Chapter 158
Chapter 158
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 158
Chapter Title: Out-of-City Mission (1)
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Coffee prices going down? Oliver tilted his head, not understanding what that meant.
Unlike him, Forest seemed to grasp it immediately.
"Does Hewitt have some kind of information? Something valuable enough to trade with the Central Council for lower tariffs?"
"Correct. I like how quickly we're getting to the point. From what we've uncovered, this Hewitt guy seems to know something huge. Valuable enough that Willes is ready to clash with Randa over it."
Forest furrowed his brow in suspicion.
"Any evidence?"
"Yes. We mobilized every information network and pipeline from the city and city councilors, and learned that the rebels found something out through the World Tree. That's why the kingdom's army pushed so hard to wipe them out this time."
"...Do you know what it was?"
"Unfortunately, we couldn't pin down the details."
"That's a shame."
Carver nodded.
"I feel the same. If we'd found out just a bit sooner, things wouldn't have blown up like this, and we could've secured a solid card. But what can you do? It's already happened..."
After a second or two of silence, Forest asked,
"Are you asking us to catch Hewitt and Willes, who fled outside Randa?"
"Something like that."
"Something like that? ...Whatever it is, you know we can't do that, right?"
Oliver, who had been quietly listening, spoke up to Forest.
Even in this critical moment, Forest turned and explained patiently.
"It's because of the city accords. Just as the kingdom can't interfere in Randa, Randa can't meddle in affairs outside the city. That's a very serious violation."
"Exactly. In exchange for freedom within the city, Randa can't extend its influence beyond. The Central Council and royal family would throw a fit over it, just like we'd cry foul if our freedom was invaded."
"But commissioning that... Ah, officially, the city can't get involved."
"Right. And for the record, refusal isn't an option. This isn't the opinion of us civil servants—it's the city council's stance. They've already decided that whatever info Hewitt has could be the bargaining chip to finally lower those damn tariffs."
The mention of the city council made Forest frown.
Confusion, embarrassment, and dismay flickered across his face.
"...This is a bit bewildering."
"I understand. It's bewildering for me too. But that's how this business goes, isn't it? In return, we'll offer compensation that matches."
"Compensation?"
"Yes. On top of Dave's payment for the job, we'll compensate the brokers' guild as well. Say, waiving all taxes this year."
Tax exemption.
Forest visibly wavered at the words.
From his reaction, it seemed like quite the offer.
"...Are you serious?"
"We've already got the city council's approval on that. You know we wouldn't joke about something like this. And that's the minimum— we're open to additional bonuses based on results."
"What the hell did the rebels find out to warrant this?"
"As I said, we don't know. Honestly. But judging by the sharp city councilors' reactions, it's no ordinary matter."
Forest fell into thought for a moment.
"...Just answer one thing. Dave's name is out there, sure, but there are better options—why him specifically?"
"Using a big-name fixer would draw suspicion to the city. Someone with moderate skill and moderate fame is ideal. Plus, Dave could use our help too."
"You mean the Pater Church?"
"What about it?"
"I don't know the details, but word is they're in emergency mode right now."
"The problem is they always start harassing black mages first. Dave, you use corpse puppets, right?"
"Yes."
"Corpse puppets desecrate the dead. If the Pater Church makes an issue of it, even the brokers' guild can't protect you fully. But we're different. We'll shield you from the upcoming Pater Church crackdown."
Forest nodded in agreement. Sincerely.
"Not a bad deal."
After pondering, Oliver spoke up.
"What exactly is the commission?"
"Two tasks. First, capture the magic hacker Hewitt and bring him back to Randa. A brain scan will give irrefutable proof."
"And the other?"
"If capture isn't possible, find out what information he got, and help him escape from the kingdom's army."
It was a truly bizarre commission.
Capturing the magic hacker Hewitt made sense, and even gathering intel did too, but helping him flee from the kingdom's army?
It was a contradictory request that didn't add up on the surface, but Carver's explanation made it seem reasonable.
Catching someone who'd fled outside Randa without the kingdom's army noticing wasn't easy, and if the speculation was true, Willes would desperately block them.
"So just get the info and help him escape instead. If we can't have it, better the kingdom doesn't recover it either. That alone will divert the royal family and Central Council's attention from Randa."
It sounded plausible enough.
In fact, Forest said retrieving Hewitt was only if heaven smiled on them—the main goal was helping the escape.
That explained why the escape assistance fee was hefty, even if different.
2 million upfront. 10 million on success.
On par with Willes's bounty.
But he couldn't just celebrate. If Oliver got unlucky and caught by the kingdom's army, revealing the client was the city, there'd be retaliation—a warning wrapped in a threat.
That gave him pause.
What if he got caught in the crossfire of the city and Central Council's power games?
Still, Oliver didn't refuse. He accepted the commission.
First reason: Though from the city, it wasn't a simple request given their position.
It might seem unfair, but fixers were back-alley types living by violence— this level of shadiness was par for the course.
Second: The payout was huge, no matter how you sliced it.
His current lodging was far from secure.
Oliver planned to buy a place in the mid-to-upper districts K through O, where safety was guaranteed. Something with a basement or warehouse.
That required money. Average deposit alone was 1.4 billion Randa.
He'd be hunting escapees as a fixer anyway, so for the same work, better take the risk for the big score.
Of course, the decisive reason was third.
'I want to know about the Kell Independence Army.'
Oliver hadn't forgotten.
Their tenacious resistance in crisis, unbowed by fear.
They'd all steeled themselves, risking life and limb.
Different from the back-alley folk he'd met, sparking his curiosity.
No chance for talks, but working this job might reveal more.
Oliver still had much to learn.
"Hmph... We'll be pulling in soon. Get ready to disembark."
Arthur, sitting in the transport truck's cargo hold, gazed out at the passing scenery.
Like Oliver, he wore a leather mask over his face, disguised as an ordinary trucker.
He'd been hired alongside Oliver for this mission, along with sniper Silk Hat Dona and magic gear expert Macboer.
Moments later, the truck stopped.
As soon as it halted, Oliver and Arthur hopped out, hauling cargo like real truck workers.
Once the act of blending into the city was done and the cargo sorted, a city-hired worker handed over a thick envelope of cash.
"...Expense money. It's clean—use it for the job."
"Thanks."
Arthur pocketed it quietly and left, the rest of the team following discreetly.
"Too bad Richard didn't come."
Macboer said in his usual flat tone.
Arthur shook his head.
"He's not suited for this. Better he stays in Randa catching escapees with the others."
"Agreed. So, boss, what's the plan now?"
"I'd love to grab a bite, but given the situation, let's hustle a bit. Dona, Macboer—you two book rooms at a busy inn. Dave, you're with me."
"Mind if I ask where we're headed?"
Oliver asked as he followed Arthur. Arthur countered with a question.
"Dave. Know a spot connected to city laborers, beggars, and back-alley types?"
"Not sure?"
"Right there."
Arthur pointed to a rundown building.
Cobbled together from planks, with paint-scrawled sign.
"...Veterans' Association?"
"Yep. A gloomy spot where folks who helped make the kingdom the empire it is drown their sorrows. Wanna come in? Thought you'd like it, so I brought you."
"Ah, sure. Thanks."
Oliver nodded and followed.
The creaky door, ready to fall off, swung open to a dim interior greeting Arthur and Oliver.
Half the ceiling bulbs were busted. Drunken louts slumped asleep at tables, peeling walls—no sign of repairs.
Like a dead place.
"You the boss here?"
Arthur approached the old man at the counter like it was familiar turf.
The counter-sitter had a grubby mustache, hat, and a peg leg.
He looked exhausted.
"Who're you?"
"Hello. Arthur from Randa today."
Arthur flashed a medal from his pocket.
"Ex-military."
"Yeah."
"What brings you? Donating?"
"Of course."
Arthur pulled out a wad of cash as proof.
It hit the counter with a solid thud.
"...That cash says you're no ordinary hauler. Who are you really?"
"Discharged vet hustling side gigs. Help me out."
The old man puffed his cigarette thoughtfully, then spoke.
"No troublemakers."
"I wouldn't bother a fellow vet."
"...Why? Looking for someone?"
"Long story, but a guy who bolted with the laborers' union slush fund. We're after him. Plenty of vets like me were members."
"Bastard... Description?"
"Typical Norseman. Angular face, red hair."
The old man nodded.
"Got the picture. Those types never settle—hit it big and head home."
"Good you know."
"But I can't help much. Folks are too busy scraping by to come around. Used to be better..."
"I get it—tight times. Any spots where a shady type like that might hole up?"
"Hmm... Know a few. Hold on."
The old man fetched paper and pen from under the counter.
Looked like a receipt.
'Donation receipt...?'
"Show that receipt, and my buddies there'll cooperate."
Arthur peeled off bills from the wad.
Twenty 100,000-Randa notes.
"Then cut two receipts for 1 million Randa each."
The old man raised an eyebrow at the sum, scribbled quickly, and handed them over—with a note to boot.
"Out-of-towners usually crash there. The general store owner, bars, innkeeper—they're friends or friends of friends. Ask, they'll talk."
"Thanks."
Arthur pocketed the receipt and note.
"Lucky break."
"Pardon?"
"Heard Randa's in chaos—thought you were fixers hunting vicious criminals."
"...Post-discharge, no more rough stuff. Besides, once they're out of Randa, we don't chase."
"Good to hear... Hope it doesn't spill over big."
Arthur politely promised to keep it in mind and headed out.
As the creaky door shut behind them, Oliver blurted,
"That old guy seemed to catch on."
"Not weird. Age sharpens instincts. He knows we're not really after some fund thief."
"Problem?"
"Nah. He might suspect more, but he won't meddle."
"Well, good then... So, search starts today?"
"No. Tomorrow. Everyone's beat from travel, and too much movement draws eyes."
"Whose?"
"Don't think we're the only ones hunting Willes here. Intel says the kingdom's army has a bead on who hit the prison—odds are they're here too."
Oh... Oliver instinctively scanned the city. Kingdom troops might be around.
"Three-way clash would suck. Especially us hiding identities—puts us at a disadvantage. Stay low-key."
Oliver nodded, understanding.
Unlike the legal kingdom army or fleeing Willes, they had more to juggle.
Basically, dodge the army while pursuing Willes.
A sudden question hit him.
"...What if we find Hewitt? Drag him to Randa? Or get the info and help him bolt?"
"Play it by ear, go for the higher odds. Honestly, neither's easy—gut says wing it toward success."
"Got it."
As Arthur said, Oliver and the team holed up overnight, then split into pairs next day for inquiries.
Oliver with Arthur, Dona with Macboer—covering bars, gambling dens, inns for out-of-towners.
The veterans' receipt opened doors, but no big breaks.
Same for Oliver.
Recalling Hewitt's emotions, he focused his eyes scanning everywhere, but no trace.
Either not here, or hiding feelings like Puppet or Merlin—beyond Oliver's skills.
Right then.
"Damn, driving me nuts. Third day, no tail or shadow."
"Arthur."
"Yeah? What?"
"A guy just went into that corner store... Don't turn."
Arthur kept facing forward, pretending to check a side mirror on an illegally parked car, eyeing the shop.
"See him. Why?"
"A mage-level mana signature just entered. Common around here?"
"Hell no?"
Arthur grabbed his comms, calling Dona and Macboer as he replied.