CH 255

Of course, it was not without its issues.

After all, he was just an employee.

The notion of teaching students on behalf of a professor was preposterous.

“But it might be okay if you assist with the basic training that I have taught. Refining the flow of mana, systematizing the practice of spells, and building the basic physical strength needed for combat… I would like you to oversee these.”

Oliver immediately understood what he meant.

It was a kind of division of labor.

Similar to when Oliver had instructed the senior disciples to teach the junior disciples.

It did not seem like a bad suggestion.

In this way, Kevin would be able to focus on excellent students like Yareli and Derick, and indirectly care for the less capable students through Oliver.

‘But I think there’s more to it.’

Observing Kevin’s emotions, Oliver thought.

Kevin’s proposal to Oliver was sincere, but there was another hidden thought behind it.

Though it wasn’t explicit, it was a combination of curiosity and suspicion, and he knew it was directed at him.

He was genuinely curious about why Kevin had made such a proposal to him.

Perhaps the only relief was that there was no malice or cunning.

Oliver was about to ask for a moment, but held back.

It seemed unlikely that he would get a clear answer if he asked.

Instead, he raised another question.

“Then, won’t I stand out too much?”

“It should be fine now. Although you’re not a wizard and have an inability to produce mana, you matched Derick, stopped the train robbers, and made a significant contribution within the Tower. No one should have any complaints about you helping students with lower grades.”

On hearing this, it didn’t seem incorrect.

He had never seen it firsthand, but it was said that the competent wizard staff not only served the professors personally, but also helped with teaching and research.

Still, Oliver found it difficult to make a quick decision.

Now that things were settling down, he didn’t want to attract unnecessary attention.

‘And I don’t know what the professor’s intentions are.’

But, aside from that, he didn’t want to miss this opportunity to interact directly with the students of the Tower.

Eventually, Oliver asked for some time to think.

Kevin readily granted it, asking him to give an answer within the next week.

And just like that, Friday was upon them.

“I didn’t expect to come here again.”

Oliver said, looking out through the car window at the outside view.

At the end of Oliver’s gaze stood a majestic building that glowed with a faint blue hue.

It was the Sapphire, a cultural complex that was a landmark of District J.

He had visited it before with Jane to meet Edith, and he found the coincidence quite remarkable.

“It’s not that strange.”

Jane, sitting next to him, said dismissively.

She seemed to have completely forgotten the past, her emotions were more calm and resolved, rather than discomfort.

“Is that so?”

“Yes, the Sapphire is widely recognized as a good place for gatherings. It’s glamorous both inside and out, has excellent facilities, a large parking lot, and even a wide landing strip for airships.”

To prove her point, airships were intermittently landing or taking off at the Sapphire.

“But more than anything, Shamus wanted to have the party there.”

“Mr. Shamus?”

“Oh right……. You met him once before, didn’t you? At the auction house?”

Oliver nodded. He had met him once more after that.

“But, did he want that place? Is he, by any chance, affiliated with your group?”

Jane shook her head.

“No, not really. He’s part of the Sisterhood, and he has a lot of money and influence, but he’s not part of our group. It doesn’t fit with the character of our group…… However, his partners usually have a strong say in things.”

Oliver remembered that Shamus had three girlfriends who supported him.

“So, did they suggest having the party here today?”

“Yes, lately they have been achieving great results with Shamus as their backer, so they could suggest that. It’s not an unreasonable request, so nobody is opposing it.”

“Huh? Mr. Shamus as their backer? Isn’t it the other way around?”

“Ah…you might not know. The situation has changed recently. Shamus used to only have the personal power to rely on, but as his business has continually succeeded, his wealth has increased beyond that of his girlfriends.”

“Um, is that so?”

“Yes, his business acumen is not ordinary. As a result, he’s often mentioned in this field. They call him a Genius in finance.”

“You mean Leaf Loan? I heard that the loan business was profitable, but I didn’t know it was that significant.”

“That’s right too, but lately, he’s been focusing more on investment business.”

Oliver continued to question the new information.

“Investment?”

“I don’t know the details. I just know that he’s doing an investment business mainly with acquaintances, and he’s making a profit of 10% every month.”

“Is that impressive?”

“It’s incredibly impressive. If you simply calculate, if you leave it for a year, the principal will balloon to 2.2 times.”

Jane was sincerely amazed, and Oliver nodded, believing her. It seemed quite impressive.

“So, isn’t it difficult? The book I read said investing is hard.”

“Of course it is. Making money through investment isn’t as easy as it sounds. So everyone’s trying to find out, but surprisingly……”

The car suddenly stopped.

While they were talking, they entered the Sapphire, and they could see numerous luxury cars lined up ahead.

Men in uniforms were approaching the vehicles, politely greeting them while thoroughly checking the guests’ faces and tickets.

“They’re quite thorough?”

“It’s proof that the stories and investment opportunities coming from this party are valuable. Actually, there have been quite a few people who received investment information or offers here and had great success. That’s why so many successful people gather here.”

“I wonder if I can really be here.”

“Of course, you can.”

Jane grabbed Oliver’s shoulder, forcing him to look at her, and assured him.

“Dave, you’re called the second Shamus because of your unparalleled activity, so there’s no need to be nervous. You’re the captain of the Fighter Crew and an ally of the Crime Firm.”

“But didn’t I tell you that was a misunderstanding?”

“It doesn’t matter. In this city, exaggeration, lies, and misunderstandings are also a form of power. So have confidence. I’m relying quite a bit on you today.”

Jane finished her sentence with a smile that seemed like cheering.

Surprisingly, despite being quite nervous, she acted calmly to cheer for Oliver.

Oliver found her behavior and emotion beautiful and decided to brace himself.

“Thank you for saying that.”

“Thank you. I’m hoping to benefit from you.”

A moment later, a staff member of Sapphire approached their vehicle.

Jane extended two prepared invitations and pulled Oliver to show their faces together.

Once the staff member confirmed their faces, he politely let the vehicle through, and Oliver and Jane were able to disembark in the parking lot and take an elevator up to the party hall.

“I didn’t expect to meet you here…… It’s really nice to meet you, Mr. Dave.”

Upon reaching the party hall on the elevator, Oliver and Jane, while weaving through the well-dressed crowd, bumped into a man.

It was none other than Murphy.

The boss of the Kimbell Family in District T and the Magic Wine businessman, Murphy.

When he caught sight of Oliver, he approached with surprise and greeted him warmly.

“I’m also glad to meet you… It’s been a long time since we last met, Mr. Murphy.”

“I feel the same way. I’ve wanted to say hello, but the timing never seemed right. I’m delighted to see you now… I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“You have?”

“Yes, about Fighter Crew, your alliance with the directors. I knew this day would come, but it’s happening faster than I expected.”

‘Ah…’

Oliver inwardly sighed. He hadn’t expected to hear such talk here as well. It was a bit disconcerting.

“There seems to be a misunderstanding.”

“Misunderstanding?”

“Yes, a huge misunderstanding seems to be… Huh?”

Oliver stopped in the middle of his sentence as he sensed someone tugging at him.

Jane, dressed in a suit, was standing there.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but could you introduce us?”

“Ah… I’m sorry.”

Oliver apologized to Jane, who he had momentarily forgotten about, and introduced her to Murphy.

“Mr. Murphy, this is Miss Jane. She’s the one who invited me here today. Miss Jane… this is Mr. Murphy.”

Not knowing how to describe Murphy, Oliver simply mentioned his name.

He felt like something was amiss, but fortunately, it didn’t seem to be a big problem.

Murphy and Jane seemed to have some knowledge of each other.

“Hello, it’s nice to meet you. It’s an honor to meet such a famous investment genius.”

“Don’t mention it. It’s my honor to meet the renowned liquor king. I’m glad and happy to meet you.”

Murphy and Jane exchanged greetings, almost in sync.

While they maintained their manners, they were simultaneously observing each other, sizing each other up. As everyone at the party was.

“You’re here on Miss Jane’s invitation?”

Murphy asked for confirmation. As Oliver nodded, Murphy hesitated for a moment before asking cautiously.

“If I may ask, what is the nature of your relationship…?”

Jane, with a surprised expression, waved her hands in denial, and Oliver calmly responded.

“We’re acquaintances.”

“…….”

“…….”

Murphy and Jane looked at Oliver with surprised expressions.

Murphy seemed to doubt his ears for a moment, and Jane, beyond disbelief, seemed slightly angry.

“Just acquaintances?”

Looking at Jane who was glaring at him, Oliver wondered if he had made some mistake.

“Uh… employer and employee?”

“Seriously??”

Jane asked, her eyes wide open. She looked genuinely angry.

“…Did I make a mistake?”

Oliver asked Murphy, who backed away showing his hands as if to say ‘Don’t involve me’.

Jane, shocked at his response, said,

“At the very least, shouldn’t you introduce me as a friend?!!”

“Um, is it okay for me to be your friend?”

Oliver asked, and Jane, stumbling over her words again, finally answered loudly,

“…Yes! I want to be friends!!”

“Mr. Murphy, Miss Jane is my friend.”

“Ah… I see. Congratulations on your new friendship.”

“Yes, I’m happy too. I now have two friends.”

Oliver answered sincerely, and Jane covered her face with her hands.

Her ears were blushing and she was overwhelmed with embarrassment and discomfort.

Oliver asked Murphy again,

“Did I make another mistake?”

“Please don’t involve me in this.”

“Pardon? What are you talking about… Ah, I’ll keep quiet.”

Seeing Jane gesturing to shut his mouth by grabbing his clothing, Oliver decided to close his mouth.

Once Oliver shut up, Jane, having composed herself, resumed the conversation.

“It’s not even been 10 minutes since we arrived at the party, and I’m already losing my mind.”

“I think I can understand how you feel.”

This time, Oliver tugged on Jane’s sleeve.

When Jane turned her head, Oliver made a gesture indicating he wanted to say something.

Jane granted him permission to speak.

“Thank you. I have something to ask Mr. Murphy.”

“I’m starting to get a little scared?”

“Ah, you don’t have to answer if it’s difficult. Earlier, Miss Jane referred to you as the ‘liquor king’, what does that mean?”

“Ah, it’s nothing. It’s just-”

“-He sold an obscene amount of alcohol and became rich.”

Someone interrupted Murphy by placing their long arm over his shoulder.

It was Shamus.