“-If you help us, I will also help you with your work.” Murphy declared confidently.
Yareli inquired, “What do you mean by help?”
“The mission given to you by the Tower. Helping Rokuri University… Um, yes.” Murphy replied, deliberately mumbling the last part, not out of ignorance but due to his intimate knowledge of the situation.
Yareli, aware of his insight, remarked, “That’s impressive… How did you know?”
“Because I’m affiliated with the Crime Firm. I roughly know how the Tower operates. If the lady of the Issai family has come to Galos in such times, even a fool would know… Did you not introduce yourself for that reason, Miss Yareli?”
Murphy saw through Yareli’s intentions, and she silently acknowledged it. Her suggestion to join with Murphy and Jane was not made lightly. Since their encounter at the restaurant, they had all been calculating their moves—Yareli, Murphy, and Jane. All except Oliver.
“Indeed, the Crime Firm is impressive.”
“Thank you for the compliment. Although we are not comparable to the Tower, we have our own strengths.”
Murphy spoke with confidence, and rightly so, as the Crime Firm was a sprawling criminal organization that held sway not only in Landa but throughout England. While they lacked magical technology like the Tower, their vast membership and far-reaching influence were akin to entwining vines.
“And those vines also reach into Galos. Not as strongly as in England, though.”
“You’re referring to Milieu.”
Murphy nodded.
“While I can’t make them follow your orders as they are a trade partner, I can arrange a meeting for you.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Of course. It might sound like boasting, but even without the Crime Firm, I have a deep partnership with Milieu.”
This was a fact. Murphy was a major supplier of high-quality magic wine to Milieu, which they distributed, competing with the Human-meat Chef’s infamous Bloody wine.
“Even so, all I can do is arrange the meeting. That’s it. The persuasion is up to you. But it won’t be as difficult as you think. Milieu is also hostile towards that side.”
“That side” referred to the Human-meat Chef.
Yareli nodded silently. Simply arranging the meeting, as Murphy proposed, would be a significant advantage. If they went through Murphy, Milieu would find it difficult to employ their usual tricks.
“So, all I have to do during the negotiation is act as a bodyguard?”
“Yes. As I said, I came prepared, but I’m anxious about negotiating in the front yard of a trade partner. Confidence is key in negotiations… If Dave helps, I think I can gain a lot of confidence.”
It was a reasonable offer, and Yareli displayed interest, turning to Oliver for his input.
“What do you think?”
“Hmm… Is this necessary for our mission?”
“We need to discuss the details with the professor and Colonel Terence, but it’s not a bad story. Milieu, like the Crime Firm, knows their territory well.”
Oliver raised a valid point. However, he harbored concerns and sought clarification.
“I can’t help as a solver named Dave.”
“What?”
Murphy was taken aback by the unexpected response. He had anticipated an easy agreement.
“Because I receive work as a solver through my broker. So, I can’t help you as solver Dave.”
Oliver’s frustration was palpable. While it was common to work through an intermediary for reasons of trust and safety, in exceptional situations like this one, even that rule could be bent.
However, Murphy didn’t contest it. Because those were none other than Oliver’s words.
“Instead, I might be able to help as Zenon Bright from the Tower. Out of goodwill.”
“Isn’t that the original face of Dave?” Murphy pointed out, noting that Oliver currently wore Dave’s mask. The two identities had merged, making the Dave persona more familiar.
“That may be so, but I am here in Galos to do Zenon’s work. Besides…”
“…?”
“I define myself as Zenon right now. If that’s unacceptable to you-“
“-That’s not at all unacceptable.”
Murphy stepped back, not one to bluff.
As the conversation seemed to be coming to a close, Yareli interjected, “Can you give us a day? We need to discuss this amongst ourselves.”
“Of course. It’s me who’s asking for help… Here, this is the communication number for the hotel where I’m staying. Please contact me on this number once you’ve made a decision.”
With the grace and formality of a true businessman, Murphy retrieved a luxurious fountain pen and jotted down the number on a napkin.
Yareli accepted the napkin and replied, “I will consult and respond as soon as possible.”
***
“Not bad at all.” Kevin remarked as he inspected the number on the napkin.
Having left work together, Kevin had sought Terence’s opinion, and the reaction was similar.
“It might be worth a shot. To obtain local information, the help of locals is best… Besides, with Milieu involved, Human-meat Chef and hostile forces. If they can be trusted, it would be perfect.”
“It seems we think alike.” Yareli said, having gathered the opinions of Kevin and Terence. The reactions weren’t far from what she had anticipated.
Perhaps it was to be expected. While individuals might differ, at their core, Magic Tower members operated on a similar logic.
Their actions were guided by the survival and interests of the Magic Tower. This unity allowed them to act as a cohesive body, even as a coalition.
It was likely because they were bound together by their unique status as wizards, similar to the Sisterhood or the Crime Firm.
‘After all, people easily form solidarity based on their profession and class.’ Oliver reflected, thinking back to the times he had met with Carver for discussions. As promised during the Shamus incident, Carver had taught Oliver about social phenomena, politics, and systems—topics that had always piqued Oliver’s curiosity.
“But it’s quite strange for a coincidence.” Terence suddenly remarked.
“What do you mean?” Oliver inquired, intrigued.
“I mean, isn’t it? For a liquor king who knows Zenon to appear at this timing and make such a proposal… Could it be some kind of trap?”
“That’s unlikely.” Kevin replied, his tone quiet yet firm. Despite the subdued volume, his words carried a compelling conviction due to his inherent seriousness.
“Oh, confident, are we? Do you have a basis for that?”
“The meeting between Landa’s liquor king and Zenon is more of inevitability than a coincidence.”
“Inevitability?”
Oliver raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
“Yes, inevitability. The reason we’re here and the reason the liquor king came to negotiate with Milieu are ultimately connected.”
Impressed, Oliver let out a thoughtful sound.
Kevin, Terence, Yareli, and Oliver had converged to support Rokuri University in dealing with the Human-meat Chef, while Murphy had arrived to renegotiate with Milieu, whose influence had expanded due to the crisis caused by the Human-meat Chef.
Everything ultimately traced back to the Human-meat Chef.
“This is quite interesting.” Oliver exclaimed in amazement. The seemingly disparate issues were interconnected like a spider’s web, a revelation that was both surprising and intellectually stimulating.
“I don’t know about fun, but for us, it’s not bad news. Depending on how things go, we might be able to form a cooperative force separate from the university. If Milieu can be trusted, they would be the perfect counterpart.”
It was not an unreasonable assumption. Milieu, as an organization in competition with the Human-meat Chef, might possess valuable information. Even if they didn’t, their network of petty thieves, smugglers, and gamblers could prove invaluable in gathering information and apprehending the Human-meat Chef.
Having some resources at their disposal was certainly better than having none.
“Would it be alright to take this on?”
“As long as I’m helping not as Dave but as the Magic Tower’s Zenon, and if the professor orders it.”
Oliver remained adamant about the finer details, a point to which no one objected. Most were familiar with Oliver’s meticulous nature.
“How well have you learned Galos?”
“I can manage some conversation. Greetings, farewells, thanks, and ordering coffee at a café.”
Oliver replied, recalling the time he had accompanied Yareli around Ravel.
During his time with Yareli, Oliver had listened to various conversations but had only understood about 30% of them. The people of Galos tended to speak rapidly when excited, making comprehension a challenge. Consequently, he had often relied on Yareli’s explanations afterward for the parts he couldn’t grasp.
“Oh, that’s quite impressive. You learned Galos in just about a week, didn’t you? And even self-taught.”
“Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Terence. The books of the Magic Tower were good, making it relatively easy to learn… But, professor, why do you suddenly ask about Galos?”
“Even if things go well, we’ll still need to negotiate separately. I trust your skills, but seeking Milieu’s help is a different matter.”
Kevin raised an unexpected issue. Indeed, it could present a challenge. After all, Oliver was not yet fluent in Galos.
“Well, for starters, we can ask Mr. Murphy for help-“
“-I will accompany you as an assistant.” Yareli interjected abruptly.
“You will?”
“Yes. It’s originally my job to go around Ravel collecting information.”
“That is, but… Are you sure you’ll be alright?” Terence displayed an uncharacteristically concerned expression.
Yareli’s information-gathering duties typically involved individuals in the public eye—fellow wizards, nobles seeking to regain their status, capitalists. However, her sudden involvement with Milieu could elicit an awkward reaction given her family background.
“I’m fine with it, and I believe the One Master would also see no issue.”
“Hmm… How about I go instead?”
Terence made a suggestion, and it had some merit. Although he hailed from a prestigious family, he was from a lesser branch and, strictly speaking, not even a full member of the Magic Tower.
However, Yareli firmly declined.
“Colonel Terence, I appreciate your proposal, but I must decline. I would consider it only if it led to a better outcome… I am here to fulfill a mission, not to be protected.”
Yareli exuded a strong sense of responsibility and determination. Sensing her unwavering resolve, Terence and Kevin did not push the matter any further, but they did have questions.
“I won’t insist if you’ve decided, but are you sure? Meeting with Milieu might lead to a scandal if things go wrong.” Terence cautioned.
“I have a way.” Oliver chimed in, capturing everyone’s attention with a hint of unease.
He continued, “I have about a dozen leather masks made for women that I bought from the black market. If Ms.Yareli uses one of them-“
“-I can simply use magic to conceal my face.” Yareli interjected swiftly. Kevin immediately nodded in agreement.
“Then there should be no problem… Please do.”
“Yes… If it’s alright, may I ask how things were at Rokuri University?” Yareli sought information about what had transpired there.
Upon hearing the question, Kevin and Terence exchanged troubled glances before Terence reluctantly began to explain.
“It’s a bit of a long story.”
“That’s fine.”
“I’m curious too.” Oliver added.
With a sigh, Terence delved into the details. “Haah… While we can’t be certain yet, it seems the Magic Tower will have to form its own front. Or take command. At this rate, we’re neither here nor there.”
“-If you help us, I will also help you with your work.” Murphy declared confidently.
Yareli inquired, “What do you mean by help?”
“The mission given to you by the Tower. Helping Rokuri University… Um, yes.” Murphy replied, deliberately mumbling the last part, not out of ignorance but due to his intimate knowledge of the situation.
Yareli, aware of his insight, remarked, “That’s impressive… How did you know?”
“Because I’m affiliated with the Crime Firm. I roughly know how the Tower operates. If the lady of the Issai family has come to Galos in such times, even a fool would know… Did you not introduce yourself for that reason, Miss Yareli?”
Murphy saw through Yareli’s intentions, and she silently acknowledged it. Her suggestion to join with Murphy and Jane was not made lightly. Since their encounter at the restaurant, they had all been calculating their moves—Yareli, Murphy, and Jane. All except Oliver.
“Indeed, the Crime Firm is impressive.”
“Thank you for the compliment. Although we are not comparable to the Tower, we have our own strengths.”
Murphy spoke with confidence, and rightly so, as the Crime Firm was a sprawling criminal organization that held sway not only in Landa but throughout England. While they lacked magical technology like the Tower, their vast membership and far-reaching influence were akin to entwining vines.
“And those vines also reach into Galos. Not as strongly as in England, though.”
“You’re referring to Milieu.”
Murphy nodded.
“While I can’t make them follow your orders as they are a trade partner, I can arrange a meeting for you.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Of course. It might sound like boasting, but even without the Crime Firm, I have a deep partnership with Milieu.”
This was a fact. Murphy was a major supplier of high-quality magic wine to Milieu, which they distributed, competing with the Human-meat Chef’s infamous Bloody wine.
“Even so, all I can do is arrange the meeting. That’s it. The persuasion is up to you. But it won’t be as difficult as you think. Milieu is also hostile towards that side.”
“That side” referred to the Human-meat Chef.
Yareli nodded silently. Simply arranging the meeting, as Murphy proposed, would be a significant advantage. If they went through Murphy, Milieu would find it difficult to employ their usual tricks.
“So, all I have to do during the negotiation is act as a bodyguard?”
“Yes. As I said, I came prepared, but I’m anxious about negotiating in the front yard of a trade partner. Confidence is key in negotiations… If Dave helps, I think I can gain a lot of confidence.”
It was a reasonable offer, and Yareli displayed interest, turning to Oliver for his input.
“What do you think?”
“Hmm… Is this necessary for our mission?”
“We need to discuss the details with the professor and Colonel Terence, but it’s not a bad story. Milieu, like the Crime Firm, knows their territory well.”
Oliver raised a valid point. However, he harbored concerns and sought clarification.
“I can’t help as a solver named Dave.”
“What?”
Murphy was taken aback by the unexpected response. He had anticipated an easy agreement.
“Because I receive work as a solver through my broker. So, I can’t help you as solver Dave.”
Oliver’s frustration was palpable. While it was common to work through an intermediary for reasons of trust and safety, in exceptional situations like this one, even that rule could be bent.
However, Murphy didn’t contest it. Because those were none other than Oliver’s words.
“Instead, I might be able to help as Zenon Bright from the Tower. Out of goodwill.”
“Isn’t that the original face of Dave?” Murphy pointed out, noting that Oliver currently wore Dave’s mask. The two identities had merged, making the Dave persona more familiar.
“That may be so, but I am here in Galos to do Zenon’s work. Besides…”
“…?”
“I define myself as Zenon right now. If that’s unacceptable to you-“
“-That’s not at all unacceptable.”
Murphy stepped back, not one to bluff.
As the conversation seemed to be coming to a close, Yareli interjected, “Can you give us a day? We need to discuss this amongst ourselves.”
“Of course. It’s me who’s asking for help… Here, this is the communication number for the hotel where I’m staying. Please contact me on this number once you’ve made a decision.”
With the grace and formality of a true businessman, Murphy retrieved a luxurious fountain pen and jotted down the number on a napkin.
Yareli accepted the napkin and replied, “I will consult and respond as soon as possible.”
***
“Not bad at all.” Kevin remarked as he inspected the number on the napkin.
Having left work together, Kevin had sought Terence’s opinion, and the reaction was similar.
“It might be worth a shot. To obtain local information, the help of locals is best… Besides, with Milieu involved, Human-meat Chef and hostile forces. If they can be trusted, it would be perfect.”
“It seems we think alike.” Yareli said, having gathered the opinions of Kevin and Terence. The reactions weren’t far from what she had anticipated.
Perhaps it was to be expected. While individuals might differ, at their core, Magic Tower members operated on a similar logic.
Their actions were guided by the survival and interests of the Magic Tower. This unity allowed them to act as a cohesive body, even as a coalition.
It was likely because they were bound together by their unique status as wizards, similar to the Sisterhood or the Crime Firm.
‘After all, people easily form solidarity based on their profession and class.’ Oliver reflected, thinking back to the times he had met with Carver for discussions. As promised during the Shamus incident, Carver had taught Oliver about social phenomena, politics, and systems—topics that had always piqued Oliver’s curiosity.
“But it’s quite strange for a coincidence.” Terence suddenly remarked.
“What do you mean?” Oliver inquired, intrigued.
“I mean, isn’t it? For a liquor king who knows Zenon to appear at this timing and make such a proposal… Could it be some kind of trap?”
“That’s unlikely.” Kevin replied, his tone quiet yet firm. Despite the subdued volume, his words carried a compelling conviction due to his inherent seriousness.
“Oh, confident, are we? Do you have a basis for that?”
“The meeting between Landa’s liquor king and Zenon is more of inevitability than a coincidence.”
“Inevitability?”
Oliver raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
“Yes, inevitability. The reason we’re here and the reason the liquor king came to negotiate with Milieu are ultimately connected.”
Impressed, Oliver let out a thoughtful sound.
Kevin, Terence, Yareli, and Oliver had converged to support Rokuri University in dealing with the Human-meat Chef, while Murphy had arrived to renegotiate with Milieu, whose influence had expanded due to the crisis caused by the Human-meat Chef.
Everything ultimately traced back to the Human-meat Chef.
“This is quite interesting.” Oliver exclaimed in amazement. The seemingly disparate issues were interconnected like a spider’s web, a revelation that was both surprising and intellectually stimulating.
“I don’t know about fun, but for us, it’s not bad news. Depending on how things go, we might be able to form a cooperative force separate from the university. If Milieu can be trusted, they would be the perfect counterpart.”
It was not an unreasonable assumption. Milieu, as an organization in competition with the Human-meat Chef, might possess valuable information. Even if they didn’t, their network of petty thieves, smugglers, and gamblers could prove invaluable in gathering information and apprehending the Human-meat Chef.
Having some resources at their disposal was certainly better than having none.
“Would it be alright to take this on?”
“As long as I’m helping not as Dave but as the Magic Tower’s Zenon, and if the professor orders it.”
Oliver remained adamant about the finer details, a point to which no one objected. Most were familiar with Oliver’s meticulous nature.
“How well have you learned Galos?”
“I can manage some conversation. Greetings, farewells, thanks, and ordering coffee at a café.”
Oliver replied, recalling the time he had accompanied Yareli around Ravel.
During his time with Yareli, Oliver had listened to various conversations but had only understood about 30% of them. The people of Galos tended to speak rapidly when excited, making comprehension a challenge. Consequently, he had often relied on Yareli’s explanations afterward for the parts he couldn’t grasp.
“Oh, that’s quite impressive. You learned Galos in just about a week, didn’t you? And even self-taught.”
“Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Terence. The books of the Magic Tower were good, making it relatively easy to learn… But, professor, why do you suddenly ask about Galos?”
“Even if things go well, we’ll still need to negotiate separately. I trust your skills, but seeking Milieu’s help is a different matter.”
Kevin raised an unexpected issue. Indeed, it could present a challenge. After all, Oliver was not yet fluent in Galos.
“Well, for starters, we can ask Mr. Murphy for help-“
“-I will accompany you as an assistant.” Yareli interjected abruptly.
“You will?”
“Yes. It’s originally my job to go around Ravel collecting information.”
“That is, but… Are you sure you’ll be alright?” Terence displayed an uncharacteristically concerned expression.
Yareli’s information-gathering duties typically involved individuals in the public eye—fellow wizards, nobles seeking to regain their status, capitalists. However, her sudden involvement with Milieu could elicit an awkward reaction given her family background.
“I’m fine with it, and I believe the One Master would also see no issue.”
“Hmm… How about I go instead?”
Terence made a suggestion, and it had some merit. Although he hailed from a prestigious family, he was from a lesser branch and, strictly speaking, not even a full member of the Magic Tower.
However, Yareli firmly declined.
“Colonel Terence, I appreciate your proposal, but I must decline. I would consider it only if it led to a better outcome… I am here to fulfill a mission, not to be protected.”
Yareli exuded a strong sense of responsibility and determination. Sensing her unwavering resolve, Terence and Kevin did not push the matter any further, but they did have questions.
“I won’t insist if you’ve decided, but are you sure? Meeting with Milieu might lead to a scandal if things go wrong.” Terence cautioned.
“I have a way.” Oliver chimed in, capturing everyone’s attention with a hint of unease.
He continued, “I have about a dozen leather masks made for women that I bought from the black market. If Ms.Yareli uses one of them-“
“-I can simply use magic to conceal my face.” Yareli interjected swiftly. Kevin immediately nodded in agreement.
“Then there should be no problem… Please do.”
“Yes… If it’s alright, may I ask how things were at Rokuri University?” Yareli sought information about what had transpired there.
Upon hearing the question, Kevin and Terence exchanged troubled glances before Terence reluctantly began to explain.
“It’s a bit of a long story.”
“That’s fine.”
“I’m curious too.” Oliver added.
With a sigh, Terence delved into the details. “Haah… While we can’t be certain yet, it seems the Magic Tower will have to form its own front. Or take command. At this rate, we’re neither here nor there.”
