Prev I TOC I Next
Professor Alain, who ca out to et them from Rokuri University, ntioned that the organization of Human-at Chef was in a state of dissatisfaction.
Its not such a strange story.
After their visit to Rokuri University, Kevin shared his thoughts during a dinner in his hotel room. He was savoring a dish of beef bourguignon that he had ordered.
Why do you think so? They could have lied to get the support troops from the Magic Tower more quickly. Propagating victories is a common tactic on the battlefield.
Terence Roar, seated across from Kevin, posed a question tinged with skepticism. He was indulging in a succulent beef steak, cte de boeuf.
Its possible. Despite joining forces with the police, the university has not achieved significant results, so they may have said that out of anxiety.
Its a big shock. It hasnt been very long since the Lake Village incident, but enough ti has passed, and theyve only managed to touch a re few dozen of the lower organizations. Those bats Ah.
Terence corrected himself as he glanced over at Oliver, who sat beside him.
Hmm That woman nad Unna might be right. Saying that Human-at Chef is cunning. Having turned both Rokuri University and the Police Bureau into enemies and still minimizing the damage at the level of the bottom feeders is impressive.
Terences words carried sincerity. While Rokuri Universitys glory had waned compared to its past, it still stood as a formidable organization alongside the Magic Tower. The fact that such an institution could only make modest progress, even with the support of the Police Bureau, was indicative of Human-at Chefs astuteness.
Or, the university and the police might be dumber than we thought. That would make more sense.
We cant necessarily see it that way, there are also political and social issues in Galos.
Yareli cautiously expressed her viewpoint in response to Terences hint of sarcasm. Seated between Kevin and Terence, she savored the lobster thermidor she had ordered.
Politics? Society?
Yes, Colonel Terence. As you know, Galos is still a place of chaos, both politically and socially. Perhaps from the current regis perspective, they are more afraid of the opposition forces trying to overturn the current system than of a warlock, and therefore are passive. They fear investing too much military force there would put themselves at risk Not that Im defending them, but its a fact worth considering.
Yareli included her remark to prevent any potential misinterpretation, and Terence and Kevin had full faith in her judgnt. They trusted Yarelis intelligence and her professional approach to her work.
But even so, it changes nothing, Rokuri University hasnt achieved any significant results, and now there might even be internal disputes within the Human-at Chef Honestly, I find it hard to believe. Do you have any basis for that?
Yes, Kevin replied to Terences inquiry without hesitation.
First of all, war is a tiring affair.
Subduing dozens of lower organizations targeting Human-at Chef isnt a big achievent, like you said. Probably, Human-at Chef can handle that much.
Is that so?
But what about the ones below? Im talking about the disciples and followers of Human-at Chef. The lower organizations would be managed by them.
Wasnt it said that Human-at Chef has a high level of control over the organization because he manages it directly?
Theres a limit to that, though. Do you think he can really manage every single part of a giant organization that covers half of the underworld of Galos?
It was a valid point. Regardless of how centralized an organizations managent might be, given its size, it was impossible for the leader to oversee every detail. To run an organization effectively, so responsibilities had to be delegated to subordinates.
And those in charge, even if they pretend otherwise, so of them will think of it as their own possession. Like their fief. Its the nature of that environnt What do you think?
Kevin turned his gaze toward Oliver as he inquired. Oliver, seated across from Yareli, indulged in a mushroom pie.
I dont know much about how the Black Hand operates, but if it doesnt stray from the path of a warlock, then I think thats likely.
Why?
Because thats mostly why they beca warlocks. For a better life, for their own desires.
Kevin nodded, affirming the sound reasoning Oliver provided.
More than anything, the background of this incident My guess is because of Gretel, the sister of Human-at Chef. Because of her independent actions.
This narrative seed entirely plausible. Gretel had infiltrated Rokuri University, and she had acted alone in Lake Village. Neither Human-at Chef nor his subordinates had been involved, suggesting it was a unilateral decision.
No one likes to be swayed by unexpected chaos caused by soone elses unilateral actions. Especially if its the immature younger sister of the boss.
Thats a plausible statent, but theres no definite evidence, is there? Just because theres accumulated dissatisfaction, it doesnt imdiately lead to a rebellion.
This was a valid point. Staging a rebellion was a substantial undertaking, particularly against a centuries-old adversary.
Despite Alains sincerity, Oliver found it challenging to fully embrace this theory. One of Human-at Chefs subordinates had even questioned whether the war would cease solely with Human-at Chefs demise.
Theres a second piece of evidence.
What is it?
A good number of the things said by the university turned out to be true.
Terence and Yareli looked at Oliver, whose abilities as a warlock allowed him to perceive emotions.
Oliver responded, From what I saw, it was sincere.
Terence and Yareli placed their trust in Olivers assessnt. They were well aware of his capabilities.
Of course, that doesnt an we can guarantee its 100% true. What they wrongly understood could be believed as truth.
Kevin pointed out the inherent limitation of warlocks vision. Their ability allowed them to read emotions, not necessarily discern absolute truths.
Its getting confusing So, whats the point?
Nothing much. We just have to inform the tower of this fact, and you and I will really help Rokuri University. Lets do our best.
Kevin gestured toward himself and Terence.
If its true, theres no need for the tower to take risks and create a front on its own.
Well, okay. Plans can change a bit on the field. I have no complaints if its resolved like that Then, what about these two?
Terence pointed at Yareli and Oliver.
Werent we originally going to use Yarelli as a bridge to explore the surrounding information together?
Lets just co up with a decent excuse to separate these two, have them investigate Galos instead of us, as originally planned Rokuri University wont be bothered by that much detail.
Hmm Not bad, but are you sure?
Terence concurred with Kevins suggestion and turned to Yareli. Yareli nodded, her sense of responsibility shining through.
Yes, I can do it.
Clap!
Terence clapped his hands together.
Then thats settled Youre okay with it, right?
Terence inquired about Olivers ability to assist Yareli, and Oliver nodded.
Yes, Im fine, and I actually prefer it.
Why do I feel uneasy when you say its okay?
Take it as a sign of normalcy and be happy.
Kevin unexpectedly played along with Terences jest.
With roles sowhat defined, they continued their al, and nightfall enveloped them. Eventually, they retired to their respective bedrooms for rest.
***
The following morning, Kevin, Terence, Yareli, and Oliver put their plans from the previous evening into motion.
Kevin and Terence departed from the hotel early in the morning and headed to Rokuri University. anwhile, Yareli and Oliver left the hotel two hours later.
Their delayed departure was not due to laziness but rather a consideration for the etiquette of the situation. Arriving too early would have been impolite, so they synchronized their schedules with others.
As evidence of their diligence, Yareli spent the two-hour gap ticulously crafting a list of places to visit, while Oliver utilized his ti by revisiting the Galos language, studying the intricate geography of Ravel through maps, and perusing a history book about Galos. They made the most of their available ti.
Surprisingly, they found this preparation quite enjoyable.
Its good that Zenon is enjoying himself as well. Yareli remarked inside a restaurant where they had paused for a late lunch.
They had co in to refuel, and Yarelis voice carried a hint of weariness.
After all, she had been out of the hotel since 9 AM, navigating various appointnts and conversations well into the afternoon. Interacting with people, each with strong opinions, had left her feeling significantly drained, although she didnt let it show on the outside.
Miss. Yareli herself doesnt particularly like dealing with people Although she does it well.
Irrespective of personal preference, Oliver observed Yareli diligently carrying out her assigned tasks and inquired, It seems you are quite tired, is there anything I can help you with? Please let know if you need assistance.
Upon hearing Olivers offer, Yareli adopted a defensive posture, as if she regretted revealing her inner fatigue too readily.
I made a mistake. Could you pretend you didnt hear that?
Yareli defensively withdrew her earlier admission upon realizing how easily she had let her guard down.
Oliver readily respected her request. If she was unwilling to discuss it further, there was no point in pressing the matter. Instead, he shifted the conversation to a different topic.
Yes, I understand Anyway, Im having a good ti. In fact, I wanted to look around like last ti. In Galos.
By last ti, he referred to their journey back to Landa, and Yareli recalled that period as well.
Ah, I rember. We left straight away, although it wasnt a sightseeing trip.
Yes, of course, were not here for sightseeing now either, but its still enjoyable to explore Galos while working. This city and its people seem to have a different charm from Landa How should I put it, it seems like everyone is brimming with passion.
Oliver reminisced about the individuals he had observed while wandering the capital of Galos, Ravel, alongside Yareli. From a young man delivering a fervent speech in an alley to the citys upper class whom Yareli had encountered, they all seed to possess unwavering convictions, regardless of their social status.
The people of Galos are mostly passionate, especially when it cos to politics and what they believe to be right. Because of that, there have been nurous events in the last 100 years.
Oliver nodded, refraining from inquiring further about the specifics of these events, as he had already gained a rough understanding from a book he had perused back at the hotel.
Liberalism was established by beheading the king and setting up a republic, but soon after, they served an emperor, and then that empire fell, the old dynasty returned, and then another revolution happened.
Oliver recalled the historical tidbits he had encountered in the book. While not his area of expertise, he found it rather remarkable that the nation of Galos persisted through such tumultuous tis.
And yet, the people still seem passionate. Yareli remarked with a touch of bitterness, reflecting on her conversations with the individuals she had encountered.
The individuals Yareli encountered through her family connections represented a diverse mix: wizards, forrly noble figures who had regained their status, and the erging class of city capitalists. However, the common thread among them was their lack of valuable information.
Strikingly, they displayed a remarkable indifference to the conflict between Human-at Chef and Rokuri University. Their conversations revolved around their own political grievances, the urban developnt initiatives led by the royal family, or inquiries about Landa.
According to them, Galos was deed too tumultuous to consider living in.
Perhaps, they were hiding their true feelings or lying Were there such people?
Even though Yareli felt that the ti spent without significant results was a disappointnt, she refused to succumb to despair and composed herself to pose the question.
Upon hearing her inquiry, Oliver retrieved a notebook from within his coat. In this notebook, he had ticulously recorded the nas of those who had lied or concealed their true feelings.
Just as Oliver was about to disclose the nas docunted in his notebook, he suddenly detected a familiar emotion. He swiftly turned his head to one side.
Amidst the background chatter in the restaurant, the soft jingling of a bell echoed as the door swung open, allowing two n and a woman to enter.
As if by so twist of fate, both of these individuals were known to him.
Mr. Murphy? Miss Jane?
Dave?
Ah, indeed, it is you two. How do you do?
Oliver greeted Murphy Kimbell, renowned as the Liquor King of Landa, and Jane, who had achieved recognition as a successful female investor. They appeared genuinely surprised to encounter him in Galos.
Their astonishnt was palpable, indicating that they had not anticipated seeing Oliver in this city.
What are you What brings you here?
I have so business here. What brings you to Galos, Mr. Murphy?
Im here on a business visit.
Ah, I see And Miss Jane, what about- Ah, was it Galos where you said you were going for a bit when we t at the hotel last ti?
Oliver recollected his chance eting with Jane at the hotel. She had ntioned that she would be temporarily departing from Landa for business.
Yes Its nice to see you in Galos, unexpected as it is.
Im also glad. Its quite surprising.
Im surprised as well Can you introduce your new companion?
With a smile and an emotion akin to the one she had displayed when eting Marie, Jane asked Oliver if he could introduce his new companion.
(To be Continued)
CH 394-403 (Vs Human-at Chef Part1) $3CH 404-413 (Vs Human-at Chef Part2) $3CH 414-423 (Vs Human-at Chef Part3) $3CH 424-433 (Vs Human-at Chef Part4) $3434~ $1/chapter
OR
$5/month11 chap ahead 5 chap/week$15/month17 chap ahead 5 chap/week$30/month23 chap ahead 5 chap/week$45/month60 chap ahead 6 chap/week
Prev I TOC I Next
LikeLoading...
Genius 401March 12, 2024In "Warlock"
Genius 317October 9, 2023In "Warlock"
Genius 399March 10, 2024In "Warlock"
Reviews
All reviews (0)