Chapter 263
Chapter 263
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 263
Chapter Title: After the Party (2)
----------------------------------------------------------------- ‘I had a meeting with some Kingdom Army officers and munitions company folks. About my research.’ Kevin said it like it was no big deal. Come to think of it, most of Kevin’s personal research focused on military spells that maximized fire magic. From long-range bombardment spells for massive aerial assaults to processing fire magic into items for distribution to soldiers. Of course, there was nothing strange about that. The United Kingdom was expanding its colonies across the world, so vast resources poured into the military sector. Naturally, plenty of researchers like Kevin specialized in that field. It was common knowledge from newspapers or the radio.
“Plus, it’s a place where skin color doesn’t matter—you’re judged purely on skill. And the rewards speak for themselves.”
Kevin explained why he pursued military magic research.
“So it’s not out of personal interest?”
Oliver asked, gauging Kevin’s emotional state just to confirm. Kevin showed immense responsibility and a fierce sense of purpose toward his assigned research, but aside from that, there was no scholarly curiosity or enjoyment in it. That was pretty unusual. Sure, plenty of mages researched to secure funding or investments, but since they were scholars at heart, they typically stuck to their fields of interest or closely related ones. Kevin, however, was different. Apart from the results of his research and his knowledge of the field, he had no real curiosity or passion for the military side as a scholar.
“What?”
Kevin asked back.
“I asked if you’re not doing military research out of personal interest.”
Oliver inquired to understand why Kevin would research a field he wasn’t interested in. Money and rewards were surface-level reasons; there had to be something deeper. Kevin’s eyes gleamed as he stared at Oliver, as if peering right through his thoughts.
“Why do you ask?”
“Just curious. Why put in so much effort if there’s no interest?”
“……”
“If I’ve overstepped, I apologize.”
“……It’s something I have to do.”
“Pardon?”
“It’s something I have to do…… That’s all I can say.”
“Ah…… I understand. Thank you for answering.”
“Don’t thank me. It’s not free. I’ve got something I want to ask you, too.”
“Me?”
“Yeah. What kind of talk went down at that investment party? Mind filling me in?”
“Of course. There’s not much to tell, though…… Should I go ahead now?”
“Nah, I’ve got work. Let’s chat over dinner after you clock out.”
“I’ve got plans tonight—could we do it tomorrow?”
“Plans? What for?”
“Sorry, it’s personal, so I can’t say.”
“I just shared something tough to talk about. Isn’t it only polite to give me at least a piece?”
It was a fair point. After some thought, Oliver replied.
“I’ve got some personal curiosity about a matter, so I’m consulting on it. And I need to ask a favor.”
“Consulting? A favor?”
“Yes.”
Oliver nodded in affirmation.
After pushing back his appointment with Kevin, Oliver dove into his work at the Magic Tower.
He wrote up reports from his perspective on the students he’d dealt with that day, submitted them to Kevin once finished, and clocked out.
Back home, Oliver had a light meal before preparing to head out again.
He changed into a different style of clothes, swapped his shoes, and paid careful attention to details like his belt, watch, and cologne.
After all that effort, Oliver stepped out and made his way to Forest’s new restaurant on 30th Street in T District.
“Right on time. Eaten yet?”
“Grabbed something light.”
“Good. Time was tight…… Hop in.”
Forest opened the car door himself.
Oliver thanked him and got in. Once Forest joined, the car set off toward their destination in X District.
“Here’s the list. People who want to hire you.”
Forest handed over a brown paper envelope.
Inside was a stack of documents—not too thin, not too thick.
Oliver thanked him and checked the list.
Some were companies he’d heard of, others like Pinkman and Shapefity Guard. Even prominent mercenary groups from Randah caught his eye.
There’d been a few like this before, but this list had a notably higher proportion.
When he asked about it, Forest explained.
“Only natural. Money flows to those who have it, and good jobs go to the capable. Looks like attending that party paid off big time.”
“The party?”
“Yeah, where you crushed that Magic Tower student…… Seems it left quite an impression. Speaking of, why didn’t you mention it?”
“Didn’t seem worth reporting.”
Forest looked displeased but didn’t press. He knew Oliver was like this from the start.
“Stuff like that might not seem important, but tell me anyway…… Either way, Randah’s elite now prefer you even more. Black mages get eyed warily, but seeing you in action at the party improved your image and built trust. Great news. Word’s been spreading from the auction house gigs, and now you’ve solidified it.”
Forest said it like it was cause for celebration.
Oliver understood why as he reviewed the documents.
The clients were higher caliber, so the jobs and pay had leveled up.
Most striking was the increase in flexible-schedule gigs he could fit around his availability.
Coming up on two years in Randah, Oliver needed time more than money these days. It was welcome news.
‘This job and that one don’t clash with Magic Tower hours. Lucky. Taking over student classes means vacations are trickier now…… Wait, am I actually swamped?’
Oliver belatedly realized the cost of his choices.
No more carefree time off.
Not impossible, but definitely less flexible with responsibilities piling up.
He shrugged it off. Too late to back out now.
At least things were easing up work-wise, so he’d take the win.
“Any questions?”
Forest asked as Oliver scanned the list.
“Hmm…… Not right now. Most look good.”
“Expected that—enjoy it. It’s payback for your track record. Just reply ASAP on which ones you’ll take. Gotta update the clients.”
Oliver gave the list another look and nodded.
As their talk wrapped up, the driver Al spoke cautiously.
“Boss, Mr. Dave. We’ve arrived. People are waiting over there.”
Forest and Oliver looked ahead at his words.
Dusk was falling, headlights on, illuminating a group of suited men.
They lounged casually on the ground but stood in formation the moment they spotted the car.
It felt familiar.
“……Isn’t that Joe’s crew?”
“Spot on.”
The car stopped, and Forest got out, confirming it.
“You’ve arrived?”
As Oliver and Forest stepped out, Joe and the Fighter Crew—sharp in suits—approached with greetings.
Oliver returned the courtesy while eyeing them, sensing something off. Then it hit him.
“Our outfits match, huh?”
Oliver pointed it out. They really did.
Since becoming a fixer, he’d stuck to one suit style on purpose.
To project a consistent image for easy cover when hiding his identity or disguising himself.
The Fighter Crew’s style was strikingly similar.
When Oliver asked about it, Forest answered.
“Hmm…… Working with Crime Firm, they all suited up to look like a unified team. Big organization like that demands a certain dignity.”
“Doesn’t explain why they match mine, though?”
Forest looked awkward at the follow-up.
Joe stepped in.
“We requested it this way…… Sorry if it bothers you.”
He bowed politely in apology.
More refined than before. His demeanor toward Oliver was even more deferential.
Caught off guard by the shift, Oliver replied.
“No, I’m not mad—just curious. This might fuel weird rumors…… You’ve heard them, right? The nonsense about me being your boss.”
“That’s—”
“—Can we save the chatter and get to business first?”
Forest cut in as Joe started to respond.
Oliver and Joe turned to him. He tapped his watch and continued.
“Time’s limited, and priorities first. Why are we here?”
Oliver remembered: to meet Iwan.
“Ah…… Thanks for the reminder. Joe, could you help me meet Iwan? I heard you know him.”
“Yes, we’ve secured him. Right this way.”
“……Secured?”
“Yes.”
Joe gestured, and his crew smoothly formed a protective ring around Oliver and Forest.
Puzzled, Oliver glanced at Forest, who pointed ahead.
“Follow.”
“Full of surprises today.”
Oliver said as they entered a warehouse.
Inside, Iwan Bremner lay passed out drunk, ankles shackled.
Smith’s master, the black mage craftsman who’d made the Big Mouth and Meat Hammer.
Empty bottles littered the area. Oliver rubbed his eyes, unable to believe it.
Still the same.
“What’s going on?”
“Long story—short version: He came to meet Smith, hit the local bars and casino while here.”
“Any issues?”
“Fake money’s an issue.”
“Pardon?”
“His bar tabs and gambling stake turned to leaves after a day.”
“……??”
Oliver doubted his ears and stared at Iwan.
Forest, equally baffled, asked.
“How’s he still alive?”
“The victims were about to lynch him when our guys found him. We covered the debts and secured him. Shackles to prevent bolting…… Hey, bring it quick!”
At Joe’s urging, a Fighter Crew member hauled in a bucket of water.
Without hesitation, Joe doused the shackled Iwan.
Splash—!
Iwan bolted upright with a cheerful splatter.
“Gaaaaahhhh—! Royal straight flush!!! ……Who’re you lot? Where’s my royal straight flush?”
Soaked, Iwan demanded, glaring at his onlookers.