Chapter 118 - Farewell, Royal Capital
Eliminating the remaining enemies was a breeze. The Kikyo Society barely had a chance to show what we could do.
The few enemy strongholds we approached with the Crimson Knights were overwhelming in numbers but lacked any real strength. The Crimson Knights did most of the work, leaving little for us to do. It was a smooth and almost boring operation.
The attacks on locations we didn't accompany were flawless, following Rosmerta's plan to a T. Everything went off without a hitch, a perfect execution.
Honestly, things went so smoothly that it almost became monotonous. The Royal Capital was truly pacified by Rosmerta's Crimson Knights. All's well that ends well.
In the end, the Kikyo Society's contribution was mostly behind the scenes. We only stepped in to eliminate the Ghosts and to deal with the Snake Head Society when they attacked our stronghold. Our efforts were always in the shadows.
The House Oversta-led operation to pacify the Royal Capital kept the Kikyo Society in the background, focusing on support. This strategy worked flawlessly.
There were tense moments, but considering the outcome and the minimal damage, Rosmerta's side overwhelmingly dominated. Several factors contributed to this success.
First, Rosmerta's charisma was unmatched. The leaders of the Novara Gang and the Giuliano Gang were no match for her. Her loyal and fearless Crimson Knights were willing to face any danger, and the rest of her allies feared opposing her. She was simply a better leader.
The front-line command was consistently superior with the Crimson Knights. The enemy, having lost their leaders, was nothing more than a disorganized mob, no match for Rosmerta's forces.
The quality of the combatants also played a significant role. The discipline, strength, and training of Rosmerta's forces, centered around the Crimson Knights, were unmatched.
Perhaps the biggest advantage was the local knowledge. The old Royal Capital of Brenark was well-known to the locals, giving them an edge over outsiders.
In the end, it was a complete victory. I'm not sure what impact the Kikyo Society had, but it seems we were either unnecessary or crucial. Future historians will decide.
The Royal Capital is about to get very busy. The challenges ahead are immense.
Although the immediate threat has been eliminated, preparing for future battles will be difficult. The complete fall of House Gerdodus and the loss of their forces will have a significant impact. It will take time to fill the void.
The fate of the captured leaders of the Giuliano Gang and the Novara Gang remains to be determined. They could be used as hostages, bargaining chips, or ransoms. Rosmerta will handle it skillfully.
The situation could also lead to a military intervention from Retnark. The underground world might also attempt a resurgence.
However, according to the latest reports, Retnark is in disarray, which could buy some time.
There's a mountain of tasks ahead. Maintaining order, rebuilding the governance structure, and starting the recovery process are just the beginning. The Royal Capital won't be truly stable until these are addressed.
Stability in the Royal Capital is crucial for Exembra, and we need to see it through.
Rosmerta and the House Oversta will have to work tirelessly to achieve this. As a parting gift, I'll leave them a large stock of leftover healing potions. They'll need them in the days ahead.
With our mission accomplished, the Kikyo Society is ready to return home. Preparations were quick. We had already handed over the fort we built in the Royal Capital to Rosmerta, and we didn't bring much personal belongings.
Packing our gear and loot into the vehicles was a simple task. All that was left was to say our goodbyes.
Rosmerta, despite her hectic schedule, made time for us. We owe her a favor, and I had some requests to make. I also wanted to offer a bit of assistance.
On the eve of our departure, I visited Rosmerta's office. She looked utterly exhausted. I couldn't help but wonder how she would manage.
"…Yukarinowe, I'm so sorry. I believe you were leaving tomorrow, right?"
"That's right. It's a bit early for you to be so busy."
"Hehe, we've made some progress, and a secretary from the main house will arrive tomorrow to take over. I might visit Exembra soon."
If she could still crack jokes, she must be doing well.
"Still, it's so late. I was planning to come and say goodbye, but…"
"Don't worry about it. We'll be leaving early, and this might be the last time we see each other for a while."
"It will be lonely without you. But I assume this isn't just a farewell?"
She's perceptive. As the president of the Kikyo Society, I had some requests for the acting head of House Oversta.
"Yes. First, about Caroline. She's planning to join the Kikyo Society once her business here is done. I'd appreciate it if you could handle her with care and provide proper protection."
"Of course. We have high expectations for her, and we'll treat her well for your sake."
"I trust you. The second matter concerns the Exembra Arena."
The arena's issues started with my kidnapping and led to our presence in the Royal Capital. The arena is a nest of corruption, and House Oversta will likely get involved.
We focused on eliminating our enemies, but there were also forces that supported the Kikyo Society. I want Rosmerta to help bring things together, even if we don't know who these supporters are.
"I understand that. However, I think most of the responsibility will fall on other nobles."
That's fair. House Oversta can't control everything, and if they can reach a consensus, it's all good. The political maneuvering is not my forte.
"Fine by me. I'll let you handle it your way. But if I'm not satisfied, I'll have some words to say."
"That's a bit intimidating. Hehe, but please come by anytime. You're a friend, after all. The door is always open for you."
Friends or not, I've done her a big favor. If the door is closed, I'll kick it down. But I don't expect that to happen.
"Understood. Before we part, I have a gift for a friend like you."
I placed a large bag on her desk.
"What's this?"
"A special healing potion. No questions asked about its origins. But I'm giving it to you because I consider you a friend. I've written down the effects, so take a look."
It's a second-tier healing potion set, unique in the world. Rosmerta should recognize its value. I hope she keeps at least half for herself. The rest can be used as she sees fit.
House Oversta has connections to healers with advanced magic, but not all healing spells. These potions will be invaluable in emergencies.
I can't afford to lose her. The bag also includes specialized potions for fatigue recovery.
After a brief chat and a heartfelt hug, I left her office. There was nothing left to do in the Royal Capital. A good night's sleep, and we'd be on our way.
I learned a lot here in the Royal Capital. Especially about someone like Rosmerta. I don't want her as an enemy. Just thinking about it gives me a headache.
But someday, such a troublesome opponent will likely appear. It's inevitable.
The key is how we handle it. The answer is simple.
The Kikyo Society doesn't have a strategist like Rosmerta, and we can't cultivate one. Hoping for one to join by chance is futile.
So, what do we do?
Find someone like Rosmerta or an equally skilled strategist and seek their help? That might work, but it's not a reliable long-term solution.
In the end, the Kikyo Society must win in our own way. What we can do is straightforward.
We need the power to crush any schemes. A solid unity that stands firm against any strategy and the individual strength to handle any situation.
I believe we have this now, but we can always improve. It's just a matter of continuing to do so.
Our mornings are early, and the Kikyo Society members train diligently from dawn. After a light training session and a quick shower, we enjoy a hearty breakfast before departure.
We've already said our goodbyes to Rosmerta and the Crimson Knights, so there's no special send-off. Everyone is busy.
"Alright, let's head back to Exembra!"
"Yeah! The others must be missing us."
"They'll be jealous when they hear about our exploits."
"Frederica and the others will be thrilled with the treasure we brought back."
"Let's go straight home this time!"
"Absolutely, no more detours."
I ignore the looks from everyone. I'm a woman who follows the wind.
Climbing onto the Bloomstar Galaxy, we set off with a brisk pace. I'm whimsical, but I don't want any more detours.
With the early morning sun, we left the Royal Capital, watched by the knights guarding the fortress. We stayed longer than expected, but it's time to go home.
I miss our home. I can't wait to see everyone again. Exembra is truly my home.
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The lengthy Royal Capital arc, spanning nearly 30 chapters, is now complete.
How did you find it? If you have any thoughts or feedback, please feel free to share.
The story will now return to Exembra. I plan to continue with smaller episodes for a while. While the bigger picture remains, this part is a bit of a blank slate, so please bear with me.