Chapter 560: Jane

“Oh…”

Hearing about the stability of Gallos and the legalization of black magic, Jane, uncharacteristically, let out a long exclamation.

It wasn’t a superficial response to appease but genuine, indicating how surprised she was.

Seeing the sparkle in her eyes and escalating curiosity, it seemed the explanation was well-received.

“Ha… Sir Armand must be a real heavyweight. Proposing something that the average person wouldn’t even dare imagine.”

“I’m glad it’s not just me finding this strange.”

“Don’t worry. I also think it’s odd, and I’m sure most people would too. Who would want to legitimize black magic practitioners? But…”

Jane paused momentarily to ensure her message was clear.

“…it’s possible. That’s what’s important.”

“Do you truly believe that?”

“At the very least, it’s not impossible.”

Jane confirmed resolutely.

“Armand’s logic is quite plausible. Despite this being lauded as the golden age of humanity, marked by magic and industry, it’s also an era where black magic practitioners are at their peak.”

This statement was true. Interestingly, some intellectuals regarded this, the most advanced and prosperous time in history, as another dark age.

Their reasoning stemmed from an unprecedented increase in the wealth gap, poverty, wars, and the explosive growth of black magic practitioners.

“The public may not be aware, but the number of black magic practitioners has reached its zenith. While it isn’t acknowledged openly, many experts likely feel the limits of brute force suppression. In such a scenario, with someone as influential as Sir Armand taking the lead, the legalization of black magic practitioners isn’t entirely out of the question.”

After finishing her statement, Jane covered her mouth with her hand, sinking into deep thought.

As an investor, she pondered how to profit if such an era indeed arrived, showing a deeper attitude and insight than before.

It was, therefore, surprising that despite such changes, she still invested in orphanages and welfare facilities.

Watching Jane closely, Oliver admired her, and then she asked with shining eyes.

“Did you accept?”

Pure curiosity. After a brief silence, Oliver responded.

“…No.”

“Ah…”

Jane exhaled softly, a mix of disappointment in her voice. But she suppressed her emotions, carefully observing Oliver’s expression.

“If it’s not too much trouble, may I ask why?”

Oliver opened his mouth to respond to Jane’s question, but no words came out.

After the conversation with Armand, Oliver himself couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason. It was like trying to see through a fog.

Seeing Oliver’s hesitation, Jane didn’t press him, simply waiting in silence.

As if saying, it’s okay to share, or not to share.

After a prolonged silence, Oliver finally spoke, albeit with difficulty.

“…I doubted myself.”

“There’s no need to force yourself.”

“No, I’d like to talk… I want to tell someone.”

Jane smiled kindly at him. It was pure goodwill without any hidden agenda. Seeing this, Oliver continued, feeling a bit more at ease.

“I refused because I doubted whether I could do something so tremendous.”

“Hmm… It’s indeed a monumental task. The offer to fill the void left by the Flesh Cook, reconfiguring the black magic society under Pater Church’s support… the stakes are unimaginable.”

“Yes, even someone as dull as me could see that.”

“So, you declined? …Well, that’s understandable. I’m just an investor, so I only have to do the cost-benefit analysis, but actually executing it is another matter.”

Jane took Oliver’s side, continuing the conversation.

“Tremendous stakes come with equivalent risks and checks. Even with Sir Armand’s help, whether the entire Pater Church would support it is uncertain, and the regular mages probably won’t be friendly. They despise black magic practitioners as frauds, seeing them as an insult or even a threat… Considering all that, refusing is also a reasonable option. Pioneers often get shot, after all.”

Oliver, who had been staring at the lake, turned to look at Jane.

She, who was once born an illegitimate child of Edith but gained a portion of his inheritance and, not content with that, strove to become more until she eventually succeeded.

In many ways, she was very different from Oliver.

“Hmm… Maybe I refused simply because the whole thing seemed bothersome.”

“Bothersome?”

“That’s what Sir Armand suggested. He believed I declined because I found it too much trouble.”

“Hmm… And what do you think?”

“I don’t know… I really don’t. I can’t tell if I refused because it seemed overwhelming or simply because it felt like too much. But it makes me uneasy.”

“Why uneasy?”

“It’s such a grand and significant task, it doesn’t seem to suit me. Shouldn’t someone… more special handle this?”

“That sounds strange to my ears.”

Leaning against the fence, Jane gazed at Oliver with a much more natural expression than before.

“Then, it seems like something more suited for someone like Dave, doesn’t it?”

“…”

Oliver remained silent. Although her words made him happy, there was a trace of bitterness and an inexplicable sense of rejection. It felt like the part didn’t fit him.

Sensing Oliver’s reaction, Jane gave him a subtle smile.

“Did my words offend you by any chance?”

Oliver shook his head.

“No, I’m not offended. In fact, I’m glad.”

“Really?”

“Yes, hearing that from someone like Miss Jane.”

“…I’m confused. I can’t tell if you’re being genuinely naive or just pretending.”

“What?”

“No, it’s nothing… Just, if you’re happy, why does it not show? Not to be rude, but it doesn’t seem like you’re happy at all. It’s going to hurt my feelings.”

“Sorry… It’s just that the word ‘special’ doesn’t seem to fit me. It doesn’t suit me, so it’s a bit embarrassing to hear.”

“Do you truly believe you’re not special? Sincerely?”

Jane, who had been gentle until now, asked firmly for the first time.

She wanted to be certain about this matter.

Surprised by her sudden shift in tone, Oliver responded.

“Although I’ve settled as a solver and built a reputation, as well as established a business in the X-District-”

“-Ah, hold on.”

Jane raised her palms, shaking her head.

“That’s not what I meant. I know how strong and capable Dave is. After all, it’s already well-known that you’ve not only come to Randa alone and made it as a solver, but also set up a business in the X-District. If I were Dave, I’d probably be giving lectures by now. I’d call myself a legend for succeeding in Randa with bare hands. A single lecture would fetch hundreds of millions, probably.”

With exaggerated gestures, Jane added a joke to amuse Oliver.

“And I’ve also heard the rumors circulating in Gallos. The birth of a new Finger, the return of the Flesh Cook… Truly impressive tales, especially considering your age. The word ‘special’ doesn’t even do justice. However!”

Jane raised her index finger.

“When I say ‘special,’ I’m referring to something a bit different.”

“…Different how?”

Lowering her finger, Jane shrugged.

“Dave, you were the first to see me curse. Do you remember?”

“Yes. When we received help from Kent. That time, Miss Jane… and you said…”

Oliver mimicked the exact words Jane had used back then.

“…damn! Damn!! These goddamn…! And so on, you said in a row for three minutes.”

“Oh, damn… You didn’t need to remember it in such detail.”

Jane joked with a mix of embarrassment and curse words.

“That was the first time I ever cursed at someone. Especially in front of a man. Do you know why?”

“I’m not sure.”

“The first reason is because that’s how I was trained. Women like me, who might not inherit anything, are taught how to please men. Generally, men don’t like women who curse.”

“Even if you curse, I still like you, Miss Jane.”

Jane blushed slightly, smiling mysteriously.

“…The second reason is personal. I don’t like cursing because it reminds me of Edith.”

Oliver unconsciously nodded. Indeed, when Jane cursed, she did resemble Edith slightly.

“So I’ve never cursed in front of anyone, male or female. But I did in front of you.”

“Given the situation, it was understandable.”

“True. But it was only because you asked me to feel at ease. Thank you. I’ve never felt so refreshed in my life.”

Jane expressed her sincere gratitude for the past incident.

“Honestly, until then, my plan was to somehow live off a portion of Edith’s inheritance. I always felt suffocated.”

“I understand. But now, you’re a recognized investor. That’s impressive.”

“Yes. I think I’m quite impressive myself. At the very least, no one dares to criticize my capabilities anymore… Because of you, Dave.”

“Because of me?”

Oliver asked, puzzled, trying to downplay it, but Jane quickly responded decisively.

“Ah! That’s for me to decide, so don’t dismiss it.”

“…I don’t really understand why, Miss Jane. Is it because I helped you?”

“Well, I can’t deny that. You’ve helped me during crucial moments. But it’s not just that… It’s because you recognized me.”

“I recognized you?”

“Don’t you remember? At the auction house, you said I wasn’t a pitiful or shameful person.”

“Yes, I remember.”

Jane smiled.

“You also said I was amazing, that I had strengths greater than yours, and that my smiling, hardworking spirit was lovely.”

“Yes, I remember that too.”

“No one has ever said that to me before. Not to a bastard daughter raised by the Sisterhood.”

“…”

“So somehow, I started feeling like I could do more if I tried. Feeling that if I put in the effort, I might just succeed. You can read my emotions now, can’t you? Tell me, am I lying?”

“…You’re sincere.”

Jane chuckled softly.

“So that’s why, at least to me, you’re a special person, Dave. Probably the same for others too… So, think of yourself as special. If you don’t respect yourself, how can you expect others to respect you?”

“That’s a good point.”

“I learned that from you, Dave… So, with that in mind, I hope not to see a repeat of what happened earlier at the party.”

Jane suddenly inserted her personal wish at the end. It was as if she couldn’t hold back her desire any longer.

She seemed startled by her own boldness, hastily adding before Oliver could respond.

“Ah, I’m not angry, so don’t misunderstand. I really mean it. You did it for me, how could I be angry? Really, I’m not.”

Oliver calmed down the flustered Jane.

“I understand.”

“…Thank you. Please forget what I just said. It’s only my selfish desire talking. Just… forget it.”

Recalling the man he snapped at during the party, Oliver asked Jane.

“…Were you really disappointed?”

“No! Not at all…! In fact, it was quite satisfying. But I just prefer the usual Dave.”

Jane hurriedly added, feeling embarrassed.

“You are polite, always using honorifics, and you don’t discriminate against women like us. Above all, you always try to avoid crossing the line… I really like that about you. Men with power usually don’t act like that. They don’t need to after all. But I hate that.”

“…”

“So that’s why I said what I did earlier… In the end, it comes down to what you want, Dave. I know it’s selfish.”

Instead of answering, Oliver used his left hand to grab Jane by the waist with the Quarterstaff, pulling her towards him.

Startled by the sudden action, Jane didn’t say a word, wide-eyed as she fell into Oliver’s arms. In that moment, Oliver stomped his foot hard against the ground.

“…!”

A sound that was difficult to describe reverberated from the lake, and a shadowy figure splashed in the water.

A fish-headed creature, with webbed hands, resembling a humanoid fish.