Oliver’s request to meet Forrest.
Instantly, Al regained his composure, returning to his usual demeanor, assuring Oliver that he would bring Forrest.
“I will guide you to the office first. The boss is on the 3rd floor; could you wait a bit?”
The 3rd floor… Oliver gazed at the staircase leading to the 3rd floor. Unlike the interconnected 1st and 2nd floors, the 3rd floor was entirely partitioned, comprising rooms for confidential discussions.
“The 3rd floor… What is Mr. Forrest doing?”
“……He is attending to guests.”
Al paused briefly before responding, piquing Oliver’s curiosity. What sort of gathering was transpiring in the rooms on the 3rd floor?
“Mr. Al?”
“Yes, Mr. Dave.”
“Would it be okay if I also went up to the 3rd floor?”
“Yes?”
“I’ve never been to the 3rd floor. I’m curious.”
***
Fortunately, Al acquiesced to Oliver’s request.
Initially perplexed, Al studied Oliver’s expression for a moment before agreeing to assist him. Although Oliver felt a twinge of guilt for inconveniencing Al, he had no regrets. This decision allowed him to glimpse both the 3rd floor of Forrest’s restaurant and Forrest himself.
“Dave?”
Forrest, engrossed in conversation with guests in the largest room on the 3rd floor, addressed Oliver upon seeing him.
A range of emotions played across his face.
Surprise, embarrassment, confusion, concern, and bewilderment.
Forrest was taken aback by Oliver’s sudden appearance, flustered by his gaunt appearance, and simultaneously wondered what had transpired and worried about his well-being.
His final puzzle was why Oliver had come directly here.
Al, looking perplexed, stood before Oliver.
Meanwhile, Oliver surveyed the room’s guests.
Most appeared to be affluent individuals within Landa, but regrettably, he recognized only one of them: Paul Carver, the Minister of the Internal affairs for the city, seated in the corner.
Despite being the youngest person present, Carver greeted Oliver calmly.
“Hello, Mr. Dave.”
“Hello? Mr. Carver. Long time no see.”
“Yes, it’s been a while.”
Carver responded leisurely and then, after glancing between Oliver and Forrest, stood up, evidently reaching a decision.
“But unfortunately, since the meal is over, I think I need to leave. Isn’t that right for everyone?”
Carver declared, leaving an untouched meat pie in front of him—a blatant falsehood.
Yet, regardless, all the guests rose from their seats. Despite being significantly older than Carver, they couldn’t resist his words.
“This meat pie is delicious. I’ll visit again.”
As Carver passed by, he greeted Oliver, and the other guests followed him like obedient followers.
Thanks to this, most of the room’s guests vanished, leaving only the restaurant owner, Forrest, his employee, Al, and the uninvited guest, Oliver.
An awkward silence settled in the room.
Al was the first to break it.
“……I’m sorry, boss.”
Oliver shook his head.
“No, it’s my fault because I insisted on coming. I don’t know what it is, but it’s my fault.”
Then Forrest nodded.
“No…… It’s my fault for not waiting, not knowing that Dave would come.”
In this warm scene of self-blame, Oliver nodded in satisfaction, Al closed his eyes tightly while watching, and Forrest shook his head, as if resigning to something.
“Sigh…… Al, thanks for guiding Dave. You can go now.”
Upon Forrest’s words, Al bowed politely, bid Oliver farewell, and exited the room.
Once the door closed behind Al, Forrest poured a drink into his glass and spoke.
“Weren’t you in Galos?”
“I just got back.”
“I’ve been getting real-time updates about Ravel from the information merchants there…… Did you return alone?”
“Yes, I didn’t have much to do, and I heard some interesting news.”
Forrest sipped from the glass he had poured.
“Let me guess. Is it about the redevelopment of District X?”
Oliver nodded. Straight to the point. Impressive.
“Yes, I heard from Miss Jane. I’m involved somehow, can I ask what it is?”
“Of course. But the story might be long, so please take a seat.”
Following Forrest’s suggestion, Oliver gratefully took a seat.
“If it’s okay with you, can I eat this food? I’m hungry.”
Oliver pointed to a partially eaten veal steak, abandoned by a previous guest. Observing Oliver’s gaunt face, Forrest hesitated but eventually relented.
“You do look hungry…… I’ll bring something new.”
“No, this is fine. It would be a waste to throw it away.”
As Oliver insisted, Forrest acquiesced, and Oliver began to cut and consume the steak with a fork and knife.
It was an intriguing sight. His eating was precise, yet there was an unmistakable air of intense hunger about him.
Like a predator in a suit, he exuded an oddly powerful presence.
“I heard that a big chaos erupted in Galos…… Did something happen there?”
Forrest inquired cautiously, and Oliver pondered for a moment whether to share his encounter with the Human-meat Chef and the ensuing conversation.
He ultimately decided it would be appropriate to discuss it. After all, Forrest was acquainted with Oliver’s true identity and appearance.
Oliver wanted to seek counsel regarding the unusual agitation and frustration he was experiencing.
However, he couldn’t bring himself to do so, as he couldn’t pinpoint the exact cause of his emotions.
Seeking advice without a clear understanding of his own condition seemed illogical.
Oliver decided to revert to the original purpose of his visit and concentrate on the reason he had come here.
Perhaps by focusing on something else, he could gain clarity or forget his troubles.
With that decision, Oliver explained that he had ended up in this condition due to being affected by disease-weakening black magic during the disturbance in Ravel.
“I am hungry, but it’s bearable, so don’t worry. I’m fine.”
Forrest looked skeptical upon hearing this.
Considering Oliver’s abilities, it was difficult to believe. Nevertheless, Forrest refrained from pressing the matter out of consideration for Oliver.
“I’ll get a holy item from the Parter Church. If it’s black magic, it should be solved with holy magic.”
Oliver nodded. While it wasn’t life-threatening, the persistent hunger was bothersome, especially as it reminded him of Human-meat Chef.
“Thank you…… It’s kind of funny. A warlock like me is trying to be freed from black magic using a holy item.”
“Well, officially you’re also a wizard affiliated with the Magic Tower…… Did you come all the way up to the 3rd floor to talk about that?”
A signal to return to the main topic. Oliver shook his head.
“No, I was curious about the 3rd floor and wanted to ask about the redevelopment of District X that I mentioned earlier…… Were the guests here related to that?”
Immediately after asking, Oliver placed the last bite of veal steak in his mouth and chewed.
He pushed the emptied plate aside and began savoring another dish. It was delightful.
“It’s more accurate to say they were interested rather than involved.”
“……?”
“They are the owners of small and medium-sized construction companies in Landa who came upon hearing rumors of redevelopment. They heard I had acquired the rights to develop District X. Quite a misunderstanding.”
“……So, you didn’t start the redevelopment project, Mr. Forrest?”
“It’s just a rumor. I haven’t started anything. Where would I have such rights in the first place?”
“Then……?”
“Do you remember the multi-family housing in District X that you bought? Where Marie and her people stay.”
“Yes.”
“And the Fighter Crew. The rumor spread just because I was repairing the house they live in, as you requested. It’s understandable to be misunderstood. Anyway, because you dug into District X.”
“Ah……”
Oliver couldn’t help but exclaim. It turned out that his suspicions were spot on.
“Ah…… I’m sorry, Mr. Forrest. Because of me, you got involved in a redevelopment project you had no interest in…… I apologize again.”
“No, that’s not it.”
“Yes?”
“I am interested in the redevelopment project itself.”
***
Bu-hu-hu-hu-hu-hu-hu-hu-hong!
On a dark night, a small boat sailed along the Sheam River that meandered through the sprawling city of Landa.
Standing on the boat was Oliver, clutching a quarterstaff in one hand and a bag containing meat pie and wine in the other.
Oliver contemplated what Forrest had disclosed.
‘I am quite interested in the redevelopment project. It would be strange not to be interested in making money in Landa, right? And it’s not just me. The Fighter Crew and those who choose it feel the same.’
Forrest had mentioned that the Fighter Crew and others involved shared a strong interest in the redevelopment of District X.
The primary motivator, of course, was financial gain.
‘Well, for Knuckle Joe, there’s more than just money.’
‘Is there another reason besides money?’
‘It might sound silly, but yes. People living in District X, including that friend, all share a common dream. To leave the harsh life in District X and move to a more livable place. It’s not strange. There aren’t many perverts who want to live in a place where you can get shot on the street. Especially those with families to care for.’
Oliver comprehended what was being conveyed. Joe, like the other residents of District X, belonged to a community with families to support.
‘However, relocating is realistically difficult. Financial issues are the biggest, but there are other reasons too. Becoming unwillingly adapted to District X, developing a reluctant attachment to it as ‘home’, or fear of living in a new place. So, what do they dream of?’
Oliver shook his head, unable to relate or even guess, feeling an unfamiliar bitterness he wouldn’t typically experience.
‘They want to transform their living place. They wish to make District X a better place to live… Of course, it’s nearly impossible, so it remains a dream for most.’
Oliver silently nodded, grasping the gist of the sentiment.
‘What about Marie then? And the people from Chosen Ones? They are outsiders.’
‘They are here for the money. Precisely, for the operating expenses of the community. I had a conversation with them before; they lost quite a bit of their wealth due to the attacks of the paladins, and their main business of Pilgaret manufacturing had to be temporarily halted, to avoid bringing trouble to you. I think it was a wise decision. It’s clever to lie low in Landa during these chaotic times. But it’s also a fact that their income has disappeared. They’re barely getting by with the wealth they managed to save, but eventually, they’ll hit their limit. A stagnant source will eventually dry up. That’s why they are interested in the redevelopment. To secure legal funding.’
All the reasons made perfect sense. Then, Forrest extracted some documents from his coat.
It was a business plan and an application for business registration.
‘Here’s the redevelopment business plan for District X and the application for business registration. Have a look.’
‘……The representative section is blank?’
Oliver inquired while examining the business registration application. Forrest’s name was present, and there was an empty space beside it.
‘It’s for you.’
‘Me?’
‘Yes, you. After all, for the redevelopment of District X to take off, it needs capital and manpower, but more importantly, it needs you. You were the one who negotiated with the Anti-Development committee and obtained their approval. Without you, it’s just a fantasy.’
Forrest proceeded to explain the available initial capital and other pertinent details.
Even for Oliver, who wasn’t well-versed in business, the proposal appeared quite feasible.
Numerous investors had expressed interest, and the city’s business support department and banks were also willing to extend substantial support and loans.
After explaining the CEO’s salary and various perks, Forrest asked, “Of course, I understand this might not be particularly important to you… Are you interested in giving it a try?”
Oliver couldn’t provide an immediate response. He had come here simply to learn about the District X redevelopment, not with any intention of pursuing such an opportunity.
The idea wasn’t without merit. The compensation was attractive, and considering his current state of confusion, shifting his focus to something substantial might not be a bad idea.
On the other hand, he had reservations. Oliver was already financially comfortable, and the workload seemed more substantial than he had initially envisioned. He needed a diversion, not an overwhelming commitment.
Furthermore, there was something else that weighed on his mind…
Oliver suddenly contemplated his own capricious nature.
After much contemplation, Oliver asked Forrest for some time to think it over. He explained that there were matters he needed to assess before making a decision, and Forrest readily agreed to his request.
“The boat is about to arrive! Be careful!”
The boat’s captain, Noah, who had previously ferried him to District Z, issued a warning to Oliver, who was lost in thought. Noah’s demeanor and tone were notably gentler than before, leading Oliver to wonder if it was due to his expectations.
Thud-thud-thud-thud.
As the boat drew nearer to District Y, it swayed and gradually came to a halt.
The muddy terrain and scattered piles of refuse around the river in District Y had remained unchanged, as if time had stood still.
“Are you sure it’s okay to go alone?”
Captain Noah, with his gruff exterior, expressed concern for Oliver.
Oliver replied, “Yes, it’s fine. I went and came back safely last time.”
“Just because it was okay yesterday doesn’t mean it’s okay today…”
Noah, examining Oliver’s gaunt face, spoke with even more apprehension, as if he had something important to convey.
“I think it will be okay. Thank you for your concern… Do you have something you want to say?”
Noah hesitated before speaking with difficulty, “Well, really just… Can you really develop District X?”
Oliver sensed Noah’s mixed emotions—doubt and hope.
“I’m not sure… May I ask why you ask?”
“No big reason.”
Noah replied in his customary gruff manner, but his underlying hope was unmistakable. Skeptical, yet eager to believe.
Oliver admitted, “I don’t really know.”
“You don’t know?”
“Yes. That’s why I’m going to ask.”
With these words, Oliver entered District Y, while Noah, as if under a spell, watched him return to District X.
In all his decades of encounters with various individuals, Noah had never come across someone quite like Oliver…
As the boat disappeared beyond the wide Sheam River, Oliver paused.
“Would you please come out?”
In response to Oliver’s request, Bartholomew, an elder from the Anti-Development committee, emerged from the shadows, blending seamlessly into the darkness without relying on black magic.
Upon revealing himself, Bartholomew executed a gentle attack with his flesh-made quarterstaff, and Oliver responded by swinging his own quarterstaff.
The sound of quarterstaffs slicing through the night air and the thunderous clash of their meeting resounded, etching deep marks into the ground with each collision.
After several exchanges of blows, Bartholomew and Oliver thrust their quarterstaffs at each other, resulting in a powerful collision.
━━━!
An indescribable, deafening noise erupted, pushing both combatants back, their feet scraping against the ground.
“You’ve improved remarkably. A Supreme Being indeed……”
“Is that so?”
Oliver, his mind somewhat cluttered by various concerns, responded vaguely. Perhaps it was due to his close combat training in Galos and the encounter with Human-meat Chef.
“Did you know I would come here?”
“More than knowing, I was hinted that you would come someday.”
“Oh…… Who told you?”
“A Supreme Being mentioned it to me.”
“…”
Oliver fell into silence, still puzzled by the enigmatic conversation. Seizing the opportunity, Bartholomew spoke first.
“What brings you to this place?”
Oliver, suddenly recalling the purpose of his visit, set aside the myriad questions he had for Bartholomew, not wanting to further complicate matters.
“I have something to ask… No, I came to seek permission.”
“There is nothing you need to ask permission from us, Supreme Being.”
“……Do you remember my last visit?”
“Yes, I remember. You came to ask if it was okay to repair a new dwelling place for the followers of the Supreme Being.”
Oliver hesitated briefly. It was similar but not entirely the same.
He wanted to clarify the misunderstanding, but realizing that addressing every detail would be endless, he opted to continue the conversation.
“Yes…… It’s not certain yet, but is it okay to redevelop other buildings in District X besides the one I mentioned?”
“Do as you wish, Supreme Being. As I said before, whatever you decide to do, we dare not interfere.”
Bartholomew replied without hesitation. Oliver had half expected a refusal… It was challenging to respond to such enthusiastic acceptance.
“Ah…… Thank you for your kindness…… Take this, please. It didn’t seem right to come empty-handed.”
Oliver handed over the bag he had brought, containing a meat pie and a bottle of wine from Forrest’s restaurant.
Bartholomew, typically stern in demeanor, received the bag with polite and careful movements.
“Thank you for the gift.”
“No, thank you… May I ask a question?”
Oliver posed an unexpected question out of the blue. It felt natural; the question had been on his mind for some time.
Bartholomew readily agreed, and Oliver proceeded to recount his conversation with Human-meat Chef, omitting details about Chef and focusing on the content of their discussion.
Bartholomew listened attentively, and when Oliver had finished, he posed a question of his own.
“Does this Supreme Being you mention… is it related to this story?”
An unexpected query, but Oliver felt a sense of relief, as if scratching an itch. However, Bartholomew’s response was not as satisfying.
“I’m sorry, but as I mentioned before, that is not something we mere mortals can discuss.”
The same response as before, but this time it left a slight sense of disappointment, akin to an unfulfilled basic need like hunger, an itch, or sleep.
“When will I be able to know?”
“When the sky is steeped in darkness, and the irrefutable will of a god descends, you will know. Whether you wish to or not.”
Bartholomew provided another cryptic answer, resembling more of a prophecy than a direct response.
(To be Continued)
CH 424-433 (Vs Human-meat Chef Part4) $3CH 434-443 (Dave Vs 100 Druids) $3CH 444-453 (Adventure in New Continent) $3CH 454-463 (Meeting with Joanna) $3464~ $1/chapter
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