Chapter 571: After finishing his conversation with Marie, Oliver left the forest and returned directly to the workshop.

Overall, it was a satisfying discussion, though he wondered if Marie would agree.

In any case, Oliver arrived at the temporary workshop in the X-District with a much lighter feeling than when he first went to the Verdant Forest.

Ba-da-bam!!

As he reached the workshop, a loud yet familiar sound greeted him. It seemed he arrived just in time.

“Looks like you’ve grown up quite a bit… Now you’re even bossing me around.”

The voice, filled with arrogance and a rough tone, belonged to Edith.

“Thank you for coming, Edith.”

Oliver greeted the elderly man sitting on the giant makeshift chair next to the car. Somehow, his nose seemed a bit crooked.

“Well, when you’ve turned an entire district into your backyard, I guess it’s only natural.”

“I just lent them my name, that’s all.”

“That’s the point. It doesn’t matter who made it or who bled for it. What’s important is the name. The owner is the one who holds the name.”

Edith pointed at Oliver with his sausage-like fingers.

It might have sounded like random rambling, but Oliver could sense the keen insight of someone who had risen from the bottom.

“It’s embarrassing. I thought selling Prometheus Corp shares at three times their peak value was the biggest deal of my life, but there’s someone even greater… Changing that X-District cesspool like this. Impressive.”

Through his rough words, Edith acknowledged Oliver, though he didn’t forget to add a bit of sarcasm.

“So, did you call me here just to boast?”

“No, there’s been a misunderstanding. Why would I do that?”

“Who knows? The guy who never did this before suddenly informed me of the time and place without warning. I wondered if you’re looking down on me because I’m old and weak… What can I do? My life’s in your hands now.”

Edith subtly hinted at the Blood Elixir.

The potion from the Bathory family that grants virility to men and youth to women.

“Ah, now that you mention it, it’s about time.”

Calculating the dates, Oliver handed over the bottle containing the Blood Elixir to Edith.

While pocketing the elixir, Edith asked, sensing something was off.

“Damn it, what is this? It seems the same, but something feels different. What’s going on?”

“Miss Jane has been kidnapped.”

Stunned.

Edith froze, almost as if struck by ice magic.

The healthy color the Blood Elixir had given him instantly drained away, and the fiery emotions that usually raged within him were doused, leaving him calm and cold.

More than anything, it was surprising that Edith, who was known for cursing, neither swore nor said anything; he just stared at Oliver with trembling eyes.

He seemed utterly lost.

Oliver had expected a reaction, but not to this extent.

Mixed emotions flashed through Edith—confusion, worry, faint affection, intense hatred, anger, and resentment. Emotions that didn’t mesh together somehow managed to harmonize.

It didn’t make logical sense, but Oliver accepted it.

After all, emotions were rarely logical.

Oliver had read about such things in black magic books, but now he felt it in his heart.

Oliver waited for Edith to speak, but when he didn’t, Oliver finally broke the silence.

As uncertain as he was on how to explain this, Oliver was terrible at expressing himself.

“Miss Jane was kidnapped by Fen, one of the Fingers of the Black Hand. She was attending a party in Gallos when Fen attacked and abducted her.”

“…”

Edith remained silent. Though he seemed to have a lot to say, his pride and emotions held him back from speaking.

It was ironic. Even while worrying so much, his pride was holding him back… Oliver continued.

“For the record, I was there too. My skills were lacking, and I let her slip away right in front of me… I’m truly sorry.”

“…”

“But from now on, I plan to do my best to rescue her, so I’d appreciate it if you could wait.”

Oliver spoke in a dry and businesslike tone.

As he was about to walk past Edith, the old man suddenly spoke.

“…You’re close, right? With Jane?”

Oliver stopped and looked back.

“…I believe I am close. We’re friends.”

“Hah… She really is talented. Just like her mother, she’s naturally good at wrapping men around her finger.”

Edith muttered, his tone mixed with resentment and a strange fondness. Oliver remained silent.

“…So, you must have had many conversations?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Then… Do you know who Jane’s guardian is?”

Guardian? The unfamiliar word made Oliver pause for a moment before he realized who it was.

“Isn’t it Lady Miranda?”

“That’s right, but I’m not talking about that, I’m talking about a trustworthy guardian… Damn, you don’t know, do you?”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t understand what you mean.”

“Miranda does look after Jane’s business affairs, but that’s just a business relationship. And business relationships only exist as long as they’re mutually beneficial… Otherwise, they last only until a better opportunity comes along.”

“So there is a greater opportunity?”

“Possibly? Maybe someone who could swallow up her business if Jane’s in trouble. Otherwise, why would that crazy woman take care of the Sisterhood? …If Jane doesn’t have a legal guardian, everything could be taken away.”

“…That’s a big deal.”

Oliver answered sincerely.

Although the immediate situation was about Jane’s life, her business was also very important.

To Jane, her business was more than just making money. It was her way of proving herself.

And if such a business were handed over to someone else without her consent, Oliver couldn’t even imagine how she would feel.

Just as Oliver was about to ask a question about this, Edith got up from his chair.

The heavy chair creaked as he rose.

“Edith, where are you going?”

“To the Angel’s House. Elizabeth or Coco might know something. I need to check. Jane… you’ll handle her, right?”

Speaking calmly after settling his emotions during their brief conversation, Edith climbed into the car.

Oliver asked through the window of the car.

“Are you trying to protect Miss Jane’s business?”

“…I can’t stand the thought of my trophy of revenge being defeated like an idiot. If that happens, then my success also looks like idiocy, doesn’t it?”

With a fierce, predatory grin, Edith drove away.

As he watched Edith leave, Oliver admired him.

“As expected, he’s really something.”

***

Knock. Knock.

In an office that was neither too ornate nor too simple, someone knocked on the door. Shortly afterward, the secretary, waiting outside, partially opened the door and stepped in.

“Your Highness, Sir Galahaut of the Holy Knights is here.”

“Let him in.”

Armand, who had been reviewing more documents than usual due to sorting out a commotion, stopped his work and stretched as he replied.

His joints cracked in relief, a sign of his age.

“Thank you for making time for me, Your Highness.”

As the secretary opened the door, a middle-aged gentleman entered and greeted Armand.

Like Armand, this man had neat hair, a dashing mustache, and had maintained a well-toned physique.

“I already know who sent you. Sit.”

Armand responded without much warmth or discourtesy, directing the man to sit.

Sir Galahaut, equally unfazed by Armand’s lukewarm reception, sat without showing any dissatisfaction.

“So, why did Roderick send you here?”

Despite being a Grand Inquisitor, Armand, in his relaxed attire, poured coffee from a magic kettle and handed it to Galahaut.

It really highlighted how peculiar he was, using magic tools instead of servants.

“Did you already know, Your Highness?”

“If someone like you is sent, it could only be Roderick. He knew I’d understand.”

Armand displayed a casual insight by accurately guessing who sent him and why, just by observing his visitor.

Even so, having a face-to-face conversation was the minimum courtesy for the guest.

Galahaut, appreciating the consideration, quickly got to the point.

He conveyed the purpose of Roderick, the Arch Inquisitor, Treasurer, and former Holy Knight of the Holy Emperor’s Palace, who had sent him.

“Lord Roderick asked me to convey his admiration for your work.”

“Heh… Despite all the purging, there’s still a rat left… What exactly is so remarkable? Though I have an idea, tell me out of courtesy.”

“He praised the suggestion you made to Dave, the Fixer of Randa.”

As he expected.

Armand sipped his coffee with a smirk. Legalizing the Dark Mages. It was clear Roderick had figured it out in advance and had the audacity to congratulate him.

However, while slightly surprised, Armand wasn’t completely thrown off. He had somewhat anticipated this.

“Tell him it’s still too early to celebrate. Dave hasn’t officially accepted yet.”

“Lord Roderick is aware of that. And he believes Dave will accept.”

“He likes predictions. Specifically, he enjoys it when things go according to his predictions… What’s your opinion?”

Armand asked the Holy Knight in front of him for his thoughts.

Caught off guard by the sudden question, Galahaut hesitated but then answered.

“I think he’ll accept.”

“Why? Besides saying it because Roderick said so.”

“…Because he’s cunning.”

“Cunning?”

Armand squinted slightly as if the statement didn’t make sense.

“Yes, it may not seem like it on the surface, but if you look at his actions, you’ll see it clearly.”

Galahaut spoke with certainty, then detailed Dave the Fixer’s movements.

One day, out of nowhere, he appeared in Randa and quickly gained fame with his exceptional skills and professionalism. He even killed Druid, the living legend of Randa’s Fixers, drawing everyone’s attention and established his own business.

“In just a few years, he built his own power in that greedy city.”

“That I know. It’s typical for those with strength and wit to follow that path in Randa.”

“That’s true, but Dave is different. Usually, those who move like that tend to be domineering, attracting rivals, but Dave isn’t like that. Though he harbors no apparent ambition or greed, when you come to your senses, you realize he has taken control. He is dangerous.”

Armand’s silence signaled agreement to some extent.

It was true that Dave had shown an unusual approach for a Fixer, and it was also true that he steadily grew stronger, step by step.

The key point was that he had built his power in areas no one expected.

Dealing with the Fighter Crew, standing against The Selectors, and negotiating with the Anti-Development Committee—he grew his influence in unorthodox ways, so much so that even the cunning Randa City Council couldn’t stop his rise.

He grew in unexpected places, always one step ahead of any reaction.

If it was all intentional, calling him cunning might not even be enough.

‘Though, if it were unintentional, that would be terrifying as well. It would be akin to having a predetermined fate.’

“That’s why we haven’t been able to touch him. The City Council and the Tower of Magic are protecting him… But thanks to Your Highness’s wisdom, there is now a way to keep him in check.”

“…Why do you think that? I made him an advantageous offer.”

“Legalizing Dark Mages. It seems like a tremendous opportunity on the surface, but opportunities can also be threats. If you give him power, his true nature will be revealed. And when it does, it will be easier to catch the flaws in his tight grip in Randa.”

That was correct.

To understand a person, you just had to give them power. That would also make it easier to go after Dave. The more he acted, the more mistakes he’d make, and the more chances there’d be to catch him.

This was also a major reason why Armand made the offer to Dave. However…

“Lord Roderick has seen through this. He said that if things proceed, he would offer his support, so there’s no need to worry—”

“—Roderick is really something.”

“Pardon?”

Galahaut asked, surprised. Armand was notoriously stingy with praise, unlike Roderick.

“For a hardliner, he’s awfully friendly with someone like me, who’s more moderate.”

“…Lord Roderick said that doing the right thing shouldn’t be hindered by one’s temperament. It’s only natural.”

“That’s not it. What impresses me is how he pretends to be friendly with a straight face. It’s rare to find someone so shameless as to act chummy even when it won’t work.”

Armand sipped his coffee, his tone dripping with sarcasm. Galahaut defended Roderick.

“It’s a misunderstanding, Your Highness. Lord Roderick does this for the safety of the people. Just like you, Your Highness.”

“Do you believe Dave is a danger to the people?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Galahaut affirmed with conviction.

“He is a Dark Mage, and now he has earned the title of Finger.”

“But he’s not a Finger. He’s not part of the Black Hand, is he?”

“That hasn’t been confirmed yet, but—”

“—Interesting. Presuming guilt before proof. It used to be a specialty of the Pater Church.”

Galahaut hesitated for a moment.

“…Your Highness. He killed Boniface.”

“I heard he beat him within an inch of his life, but he didn’t kill him. Boniface sacrificed himself, didn’t he? To return the power of the Angels. Or am I wrong?”

“…”

“Then again, maybe saying he sacrificed himself isn’t wrong, considering they glorified his sacrifice with 24/7 prayers.”

Crack.

Galahaut restrained himself from slamming his fist on the table.

The man in front of him was the Grand Inquisitor of the Pater Church, a politician with enormous influence, and the moderate leader of the Pater Church.

Even so, Galahaut couldn’t completely rid himself of the simmering anger inside him.

Perhaps it was because he agreed with a part of what was said about Boniface being sacrificed.

Armand got up and walked to the window, apologizing as he gazed out.

“…I was too harsh. You must be unsettled by that event, but remember, every choice comes with a price. Don’t be too resentful. It was you who chose to follow Roderick.”

“…He’s trying to protect humanity in his own way.”

“If that’s what you believe, then that’s that.”

“Does Your Highness have a different purpose in making a deal with Dave?”

Galahaut questioned, this time almost demanding an answer.

It was understandable since a Grand Inquisitor of the Pater Church dealing with a Dark Mage was something unimaginable.

“…My intention is the same as yours. To stabilize the current chaotic state where Dark Mages and various cults are running wild. If he plays his role, we’ll cooperate; if he’s as cunning as you suspect, we’ll eliminate him. Make sure to tell Roderick to quit his schemes with me.”

Hearing Armand’s point of view, Galahaut rose from his seat.

“Understood, Your Highness. I will deliver the message clearly.”

Just as Galahaut was about to leave, Armand gave one last warning.

“Make sure they don’t take my warning lightly. Just as I show respect to them, they should also respect me. If they try any tricks, the Archive will act before I do… Though that’s probably why they haven’t moved yet.”

Unable to either affirm or deny, Galahaut bowed to Armand and left.

After seeing him off, Armand returned to his desk and resumed his work.

“They should be arriving soon.”

***

“Is this Bean City?”

Oliver, stepping out with Ewan through the crack in the air, looked around and asked.

Red soil and hills, a clear sky, and sparse patches of green grass and shrubs like splotches of paint.

It wasn’t as lush as the Verdant Forest, but it had its own charm.

Ewan swapped out the human head on the spike of the Skull Crusher and replied.

“Uh… No? It’s nearby. A bit away.”

“A bit away?”

“Yeah, got a problem with that?”

“No… It’s just strange that we didn’t arrive right at Bean City.”

“What? Did you think this was a taxi that drops you right at your desired location?”

“Wasn’t it? Didn’t you say that it would crack open at the place you imagined?”

“If you think of a place in your mind, it supposedly creates a rift that leads you there! Ugh… If it were that convenient, I’d have gone straight to the gate that Flesh Cook hid.”

“Ah…”

Oliver sighed.

“What are you ‘ah’-ing for…? Why not just ask it to take you straight to Fen?”

“…Is that possible?”

“Do you think so? If you use it on an island in the middle of the ocean, you might end up drowning. Plus, where Fen is, it’s not an ordinary place. Who knows what might happen.”

Ewan kindly explained while scanning their surroundings.

“Hmm… Luckily, it looks similar to how I remembered it. What a damn backwater.”

Oliver agreed to some extent. Unlike Randa, and even compared to the big cities in Gallos, where one could feel the age of magic and industry, this place seemed utterly pastoral.

Oliver took out a car he’d shrunk using magic and asked,

“Do you know which way to go?”

“Luckily, I do. Roughly that way-”

—Screeeeech.

Before Ewan could finish, a scream and the small figure of a person appeared far off past the horizon.

Despite the distance, the area was quiet, and the sound was loud, so the scream, though faint, was clear.

With the naked eye, it was impossible to tell who it was.

Oliver activated his Warlock’s Eye, and Ewan pulled out a Telescope made from a human eyeball and eyelid to take a closer look.

A man carrying a bundle came into view.

“Do you know him?”

Oliver asked, having seen Ewan’s reaction. The moment Ewan saw the man, his reaction suggested he knew him.

“Yeah, he’s a smuggler brat working in Bean City.”

“Then, I’ll go help him.”

“No.”

“Pardon?”

Oliver asked again. Since the man was familiar and connected to Bean City, there was more than enough reason to help.

However, Oliver soon guessed the reason.

“Don’t tell me… You owe him too?”

Ewan remained silent, and Oliver murmured softly.

“Dear god.”