Chapter 117
Chapter 117
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 117
Chapter Title: Edith (2)
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Jane, Oliver, and Jonathan boarded a vehicle that resembled an armored car and headed somewhere.
This car seemed sturdy enough to withstand most gunfire and explosions, but true to its defensive capabilities, its speed was quite slow. That said, it wasn't a bad thing.
Thanks to that, they could leisurely take in the scenery outside.
"...Is this your first time here?"
Jane, sitting next to Oliver, asked.
Oliver tore his gaze away from the blue nighttime cityscape to reply.
"Yes. It's my first time in a place like this..... Do you know where we are?"
"Well, judging by all the high-rises and airships, it feels like District J or D, but I'm not sure exactly. I haven't explored the whole city myself."
With that, Jane glanced at Jonathan, who promptly answered as if on cue.
"It's District J. It's the area where cultural and entertainment facilities for nearby residents are concentrated. That's why it's so bright even at night."
Indeed, the outside was brilliantly lit, teeming with countless people and cars moving below.
There were more airships visible here than in other districts, and some of the larger ones were landing atop buildings that seemed to scrape the sky.
It was the grandest sight Oliver had ever seen, and he found it fascinating how such stark differences existed within the same city. He also wondered why.
Who could he ask to find out?
"District J. I've been here a few times before, for training..... It's flashy, fun, and a place where tons of money changes hands, but I hear it's not the best for security. Why come here?"
Jonathan answered Jane's question.
"Not necessarily. It's true there's a lot of commotion, but the security is top-notch accordingly. At the very least, the VIP areas are safe enough for central council members or foreign royalty to stay."
"VIP rooms cost at least a few million rand a night..... Father isn't there, is he?"
Jonathan shook his head at Jane's perceptive question.
"I'm sorry. That's not something I can answer. I'm just a messenger carrying out my assigned duties..... All I can say is that you're safe now, miss, so please don't worry too much."
Jonathan's words were sincere, but Jane clearly disagreed, suddenly growing tense.
Not only that, but a bubbling mix of anger, disgust, anxiety, and more boiled within her. Only after taking a deep breath did she barely regain her composure.
Oliver didn't know the full story, but her reaction seemed oddly off for someone about to meet her father, who was passing down a massive inheritance.
Didn't they have a good relationship?
"Ah, we're almost there."
Jonathan said, drawing attention.
At the end of his gaze stood a massive skyscraper, its entire structure emitting a soft blue glow.
Like a jewel.
In fact, a sculpture reading was embedded atop the building, visible to all.
It gave off a similar vibe to the hotel he'd visited with Joseph in the past.
"...A hotel?"
"It's a hotel, but also a pub, casino, theater, department store, and more—a comprehensive cultural complex. It's relatively new."
As Jonathan explained, the car passed the front of the building, turned right, and descended underground.
The underground parking lot was filled with countless luxury vehicles. Oliver had never seen so many cars parked in one place; it was amazing. In contrast, Jonathan moved with familiar nonchalance.
"If it's alright, could you step out?"
"Where are we going?"
"I'll escort you to a safe VIP room. But first, let's stop by a clothing store. There's a dress code starting from the VIP area."
Only then did Jane seem to notice her own attire, letting out a wry chuckle.
"...A lot happened today."
"I understand. Please follow me. There's a clothing store in the basement; I'll guide you."
He wasn't exaggerating.
Besides the parking lot, the basement housed several flashy, pristine shops selling perfumes, brooches, ribbons, and the like.
Naturally, there were clothing stores displaying countless outfits.
Jonathan said politely to Jane.
"Please pick out whatever you like here."
"This might take a while."
Jane said as she scanned the array of clothes.
"I understand. You're a lady, after all. Take your time..... And you too, Mr. Dave."
Jonathan said to Oliver, who was standing back as if it were none of his business.
"Me?"
"Yes. As I mentioned earlier, there's a dress code, so Mr. Dave will need to change as well. We'll cover the cost, so feel free to choose."
He said it casually, but Oliver felt a bit awkward regardless.
He'd always just thrown on whatever clothes; he had no sense of dressing to a code.
Should he go for something flashy like Forrest's suits? But Jane interjected.
"If it's okay, may I pick for you?"
"Pardon?"
"As thanks for protecting me? I want to choose. I've studied fashion a bit. Is that alright?"
"Of course. I'd be grateful."
Oliver said sincerely.
His knowledge of clothes extended only to putting a shirt on top and pants on legs. He was even relieved.
Seemingly pleased with his response, Jane smiled faintly and held up outfits in front of him one by one.
"Hmm..... This makes you look too old, and this too young. Hmm..... How about this?"
Jane recommended a simple white-and-black suit.
"Everyone's going for flashy these days, so simple could be charming. Especially for you, Mr. Dave. What do you think?"
"Sounds good."
Oliver replied without a second's hesitation.
Jane gave a troubled smile.
"Maybe hesitate a little?"
"If you picked it, it must be good. You know clothes better than I do."
Her lips curved up at that. He'd only stated the truth.
"...Like before. You're not doing this on purpose, are you?"
"Doing what?"
"No..... Nothing."
With that, Jane began to change, and Oliver turned his back to do the same.
That was when Jonathan spoke up, flustered for the first time.
"Wait. You two..... Please change in the fitting room."
"So, I was just exhausted today. I barely slept. The villa burned down, we fled, I nearly died. So please don't misunderstand."
In the elevator.
Jane explained the clothing store incident.
Jonathan replied with "Yes." "Yes." but clearly didn't buy it, while Oliver stayed silent.
He didn't even know what the misunderstanding was.
Jane seemed frustrated by Oliver's uselessness and started to say something, but thought better of it and shook her head.
She'd decided he wasn't helpful.
Ding!
The elevator reached its floor.
The golden needle pointed to the 66th floor. As the doors opened, a luxurious space with red carpet unfolded.
From elderly men in tuxedos to casually dressed youths, even foreigners with tanned skin and headscarves.
Crowded with people in a vast area: gambling on one side, sharing drinks or tea on another, listening to the radio while reviewing documents elsewhere.
Sound-blocking magic, perhaps? Despite the activities, no one disturbed each other.
A rather novel scene. Jonathan, accustomed to it, politely gestured ahead to lead the way.
"This way, please."
Jane and Oliver followed his direction.
They left the grand hall and entered a corridor lined with ornate doors at intervals.
The doors seemed to control movement in and out, infused with mana. Out of curiosity, Oliver focused his eyes and peered inside, sensing various emotions.
Extreme pleasure and excitement, shame, humiliation, rage—what were they doing in there?
'Hmm.......'
"Here we are."
Jonathan stopped in front of one room and said.
He picked up a wired communicator like the one from the angels' house and spoke into it.
Moments later, a woman in a rabbit mask appeared, vanishing as naturally as if she hadn't seen Jonathan or Jane.
"Come in."
A familiar voice. It was Edith.
He was in his underwear and a tank top on the large bed, just like their first meeting, but his mood seemed better this time.
"Father....."
Jane entered and greeted him.
"Yeah, it's me."
"Didn't you say you were leaving Rand for a bit?"
"Changed my mind on the way back. Got a problem with that?"
"N-No..... I'm just happy to see you again—"
"Ha!"
Edith burst into loud laughter, cutting her off.
She'd thought he was calling her to pass on the inheritance out of fondness, but apparently not.
It was more complex than mere like or dislike.
A tangle of hatred and guilt?
Contradictory emotions that seemed impossible churned intensely within Edith, radiating brilliant light.
"The game's already decided. You'll get the inheritance, so drop the stupid act. It's disgusting to watch your performance—it reminds me of your whore of a mother."
At the sudden venom, Jane's face hardened coldly.
Despair as if her last hope was severed, anger..... No, more than that—emptiness shone through.
Not Oliver's favorite emotion, personally.
"...I see. So I don't have to play the loving daughter anymore."
"Right. Good job wearing that mask and playing cute for years. It even made me laugh a bit, so you can stop. I'll pay you off, now get out."
And that ended the conversation.
Within minutes of reuniting, the father-daughter bond shattered completely. Jane left under Jonathan's guidance.
As Oliver moved to follow, Edith stopped him.
"Where you going?"
"Me?"
"Yeah, you, dumbass. Who else is here? Felt it from the first time we met—your ears must be clogged."
Same attitude as their first meeting, but Oliver didn't mind.
"I'm following the young lady. That's what I was hired for."
"Cancel that for now and take another job."
"Another job? Sorry, but that has to go through Mr. Forrest—"
"Fuck Forrest. If I say do it, you do it. I'll pay. Say..... 200 million rand?"
"...That's hefty. Same as protecting the young lady."
"Hefty, right? 200 million to guard that bastard child. Well, thanks to it, I got a leash on her, so not much loss."
"A leash?"
"What, you think I didn't know Duncan was cozying up to my family and betraying me?"
"You knew?"
"Not to this extent, but I knew he was scheming behind my back. Ambitious guy. Hid it well, though. People's true nature doesn't change easily."
Oliver thought for a moment.
"...I don't get it."
"What?"
"If you knew he'd betray you..... couldn't you have stopped it beforehand?"
"Didn't expect betrayal this big. And if I'd stopped it early, would I have evidence of my family pulling this shit? Think, dumbass."
Edith drank, genuinely exasperated. Magical liquor, but not Murphy's brand.
"Goddamn! ...A bit weaker than what they serve at the angels' house. Gotta call the manager."
"So, passing the inheritance to Jane is to find leverage to blackmail your family you don't like?"
"Ah..... Wasn't the plan from the start, but yeah, something like that. They think I've already dug into it and are fumbling. Know how to earn respect?"
"No idea?"
"Show you can fuck them over. Then even pigs like me get smiles and courtesy. Or else."
Simple words, but Oliver sensed conviction beyond sincerity. Like Yoanna's faith in God.
Curiosity piqued.
"May I ask what the job is?"
"Oh, now you're acting human. Nothing big. Just talk with me."
"Talk?"
"Yeah. But honestly. Brutally honest. Do that, and I'll pay the 200 million like I said. Easier than smiling, right?"
Hmm..... 200 million.
"Could I request something else as payment?"
"Something else? Why? Double it?"
Oliver shook his head.
"No. You answer my questions too, Mr. Edith. Honestly. I've got a lot I want to know about you."
Edith looked surprised, then laughed. Like he'd seen something amusing.
"Ha—! This'll be fun. Deal."