Chapter 107
Chapter 107
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 107
Chapter Title: Dirty and Full of Variables (1)
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After that, Oliver somehow ended up receiving personal lessons from Jane, learning not only about the underworld but also the common knowledge of the outside world.
For instance, he formally learned that Landa, where he lived, belonged to the United Kingdom.
Jane said the United Kingdom was one of the world's superpowers.
"It's a magically advanced nation, a prince that dominates the seas, and the strongest country in the world, having established countless colonies."
There might have been some exaggeration in her tone, but her emotions were genuine. She even brought out a world map and pointed out each territory under the United Kingdom's rule.
Surprisingly, the United Kingdom was just a small island nation, yet it governed vast colonies dozens of times its size.
She said it controlled places like the New World, the mysterious Eastern Empire, and even coastal cities of the world's oldest continental empire. When Oliver asked how it managed such immense territory, Jane explained that it had peacefully received governing rights through advanced civilization and sincere diplomacy.
Not only that, but it continued to gift advanced culture and implement policies maximally beneficial to them, building trust and faith.
By the way, that part was a blatant lie.
In any case, she described the United Kingdom as the leader guiding the world, a mediator of peace, and the center of the world, adding that the richest and noblest person there was the richest and noblest in the entire world.
"And Landa is the most special place even within that United Kingdom."
When he asked why, Jane puffed out her ample chest and said,
"Landa belongs to the United Kingdom, but in a way, it's also on equal footing with it."
According to Jane, calling Landa the United Kingdom's second capital wasn't an exaggeration.
In fact, its economic power was undisputed number one when compared to any single faction—even the capital couldn't dare compare—and the gap was only widening each year, not shrinking.
Because of that, 30-40% of the kingdom's national budget was covered by Landa's taxes.
And due to the city agreement made during Landa's initial redevelopment, not even the royals or the central parliament could interfere recklessly with Landa.
Some even called Landa "a nation within a nation."
He'd thought it was just a big city, so Oliver realized he'd been mistaken.
"You're so smart," Oliver praised Jane, who humbly pretended it was nothing before explaining other things he was curious about, one by one.
For example, Landa's corporations, political systems, election methods, and so on.
She even covered magic users and Pinkmen—things hard to know without being involved.
"Mana users are exactly what they sound like: people who use mana. They can't cast spells, but they possess mana and can strengthen their bodies with it or use tools to produce primitive magic-like effects. By the way, Duncan is a mana user too. He calls it mana hypertrophy."
"Ah, I see... Then what are Pinkmen? I've heard the term a few times before, and Duncan and Nina said they came from the Pinkmen. What on earth are they?"
"They're a private security firm, but really a highly sophisticated mercenary company. Composed of powerful individuals and organized squads. They even have professional personnel on par with the police bureau, so big shots like city councilors and company executives mainly hire them."
To prove it, newspaper articles mentioned Pinkman offices handling security for central politicians and city councilors.
There were also stories of them crushing a massive protest of tens of thousands in a Northland mining village in one fell swoop.
The attached photo showed hundreds of people collapsed, bleeding on the ground, with men who looked like Pinkmen standing over them, thumbs up and grinning.
Below the photo read: Human Butcher Macman Right After Protest Suppression.
It seemed a bit excessive, but aside from that, their capabilities looked impressive.
Jane added that the Pinkmen also had a vast mercenary network and could mobilize a thousand men in a short time if they wanted.
It didn't seem like empty boasting that they were one of Landa's top martial forces.
When Oliver asked how she knew so much, Jane said she'd heard it directly from Duncan or her father.
Due to the nature of their business, they hired them often.
Having learned so much, Oliver thanked Jane once more, and she flashed an alluring smile, saying it was fine, while lightly tapping his shoulder or chest.
Each time, the magic item on her wrist activated, but he couldn't tell what it was.
It was awkward to ask.
Then, suddenly, Duncan summoned the fixers.
"I'll have to step away for a bit today."
As soon as they gathered, he announced it abruptly.
Everyone was puzzled by the sudden notice, and realizing it, he added an explanation.
"Sorry for the short notice. The missus summoned me, so I have to leave for a while."
Like at the first meeting, Druid Scott raised his hand.
"Well, no problem, but can you just up and leave like this all of a sudden? That... she's your daughter, right?"
"I'm sorry. While I'm employed by the master, I also serve his family. If the master were here, I might have managed to refuse somehow, but right now, I can't."
This time, Oliver asked,
"Where did Edith go?"
"Yes, she left the city temporarily to secure taxes for the asset transfer. It's like a business trip."
Oliver thought for a moment: Then shouldn't you not leave either?
Perhaps sharing the thought, Nina from the rifle squad asked sharply,
"So, you're taking all the guards here with you?"
"No, not at all. Everyone except one will stay here and carry out their usual duties. Meaning, security personnel won't decrease."
"Ah, that's a relief. I hate extra work as much as dying."
Scott said, brushing back his green hair.
In practical terms, there was no hole in operations, and the other fixers seemed relieved too.
A bit subtle.
Oliver thought, watching their relief mixed with faint other emotions.
Something felt off, but it was too vague to voice.
In the end, Duncan apologized repeatedly, promised to return as soon as possible, and left the mansion.
There were no real issues.
Security hadn't decreased as he said, so it wasn't particularly noticeable. Besides, Duncan rarely interacted with the fixers, only occasionally patrolling the area.
However, Jane, who interacted with him frequently, seemed anxious and visited Oliver and the other fixers more often than before, bringing cakes, cookies, and such.
The fixers didn't seem to mind at all—in fact, Oliver felt the same.
She'd explained basic common sense, current events, and unfamiliar organizations so well.
Thanks to her, he'd learned a lot; she seemed truly dedicated to studying.
More than just learning for fun.
Listening to her, it felt like something beyond scholarly zeal.
On a day like any other after Duncan left,
Scott approached and spoke up.
"Heh... Aren't you getting a bit too close to the young lady you're supposed to protect?"
He approached Oliver, who had just parted with Jane and was reading the newspaper again, and spoke bluntly.
It wasn't that strange.
He easily approached anyone and chatted. Thanks to that, he was on joking terms with the other fixers.
"She's been teaching me all sorts of things."
"Heh heh... You really just trained in the sewers and came out, huh?"
"Where'd you hear that?"
"I've only been here a short time, but my network is wide. I hear a lot. You're a druid, right?"
He said confidently.
It wasn't wrong; druids were special.
As proof, all religions except Paterism were branded heresies or cults, but Druidism was tacitly recognized as a legitimate faith.
There were various reasons, but the key one was that druids wielded special powers rivaling wizards and holy knights.
Using nature's forces to manipulate the environment, strengthen their bodies, and even handle world trees.
Perhaps because of that, Scott boasted,
"Druids are welcomed anywhere, just like wizards—no, maybe even more. They're rare, but they can operate in a wider range. High versatility."
"Ah, I heard they commune with nature and borrow its power?"
"Nah, these days it's not borrowing—it's using. It's our rightful claim."
Scott said, raising a finger.
Along with it sparked aggressive emotions like conquest, greed for reward, ambition, pleasure.
"Ah, yes..."
"Of course. Remember this! The old fogeys see nature as something to protect and worship, but we see it as something to exploit and dominate. Different caliber."
"I see... Then can you handle world trees too?"
Scott didn't answer right away and took a sip of water. He pretended to be nonchalant, but he was thinking hard, and it seemed he couldn't.
"...Why do you ask?"
"Just curious... I'm interested in world trees."
"Kyahaha! A wizard? No, a black wizard? Waste of time, waste of energy. You can't even access it, so why?"
"...Can't black magic do it?"
Oliver asked, puzzled.
"Of course not. Didn't they teach you that? Must've been half-assed training."
For a moment, Oliver nearly mentioned he'd accessed it once before.
There were some confusing parts, but accessing it wasn't that hard. In a way, it felt natural.
Like fitting a key into a keyhole.
But he wasn't so oblivious as to say it. Fortunately, Scott spoke first.
"You think handling a world tree is that easy?"
He friendly draped an arm over Oliver's shoulder.
"World trees are hard even for druids, and even harder for wizards. I've felt it since I first saw you—you're really lacking in common sense."
"Is that so?"
"Damn right. Idiots think world trees are just convenient trees, but no way. It's an ocean churning with information, with its own will. If it doesn't like you, it throws a tantrum."
Oliver furrowed his brow.
A world tree with a will? That was new even to him.
"Really?"
"Yeah, wizards deny it, but... Anyway, using a world tree is like swimming naked in a capricious ocean. Perfect way to die."
"Hmm... I see."
"The less you know, the easier it seems. Get it?"
It wasn't wrong. Suddenly, he thought about resuming his world tree studies.
Lately, he'd been focused on corpse puppets and neglected it, feeling a twinge of guilt. But also joy.
So much left to learn in the world. Wasn't it exciting?
The druid continued explaining, arm still on Oliver's shoulder.
"Wizards and druids struggle immensely to learn world trees—it takes forever. Without talent, just accessing takes 1-2 years, proper use 5-6. That's why even basic net sailing gets you treated as high-class talent anywhere. So don't get vain hopes. Got it?"
"...Yes, I understand."
"Ha! Smartest black wizard I've met so far."
"Glad to hear it. But why are you being so friendly? It's rare."
"Reason? Nothing much. Working together in this boring place is fate, so let's get along. How about it? We're drinking with the others tonight—join us? It's all about connections."
"Shouldn't we avoid alcohol?"
"Eh, one drink should be fine, right?"
Scott gripped harder. His large hands had strong grip strength, but Oliver politely declined.
"Sorry. Can't risk an incident. Plus, I don't hold my liquor well."
Whether the lie worked or not, the druid raised both hands.
"Well, can't force you. But you'll regret it."
"Why?"
"Got some damn good booze."
The druid grinned as he said it.