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Shortly after settling into his seat opposite Shamus, two hearty T-bone steaks were presented on plates. One was meticulously seared to perfection, reserved for Oliver, while the other was intended for Shamus.
“Is the steak to your liking?”
Oliver slowly swallowed the T-bone steak he had put in his mouth and replied.
“…Yes, it’s delicious.”
“I’m glad. This is the signature dish of this restaurant. It’s so delicious that I’m eating my twentieth plate.”
Shamus pointed to the stack of plates piled up like a tower beside him. Then, he chewed the T-bone steak down to the bone.
Crunch, crunch.
His jaw strength seemed extraordinary, as the hard bone crumbled like candy.
“Do druids usually have a good appetite?”
“Usually? We train both our minds and bodies to the extreme, so we need a lot of nutrients. And most of us grew up hungry when we were young, so we have some limits when it comes to eating.”
“You grew up hungry?”
“Oh, didn’t you know? Most druids are children who are sold because of poverty. The training is tough, and you have to sever ties with the outer world, so who would want to do it?”
“It’s my first time hearing this.”
“You have a lot to learn.”
Shamus ended the conversation like that, but it seemed like he had something to say. It was as if he was prompting a question… And Oliver willingly obliged.
“Is that the case for you as well, Mr. Shamus?”
“Me? Of course, I don’t even remember my parent’s faces, but I do remember clearly that I was sold.”
Shamus tapped his temple with his characteristic exaggerated attitude. Along with that, he observed Oliver’s complexion.
“Well… I can’t blame my parents. Greenland, despite its name, is barren and poor, so it’s common for parents to offer their children to druids. Thanks to that, I became rich, so I have no resentment.”
“So, do all the children who are sold become druids?”
“Well… let me ask you a question instead. Does everyone who trains become a warlock?”
“Um… no.”
“Exactly. Becoming a druid is difficult. Only a talented few can become one. Sometimes, not even one person becomes a druid in a year.”
“I see…”
“You don’t know anything about druids. It’s not strange, but it is odd. As a Solver, you should have met one at least once. There are many like me these days.”
“I met one person. But the timing wasn’t right, so I couldn’t ask.”
“Oh, really? That’s too bad. If they were in Landa, there’s a chance they may have been part of the Enjoyment group. Do you happen to know their name?”
“Scott.”
“Hmm, I’m not familiar with that name. Do you happen to know what he is up to these days? I’ve always been curious about other druids and would love the chance to meet one someday.”
“He’s dead.”
“Oh, really…? Who killed him? Someone who can kill a druid must be quite capable.”
“It was me.”
“…….”
“To explain, it’s complicated, but we had a disagreement while working together… Is it offensive to you?”
“Offensive? Not at all. The weak deserve to die. Isn’t it worse for someone to jump into this line of work without that determination?”
Shamus responded with a lie. He hid his emotions with a magic item, but Oliver could still see it.
“Thank you for understanding. Anyway, may I ask about the business proposal?”
“Huh? Already? I’ve heard you enjoy the pleasure of conversation, but are you trying to move on to the boring topic of work already? Or am I not charming enough?”
Shamus showed a blatant sign of disappointment.
To be fair, Oliver relished engaging in conversations with others. He enjoyed the experience of discovering new information, reconciling divergent perspectives, and exchanging viewpoints with others through discourse.
However, Shamus proved to be an atypical conversational partner. Although he appeared to engage in dialogue with Oliver, the reality was quite the opposite. Shamus employed a mix of deceitful half-truths and insincere fabrications to assess Oliver’s character, without genuinely participating in the exchange.
This is precisely why Oliver desired to cut to the chase and get to the heart of the matter. In doing so, he hoped to establish a more genuine and sincere dialogue.
“I apologize. I’m just curious about what kind of business proposal you’d have with me… I don’t know anything about business.”
“Oh, Great spirits… You have talent, but you don’t realize it at all. Could there be a sadder case? You’re already doing it, aren’t you?”
“Pardon?”
“The warlock training business.”
“Warlock training…? Oh, are you talking about the Fighter Crew?”
“Yes, I saw your fight yesterday. It was quite impressive, sincerely. Just to let you know, I’m not the type of person who talks nonsense about such things.”
It was sincere.
“Thank you for the compliment. But how did you see it? There were no… Ah, you must have seen it through the World Tree.”
Oliver recalled the conversation he had with Gordon in the past.
Gordon had said that Shamus could handle elemental magic, nature empathy, shape-shifting, and can even use the World Tree.
“Wow…! You’re smart when it comes to unexpected and naive topics. You guessed it right away. Impressive.”
“I heard you were dealing with the World Tree last time. Thank you for the compliment.”
“It’s not a compliment. I’m just stating the facts. Ordinary people don’t even know what the World Tree is, and there are hardly any Solvers who really know about it. Only those who can think independently know about the World Tree.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, it is. Only those who know how to think can understand the power of the World Tree… I’m curious, how did you find out about the World Tree? Do warlocks teach about the World Tree these days?”
“By chance, I happened to read about it in a book.”
“In a book? By chance?”
“Yes, I bought a few books at a used bookstore.”
“That’s really interesting. A book about the World Tree in a used bookstore… And I’m sure you’re not lying, so let’s just move on.”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Anyway, the point is that I’ve confirmed your abilities. You’ve turned the Fighter Crew, those mongrels, into quite useful fighters… Impressive.”
“It’s thanks to the Fighter Crew members’ hard work and learning.”
“But if the teacher is incompetent, it’s all meaningless. First, let me apologize.”
“For what?”
“Last time at the auction house, I suggested you join my group, remember? I apologize for that. I didn’t know your true abilities and underestimated you.”
“No, I’m not offended at all.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I believe that those with talent should be treated accordingly, especially you.”
“Me?”
“Yes. It may sound strange, but you remind me of myself.”
“Do I?”
“You came to Landa alone and became a renowned Solver within a year, right? Just like me, you had a wealthy lover.”
“?? I’m sorry, but I don’t quite understand what you’re saying.”
“Jane… you know, that old man’s daughter. Wasn’t Jane her name? Isn’t that your lover?”
“No.”
“Ah… well, never mind then. Anyway, you remind me of myself. You’re a warlock, but you’re as competent as I am. Also, as a warlock, you must have had a similarly unfortunate childhood. Objectively and emotionally, you’re overflowing with charm… That’s why I want to propose a partnership.”
“…What kind of partnership?”
“Something like a mercenary business. We train warlocks and sell their services.”
Oliver pondered for a moment and then asked.
“…Is that possible?”
“If you have the skills… There are plenty of third-rate warlocks seeking education and jobs, and there are also plenty of people who desire power. Not only in this city but also outside this city… Surely, you don’t think the countless mercenaries and superhumans in Landa only work here, do you?”
“To be honest, I just learned that today.”
“You really have a lot to learn… But it’s okay. I’ll teach you while we work together. How the world works, how to gather money and power, and how to live with that money and power… It’s a promising business, so in 1 or 2 years, we might be able to buy a building in an upper-class residential area.”
Shamus spoke with sincerity, at least to some extent.
“Um… can I be honest with you?”
“Of course. But that line sounds like something you’d say when you’re about to refuse, isn’t it?”
“Although I appreciate your high evaluation of me and your proposal… I honestly want to refuse.”
“Hmm… I’d like to know the reason.”
“I don’t really like being affiliated with an organization.”
“I’m not asking you to work under me. I’m suggesting a partnership.”
“But it’s still the same as joining your organization, Mr. Shamus.”
When Oliver pointed this out accurately, Shamus was momentarily at a loss for words.
He seemed blunt but sharp, vulnerable yet resolute.
“…I don’t understand. Usually, Solvers look for stable jobs as soon as they make a name for themselves.”
“Um, different people have different thoughts, right? Mr. Shamus, didn’t you also refuse better options and come to the Crime Firm?”
Shamus burst out laughing.
“Oh, you heard that story too?”
“Yes.”
“But you’re mistaken. Do you think I came to Crime Firm without any plans or thoughts? I set specific goals and made plans before joining Crime Firm. I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life running errands for others.”
“Was setting up a business your goal?”
“More accurately, the goal is to gain wealth and power. Being a Solver and running a business are just means to that end. Who, other than a pervert, would enjoy running errands for a few pennies? Are you that pervert?”
Shamus asked, and Oliver seriously pondered. To figure out whether he was a pervert or not.
Upon reflection, Oliver had thought about why he worked as a Solver.
Recently, he had been doing this job to broaden his horizons by meeting various people, but before that, it was to use the black market.
‘But why did I want to use the black market?’
He recalled events that seemed long ago but weren’t, and soon Oliver found the fundamental reason.
The reason he left the Joseph family and became a Solver.
“It was to know about the beautiful light.”
“Beautiful light? What’s that?”
“Emotions. A slightly special emotion.”
“Emotion? Ah… well, warlocks do use emotions as materials. Judging by the fact that you mentioned a special emotion, it must not be something easily found, right?”
“Yes. I thought I might find it in the black market, but it wasn’t there either.”
“Then, it must be an even more difficult emotion to find. The rarer it is, the more power you need to obtain it.”
Shamus tried to persuade Oliver once again. Oliver decided to follow him for now.
“Is that so?”
“Of course. It seems like you don’t know the world yet, the more valuable something is, the more powerful people are able to possess it. Nice cars, nice houses, good alcohol, beautiful women. It’s all the same concept.”
“Ah… I see.”
“Wouldn’t it be much easier to find if you quit being a Solver and focus on gaining power? You’ll have money and power, and even minions to order around… If you want, I can help you too.”
Shamus spoke sincerely, and Oliver could read his true intentions.
For him, the business itself was not that important.
What he wanted was to have Oliver under his influence.
“Um… you make a valid point, but I’ll have to decline politely. I don’t want to rush.”
“Ha… So it’s not that desperate for you?”
“No, it is desperate… It’s just that there are so many other interesting things in the world, and I want to take my time to explore them all.”
Shamus seemed to have made up his mind and shrugged.
“Alright…? Then there’s nothing I can do. I can’t force you any further. I’ve finished my business here, so you can leave if you want.”
At Shamus’s words, Oliver stood up from his seat. As he was leaving, he looked at one side of the restaurant.
“I enjoyed the meal. Thank you, Mr. Shamus, for inviting me.”
“I should be the one thanking you for coming. Although we didn’t agree on everything, I hope we can get along in the future. I would also appreciate your help with my work later.”
“Then, please contact Mr. Forrest.”
“Forrest? Ah… Hey, as a gesture of friendliness, would you like some advice?”
“Advice?”
“Yes, don’t trust brokers too much. Even if they say they’re friends or partners and share profits, they’re the kind of people who stab you in the back. Especially, that Forrest guy.”
Following the departure of the warlock Dave, only Shamus remained on the second floor of the restaurant, Cornucopia. Or, more accurately, it appeared that Shamus was the sole individual still present.
“Boss, are you okay?”
Something stirred in one corner of the restaurant, and a person appeared.
He was a druid who had been hiding his body with a camouflage spell, and he was one of Shamus’s subordinates.
Chomp, chomp!
Shamus answered while chewing on his T-bone steak.
He naturally had a good appetite, but when he was annoyed or deep in thought, he would eat even more than usual.
“To be honest, it’s not very good… I don’t remember the last time I was this irritated.”
Shamus spoke with a chuckle, but his subordinate discerned the underlying anger in his tone. Though Shamus maintained a carefree demeanor and often laughed, in reality, it was akin to a predator crouching low before the hunt. It was this very approach that had propelled him to his current position of power.
“Should I go after him and take him down now?”
The subordinate asked Shamus. In fact, many of Shamus’s subordinates were stationed in the restaurant in case they needed to take action.
They were all well-known figures in Landa who had succumbed to Shamus’s wealth or power.
“… No, it’s fine. He’s not an easy target.”
“Not easy?”
“Yeah. That cute boy, he knew you were there. His eyes stopped for a moment.”
“Really? My camouflage spell was perfect. Also, I was wearing a magic item that hides my emotions.”
“But he noticed. I don’t know what kind of trick he used. Of course, I could catch him if I tried, but I can’t interfere so blatantly while he was carrying out a Crime Firm mission. That’s not very mannerly, is it?”
Shamus said half-jokingly, but in fact, it was a conclusion derived from combining numerous possibilities.
His relationship with the Crime Firm had gone beyond being just simple and had subtly reached a point of mutual restraint, but he couldn’t interfere just yet.
He still needed the influence of the Crime Firm.
At least until Enjoyment could take root in England.
“Rather, how did it go? With the fighter crew on the first floor?”
“We tried to pick a fight as you instructed, but there was no significant reaction.”
“Really?”
“Yes, I thought those low-lives from the back alley would easily fall for the provocation. But they just quietly ate their meals and left. Their discipline is quite good.”
“Ha… Fuck. I really hate it.”
Shamus spoke with a rare level of sincerity, the most he had displayed among the words he spoke today.
Upon first encountering Dave, Shamus had initially regarded him as just another obscure figure amidst the many potential contenders vying for power in Landa. However, it quickly became apparent that Dave’s capabilities extended far beyond that.
His skills were far more multifaceted and intricate than Shamus had anticipated. Not only had he single-handedly brokered negotiations with the Crime Firm, but he had also transformed a ragtag group of low-life street thugs into a formidable fighting crew and maintained strict discipline among them.
Achieving such feats required more than sheer strength or skill. It demanded a certain degree of leadership prowess.
“Boss, aren’t you taking this too seriously? Dave didn’t gain anything from this incident.”
“That’s what worries me.”
“Excuse me?”
“The fighter crew, the Crime Firm. The guy who reconciled the two organizations and built a relationship didn’t gain anything. It doesn’t make sense, does it? He could have gotten quite a bit just by mentioning it.”
“So…?”
“It’s one of two things. Either he’s a really smart guy pulling some scheme behind the scenes, or he’s a truly selfless fool… I’d prefer the former.”
“Not a fool?”
“Yeah, a smart guy can be predicted because he has an ulterior motive. But a fool can’t be predicted. Because he has no goal. It’s chaos.”
The subordinate pondered for a moment and shook his head.
“Um… That’s too difficult for a rookie like me to understand. Either way, shouldn’t we take him down as soon as possible? If a force that is well-trained is under the Crime Firm’s control, it’ll be hard to manipulate them later.”
Shamus didn’t deny it.
He was the one who had enjoyed the most significant benefit from exploiting the seemingly efficient but in reality vulnerable organizational structure of the Crime Firm.
“Oh, we can’t let that happen. We just can’t. There’s still so much to gain… Can we still use the channel we secured last time?”
“Do you mean the one in District Y?”
“Yes, contact the Anti-Development Committee through them.”
“What should I tell them?”
“Ask them how they could just let go of the warlock who made a mess in District Y. If you give them some money, they’ll probably react right away.”