Chapter 435: The Reformist (1)
Oliver asked if he could be removed from the position of director.
It was an unreasonable request, at least from a common-sense perspective.
As proof, Forest, Jo, and Mari all showed surprised reactions. However, they also accepted it in their own ways—such a response was indeed typical of Oliver.
Forest leaned back in his chair, looking weary.
"May I ask why you want to refuse the position of director?"
"Hmm... I'm not sure if I’m the right person for the job."
"What exactly are you unsure about?"
Forest questioned, showing that he wouldn't let the matter be brushed aside.
"I'm not sure if I’m suited for such a burdensome position."
"Interestingly enough, because it's a burdensome position, you're the one who needs to take it. After all, the key to this business is you. I don't need to explain that, do I?"
Oliver nodded. Regardless of anything else, it was Oliver who had convinced the Development Opposition Committee to approve the redevelopment of X-District.
"Can’t I participate in some other capacity? Like as a director of sorts? After all, you’re already acting as one of the representatives, aren't you, Forest?"
"I have to manage the work. If I were the only representative, it would be risky. Whether it's an organization or a business, having a leader is crucial. Especially in this matter... There’s a world of difference between you being the director or not."
Oliver didn’t fully agree with this, but he understood that Forest was sincere. He could see Forest’s emotions with the eyes of a black magician.
After some contemplation, Oliver spoke.
"...To be honest, I do feel a bit of guilt."
"Guilt?"
"Yes... I read the business proposal."
Oliver gestured toward Forest's business plan, sitting amidst the books and papers.
"I can tell how much effort you’ve put into this project. Even though I don’t know much about business, it's obvious that you’ve prepared thoroughly."
"Thank you."
"And I also understand how much Jo and Mari have invested in this project, not just for money, but for the sake of the organization they belong to."
Jo said nothing, while Mari responded modestly, as if trying to ease the burden Oliver felt.
However, Oliver knew it wasn’t just modesty. He could perceive their emotions through his vision—more clearly than before.
"But in contrast, I don’t feel as deeply committed. I understand it's a huge project, and I realize it's important to you all, but... how should I put this? I can’t really feel it."
"Feel it?"
"Yes. No matter how much I think about it, I can’t see it as more than just another fixer job introduced to me by you, Forest... even though it’s a significant matter for you all."
Oliver’s tone was his usual calm voice, but there was a subtle bitterness in it—bitterness at not being able to share in their sentiments.
Even though they were people he had grown quite close to, such as Forest, Jo, and Mari, Oliver couldn’t truly grasp the significance of the project.
To him, it felt more like just another task to cover his unsettled feelings after dealing with the flesh chef.
He knew this better than anyone, and that’s why he felt guilty.
At that moment, Forest spoke up, sounding quite pleased.
"That's just perfect."
"Excuse me?"
"I said, it's perfect—to think of it as just another fixer job."
Oliver tilted his head in confusion, struggling to grasp the meaning. Forest clarified.
"You’ve never failed any of the missions you’ve taken on as a fixer. Whether it was capturing a chimera, recovering an asset, cleaning up a contaminated zone, or even the difficult tasks outside the city... it's best to approach this with that same mindset. Loving your work doesn’t necessarily mean you'll do it better."
"Is that so?"
"Of course. In my youth, I was an excellent restaurant employee, but that didn’t mean I loved the job. If I did, I wouldn’t have switched to being a broker."
"Ah..."
"And to clear up any misunderstanding, while we’re asking for your help now, it’s more about seeking business cooperation, not asking you to save a drowning man... If you don’t want to take on this project, you don’t have to."
"Really?"
"Don't rush to a decision... The point is to think of it as just another fixer request. Don’t take into account your relationship with me, Jo, or Miss Mari... Do you remember our conversation when the Development Opposition Committee first attacked us?"
"I remember."
"I still feel the same way now as I did then. It's good to cooperate, but it’s not ideal for anyone to rely on someone else. That goes for both sides. This is Landa, and in Landa, you can only trust yourself."
"......"
"I’ll handle the internal and external affairs of the business, Jo and Miss Mari will take care of manpower and labor, and you’ll bring your overwhelming strength and reputation. We’ll combine our strengths to make this project a success. Don’t get hung up on the idea of anyone helping anyone else. If someone can’t do their job, they’ll be cut off, and that applies to you too."
Oliver could see Forest's emotions. Even though he didn’t believe it would happen, he knew Forest was saying this out of consideration for him.
"Decide whether or not you want to take this on, based solely on the project's success potential and the compensation, just like when you take on fixer work."
Forest’s clear explanation seemed to untangle Oliver’s complicated thoughts, making him feel surprisingly refreshed.
"...I want to take it on."
Oliver replied. For one thing, the financial compensation wasn’t bad. Although he already had a significant amount of money, his ongoing expenses for Child’s maintenance and experiments meant that more income was always welcome, especially if it was a stable source.
Hearing his answer, Forest exaggeratedly sighed in relief.
"Phew, that’s a relief. I was worried about what would happen if you refused."
"Even so, I still feel a bit uneasy about being the director."
"Damn it."
Forest muttered quietly, even as he persuaded Oliver, who remained unyieldingly consistent in his attitude.
Given his skills and experience, Oliver was exceptionally easy to work with, but at times like this, Forest wondered if a bit more resistance would have been better.
"Well, it doesn’t really matter. Now that you’ve decided to take on the job, you’ll have to be the director."
Forest, whose blood pressure had momentarily risen thanks to Oliver, spoke calmly yet firmly, his emotions indicating he had solid reasons.
"Why is that?"
"Because I’ve already submitted the business registration form. You and I are co-directors."
Sincerity.
Oliver was so shocked that he stared at Forest, wide-eyed, unable to say anything. Mari and Jo did the same.
But Forest remained shamelessly composed.
"Don't look at me like that. It ended up this way because we’ve been working together... If you're okay with it, I'd like to move on to discussing the project. You’ve read the business proposal, right?"
Forest, now visibly more relaxed, asked, and Oliver answered.
"Yes... I read about redeveloping the Fighter Crew residential area and parts of the neighborhood where Mari lives. But wouldn’t reconstruction be more accurate than redevelopment?"
"You’ve read it thoroughly... Yes, reconstruction would indeed be more accurate since we’re not touching infrastructure like roads and sewers, just completing unfinished buildings."
"Then why is it referred to as redevelopment?"
"The first reason is that redevelopment sounds more impressive. It needs to appear significant for the money to come in. The second reason is that redevelopment will indeed occur, though we won’t be doing it ourselves."
"What do you mean?"
"Could you explain the contents of the business proposal?"
At Forest’s sudden request, Oliver readily complied.
"Our primary goal is to redevelop the Fighter Crew residential area and the surrounding multi-family housing where Mari lives. We also aim to attract factories."
"We made a deal with the city through Mr. Carver."
"A deal?"
"Yes, a deal. If we can develop the area and maintain peace for a certain period, the city will acknowledge the safety of X-District, allocate a budget for development, actively support it, and help attract private investments."
"How long is this period?"
Jo asked, sounding dissatisfied. From Jo's perspective, it seemed like a tentative approach... which, strictly speaking, was indeed the case.
"Typically, it's around six months to a year... I understand it’s frustrating, but try to see it from the city's point of view. Even though it was a while ago, the city was significantly burned by the Development Opposition Committee. If they were to move in hastily and get embarrassed again, it would be a difficult situation for them."
"Is that why Mr. Carver came to the restaurant?"
Oliver asked.
"Something like that. Originally, he was called in as a reinforcement by some mid-sized construction company presidents. In any case, Mr. Carver supports the redevelopment. While he may not be able to help directly, he's willing to provide financial support through city-run business subsidies and bank investments."
"But how are you planning to attract factories? It's not like you can just set up a factory wherever you want."
Oliver expressed his doubt. Forest answered this as well.
"Crime Firms will help with that."
"Crime Firms?"
"The directors of Crime Firms each own factories. In exchange for a share of the profits once the development is solidified, they'll support the project."
It seemed like a reasonable deal. Even though rumors of redevelopment were already spreading in X-District, making people excited, taking risks was a different matter altogether.
Oliver felt he was beginning to understand.
It became apparent that the redevelopment—no, the reconstruction Forest was planning was merely a precursor to the full-scale development of X-District.
And yet, they would have to shoulder significant risks and costs.
Considering that X-District, like other parts of Landa, was almost the size of an entire city, this was to be expected.
Oliver then asked, "So, what exactly do we need to do?"
"First, we need to buy the land we’ve developed and the key areas slated for future development. We need to own the land to do anything. It also makes it easier to turn a profit when the city steps in."
"It’s probably going to be tough."
Jo, an X-District native, spoke with some hesitation.
"Quite a few people have gotten delusions after hearing about the redevelopment rumors. Landowners, building owners, residents, and even unaffiliated gangs... We have connections in the nearby areas where we live, so they might listen if we offer appropriate compensation and persuade them, but others will definitely try to extort money."
"I know. I’ve experienced it myself back in the day."
Forest replied, recalling his younger days involved in redevelopment.
"Our Fighter Crew will help, but not too many can move. Many of our people are already working for the Crime Firms."
"If that's the case, there's no need to worry."
Mari, who had been quietly listening, spoke up.
"We also have plenty of hands to help."
"Fortunately, I’m in a similar situation. Many of the fixers and mercenaries I work with are starting to look for stable jobs. They’re not lacking in skill, so they’ll pull their weight."
The discussion flowed smoothly, and then a question arose.
"Then what should I do?"
All eyes—Forest, Jo, and Mari’s—turned to Oliver.
"Hmm... Nothing, for now."
"Excuse me?"
"Don’t be surprised. It’s just that until we need your help, it’s best for you to carry on with your daily life. There’s nothing for you to do at the moment, and it’s common sense to keep a key asset as a reserve."
Oliver was a bit taken aback by the unexpected response. He found it odd that a high-paid director might not have anything to do.
‘It probably doesn’t matter, though. I still have to work on the corpse puppets and read the book I got from the elder.’
Just as Oliver was trying to think positively, there was a knock at the door.
Everyone's gaze shifted towards the door, where a young girl peeked in.
It was a girl they hadn't seen before, and Jo seemed startled at the sight of her.
"Nora, I told you not to come here!"
"Sorry... But there are some strange people outside..."
"Strange people?"
"Yeah... They said they're druids and that they're here to see Mr. Dave. They won’t leave until they meet him."