Chapter 405: Milieu (2)
The choice was either to establish an independent front line for the Tower of Magic or to take command. That was Terrence's response.
The shift in attitude was stark compared to yesterday, when there was a willingness to actively cooperate with Roculi University after hearing news of the internal strife within the Flesh Chef's faction.
Kevin shared the same view as Terrence, and upon further explanation, the reasons became clear.
"It's rather intriguing."
Zone 10 of Laville, Gallos's capital. Oliver, waiting for Murphy, spoke.
Beside him stood Yareli, dressed in a woman's suit for ease of movement, her face altered through camouflage magic from the Pure Mana School. She looked equally fitting in a suit as she did in a dress.
"You mean that Roculi University isn't united and is in constant dispute?"
"Yes... And also the belief that they can easily apprehend the Flesh Chef's faction just because it's experiencing infighting."
Indeed, Roculi University was more fragmented and overly optimistic than anticipated, even in Oliver's opinion.
Contrary to expectations that the entire university would rally together and dedicate itself to capturing the Flesh Chef, Kevin and Terrence had found, upon direct inspection, that they were still holding each other accountable over the betrayal by the Life Alchemy Department.
It was essentially a political struggle.
In truth, such conflicts weren't the issue. Political disputes occurred everywhere.
The problem was that this ongoing internal conflict pushed the more crucial battle against the Flesh Chef to the sidelines, preventing any focused effort.
Moreover, some individuals were skeptical about the fight against the Flesh Chef, or believed internal inspections were necessary first, suspecting there might be traitors. The university was far from united.
"I agree, but it's somewhat inevitable."
Yareli agreed with Oliver's assessment but also offered a defense.
"Why do you think that?"
"It's a natural law. Any organization, including nations, will inevitably become entrenched over time, forming factions and conflicting interests. Naturally, divisions arise... And thus, seemingly foolish political struggles sometimes occur. It's not that Roculi University is foolish; it's just following an unavoidable trend."
"Hmm... But Terrence called them fools, didn't he?"
"Yes, I heard him. And I agree. However, even the Roar family, which he belongs to, engages in similar behavior."
"Oh, is that so?"
Oliver showed interest.
"Yes. The Roar family also has power struggles with regular soldiers to maintain its influence in the kingdom's magic sector. The Tower of Magic is no different... Anyone can engage in foolish actions."
Oliver nodded at Yareli's sincere advice.
Perhaps she was right. Everyone, knowingly or unknowingly, acted foolishly at times—including himself.
"Then let's focus on our own task. It seems more productive."
"You're absolutely right. Thank you for the wise advice."
"No need to thank me. We're on the same mission, so I'm just sharing my thoughts. Anyway, with Roculi's situation, this mission has become even more important."
"I don't know what it is, but that sounds fortunate."
A third voice interrupted the conversation between Yareli and Oliver.
Turning toward the source of the voice, they saw Murphy Kimball, her aunt Maggie, her cousin Morrison, and Jane approaching.
Behind them was a unit of guards exuding a formidable aura, but Oliver's attention was more drawn to Maggie and Jane's attire.
How should he describe it? It seemed somewhat different from usual, even extravagant.
"Hello, Dark Ma... Oops, my mistake. Mr. Zenon. Please understand our attire; it's adjusted for the local customs."
Maggie, Murphy's aunt and a senior figure in the Kimball family, greeted warmly and asked for their understanding.
"Oh, it's fine. It's been a while... But what do you mean by 'local customs'?"
"In Gallos, gender distinctions are very strict, and the nobles are conservative, preferring attire that fits one's gender. Men should dress like men, and women like women. Hence, we're wearing these elaborate outfits."
Oliver gasped in understanding as he took in Maggie's large hat, ribbon, and frilly dress.
Indeed, he had seen women dressed similarly in the mansion of the Restorationist nobles he had visited with Yareli.
However, it puzzled him. As far as he knew, the people Murphy was going to meet weren't Restorationist nobles, but rather members of Milieu.
"That's because we're meeting Lucien Myra, who claims to be descended from a fallen noble family."
"Claims to be?"
"Yes, no one knows if he's actually a noble. However, he is one of the most influential figures within Milieu, so no one bothers to question it."
"I see... Understood. Maggie, the outfit suits you well."
Oliver complimented Maggie's attire, as he had been taught at the House of Angels to always praise a woman's clothing.
Maggie responded politely.
"Thank you for the compliment."
"Miss Jane, your outfit suits you as well."
"Thank you for saying that, but honestly, I have mixed feelings."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes, I don't like clothes like these."
Jane tapped her hat and the frilly dress adorned with decorative accessories, expressing her displeasure.
"I prefer something simpler."
"Didn't you wear something similar when we first met, though less extravagant?"
"...It wasn't by choice."
"Ah... Still, you look lovely."
Oliver looked straight at Jane as he complimented her, continuing to practice what he had learned at the House of Angels. For some reason, the atmosphere became a bit awkward.
"Um... Sorry to interrupt the conversation, but can we get to the matter at hand? That's why we're here, after all."
Breaking the uncomfortable silence, Murphy spoke up, her remark being a reasonable one to which Oliver promptly agreed.
"Yes, of course."
"Good. I was beginning to wonder if you'd forgotten... Now, we are heading to meet the Myra family of Milieu. There are guards present, but only a few will be allowed to enter, and Mr. Zenon will be one of them."
"I will do my best, Miss Murphy."
"I know. I trust your skills and reputation, Mr. Zenon... But still, please be cautious."
"...?"
"It's just that Lucien Myra is quite an unusual character, even among the Milieu gangsters. You never know what tricks he might have up his sleeve, so please be especially vigilant."
...
Lucien Myra. As they walked, Murphy explained him to Oliver in a courteous and detailed manner.
"In a word, he's a businessman."
"A businessman?"
"Or a gambler, a quick-witted person, or just someone who’s lucky."
"I'm not sure I understand."
"Think of it this way: he makes the right choices at critical moments. He's an excellent investor."
That made sense. Oliver had heard a bit about Milieu back at Back Port.
It was a crime syndicate in Gallos with roots in thieves, bandits, and fallen nobility, known for its members' warrior-like or gangster temperaments.
"Yes, that's right. Most of the Milieu gang members are like that. Their business tends to focus on straightforward ventures... In contrast, Lucien is skilled in managing a diverse range of activities, from smuggling to prostitution and gambling. He's maintained his position for a long time by making the right decisions in crucial moments, even in the chaotic environment of Gallos. That's why we specifically requested Mr. Zenon's assistance."
Oliver nodded, stating that he would keep that in mind.
After all, Murphy himself was a legendary figure who had risen to the title of Liquor King among numerous crime syndicate members, so his concerns were certainly well-founded.
"Is that Dix Castle you mentioned?"
Oliver asked, glancing at the ancient fortress in Zone 10 of Laville.
Zone 10 was known as a poor area, home to struggling artists, cheap laborers, and immigrants. It was a crime-ridden district, yet a majestic castle stood proudly in the middle of the city, rivaling any building in Landa.
"Yes, that's correct. I don't know why such a castle is in the middle of the city, but it's now Lucien Myra's residence and the headquarters of the Myra family."
True to those words, armed guards were visible around the castle.
The guards ranged from those wielding submachine guns to magic users dressed in medieval knight-like armor.
"Let's proceed."
Murphy approached Dix Castle, which was surrounded by a moat fed by a tributary of the Aquy River.
As they drew closer, a gatekeeper clad in chain mail and wielding a longsword addressed them.
"Welcome, Miss Murphy. We've been expecting you."
"Greetings, Jacques."
...
The gatekeeper, whose name was Jacques, was far more than just a gatekeeper in terms of his aura, voice, and even the magical energy emanating from him.
He was the enforcer for the Myra family, known as a formidable magic user and warrior.
Recognizing Murphy, he greeted her with formal politeness, then personally escorted them inside with only the minimal number of attendees and four guards.
"Incredible."
Following behind Murphy, Maggie, Morrison, and Jane, Oliver silently observed his surroundings.
The castle's interior was even more luxurious and well-maintained than its exterior.
Considering the size of the castle, maintaining such opulence would likely cost a fortune... Even if people said Milieu's businesses were straightforward or that they were losing ground to the Flesh Chef, the wealth they had amassed was evident.
"Or perhaps it’s just this particular family. Murphy did say that their boss, Lucien, was a shrewd man. That must be him."
Oliver thought as he looked through the door at the end of a long corridor lined with numerous paintings. And his guess was correct.
"Ha! Welcome!"
When Jacques opened the door, a middle-aged man, accompanied by several subordinates, greeted Murphy.
The man had dark skin, thick lips, a square jaw, and slicked-back hair, giving him a somewhat light and cunning appearance.
At least on the surface.
However, he possessed the cunning of Landa's crime syndicate executives and magical power rivaling that of many magic users.
"Not to mention his vitality."
Oliver noted Lucien's remarkable life force for someone of his age.
Murphy greeted him.
"Hello, Mr. Lucien. Have you been well?"
"Of course, I'm doing well! It's an honor to have you visit in person. Thank you, thank you."
Lucien energetically shook Murphy's hand, vigorously moving it up and down as they exchanged greetings.
"Since you're so busy, it's only natural for me to come to you."
"Thank you for understanding. Now, this way, please."
Before Murphy could respond, Lucien placed a hand on his shoulder and led him to the dining table.
Even though Murphy was a former soldier with a solid build and strength, he was almost pushed into his seat by Lucien's forceful grip.
"Please, everyone, have a seat."
After seating Murphy, Lucien gestured for Maggie, Morrison, and the others to sit down.
"This is quite a feast."
Murphy commented, looking at the table filled with various dishes.
"My grandmother always said, 'When you have an important guest, feed them until they’re full.' And Miss Murphy, you're a valuable partner to us, after all."
"Thank you for saying that. But I'd like to get straight to the point-"
"-Hold on, try the soup first. We prepared it especially for you since this morning."
Murphy's words were cut off, and despite his irritation at Lucien's obvious ploy, he ate the soup.
"...It's delicious."
"I'm glad you like it! We made it just for you. By the way, there's something I've been dying to ask. I'm too curious."
"What is it?"
"In the radio drama The Tower and the Affair that's currently airing in Landa, does the female lead end up with the male student she teaches?"
"A transfer student appears and challenges the male student to a duel for the female teacher."
"My goodness! What an absurd storyline! As expected of Landa!"
Lucien exclaimed, though it was hard to tell whether it was praise or criticism, and continued discussing various topics without pause.
Stocks, fashion trends, automobiles, and so on—mundane and trivial matters. It seemed casual, but there was a clear intention behind it: to unsettle Murphy and gain the upper hand in negotiations.
Even his subordinates joined in on the act.
For instance, a woman standing behind Lucien suddenly whispered in his ear.
"Hmm? Ah, I see... Excuse me! Miss Murphy."
"Yes, go ahead."
"Could you tell me who the beautiful young lady beside you is? My daughter says she's never seen her before, and I don't think I have either. Who is she?"
Murphy frowned.
"She's Miss Jane, an associate from my investment network. She's a well-known investor even in Landa. I was about to introduce her, but in the course of our conversation, it slipped my mind. I apologize."
"No need to apologize! We're all friends here. But a female investor? That's quite unusual. Are there many female investors in Landa?"
"There aren't many, but there are a few. She's affiliated with the Sisterhood and supported by Lady Miranda."
"Oh, the prostitution group?"
The woman's voice was small but clear. It was the same woman who had whispered to Lucien, and her words were filled with scorn and provocation.
It was an insult that could not be ignored, even if it had been spoken casually. Nevertheless, the woman did not stop and gave her father and boss, Lucien, unsolicited advice.
"Let's send her away. This place is for warriors and businesspeople; she doesn't belong here."
"Whoa, whoa, daughter. It's not proper to speak to our guests that way. Everyone, please forgive her. She's just a little... well, when it comes to matters like this-"
"-I suggest you apologize."
Lucien's rambling was abruptly interrupted, with Oliver calmly but firmly interjecting.
"...What did you say?"
"I said I suggest you apologize." Oliver's tone was composed, but his gaze was unwaveringly fixed on Lucien.
The room seemed to freeze momentarily as the atmosphere grew tense. Lucien's expression twisted for an instant, but he quickly covered it with a broad smile.
"Haha, you're quite a bold one. It's rare for anyone to speak to me like that in this castle."
"Your daughter insulted a guest. I believe an apology is in order," Oliver replied plainly, his tone neither aggressive nor submissive.
Lucien's eyes glinted dangerously, but he did not drop his smile. He glanced at his daughter, who stood silently, her expression a mix of indignation and embarrassment.
"Well, well, if my daughter said something offensive, then I suppose an apology is indeed warranted. I didn’t raise her to insult our guests... My apologies, Miss Jane." He turned toward Jane, giving a slight bow of his head.
Jane, who had been quietly observing the situation, responded, "Thank you for the apology, Mr. Myra. Let's move on."
Lucien chuckled, clapping his hands together. "Yes, let's! Now that we've cleared the air, shall we get down to business?"
Murphy nodded, finally taking the opportunity to steer the conversation back on track.