Genius Warlock

Terence’s response was either to suggest that they establish their own frontline or to assume command themselves. This was a stark departure from his attitude the previous day when he had shown great enthusiasm for collaborating with Rokuri University upon learning about the internal divisions among the Human-meat Chef faction.

Kevin shared a similar perspective to Terence’s, and the explanation made their reasons clear.

“It’s quite fascinating.”

In the capital city of Galos, within District 10 of Ravel, Oliver spoke as he waited for Murphy.

By Oliver’s side stood Yareli, who had altered her appearance using the Pure Magic Faction’s illusion magic and was dressed in a comfortable women’s suit.

Not only did dresses suit her, but she also looked remarkably well in suits.

“The fact that Rokuri University can’t unite and is quarreling amongst themselves?”

“Yes… And also that they think they can take advantage of the internal strife within the ranks of the Human-meat Chef faction.”

Indeed, Rokuri University appeared to be less united than initially expected and overly optimistic, according to Oliver’s perspective.

Contrary to the anticipation that the entire university would be dedicated to capturing Human-meat Chef, Kevin and Terence discovered through their own investigation that the different departments were still blaming each other for the betrayal within the Department of Life Alchemy.

It was a form of political infighting.

To be honest, the existence of such conflicts wasn’t the issue. Political disagreements were commonplace in every organization.

The real problem was that, due to these disputes, the most critical battle against Human-meat Chef was being pushed to the sidelines, and their focus was scattered.

Some within the university even expressed skepticism about the Human-meat Chef threat and suggested the presence of traitors, prompting a need for an internal audit. The university’s unity was less solid than one might assume.

“I agree, but it can’t be helped.” Yareli agreed with Oliver but offered a defense of the situation.

“Why do you think so?”

“It’s a natural law. Every organization, including nations, naturally becomes rigid over time, and in the process, factions and interests are formed. It’s inevitable that sides will be taken… So occasionally, seemingly foolish political fights break out. It’s not so much that Rokuri University is foolish, but rather it’s an unavoidable trend.”

“Hmm… Didn’t Mr. Terence call them fools?”

“Yes, I heard that too. I agree. But Colonel Terence’s own Roar family is doing the same thing.”

“Oh, is that so?” Oliver expressed interest.

“Yes. The Roar family is also involved in power struggles with regular soldiers to maintain their influence in the magical affairs of the kingdom’s army. The same goes for the Tower… Everyone can engage in foolish acts.”

Oliver nodded in acknowledgment of Yareli’s candid advice.

Perhaps she was onto something. Unbeknownst or even knowingly, everyone indulged in foolish behaviors, including Oliver himself.

“So let’s just focus on our own tasks. I think that’s more productive.”

“That’s wise advice. Thank you.”

“No thanks needed. I only mention it because we’re on the same mission, and the situation in Rokuri makes it all the more important.”

“I don’t know what it is, but that’s fortunate.”

As Yareli and Oliver conversed, a third voice chimed in.

Turning to the source of the voice, Oliver saw Murphy Kimbell, accompanied by her aunt Maggie, cousin Morrison, and Jane.

Behind them stood a squad of formidable-looking bodyguards, but Oliver’s attention was drawn more to the attire of Maggie and Jane.

How should he put it? Unusual compared to their usual style? A bit overdone?

“Hello, Mr. Warlock… Oops, a mistake. Mr. Zenon. Please understand the outfit. It’s adapted to the local customs.”

Maggie, Murphy’s aunt and a senior Kimbell family member, warmly greeted them and sought understanding.

“Oh, not at all. It’s nice to see you after such a long time… But what do you mean by local attire?”

“In Galos, gender distinctions are clear, and the nobles are old-fashioned, preferring to wear gender-appropriate clothing. Men dress manly, and women dress womanly. That’s why we’re dressed so extravagantly.”

Oliver couldn’t help but exclaim, “Ah…” as he took in the sight of Maggie’s large hat, adorned with ribbons and a frilly dress.

He had indeed seen several women dressed similarly during their visit to the noble manor with Yareli. However, it left him puzzled because, as far as Oliver knew, the people Murphy was going to meet were not the restored nobility but rather the Milieu.

“That’s because the Milieu we’re visiting claim to be descendants of fallen nobility.”

“Claim?”

“Yes, no one really knows if they’re true nobility. However, Lucian Mura is considered a prominent power within Milieu, so no one really questions it.”

“Ah, I see. I understand… Ms. Maggie, it suits you.”

Oliver complimented Maggie’s attire, recalling the etiquette he had learned at the Angels House, always to compliment a woman’s clothing.

Maggie responded graciously, saying, “Thank you for the compliment.”

“Miss Jane looks good, too.”

“It’s nice of you to say so, but I have mixed feelings.”

“Do you?”

“Yes, I don’t like these kinds of clothes.”

Jane tapped her hat, which was ornately decorated with shiny trinkets and frills, displaying a hint of dissatisfaction.

“I prefer something simpler.”

“When we first met, didn’t you wear something similar, although a bit less?”

“…I didn’t wear it because I liked it.”

“Oh… But it looks beautiful on you.”

Oliver gave Jane a direct compliment, following the teachings he had learned at the Angels House. For some reason, the atmosphere between them became slightly awkward.

“Um… Sorry to interrupt your conversation, but may I talk about my work now? That’s what we’re here for.”

Murphy broke the awkward silence, and Oliver readily agreed, recognizing the appropriateness of his intervention.

“Yes, of course.”

“Good. I was worried you might have forgotten… Now we’re going to meet the Mura family of Milieu. My subordinates are here, but only a few bodyguards can enter, and Zenon is one of them.”

“I will serve to the best of my ability, Mr. Murphy.”

“Yes, I know. I trust in Zenon’s skills and credibility… But still, please be careful.”

“…?”

“It’s just that Lucian Mura is quite a character, even among the rough crowd of Milieu. We don’t know what tricks he might pull, so please, be especially vigilant.”

***

As they made their way to their destination, Murphy walked alongside Oliver, providing detailed information about Lucian Mura.

“To put it in a word, he’s a merchant.”

“A merchant?”

“Or a gambler, simply a quick-witted person, some also call him lucky.”

“I don’t quite understand what you mean.”

“Think of it as making good choices at crucial moments. He’s an excellent investor.”

That clarification resonated with Oliver. He had heard snippets about the Milieu organization during his time in Back Port.

A criminal enterprise with roots in thieves, robbers, and the fallen nobility of Galos. However, their demeanor was said to be more akin to warriors or hooligans, characterized by their aggressiveness.

“Yes, that’s right. All the Milieu gangs are like that. That’s why their businesses often have a high proportion of straightforward activities… In contrast, Lucian is quite skilled in business, dealing in smuggling, prostitution, gambling, etc. He operates in many areas and makes the right choices at critical times, which has allowed him to keep his position in the chaotic Galos for a long time. It’s a person you have to be careful around. That’s why I asked Zenon in the first place.”

Oliver nodded in acknowledgment, assuring Murphy that he would be cautious.

Murphy himself was a legendary figure who had risen from being a member of a crime organization to becoming the ‘Liquor King.’ There was undoubtedly a good reason for his concerns.

“Is that the Dix Castle you mentioned?”

As they gazed upon an ancient castle in District 10 of the capital city Ravel, Oliver inquired.

The 10th district of Ravel was known for its poverty, housing struggling artists, cheap laborers, and immigrants, and was infamous for frequent serious crimes. However, in the midst of this, there stood an imposing and dignified castle that could rival any building in Landa, unapologetically.

“Yes, that’s right. I don’t know why such a castle is in the middle of the city, but now it’s the house where Lucian Mura lives, and the base for the Mura family.”

As if to substantiate his statement, numerous armed personnel were visible in the vicinity of the castle. These forces ranged from individuals armed with submachine guns to mana users dressed in attire reminiscent of medieval knights.

“Let’s go and see.”

Murphy approached Dix Castle, which was surrounded by a moat formed by a tributary of the Aki River flowing through Ravel.

As they drew nearer, a gatekeeper clad in chainmail and wielding a longsword addressed them.

“Welcome, Murphy. We’ve been expecting you.”

“Hello, Jacques.”

***

With a gaze, voice, and an aura that far exceeded that of the gatekeeper, his name was Jacques.

He served as the head of operations for the Mura family, known for his exceptional magical abilities and combat skills.

Jacques was familiar with Murphy, and despite his formal demeanor, he greeted him with respect and guided the attendees of the meeting along with a minimal contingent of four bodyguards into the castle.

‘Impressive.’

Following Murphy, Maggie, Morrison, and Jane, Oliver entered the castle and observed the surroundings with a thoughtful expression.

The interior of the castle was even more opulent and well-maintained than its exterior.

Given the castle’s size, it was clear that its upkeep would entail substantial expenses. Despite claims that they engaged in modest businesses or were overshadowed by Human-meat Chef, it was evident that they had amassed considerable wealth.

‘But maybe it’s just this family. Mr. Murphy said that Mr. Lucian, the boss here, is a person of good judgement. That must be him.’

As Oliver contemplated this, he looked down a long corridor adorned with numerous paintings toward a door at the end. His thoughts proved accurate.

“Ha! Welcome!”

As Jacques assisted in opening the door, and they entered, a middle-aged man greeted Murphy, accompanied by several of his followers.

This man had a swarthy complexion, thick features, square jaw, and slicked-back hair, giving him a somewhat shrewd and cunning appearance, at least on the surface.

Yet, beneath his exterior, he possessed a cunning intellect not unlike the directors of Landa’s crime organizations, coupled with a level of mana proficiency that surpassed that of the average mana user.

‘And he has incredible Life-force, too.’

Observing Lucian’s vibrant life force despite his advanced age, Oliver couldn’t help but think this.

Murphy exchanged greetings with him.

“Hello, Lucian. How have you been?”

“Of course I’ve been well! I’m grateful you’ve come to visit. Truly grateful.”

Lucian responded to Murphy’s words with hearty enthusiasm, shaking his hand vigorously.

“Since you’re busy, Lucian, it’s only right that I come to you.”

“Thank you for understanding. Now, this way.”

Lucian placed his hand on Murphy’s shoulder and guided him to a dining table before he could say more.

Murphy, a seasoned soldier with a robust physique and strength, found himself almost being pushed into his seat by Lucian’s force.

“Now, everyone, please take your seats.”

After seating Murphy at the dining table, Lucian invited Maggie, Morrison, and the others to join him.

“This is quite a feast.”

Murphy commented as he surveyed the spread of food before them. The table was indeed adorned with a wide array of dishes.

“My grandmother used to say, if you have a valuable guest, feed them until they burst. Since you, Murphy, are our valuable client, it’s only natural.”

“Thank you for the kind words. So, what I wanted to discuss-“

“-Hold on, try this soup first. We prepared it from the morning, knowing that you were coming.”

Murphy’s sentence was abruptly cut off, and although he sensed Lucian’s clear ploy, he tasted the soup.

“…It’s delicious.”

“Thank goodness it’s good! It was specially prepared for you, Murphy. In that vein, may I ask you something? I’m quite curious.”

“What is it?”

“In the current radio drama in Landa, ‘The Tower and the Affair,’ does the female lead end up dating her male student?”

“A new student appears to challenge the female teacher, who is the main character, over a male student.”

“Good heavens! What a preposterous story! That’s Landa for you!”

Lucian, whether he was praising or deriding, let out an ambiguous exclamation. However, without displaying any signs of weariness, he continued to broach other topics.

Stocks, fashion, automobiles, and more. Everyday and miscellaneous subjects. They may have appeared trivial, but all of these discussions were geared toward unsettling Murphy.

It was a tactic to gain an advantage in the negotiation.

His followers began to join in on the scheme.

For instance, a woman standing behind Lucian.

She had a dagger and rapier at her side, and she wore steel corset armor. She leaned in and whispered something in Lucian’s ear.

“Hmm? Ah. Aha… Look here, Murphy.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“May I ask who the beautiful lady sitting next to you is? My daughter says she’s never seen her before, and I think it’s the first time for me too. Who is she?”

Murphy furrowed her brow.

“She’s Miss Jane, affiliated with my investment business. She is a well-known investor in Landa. I was just about to introduce her, but we got caught up in conversation. My apologies.”

“Apologies for what! Between us. But a female investor, that’s quite unusual. Is it common in Landa? Female investors?”

“It’s not common in Landa either, but there are some. She belongs to the Sisterhood. She receives support from Mrs. Miranda of-“

“-Ah, that brothel group?”

A soft yet distinct voice. It was the woman who had whispered to Lucian.

Her words dripped with disdain and provocation.

It was a comment that couldn’t be ignored, even if it was unintentional. However, the woman didn’t stop there; she proceeded to offer unsolicited advice to her father and boss, Lucian.

“Let’s get rid of that woman. This is a place for warriors and businessmen, not for such… She doesn’t fit in.”

“Whoa, whoa. Daughter. That’s no way to speak to a guest. Everyone, please understand. My daughter is too, what’s the word? Umm. On this issue, she is-“

“-Apologize.”

Someone interrupted Lucian’s ramblings.

Calm yet resolute, it was none other than Oliver.

“Uh, what did you say?”

“I said, I would like an apology, please.”