one of the top intelligence networks in Randa. It made sense that Jane, a member, would have all the inside information, even while in Gallos.

As if to prove her point, Jane began ticking off items on her fingers.

“First, let’s start with the good news. The Tower of Magic has announced several projects, driving up their stock prices. They’ve unveiled full-body restoration technology, not just prosthetics, and have secured the artificial spirit and guardian of the World Tree, Eve… Didn’t you know that?”

“No, I did know that.”

Of course, he did. After all, Oliver had authored the research paper on full-body restoration, and he was the one who brought Eve to the Tower of Magic.

“Then, are you aware that the Tower of Magic and the City are working together to initiate a massive transformation with the help of Eve?”

“A transformation?”

Oliver asked, finding the word grandiose.

“You’re probably thinking it’s an exaggeration, right?”

“A little.”

“Well, I understand. But once you hear it, I’m sure you’ll feel differently. I was pretty shocked myself. To the point where ‘transformation’ doesn’t even begin to cover it.”

“What is it?”

“They plan to integrate the entire administrative system of Randa with the World Tree using Eve’s help.”

Oliver was taken aback. Utilizing the World Tree for administrative purposes and integrating parts of the system into it had been in the works for years, but connecting the entire system? That was unheard of.

If what Jane said was true, even the word ‘transformation’ wouldn’t do it justice.

Nothing of this scale had ever been attempted.

The reason being, there simply wasn’t the technology to do so. But now, with Eve’s capabilities, that gap could be bridged.

It was a challenge worth taking.

“I’m not an expert in that field, but if they succeed, Randa will become something entirely different. A much faster, more efficient… possibly a future city generations ahead of others. Doesn’t that make you excited?”

Jane was visibly excited as she spoke, not bothering to hide her enthusiasm, and Oliver didn’t disagree.

On the surface, it might not seem like much moving the administrative system from paper to the World Tree, but in reality, it was a monumental shift.

“It seems from your reaction you hadn’t heard this?”

“No, I had been busy with other things. It’s truly astonishing.”

“I’m glad to have surprised you… Of course, there are issues as well.”

“Issues?”

“Yes, as sweet flowers often attract bugs, the Royal Family and Central Council are now pressuring the City both openly and covertly, demanding to either participate in the project or hand over Eve.”

“Is that even possible?”

“It’s not impossible. Even though Randa is an autonomous city, it’s still part of the Allied Kingdoms. On the other hand, they control the entire kingdom. It’s unprecedented, though. The Royal Family never came out so publicly against Randa, no matter how much they disliked it. There’s talk that they’re doing this because they’ve allied with the Conservative Faction to create a new magical organization, but nothing is certain.”

Oliver couldn’t believe the coincidence.

He had heard about the Royal Family creating a magical organization from Prince Albert on the New Continent, and now here it was again, through Jane.

“So, with the situation already being tense, Randa is raising the stakes with the Royal Family and the Central Council.”

“What do you mean by a tense situation?”

“Ah… You don’t know? Randa has seen an increase in threats. Criminal groups formed in small towns stripped of resources and people by Randa are now springing up, terrorizing and threatening the city.”

This was genuinely news to Oliver, and he couldn’t hide his surprise.

He had heard of non-affiliated gangs being pushed out to small towns by Randa’s competitive system, but to hear they had become organized and were attacking the city?

“Is that really possible?”

“It’s difficult. Terror and looting aren’t as easy as they sound.”

That was true. Randa, being a free city, had its own security measures both in the shadows and in the light.

To attack Randa, one would need the right equipment, manpower, and talent, something difficult for those pushed out by Randa’s competition.

“There are a lot of rumors. Some say there’s a hidden force antagonizing Randa, others think it’s a ploy by the Royal Family… but nothing is confirmed. Either way, this tension has led to Randa significantly increasing its military spending, including on the Security Bureau.”

“Ho… That’s an interesting story.”

“Heh, that’s so like Dave… But why are you asking me all this?”

“Ah, during my conversation with the Grand Inquisitor Armand, this topic came up. I was wondering what might be going on.”

Jane’s eyes widened as she acknowledged that the Holy Knights had led him there, but she hadn’t expected him to actually meet with the Grand Inquisitor.

She felt like she was sprinting towards a goalpost that kept moving farther away.

“Miss Jane?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. Just a bit surprised. I didn’t expect you to actually meet him. It’s really surprising.”

“It just sort of happened.”

Meeting the Grand Inquisitor of Pater Church and the Chancellor of Gallos by accident… it was such an Oliver-like answer.

“What did you discuss for this to come up?”

Oliver hesitated, wondering if he should speak.

“…There’s no need to force yourself to talk. I’m not that curious if it makes you uncomfortable.”

Jane, being considerate, said this. Seeing her concern, Oliver decided to talk.

“The Grand Inquisitor made me an offer. He said he’d legalize dark magic if I agreed to help settle the chaos in Gallos.”

***

“Can you see anything?”

“Shut up! I can’t focus!”

“I wanna see too!”

“I wanna see too!”

“Shut up, you twins! There’s only one telescope! How do you plan on both seeing?!!”

Far from the grand mansion where the party was in full swing, a group of boys were arguing on a hill deep in the forest.

The chubby boy wearing a bear fur cloak was using a telescope with lenses made from human eyeballs and eyelids to observe the mansion, while the skinny boy in the fox cloak and the twins in raccoon cloaks pestered him persistently.

“We can take turns!”

“Yeah! We wanna see too!”

“There’s nothing special! Just boring adults talking about boring stuff. The only good news is that there’s ice cream!”

The bear cloak boy gave his report, causing the twins to cheer and shout with joy. They would soon have ice cream.

At that moment, the skinny boy in the fox cloak interjected.

“Anything about the leader? Wendy and the imposter.”

“There is.”

“Oh, um… Then, who’ll report to the leader now? It’s about time.”

The fox cautiously suggested that someone needed to report to the leader since they confirmed their target.

The problem was that recently, no one wanted to report because the leader’s condition had deteriorated.

As usual, the boys tried to make excuses and push the responsibility onto each other.

“Kirby, you do it! You’re the one who used the telescope!”

“Yeah! Yeah!”

“No way! Since I used the telescope, you guys should report!”

“I think the person who saw it should report it properly.”

“No! Slightly! The one who did nothing should do it!”

“Did nothing? What do you mean? I did a lot…”

Even though they knew dark magic, they were still kids. The boys argued loudly without any regard for their surroundings. If not for the dark magic soundproof spell cast by Fen’s shadow, the noise would probably have reached the mansion.

While they were having their unproductive and noisy argument, the sound of rustling came from the bushes.

The boys instantly fell silent and turned their heads towards the sound.

Standing there was a boy.

His orange hair had become pale, as if bleached, and his face bore slight wrinkles instead of a smile.

He was none other than Pan, their leader, the owner of Neverland, and the Great Prince.

With a gruff voice quite different from the past, he spoke.

“Gentlemen, it’s time to execute the plan.”