Chapter 77
Chapter 77
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 77
Chapter Title: Cleaning Season (1)
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Randa's financial institutions, corporate headquarters, and magic tower labs were densely packed in Districts D, E, and F.
Even within Randa, this area stood out for its flashy buildings, and Forest was staying at one of the hotels in District E.
It was an expensive hotel catering mainly to wealthy business elites, but it also served as a venue for corporate briefings, politicians' negotiations, or regular meetings of massive interest groups... such as the Brokers' Guild, for instance.
Forest was sipping coffee and reading a book in the hotel lounge when Al, his attendant, quietly approached and whispered in his ear.
"Boss. The meeting starts in one hour in the sixth-floor hall."
Forest nodded.
He appeared calm on the surface, but various thoughts raced through his mind.
This was supposed to be a routine guild gathering, but something felt off.
Usually, without any special issues, it felt like everyone was just there to relax on guild operating funds. But this time, there was an awkward tension in the air.
Most brokers were lounging as usual, but a few were subtly bustling about.
As if something was brewing.
"Al... have you heard anything?"
"I'm sorry, but nothing specific. People from Districts A, B, C, and D seem to know something, but they won't give me the time of day... Sorry."
Al apologized, but Forest shook his head.
Al was plenty capable. Especially considering he was a former slave dragged in from the New World colonies.
Maybe the mages were wrong about human genes being predetermined for superiority.
...In any case, it wasn't Al's fault that he couldn't dig up what was going on. If anything, it was due to Forest's own position.
It wasn't an ironclad rule, but brokers had their subtle pecking order too.
They mostly kept things horizontal, but just like any three people forming a group would produce a leader, there were clear undercurrents of power.
Typically, brokers in the front districts, closer to the power brokers and capitalists, held the edge, with influence waning toward the back. That was mainly because of the clients they dealt with.
The closer to District A, the more high-powered politicians and wealthy capitalists they handled. Further back, it was small-time merchants and gangs.
Naturally, the influence and capital at their disposal varied accordingly.
And that created the hierarchy among brokers.
In that sense, Forest was on the weaker side. He was based in District T, the workers' residential area.
Sure, he'd had chances to set up in the front districts before, but that was water under the bridge—
"Forest!"
A man appeared before the lost-in-thought Forest.
It was N, the broker handling District B.
For reference, he'd changed his name to N after becoming the top broker there.
"Long time no see, N."
"Yeah, it's been forever, Forest."
N grinned, his massive frame scarred with knife marks across his face.
They'd started in the broker business around the same time, but unlike Forest, N hadn't jumped straight in. He'd done fixer work first before transitioning.
Maybe because of that, his brokerage felt more like a mercenary outfit than Forest's.
True to his rough looks, N plopped down brashly and got right to it.
"Anyway, spill it. I've been hearing some juicy rumors lately."
"Juicy rumors?"
"Come on... don't play dumb. Things have been buzzing. Word is you scored a pretty solid black mage... Rumor even says he beat a mage from the tower?"
Despite his brutish appearance and speech, his demeanor had a sly edge.
Like a raccoon in a bear's body. Forest didn't show it, though.
Gossip spread fast in their circles, so Forest had heard too, but he hadn't gotten an official report.
Still, after hearing about the fight near the warehouse where the magic beast factory was being built, the odds of it being a mage were high.
"Nothing confirmed yet."
"Since when is anything in this business confirmed? How'd you snag him anyway?"
How indeed? Forest wondered to himself. Cant's introduction letter came to mind. Some twist of fate...
"Whoa... this guy's clamming up tight, huh? Fine, fine. I'll toss you some fun intel in return. Might not be useful right now, but better to know than not, right?"
"Know what? What's the story?"
"Can you believe this guy? Only bites when it suits him... Whatever. Looks like 'Cleaning Season' is coming up."
"Cleaning Season..."
"...Yeah. Contaminated zone cleanup."
"That doesn't add up. Cleaning Season's still months away, isn't it?"
"Zombies and contaminated beasts have surged out of nowhere, going wild. So they pushed the schedule up. But that's not the issue."
"Not that? Then what?"
"Unlike usual, instead of assigning personnel, the city's recruiting directly this time. And this season's our guild's turn, right?"
***
"Eh, A..."
"Yes, correct."
"B..."
"Yes, right again."
"Sh, shit..."
"Excellent. What's next?"
Oliver was in the corner of the restaurant, teaching Rossburn the alphabet.
Contrary to expectations, Rossburn wasn't picking it up quickly.
They'd planned to move on to words and grammar, but...
Oh well, it wasn't bad. Even if Rossburn's pace was slow, the boy's determination to learn only grew stronger.
As if he'd never let this chance slip away.
At that moment, the innkeeper called out from the counter where she was tallying the ledger.
"Rossburn! Five minutes left!"
The ticking clock made Rossburn jump.
Thanks to Oliver's persuasion, he could study during break time at work, but if he missed the deadline, the innkeeper had warned she'd revoke even that break. A natural reaction.
Still, he couldn't resent her. From her perspective, she'd already made a big concession.
In a panic, Rossburn rattled off the next letters.
"D, E, F, G..."
His urgency eased his fear, and hesitation vanished from his voice. He started reciting the alphabet fluently.
Not just faster—his pronunciation sharpened too.
He proved he'd mastered it in under five minutes.
"......"
"...W-Well done? Teacher?"
"Yes, excellent. A bit more confidence, and you'll learn even faster."
Rossburn's gloomy face brightened a touch.
Oliver had just stated the plain truth, but why was the boy so thrilled?
Then the innkeeper's voice rang out again.
"Rossburn! Time's up!"
With that, Rossburn grabbed the book and stationery Oliver had gifted him and hurried off.
Oliver had finished his own work for the day, so he rose refreshed and headed to his room. But the innkeeper called him back.
"Hold on a sec, Dave."
"You called?"
"Yeah... First off, thanks for the chocolate and flowers."
The plump middle-aged woman said.
The old bookstore owner had told him that to let the kid work, he needed the innkeeper's permission—and to bring gifts like those to win her over.
Most effective for persuading women, he'd said.
"No, no. I'm the one grateful you gave Rossburn a chance to study."
The innkeeper eyed Oliver suspiciously, with doubt and confusion mixed in.
"I'm not the type to pry into guests' business."
"I know."
"But I have to ask now. Why go out of your way—time and money—to teach that kid his letters?"
The same question the bookstore owner had asked. Oliver answered more smoothly this time.
"I can teach him, and he wants to learn."
"That's it?"
"...Probably?"
The innkeeper looked at him like he was some incomprehensible weirdo.
Still, no hostility or disgust—just surprise.
The awkward silence stretched until Oliver spoke.
"If it's alright, may I head up now?"
"Oh, yeah... Sorry for holding you up."
"No problem. Have a good day."
Oliver went up to his room and quickly prepared to go out—which just meant throwing on an outer shirt.
Today was the day Forest returned.
According to the staff, he'd be back around lunchtime, but that had already passed.
Oliver left the inn and headed straight for the restaurant.
The street was familiar now. Vendors selling apples or hot dogs greeted him like an acquaintance.
Even the beggar was there, his hat brim torn as always, holding out his cap with a bow.
"Good day, sir. Looking sharp as ever. Could you spare a coin for this poor soul?"
"Yes, hello."
Oliver pulled a small bill from his pocket and dropped it in the hat, as usual.
"Oh, thank you! Blessings upon you, sir."
The beggar bowed to Oliver, who returned the gesture.
He arrived at the restaurant.
"Hm?"
Oliver saw the "Closed" sign on the restaurant door. The windows were curtained too.
First time he'd seen that. Forest's place opened early mornings and stayed open late into the night.
He'd never seen it shut during the day.
Curious but figuring something must've come up, Oliver turned to leave.
That's when the door jingled open.
"Dave."
Al's tone was calm, but he was breathing hard like he'd rushed out. His emotions carried a hint of surprise.
"Hello, Al. You were inside. How'd you know I was coming?"
"Heard your footsteps... Were you here to visit?"
"Yes... but it looked closed. Mind if I come in?"
"Of course. We were actually waiting for you anytime."
"Really?"
"Yes... If it's alright, would you come in?"
"Sure, excuse me then."
Oliver replied politely and stepped inside.
With the door closed, the usual customers were gone, replaced by what looked like fixers filling the seats.
About a dozen. Some familiar faces too—like Miss Coco.
"Well, if it isn't Dave. Long time no see?"
Coco spoke up when she spotted him.
Oliver bowed politely in greeting, and she teased him with a grin.
"So polite, but way too stiff for flirting with a lady. Bet you're not too popular."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. If you come to my shop, I'll let you know."
Half-joking, half-serious, her eyes held complex emotions.
"Anyway, you here because you got called?"
"Called? No, just dropped by."
"Oh? Really... Al? You didn't even send a summons to this black mage?"
"Not per regulations yet. Was about to soon."
"Forest... That old man's so inflexible. Sure, that's how he keeps his rep, but still. What if another broker snatches the dark horse?"
"That's boss's business. Not for a mere employee like me to say."
Oliver caught a faint trace of irritation and anger from Al.
His loyalty to Forest ran deep. Coco seemed to notice too and apologized.
"Oops... Sorry, got carried away. But cut me some slack, Al. We're all human."
She said that while glancing at Oliver.
Before he could ask what she meant, a staffer called for Coco.
She adjusted her feathered hat, flashed a prim smile, and headed into the boss's office.
Looked like she was here on business, not just visiting.
Come to think of it, wasn't she an info broker?
Al turned to Oliver.
"If it's alright, could you wait a moment?"
"Oh, sure..."
Oliver replied, glancing around.
A good number of fixers sat there, all radiating unease. They seemed burdened by worries.
"Al, mind if I ask what's going on? ...No, if it's hard to say, that's fine."
"No, I'll explain."
"Huh? Really?"
"Yeah... Better if I brief you first."
"...? What's happening?"
"Cleaning Season is approaching."