Chapter 255
Chapter 255
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 255
Chapter Title: Party Invitation (3)
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Of course, he said it wasn't entirely problem-free.
The staff member was just a staff member, no matter how you sliced it.
It was absurd for a staff member to teach students in place of a professor.
"But if it's just helping with the basic training I taught you—refining your mana flow, systematizing spell practice, building foundational stamina for combat... I want you to oversee that in my stead."
Oliver immediately understood what he meant.
It was a form of division of labor.
Just like how Oliver had once instructed high-grade disciples to teach the low-grade ones.
It didn't seem like a bad idea.
That way, Kevin could focus on exceptional students like Yarelin and Derek while indirectly tending to the struggling ones through Oliver.
'But that's not the whole story.'
Oliver thought, observing Kevin's emotions.
Kevin's proposal was sincere, but it hid another motive as well.
It wasn't specific, but it stemmed from curiosity and doubt directed at him.
He was truly curious. What about him sparked this proposal?
The silver lining was that there was no malice or cunning behind it.
Oliver considered asking directly for a moment but decided against it.
He doubted he'd get a straight answer anyway.
Instead, he voiced another concern.
"Won't I stand out too much?"
"It should be fine for now. You're not a mage, and you have mana non-generation syndrome, but you've tied with Derek, taken down those train robbers, and earned some real credit inside the Magic Tower. No one will complain if you're helping me help the low-performing students."
It didn't sound wrong upon reflection.
He'd never seen it himself, but apparently skilled mage staff assisted professors not just with personal errands but also with classes and research.
Still, Oliver hesitated to commit.
Things had finally quieted down, and he didn't relish drawing unnecessary attention again.
'And I can't read the professor's true intentions.'
But passing up this chance to interact directly with Magic Tower students didn't sit right either.
In the end, Oliver asked for time to think it over.
Kevin readily agreed, asking only for an answer by next week.
And just like that, Friday arrived.
"I didn't expect to end up back here."
Oliver remarked, gazing out the car window at the passing scenery.
At the end of his line of sight stood a massive building glowing with a soft blue light, towering majestically.
It was the Sapphire, J District's landmark cultural complex.
He had come here before with Jane to meet Edith, so this felt like an uncanny coincidence.
"Not that strange."
Jane said casually from the seat beside him.
She seemed to have completely forgotten the past—no trace of displeasure, just calm resolve shining through.
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. Sapphire's always been a hotspot for gatherings. Flashy inside and out, top-notch facilities, huge parking, plenty of airship docks."
As if to prove her point, airships were landing and taking off from Sapphire sporadically even now.
"Above all, Seamus wanted the party here."
"Seamus did?"
"Oh, right... We met him once before, at the auction house?"
Oliver nodded. They'd met once more after that, too.
"But he wanted Sapphire specifically? Is he part of your asset holders' group, Miss?"
Jane shook her head.
"No. He's with the Sisterhood, has money and influence, but not our group. Doesn't fit our vibe... Though his girlfriends do have a strong say."
Oliver recalled Seamus had three girlfriends he kept as backups.
"So they suggested the party here?"
"Yeah. They've been racking up big wins with him as their backer lately, so they can push ideas like that. Not an outrageous ask, so no objections."
"Huh? With Seamus as backer? Isn't it the other way around?"
"Ah... You might not know. Things have shifted recently. Seamus used to only have his personal strength to boast about, but his businesses keep succeeding, and now his wealth surpasses even his girlfriends'."
"That much?"
"Yeah. The guy's a business wizard. He's getting buzz in these circles now. A financial genius."
"You mean Leaf Loan? I've heard usury pays well, but not this well."
"That's part of it, but he's leaning more into investments lately."
Oliver kept firing questions amid the flood of new info.
"Investments?"
"Don't know the details. Just that he does closed-door deals with acquaintances, pulling 10% returns monthly."
"That's impressive?"
"Huge. Simple math: leave money for a year, it doubles plus 20%."
Jane's eyes sparkled with genuine admiration, and Oliver nodded, convinced. It sounded incredible.
"But isn't that tough? Books say investing's no walk in the park."
"Exactly. Making money that way isn't easy, which is why everyone's dying to know more. And surprisingly..."
The car came to a sudden stop.
They'd arrived at Sapphire mid-conversation, and ahead stretched a long line of luxury vehicles.
Uniformed men approached each car, greeting politely while rigorously checking faces and tickets.
"Pretty tight security."
"Proof of how valuable the deals and opportunities here are. Plenty have scored big on investment tips or offers from these parties. That's why all the big egos show up."
"I wonder if I really belong here."
"Of course you do."
Jane grabbed Oliver's shoulder, turning him to face her, and affirmed it firmly.
"Dave, you're the one they call the second Seamus for your standout performance—no need to feel intimidated. You're Fighter Crew's boss and Crime Firm's ally."
"I told you that's a misunderstanding."
"It's just how people talk. In this city, bravado, lies, misunderstandings—they're all power. So hold your head high. I'm counting on you big time right now."
Jane finished with a bright, encouraging smile.
Surprisingly, despite her own tension, she'd been playing it cool to cheer him on.
Oliver found her like that endearing, steeling his resolve.
"Thank you for saying that."
"No need to thank me. I'm just hoping to ride your coattails."
Moments later, a Sapphire staffer approached their car.
Jane handed over two pre-prepared invitations, pulling Oliver close to show their faces together.
The staffer verified and waved them through. Oliver and Jane parked, took the elevator up, and entered the party hall.
"Fancy running into you here... Great to see you, Dave."
As Oliver and Jane navigated through the well-dressed crowd after exiting the elevator, they bumped into a man.
It was none other than Murphy.
The boss of T District's Kimbel Family and liquor magnate, Murphy.
He spotted Oliver by chance, approached with surprise, and greeted him warmly.
"Great to see you too... Been a while since we last met, Mr. Murphy."
"Same here. I kept meaning to say hi, but timing never lined up—glad it's now. I've been hearing about you."
"Hearing what?"
"Yeah, Fighter Crew stuff, alliances with the directors. Knew a day like this would come, but not this soon—impressive."
Ah... Oliver sighed inwardly. Not even here? It was bewildering.
"Sounds like a misunderstanding."
"Misunderstanding?"
"Yeah, a huge one..."
Oliver trailed off as someone tugged at him, turning his head.
There stood Jane in her suit, composed.
"Sorry to interrupt, but could you introduce us?"
"Ah... Sorry."
Oliver apologized to Jane, whom he'd momentarily forgotten, and introduced her to Murphy.
"Mr. Murphy, this is Miss Jane. She's the one who invited me here today. Miss Jane... Mr. Murphy."
Unsure how to describe Murphy, Oliver just gave his name.
It felt off even to him, but luckily, no issue arose.
Murphy and Jane already knew of each other to some extent.
"Pleased to meet you. Honored to meet the famous investment genius."
"No, the honor's mine to meet the renowned liquor king. Thrilled we're finally acquainted."
Murphy and Jane exchanged greetings in perfect sync.
Polite on the surface, but underneath, they sized each other up coolly—like everyone else at the party.
"You came at Miss Jane's invitation?"
Murphy confirmed. Oliver nodded, and after a pause, Murphy ventured cautiously,
"If it's not too rude... what's your relationship?"
Jane waved it off with a surprised look, denying any issue, while Oliver answered flatly.
"We know each other."
"......"
"......"
Murphy and Jane stared at Oliver in shock.
Murphy doubted his ears for a moment, while Jane's expression shifted from disbelief to faint irritation.
"You know each other?"
Oliver caught Jane glaring and wondered if he'd messed up.
"Uh... Employer and employee?"
"Seriously??"
Jane's eyes widened as she shot back. She looked genuinely angry.
"...Did I say something wrong?"
Oliver glanced at Murphy, who backed away hands up, signaling not to drag him in.
Jane, exasperated by the sight, spoke up.
"At least introduce me as a friend—that's basic manners!!"
"Oh, so you'd be okay being friends with me?"
Oliver asked, and Jane faltered before blurting loudly,
"...Yes! I'd love to be friends!!"
"Mr. Murphy, Miss Jane is my friend."
"Ah... I see. Congrats on making a friend."
"Yeah, I'm happy too. Now I have two friends."
Oliver replied sincerely, and Jane buried her face in her hands.
Her ears flushed red, embarrassment and awkwardness swirling.
Oliver turned back to Murphy.
"Did I mess up again?"
"Please, just leave me out of this."
"Pardon? What do you... Ah, I'll shut up."
Seeing Jane tug his clothes in a "zip it" gesture, Oliver clamped his mouth shut.
As he quieted, Jane composed herself and resumed the conversation.
"Not even ten minutes in, and it's already chaos."
"I think I get it."
This time, Oliver tugged Jane's collar.
She turned, and he gestured that he had something to say.
Jane permitted it.
"Thank you. I have a question for Mr. Murphy."
"Starting to get a bit scary now?"
"Ah, skip it if it's hard to answer. Earlier, you called Miss Jane the 'liquor king'—what's that mean?"
"Oh, that's nothing. Just—"
"—Means she sells a shit-ton of booze and got rich off it."
Someone slung a lanky arm over Murphy's shoulder, cutting him off.
It was Seamus.