NOVEL WEB Chapter 88
88. He’s Prioritizing That Guy
“Excuse me, I’m heading out. Great work today!”
Having finished his shift at Heimatt Transport, Jack bid farewell to the remaining employees and left the company building.
He could feel it—his voice, his steps—they were light and bouncy.
After work today, he had a dinner date with Hannah, the office clerk.
(Never thought I’d see the day when I’d be so excited about a date.)
Jack was both bewildered and delighted by the changes in his life.
Since repelling the Demon General that attacked the royal capital, peace had returned to his life.
Jack continued to use his enhanced skills and extraordinary physical abilities to complete work at a pace tens of times faster than his colleagues.
In his personal life, he had grown closer to Hannah, enjoying fulfilling days.
At this age, it felt like he was finally experiencing a delayed youth.
In any case, every day was fun.
“──Not that I should be daydreaming. I’ll be in trouble if I’m late.”
He increased his walking speed by enhancing his leg strength.
Just as he reached the main street, he suddenly stopped.
“Oh no, I need to bring that.”
It was a present he had prepared on the president’s advice.
He had been encouraged to boldly give her a ring, but lacking the courage, he opted for a safer choice—a simple accessory.
He planned to give it to her at the end of their date today, but in his excitement, he’d completely forgotten about the gift.
“What am I doing, forgetting something so important…?”
Jack hurriedly returned to the company building.
“Hey, forgot something?”
“You’re too excited about the date, Jack.”
“Must be nice. I wish I had a girlfriend too.”
The other employees teased him.
His relationship with Hannah was practically an open secret.
Though, he still hadn’t formally asked her out yet…
“Yeah, well… haha.”
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Jack laughed it off as he passed through the office and headed to the locker room.
On the way,
“…How’s Jack Jarce’s situation?”
“Ah, nothing seems to have changed.”
He overheard voices coming from the archives.
(What…?)
Curious, Jack pressed his ear to the door.
He ‘enhanced’ his hearing to eavesdrop on the conversation inside.
The sounds in the room became clear, and he could even hear the breathing of the people inside.
“His influence is expanding daily. Some of Adonis Kingdom’s high-ranking officials are already under his control.”
It was a cool, feminine voice.
At least, she wasn’t an employee of Heimatt Transport.
“Controlling ministers… that’s impressive.”
This was the voice of one of Jack’s colleagues.
(What on earth are they talking about?)
Jack’s suspicion grew stronger.
“His magic is powerful. It’s reaching not only Adonis but also the ministers and nobles of neighboring countries like Sala.”
The woman continued.
“Despite being just a boy, he has a strong will to achieve his goals. He has the power to command many followers. And above all, he’s beautiful──ah.”
“…Sounds like you’re in love.”
“…!? Ahem.”
The woman, who seemed to be speaking in a trance, was interrupted by his colleague’s teasing.
“He’s in Karval City, right? Surrounded by beautiful women, they say… I envy him.”
“Don’t say something so careless.”
The woman’s tone suddenly changed, scolding him.
“Just answer the questions you’re asked.”
“S-sorry…”
“And one more thing. I’m not here for idle chatter.”
She coldly dismissed her panicked colleague.
“The fact that I’ve come personally for a routine report shows how much we prioritize him.”
“Y-yes…”
“Keep a closer eye on the situation. Don’t overlook even the smallest piece of information. Levin-sama wants to use Jack Jarce as one of his pawns if possible. Don’t slack on your investigation.”
(Levin──?)
Jack frowned.
It was the boy’s name with divine powers he had encountered before.
Just as Jack had ‘enhancement’ skills, Levin had the skill of ‘domination’.
He had told Jack that he wanted to build his own kingdom.
He asked Jack to join him in achieving that dream.
Jack thought it was a childish fantasy and, in any case, he had no such grand ambitions.
All he wanted was to live a peaceful life.
So he flatly refused Levin’s offer──.
(Is he investigating me…?)
Jack had never revealed his name back then.
How did Levin manage to track him down here?
Why was his colleague cooperating with a woman who seemed to be Levin’s ally?
A sense of foreboding gripped his chest, making it hard to breathe.
(It seems… he’s more serious about this than I thought. About that kingdom or whatever.)
Jack had initially dismissed Levin’s talk of building a kingdom as delusional, but if he was controlling ministers and nobles, that was a different story.
If he had key decision-makers under his thumb, it might be possible for him to secretly control this country.
“Pawns…?”
“For Levin-sama’s kingdom. The more powerful pawns, the better.”
The conversation between the woman and his colleague continued.
“He’s not the type for rough stuff, is he? Doesn’t seem suited for it. I’ve never seen him lose his temper, even with employees or clients.”
“But he fought the magic beasts to protect the town, didn’t he?”
“That was to protect himself, and… he was trying to help us.”
“I see. So, he fights when he has something to protect.”
The woman’s voice seemed to take on a slightly warmer tone—Jack thought.
And then,
“──Who’s there?”
The door suddenly swung open.
Caught off guard, Jack couldn’t react in time and failed to escape.
Standing there was a tall woman.
She seemed to be in her early twenties.
Her golden hair was tied up, and she exuded an air of intelligence.
Though she was dressed like an ordinary town girl, the sharp, blade-like aura emanating from her made her seem more like a warrior or knight.
“You──”
The woman’s eyes widened in surprise.
“…You were eavesdropping on our conversation, weren’t you?”
Then, as if scolding his colleague,
“…Wasn’t Jack Jarce supposed to have left already?”
“Ah, yes, he just left, but…”
“I just came back to grab something I forgot.”
“…Tch, I was careless.”
Clicking her tongue in irritation at Jack’s words, the woman scowled.
“You’re one of Levin’s allies, aren’t you?”
“Not an ally. A subordinate.”
The woman pulled a bag toward her.
From the tall bag, she drew out something long and cylindrical.
──A sheathed sword.
“My name is Miranda Enias.”
The woman drew her sword and introduced herself with a stern voice.
The silver blade gleamed dully in the light of the room.
Her stance was poised, confirming that she was indeed a professional knight or swordsman.
“Your combat abilities are extraordinary. But I’ve heard you’re gentle and gentlemanly by nature. Would you dare lay a hand on a woman like me, Jack Jarce?”
“Why… is this happening…?”
Confronted by the woman’s hostility, Jack couldn’t hide his confusion.
It felt as if his peaceful life was suddenly crumbling away──it was an unsettling sensation.