Chapter 605: The Red Book

Edward X.

He was the Crown Prince of the United Kingdom, probably the most famous person in the United Kingdom.

However, it wasn’t just because he was the Crown Prince.

The real reason he was famous was that he had been the Royal Family’s troublemaker even before he became Crown Prince.

Calling royalty on the opposite side of the globe a ‘high-class monkey’,

Punching a reporter who asked an unpleasant question,

Sleeping with married women who were already taken,

And then, running away naked after getting caught by the husband. He was a magnet for scandals and accidents.

Because of this, though the public wasn’t fond of the Royal Family, the gossip-hungry newspapers and radio channels in Randa covered Edward X every week without any need for prompting. Even those who didn’t know much about the Royal Family knew something about Edward X.

The interesting part was that Edward X’s popularity was higher than expected. He was even nicknamed ‘The Beloved One’.

Naturally, Randa’s gossip-loving press tried to analyze why, and a female scholar who completed university proposed the most plausible reason.

‘Isn’t he just handsome?’

An outrageous claim, but also the most plausible.

Oliver saw this firsthand when he was abroad, across the sea.

‘Ah! Are you Dave?’

While walking through the hallway of the cathedral where the priest Armand resided, Oliver encountered a handsome man who approached him first, extending his hand to Oliver.

It was so unexpected that Oliver didn’t know how to react.

Meeting the Crown Prince abroad when he couldn’t even meet him in the United Kingdom (Randa), it was only natural to have this reaction.

However, the Royal Family’s stern secretary, seemingly unhappy with the reaction, warned Oliver sharply.

‘How dare you, be so disrespectful? The prince is greeting you.’

‘Hey, why are you like that?’

Edward X, the Royal Family’s troublemaker, scolded his secretary playfully and apologized to Oliver.

‘I apologize on his behalf. The secretary likes me so much. You seem caught off guard by the sudden greeting.’

‘No, Your Highness. I apologize instead.’

Recovering his senses, Oliver apologized and bowed respectfully to the prince.

‘It’s okay. It’s okay. Straighten up, straighten up.’

Edward casually patted Oliver’s shoulder as if they were old friends. Although it was their first time meeting.

‘Anyway, it’s nice to meet you. I’ve been wanting to see you, and here you are.’

‘Do you know me?’

‘Of course, I do! You’re the most famous Fixer in Randa right now? Honestly, I like those kinds of rumors.’

Edward whispered, covering his mouth with one hand.

‘The faint smell of blood and gunpowder that drifts through shady alleys! Isn’t it romantic? Besides, you even helped my brother.’

Edward shrugged his shoulders, and Oliver knew who he was talking about.

Edward’s brother, the second in line to the throne of the United Kingdom, referred to Albert. Coincidentally, Oliver had met him once across the sea in the New Continent.

‘He told me about you, said you were quite a decent person. Do you know what I said in return?’

‘I do not, Your Highness.’

‘I told him that all Fixers are maniacs, and that Dark Magic users are absolute maniacs, so don’t talk nonsense. But it seems I made a mistake. You don’t look bad at all.’

‘Thank you for the compliment?’

‘Ha! You have a sense of humor. Unlike the rumors.’

Oliver nodded. It turned out, he did have a sense of humor.

‘I regretted when you turned down my brother’s scouting offer, but now I regret it even more.’

‘I apologize.’

‘No, no. I didn’t say that for an apology. I understand. Honestly, I might have done the same. You’re already doing well in the Free City, so why would you tie yourself down to the suffocating Royal Family?’

‘It’s not that much, Your Highness.’

‘Come on… Modesty. If you’re not here to meet Armand, someone even a typical noble can hardly meet, then what’s so great?’

Edward, who had been talking in a light and carefree manner, suddenly sharpened his gaze and saw right through Oliver’s real purpose for being there.

‘Don’t be surprised. I told you, I like rumors from the shady alleys. Of course, I’d know that Randa’s top Dark Magic user joined forces with the Holy Knights to hunt down Dark Magic users. The rumor’s already spread, and those who need to know, know. As for why the Dark Magic user came to the cathedral, that’s obvious… Surprised by my sharp deduction?’

Edward asked teasingly. Oliver, after considering for a moment, shook his head.

‘…No, not really. Your Highness.’

‘That’s an unexpected answer. I’m displeased.’

‘It’s because I’ve read in newspapers how smart Your Highness was, so I wasn’t surprised.’

Surprisingly, this was partially true.

Edward was indeed notorious as the Royal Family’s troublemaker, causing various incidents big and small, but it was also true that he had lately been showing impressive achievements.

Edward had personally toured the provinces of the United Kingdom to rally support for the Royal Family, supported faltering aristocrats to stabilize the noble society, and visited Greenland to improve relations between the Druids and the Royal Family.

Quite impressive for a prince who got caught by a husband while having an affair with his wife and ran away naked.

That’s also why Edward X’s popularity had recently seen a rise. After all, when a troublemaker starts behaving, they become all the more attractive.

No wonder no one worried even when rumors about the current Queen Victoria’s declining health, a symbol of the United Kingdom, surfaced.

They say the troublemaker Crown Prince had come to his senses and become the new hope.

The new hope of the Kingdom spoke.

‘Oh…! It feels good hearing nice things from the hottest guy in the back alleys! It’s not just flattery, is it?’

‘It’s not flattery, but the truth. The newspapers also praise Your Highness as an extraordinary person, and in my view, Your Highness indeed seems extraordinary.’

This statement too was sincere. Because Edward X’s emotions were unreadable.

Even though he had no knowledge of magic or Dark Magic and possessed no notable items, Oliver couldn’t read Edward’s emotions.

The reason might be because he was a demon worshipper.

‘Kahahaha…!! This feels good? I didn’t expect such flattery. How about having a drink with me? I was just in need of a drinking buddy. To be honest, I hate these frog-faced guys around here. Their smiles are damn frog-like.’

Despite his clean appearance, Edward suggested it with a coarse tongue and expert gestures.

Since Oliver couldn’t read emotions, he couldn’t tell if the prince’s emotions were genuine or fake, with hidden motives or not.

But it didn’t matter. No matter which it was, the answer was already decided.

‘I’m sorry, but I have a prior engagement, so it would be difficult. Your Highness.’

‘How dare-‘

The Royal secretary flared up, but Edward X raised his hand to stop him.

‘Well, there’s no helping it. Cutting in line is bad. But can I ask you another favor? You’re also a Tower of Magic employee, right?’

‘Yes, Your Highness.’

‘A few months from now, the Royal Family is planning to host a Magic Expo. You should come too.’

‘Understood, Your Highness.’

‘Oh, really?’

‘Yes.’

‘I like that answer. Makes me even more eager to drink with you.’

‘I apologize.’

‘I was joking. Still, since I want to get to know you better, shall I offer you some advice before you leave?’

Edward’s eyes gleamed, the same way they did when he correctly guessed why Oliver came here. Oliver nodded.

‘Don’t trust the Pater Church too much.’

Edward said this inside the Pater Church’s cathedral.

But it really wasn’t all that shocking. Earlier, when he mentioned Archbishop Armand, he didn’t even attach a title, just called him by his name. It’s only that the reasoning was intriguing.

‘It’s simple. Because they’re scammers, you can’t trust them.’

‘Scammers?’

‘Yeah. As proof, shall I tell you an interesting secret?’

Edward spoke nonchalantly. The content, however, was far from light.

‘The Holy Power that the Holy Knights claim is from God? It’s all a lie. It wasn’t given by God. God didn’t give anything.’

Oliver remained silent. It was something he had already heard from The Burned One. What intrigued him more was how Edward knew.

‘You don’t seem surprised.’

‘No, I’m surprised… Then, do you know who granted the power of Holy Power? Your Highness?’

Edward smiled.

‘I’ll tell you when you come to the Expo. It won’t be fun if I spill everything now.’

With that cryptic remark, Edward left, and Oliver, hearing a clicking sound, walked towards Archbishop Armand’s office.

***

‘Significant progress has been made.’

After parting ways with the Crown Prince of the United Kingdom, whom he had met by chance, Oliver arrived at Archbishop Armand’s office in the cathedral.

In fact, the Chancellor of Gallos should not be here at this hour, but Armand’s role and influence as an Archbishop made it possible.

‘I had high hopes, but I didn’t expect the Dark Magic users to be dealt with so swiftly.’

‘I was fortunate.’

Oliver spoke, unclear whether he was being arrogant or modest.

But it wasn’t wholly untrue. Luck indeed played a big role.

Oliver was able to unify the Dark Magic users in such a short time because his reputation had grown to the extent that he was called the new Finger, allowing him to minimize unnecessary conflict.

Although the Holy Knights had overwhelming power and a natural advantage, they couldn’t effectively deal with the Dark Magic users who had gathered like mushrooms after rain. The key was in minimizing unnecessary conflicts.

Of course, this wasn’t because the Holy Knights were incompetent. It was more a matter of incompatibility, rather than ability.

The Holy Knights were natural enemies of Dark Magic users. As such, whenever the Holy Knights moved, the Dark Magic users desperately fled. When escape wasn’t feasible, they fought to the death, wasting the Holy Knights’ time and resources.

After all, once caught by a Holy Knight, a Dark Magic user’s life was as good as dead.

But Oliver, as a Dark Magic user, was different. Oliver had the option of negotiation, which allowed him to conserve resources and time.

The weak Dark Magic users who sought out The Selectors to capitulate were proof of that.

Of course, there were some who fled and some who fought, but that wasn’t much of a problem.

Their numbers were few, and by slightly increasing the pressure, their members scattered and disbanded.

If it had been a Holy Knight, they would have tightened together even more, but since Oliver, a stronger Dark Magic user, extended his hand, most gave up fleeing and crumbled on their own. Those who fought were even easier to deal with; they just needed to be suppressed.

Though this story is long, the important point is that Armand’s idea of using Dark Magic users to control other Dark Magic users worked.

This was also good news for Oliver. It provided a basis to integrate Dark Magic users into the mainstream, with the backing of the Pater Church.

This meant that The Selectors led by Marie and the Fighter Crew led by Joe could also be integrated into the mainstream, just like the Tower of Magic’s wizards.

‘When will Dark Magic be officially recognized?’

‘First, it has to go through discussion. I’ll visit the Church next week and put forward that agenda.’

Armand didn’t say anything like trust me or don’t worry. Oliver didn’t ask either. He saw that Armand was earnest.

It was clear Armand understood the minds of the lower class, who preferred learning Dark Magic over working sixteen hours a day. Maybe that’s why Edward visited?

‘Do you have something to say?’

Armand asked as if reading Oliver’s mind.

‘Actually, yes. On the way here, I met Prince Edward of the United Kingdom. Do you know why he came here?’

‘I’m curious about that too. Why did he come?’

An unexpected reply. However, Armand was sincere.

Prince Edward said he secretly visited to meet him, but when they finally met, it was nothing but frivolous talk.

‘He’s known for his frivolous behavior, so it’s not surprising. But why are you asking? Did you hear something?’

Armand asked sharply.

After a brief consideration, Oliver shook his head. He couldn’t tattle that the Crown Prince of the United Kingdom was a demon worshiper and called the Pater Church scammers.

‘He was just friendly, so I wondered if you had said something to him. That’s why I’m asking.’

‘It might be because you’re from Randa.’

‘Randa?’

‘Yes, the Royal Family, especially Prince Edward, is very interested in Randa.’

‘Is that so?’

Oliver wasn’t particularly surprised. He had heard such things several times even in Randa.

‘Yes, originally 70% of Randa’s land was owned by the Royal Family.’

This was news to Oliver.

‘And there’s a desire to reclaim that land.’

‘Why is that?’

‘Considering Randa’s real estate prices, there’s no need to explain.’

Oliver didn’t say anything. Randa was a colossal city resembling twenty-six small towns combined, yet nevertheless, its real estate prices were astronomical.

Since the city couldn’t expand beyond the boundaries of the City Accord.

Naturally, owning 70% of real estate in such a massive city is incomprehensibly valuable.

But he doubted whether Edward’s interest was truly just about money.

Hmm… Thinking about Edward, his earlier words flashed through Oliver’s mind.

‘Don’t trust the Pater Church too much… Because they’re scammers… The Holy Power they claim is from God? It’s all a lie. God didn’t give anything.’

‘Your Excellency, may I ask one more question?’

‘Only one.’

‘Why are you researching the application of Holy Power in firearms and restraints?’

Oliver asked something he had learned while pacifying the Dark Magic users in Gallos.

The Gatling gun infused with Holy Power, which Armand first introduced, surprisingly wasn’t a weapon researched by the Pater Church but was personally researched by Armand.

It could be considered similar to an item, but Oliver saw it as slightly different.

It was almost like Holy Power itself, making it possible for anyone to use that power.

This might not seem like much, but it was actually monumental.

Holy Power, like a wizard’s magic, a Dark Magic user’s Dark Magic, and a Druid’s sorcery, was the greatest weapon of the Holy Knights.

Yet Armand’s research could shake its very foundation.

More than who granted Holy Power, Oliver was curious about why Armand was conducting research that could potentially weaken the Pater Church’s influence.

Armand’s answer was straightforward.

‘Because I judged it to be better.’

‘Pardon?’

‘After experiencing the uproar from Dark Magic users, I judged that relying solely on the Holy Knights is risky and vulnerable. So I researched ways to infuse Holy Power into weapons. Since the number of Holy Knights is limited, why not make it so that everyone can use God’s blessing? After all, Holy Power exists to protect humanity, so God would be pleased.’

Armand was sincere. Honestly, it was astonishing. Not because of his idea, but because of the mindset behind it.

Armand believed in and worshipped the existence of God, yet he prioritized people over God. He was a type of Holy Knight and religious figure Oliver had never encountered before, remarkable in many ways.

‘You’ll soon need to grapple with such concerns as well.’

Armand stared intently at Oliver.

‘You initially turned down my offer but later accepted it because you had a purpose, strong enough to overcome the inconvenience and fear.’

Even without Oliver explaining, Armand sharply discerned his thoughts.

‘Having a purpose is good, but the possible paths and means are varied. You must contemplate deeply because the destination you reach will differ depending on the path and methods you choose.’

He was right.

Oliver took on this task because he wanted to become a ‘good person’.

To become a good person, he aimed to help those around him, which is why he sought to bring Dark Magic into the light, establish a school in the Tower of Magic to get tax reductions, and return the savings as jobs for those around him.

To create those jobs, he needed to begin a business. Not the redevelopment projects currently underway, but something new.

Fortunately, various business ideas were swirling in Oliver’s mind. The problem was, he didn’t know how to specifically manage them.

He couldn’t help it. Oliver had never run a business himself and had no interest in it before.

At first, he wanted to provide labor conditions similar to those faced by Child, but after observing Child, something about it felt wrong.

‘Every day, you shout it, don’t you, dammit?’

So, Oliver returned to Randa and held a serious meeting with the Childs. They gathered holding scythes, hammers, and a red book, shouting.

“Revolution! Revolution!!”