/
The mention of Edith’s name evoked a swift and intense display of negative emotions across Jane’s face—anger, hatred, betrayal, contempt, and disgust. Though fleeting, these emotions served as undeniable evidence that the conflict between Jane and Edith remained unresolved.
“Huh… That’s rather surprising,” Jane remarked, swiftly regaining control over her expression and emotions. While her outward composure seemed intact, her inner turmoil was evident in the intensity of her fluctuating emotions. It was akin to a writhing snake, as if Oliver had unknowingly prodded a sensitive spot.
However, there was no avoiding it. Time was limited, and Jane needed to respond.
“Hasn’t Mr. Forrest informed you?” Oliver asked.
“Well… he instructed me to meet you and ask directly,” Jane replied.
“I believe I understand why he did that,” Oliver continued, noticing the negative emotions flickering across Jane’s face. It appeared he might have made an error.
“What do you think the reason is?” Jane inquired.
“Perhaps Miss Jane harbors extremely… Is it best if I remain silent at this moment?” Oliver hesitated, realizing his misstep.
“Yes,” Jane responded with an angry smile, confirming his suspicions.
“…I apologize,” Oliver sincerely apologized, bowing his head and falling silent as he focused on drinking his coffee. The atmosphere grew uncomfortably awkward. At least the coffee tasted good, he thought?
After a prolonged period of silence, as they both quietly sipped their coffee, Jane, having regained control of her emotions, let out a heavy sigh and stood up.
“…Would you like another cup of coffee?” she asked.
“……”
“I have cooled off. You may speak now,” Jane said, indicating that Oliver was free to continue.
“Um, I would appreciate another cup,” Oliver responded cautiously. In response, Jane let out another sigh and proceeded to the bar to prepare another cup of coffee.
“…I apologize. I allowed my emotions to get the best of me and became irritable with a guest,” Jane admitted upon returning with the fresh cup of coffee. Oliver lowered his head in acknowledgment.
“No, I am the one who… I apologize for bringing it up so abruptly.”
“…May I ask why?” Jane took her seat, brushing her hair back, and inquired. Her emotions were a complex mix of hesitation, anger, and curiosity.
“So… Why do you wish to meet Edith? Is it business-related? Or is it a personal request?”
“Neither. It’s simply… to satisfy personal curiosity,” Oliver replied honestly.
“Curiosity? What…?”
Oliver felt an instinctive urge to answer, but the words remained lodged in his throat. It wasn’t the right time to divulge his reasons.
“Um… I can’t tell you just yet.”
“Not yet?”
“Yes.”
Jane promptly acquiesced to Oliver’s firm yet indifferent response. She understood that while he may appear easygoing, he could be exceptionally stubborn in certain circumstances.
“So, you’re saying there’s a possibility you might be able to answer later?”
“Perhaps.”
“Hmm… Okay. I’ll be patient. But I hope you’ll let me know when the time comes.”
“If I can, I will definitely inform you.”
Jane nodded, finding some compromise in Oliver’s response.
“Thank you. But do you think he’ll cooperate?”
It was a piercing question. Edith, among all the individuals Oliver had encountered, possessed quite an eccentric personality. There was little chance he would simply comply just because Oliver asked.
The conversation they had last time at the cultural complex, the Sapphire, was evidence of that. Oliver hadn’t received the answers he desired despite their interaction.
“Getting his cooperation won’t be easy, but I have something to offer.”
“Something to offer?”
“Yes.”
“You’re quite confident. I suppose that’s another difficult question to answer?”
“Yes, because I’m still uncertain.”
“Ha… But why did you come to me? I don’t want to get involved with him.”
Jane, seemingly overwhelmed by mental stress, couldn’t help but bury her face in her hands and sigh. Fatigue, irritation, and resentment toward Oliver were apparent, leaving Oliver with nothing but apologies.
“I’m sorry. You were the only person I felt I could ask for help.”
“But couldn’t you have asked someone else for help here, Dave?”
She wasn’t entirely wrong. If Oliver had expressed his desire to seek assistance elsewhere, Forrest likely would have found a solution. It would have taken more time and effort.
Oliver vaguely understood this as well. However, he chose not to do so because he had the option of seeking Jane’s help, and he didn’t want to unnecessarily burden others with favors.
In a way, it was a selfish and arbitrary decision, and Oliver was aware of that fact.
“I’m sorry. I was being selfish. But I still want to ask for your help, Miss Jane.”
Upon hearing those words, Jane’s expression subtly changed, and a faint blush graced her cheeks.
“That’s really a cowardly and sly thing to say.”
“Did I say something rude?”
“That’s not the point. Honestly…”
Jane bowed her head again, but quickly regained her composure as she had done throughout their conversation. It was truly admirable.
“Well, it’s fine. Truthfully, I also need your help, Dave. I can’t keep sulking.”
“I don’t mind.”
“…Don’t say things like that so casually.”
“Ah… If it made you uncomfortable, I apologize. I will be more careful.”
“Ha… What I’m asking of you is to attend a party. As a distinguished guest who has received my invitation.”
“A party?”
“Yes, at the end of this month, numerous investors from Landa will be in attendance. Our group members, including myself, will be there, and I would like you, Dave, to join us as my guest.”
“Well, I don’t mind, but is it okay for me to attend such an event?”
“Of course. In fact, many people would be delighted to see you. By the way, Edith will also be present at this party… It’s ironic, isn’t it? It seems like a twist of fate that Dave and I should help each other. What do you think? If you agree to come, I will ensure you have a place at the event.”
Jane asked Oliver, her unique and charming smile gracing her face.
[So, what did you reply?]
“I said I would go,” Oliver replied to Forrest’s voice coming through the communication device. Forrest seemed incredulous, though he had anticipated Oliver’s response.
[You just accepted that so easily?]
“Yes……. I am also in a position to ask for a favor, so it didn’t seem polite to be picky……. Did I make a mistake?”
[…Honestly, it wasn’t a mistake. You should also attend such events and make your presence known. I just hope you’ll make decisions more carefully]
Forrest advised, concern evident in his voice despite the distance.
“I apologize. It was abrupt for me too… But, can I ask what the party is about? Miss Jane explained it to me, but I didn’t quite understand.”
[It’s a sort of investment meeting.]
Surprisingly, Forrest promptly answered Oliver’s question.
Unless Forrest had anticipated such a question from Oliver, it meant that he had a handle on all significant events.
Neither of the two made sense.
Landa was a city so large it could be described as a city-state, and with its size, it had many people, events, and parties.
Even if he only had control over the significant ones, it was quite astounding.
“An investment meeting?”
[Yes, Landa is a place where money is abundant, and those who have extra money are all interested in investments. Bonds, foreign exchange, stocks, things like that…… Do you know what these are?]
“Bonds are certificates issued by the government or companies to raise funds, foreign exchange involves trading with other countries using drafts, and stocks are ownership certificates proportional to the amount invested in a company, right?”
[That’s right. Quite impressive?]
“I read about it in a book. I also learned the saying not to put all your eggs in one basket, although it seems like a flawed saying.”
[For stocks, there is no definitive answer. It appears rational on the surface, but beneath it, human greed and madness intertwine. There is no set method.]
“Um, have you tried stocks?”
[Don’t ask… It’s heart-wrenching. Anyway, the party Jane mentioned will be an opportunity to share and attract investment information. Many people in the city are enthusiastic about such gatherings. If I’m not mistaken, not only wealthy individuals but also wizards and nobles will be in attendance.]
“Wizards and nobles?”
Oliver reacted with surprise.
As far as Oliver knew, wizards and capitalists maintained a relationship of mutual restraint, and nobles were entities he had only heard of, never encountered, in Landa. To think that they would attend such a party felt unreal.
[It’s not that strange. In the end, wizards and nobles also need money. Money can be seen as an equalizing factor that binds people together.]
Oliver nodded. It was quite convincing.
“But why did Miss Jane invite me?”
[As I mentioned before, you are known as the captain of the Fighter Crew and an ally of the Crime Firm. In this city, power is both appealing and advantageous… So it’s not particularly strange.]
“What do the Fighter Crew and the Crime Firm think about this? They might be uncomfortable.”
[Hmm… not necessarily.]
“Pardon?”
Oliver felt awkward. It seemed like something was being hidden.
[Let’s conclude our conversation… The important thing is that it’s not strange or detrimental for you to attend. People who don’t hire Solvers also keep an eye on exceptional Solvers. You never know when and where you might need one.]
“Um, yes…”
[The reason Jane invited you is likely because she wants to show off her association with you. There are rumors circulating that you joined the Sisterhood group due to your connection with her. Attend the party, blend in a little, and then return. However, avoid mentioning any specific relationships.]
“Specific relationships?”
[Such as sharing secrets or being in a romantic relationship. Half of that place is about ostentation and illusions, so revealing a specific relationship can be unfavorable in many ways… You’re not dating Jane, are you?]
“No, I’m not. Why does everyone ask me that?”
[In that case, it’s fine. Rumors abound in this city, so don’t worry about them.]
“Yes, I understand… By the way, do you plan to attend, Mr. Forrest?”
[No, it’s not my place.]
“That’s a shame.”
[I’m saddened to hear such a thing from a man… I’ll stop joking, and since you have some time, prepare for the event and return safely. Seeing the faces of the people there can be quite advantageous. If your value increases, you’ll be able to gain a broader perspective beyond just fulfilling your duties.]
“That’s the only way to protect myself without being used.”
[I’m glad you remember. For now, let’s end the communication. Come by before the party. I’d like to treat you to a meal.]
“Yes, I’ll visit you as soon as I can,” Oliver replied and turned off the communication device.
As soon as the call ended, silence quickly filled the basement of the house in District L.
A testament to the effectiveness of the soundproofing.
Oliver returned to his work and looked down at Corpse doll-Bathory, and asked,
“Child. How is it? Can you use it?”
“Kyuuuuu… Yes!”
Child, getting used to the new Corpse doll-Bathory, wobbly got up on her two legs.
“I’m relieved. It’s my first time dealing with a female doll, so I was worried I wouldn’t handle it well. Then, shall we start adaptation training right away? We have a lot of things to experiment with.”