Chapter 77

< 77. Cleaning Season (1) >

The D, E, and F districts, where Randa's financial institutions, corporate headquarters, and magic tower research institutes are concentrated.

In Randa, this area was particularly known for its luxurious buildings, and Forest was staying at a hotel in the E district.

The hotel, being an expensive one, primarily catered to wealthy figures from the business world, but it was also used for corporate seminars, political negotiations, and regular meetings of large interest groups, such as the brokers' association.

Forest was drinking coffee and reading a book in the hotel's lounge when Al, who had accompanied him, quietly approached and whispered in his ear.

"Sir, the meeting is set to begin in an hour in the 6th floor hall."

Forest nodded.

Though he appeared calm, his mind was filled with various thoughts.

While it was a regular meeting of the association members, the atmosphere felt slightly different.

Usually, if there were no special issues, the meetings had a relaxed, vacation-like vibe, but this time, it felt a bit awkward.

Most of the brokers seemed to be in their usual relaxed mood, but some were subtly busy, as if something was happening.

"Al... Have you heard anything?"

"I'm sorry, but I don't have any specific information. The people from the A, B, C, and D districts seem to know something, but they won't talk to me... I apologize."

Al apologized, but Forest shook his head.

Al was highly competent, especially considering he was a former slave from the New Continent.

Perhaps the wizard's claim that superior genetics were predetermined was a lie.

In any case, it wasn't Al's fault that he hadn't found out what was happening. It was more due to Forest's position.

While there were no absolute rules, brokers did have a subtle hierarchy.

Though they generally maintained a horizontal relationship, subtle power dynamics existed, just like how a leader emerges when three people gather.

Brokers in the front districts, closer to the powerful and the wealthy, were stronger, while those in the back districts were weaker, mainly due to the different clients they dealt with.

Those closer to the A district handled influential politicians and wealthy capitalists, while those further back dealt with small business owners and gangsters.

Naturally, the influence and capital available to brokers varied.

This difference also determined their hierarchy.

In that sense, Forest was on the weaker side, as he was a broker in the T district, where workers lived.

There had been opportunities to move to the front districts, but those were part of his past—

"-Forest!"

Forest, lost in thought, was approached by a man.

It was N, a broker who managed the non-district area.

Incidentally, N had changed his name after becoming the representative broker of the non-district area.

"Long time no see, N."

"Yeah, it's been a while. Forest."

N, a large man with a scar on his face, grinned.

They had started as brokers at the same time, but unlike Forest, N had worked as a problem solver before becoming a broker.

Perhaps because of this, his brokerage firm had a more mercenary feel compared to Forest's.

N approached and sat down, then spoke bluntly.

"By the way, tell me. I've heard some interesting rumors lately."

"Interesting rumors?"

"Come on, why are you like this? It's been noisy lately, and they say someone got a pretty good black mage... Rumor has it they even beat a mage from the magic tower."

Despite his rough appearance and tone, his actions were subtly cunning.

He was like a weasel in a bear's body, but Forest didn't show any particular reaction.

Given how fast rumors spread in this line of work, Forest was aware, but he hadn't received an official report.

However, the battle near the warehouse where the magic potion factory was being built made it highly likely that it was a mage.

"Nothing is certain yet."

"Is anything ever certain in this line of work? How did you get it?"

How did he get it? Forest asked himself. The letter of introduction from Cant came to mind. Perhaps it was a twist of fate...

"Hey... Are you going to keep your mouth shut? Fine, then I'll give you some interesting information. It might not be useful now, but it's better to know, right?"

"What do you mean? What information?"

"Look at this sly guy! He only speaks up when it's to his advantage... Fine, it seems the 'Cleaning Season' is approaching."

"Cleaning Season...?"

"Right, the cleaning of the contaminated zones."

"I don't understand. The Cleaning Season is still a few months away, right?"

"Zombies and contaminated creatures have suddenly increased and are causing trouble. So, they've moved up the schedule. But that's not the main issue."

"If not that, then what?"

"Instead of providing the usual manpower, the city will directly recruit and use its own manpower this time. This season is our turn, right?"

***

"Eh...?"

"Yes, that's right."

"B...?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"S, S...?"

"Yes, excellent. What's next?"

Oliver was studying the alphabet with Rossburn in a corner of the restaurant.

Contrary to expectations, Rossburn wasn't learning as quickly as hoped.

They had planned to move from vocabulary to grammar, but...

Still, it wasn't bad. Although Rossburn's learning speed wasn't fast, his determination to learn only grew stronger.

It was as if he was determined not to miss this opportunity.

At that moment, the innkeeper, who was writing in a ledger at the counter, called out.

"Rossburn! You have 5 minutes left."

The ticking of the clock made Rossburn jump.

Thanks to Oliver's persuasion, he could study during his break, but the innkeeper had warned that if he broke the agreement, his break time would be taken away.

Despite this, Rossburn couldn't complain, as the innkeeper had made many concessions.

In a hurry, Rossburn started reciting the next letters.

"D, E, F, G... "

As his anxiety increased, his fear decreased, and the hesitation in his voice disappeared. As a result, he started reciting the alphabet fluently.

Not only did his speed increase, but his pronunciation became clearer.

He proved he had learned the alphabet in less than 5 minutes.

"......"

"...So, did I do well, teacher?"

"Yes, excellent. If you gain a little confidence, you'll learn even faster."

Hearing this, Rossburn's gloomy face brightened a bit.

Oliver had simply stated a fact, but he couldn't understand why Rossburn was so happy.

At that moment, the innkeeper's voice was heard again.

"Rossburn! Time's up!"

With that, Rossburn gathered the book and writing materials Oliver had given him and left.

Oliver, having finished his work for the day, stood up to go to his room, but the innkeeper stopped him.

"Wait a moment, Mr. Dave."

"Did you call me?"

"Yes... First, thank you for the chocolate and flowers."

The plump middle-aged woman said.

The old man from the bookstore had advised that to get permission for Rossburn to work, he needed to persuade the innkeeper, and the best way to do so was with these gifts.

"No, I'm the one who should be grateful for giving Rossburn the chance to study."

The innkeeper looked at Oliver with a suspicious, doubtful, and incomprehensible gaze.

"I'm not the type to pry into my guests' affairs."

"Yes, I understand."

"But I have to ask now. Why are you spending your time and money teaching a child to read and write?"

The question the old man from the bookstore had asked. Oliver answered more skillfully this time.

"Because I can teach, and Rossburn wants to learn."

"Is that all?"

"Perhaps..."

The innkeeper looked at Oliver as if he were an incomprehensible eccentric.

Still, she didn't show any hostility or disgust, just surprise.

The awkward silence continued, and Oliver spoke.

"Is it alright if I leave now?"

"Oh, yes... I'm sorry for taking your time."

"No, it's fine. Have a good day."

Oliver went to his room and immediately prepared to go out. His preparation consisted of putting on a jacket.

Today was the day Forest was returning.

According to the staff, he was supposed to be back by lunchtime, but it was already past lunch.

Oliver left the inn and headed straight for the restaurant.

He was getting familiar with the streets, and the vendors selling apples and hot dogs recognized him.

Among them was a beggar with a tattered hat, who, as usual, extended his cap and greeted him.

"Hello, sir. You look splendid today. Could you spare a penny for this poor fellow?"

"Yes, hello."

Oliver, as always, took a small bill from his pocket and placed it in the cap.

"Oh, thank you! May you have good luck, sir."

The beggar bowed to Oliver, who also bowed in return.

Thus, he arrived at the restaurant.

"Huh?"

Oliver saw a sign that read "Closed" on the restaurant. The windows were also covered with curtains.

This was the first time he had seen this. Forest's restaurant usually opened early in the morning and stayed open late into the night.

He had never seen it closed.

Curious about what was happening, Oliver was about to turn back.

At that moment, the door of the restaurant opened with a jingle.

"Mr. Dave."

The tone was calm, but Al seemed