Chapter 121 - A City in Flux
The Kikyo Society is taking the lead in organizational reforms by setting up a new unit. We're officially establishing the Architecture Unit, which has already proven its worth in the Royal Capital. I've always thought it would be a waste not to actively use their skills, and the members themselves are eager to take on more substantial projects. So, the Kikyo Society will let them step up and tackle more significant tasks. If there's a way to make money, they're welcome to go for it.
For now, I've appointed Priene as the unit leader, but she still needs to grow in various ways to be considered a full-fledged executive. Therefore, we're treating the Architecture Unit as a sub-division within the Combat Support Unit. It's not clear how things will play out in practice, but the idea is to position them as an engineering corps.
Today, I'm sending someone to the Commerce Guild to request support and to apply for membership in the Construction Guild. I'm not going myself, of course.
Joining the Construction Guild has many advantages, but the most convenient is that job requests will come to us automatically. The construction industry in Exembra is so busy that we'll be welcomed with open arms.
When applying for guild membership, the organization and personnel's technical skills, knowledge, and capital are reviewed and rated. Based on this, the guild assigns appropriate jobs. These ratings are also used for reviewing independent construction projects and issuing permits, similar to a licensing system.
This is a measure to prevent unqualified groups from taking on inappropriate jobs, and it ensures that there are no fraudulent contractors. Guild membership is a mark of trust.
My hope for the Architecture Unit is that they will eventually take on all the construction projects for Kikyo Society's ventures. On a grand scale, this will require more people, but even as subcontractors, their presence will be a great help. The biggest advantage is that we won't waste time on unnecessary negotiations, and we can trust our own people.
To achieve this, I want them to gain experience, develop their skills, and absorb various techniques. For example, they won't be able to handle the construction of a large facility like the Arena anytime soon, but gaining experience now will help them take on even a small part of such projects, which will be a significant achievement.
Even starting with small jobs will help them build their skills. When the time comes to recruit new members, I want them to be well-prepared.
I have confidence in Kikyo Society's members. They may lack advanced techniques, but their foundations are solid. They've been trained rigorously in basic magic, and they've been infused with my unconventional theories. Most importantly, they have the drive to succeed. Their growth rate will be extraordinary.
Indeed, the members of the Architecture Unit have shown excellent results in applying magic and acquiring foundational knowledge, which is why we're officially establishing the unit.
"Priene, the Commerce Guild will set everything up. You just need to answer their questions honestly."
"Leave it to me! I'll knock their socks off!"
She's a bit too energetic, but her determined gaze as she sets off is dazzling.
I hope she becomes proficient in earth magic, like I am.
"Onee-sama, I'm heading out too."
"Sure, Valeria. Good luck with that."
This is for Sarah-chan's pick-up. She goes to school, but these days, you never know when you might run into troublemakers or delinquents, so I've arranged for proper security to escort her.
Today, only Valeria was available to handle my security, so I temporarily put it on hold to prioritize her.
Now, I was thinking about starting some alchemy experiments, but it seems something has come up.
Peeking into the lounge, I see the Lightning Street café owner is here.
"Honestly, I'm at a loss. I've heard the rumors, and it's finally happening here. My son and some regulars have been targeted. Can you do something about it?"
From just a brief conversation, it's clear that the culprits are the troublemakers or delinquents I've heard about. They've finally made their way into our territory.
The Kikyo Society isn't a police force, but our business relies on local support. We charge shops for security, and without that trust, we can't function.
That's why we've instructed people to report any issues immediately, and we act swiftly when they do. We need to maintain a deterrent and resolve any problems that arise.
It's unfortunate that these troublemakers have chosen to make a move in our territory. We'll crush them quickly.
Despite our patrols, these types often slip through and cause trouble.
The young officer from the Secretariat Unit promised to strengthen patrols and sent her away.
If we say we'll do it, we'll do it. Today, only the Secretariat Unit is available to act immediately, but even they have combat capabilities. We're not as weak as some might think.
"Patrol right away?"
"Yes, President. The café owner asked for help, so I thought it would be best to do a quick round."
"That's a good attitude. Take a stroll and patrol the area. I'll join in too."
I want to see for myself. The delinquents are no concern, but the troublemakers are. If they're causing trouble like Ophelia and her group, they pose a real threat.
I know I shouldn't act alone, but I'm not the type to back down.
While wandering through a back alley alone, I soon encountered them. Was it good luck or bad?
"Hey, lady, are you lost? This is our turf, you know?"
They seem to be the new troublemakers causing a stir recently. Who does this turf belong to? It's Kikyo Society's territory.
This must be what happens when outsiders come and start to assert themselves.
"This house is our hideout. This street is ours too. You won't leave unscathed once you step in."
"Like that old man, the locals here are too relaxed. Walking alone like this is unheard of in other cities."
"Hehe, we're grateful for it. It makes it easy to get money and women."
This dilapidated house should be under the management of the Commerce Guild or the Construction Guild, as it's scheduled for renovation. Clearly, the management is lacking.
They look like young troublemakers, but they're few in number and acting tough with just iron bars and knives. The Kikyo Society's territory is well-policed, and local troublemakers know better than to cause trouble here. So, people tend to walk alone without worry. But these outsiders, unaware of the situation, will soon meet their end.
Even a few small-time troublemakers claiming turf will be quickly driven out by others like them.
I have no interest in engaging in their vulgar conversation. I'll just scare them off.
"Back off, you... ugh!"
I casually took an iron bar from one of them and used it to strike him in the face, silencing him. I then proceeded to punch the others in the face and stomach, one after another, with no difficulty.
I held back, so they should be able to crawl away on their own in a bit.
Here's a warning to ensure they don't cause trouble here again.
"I'll say this only once, so listen carefully. This area, even the back alleys, is kept clean. This isn't a place for scum like you to run wild. This is Kikyo Society's turf. If I see your face around here again, I'll break your neck. Now, get lost."
I show them the Kikyo crest to intimidate them. My presence is quite intimidating, and even these stubborn ones should get the message. They look afraid.
I watch them struggle to stand and then leave. I'll patrol a bit more.
...Troublemakers. Even if they move to another territory, they'll likely face the same or worse. I doubt they'll ever work a legitimate job. At best, they might end up in a lower-level organization of one of the Five Great Families, which would only strengthen the Five Great Families' forces.
Hmm, that's a bit concerning, but it's not like I'll go around killing them for every minor offense... still, a few more of these lowlifes won't make much of a difference.
I patrolled a bit more but didn't see anything suspicious. I warned anyone I met to be cautious, but complete safety is hard to guarantee. Everyone must be vigilant.
This makes me wish the Exembra Garrison, which is responsible for law and order, would step up their efforts. They should have expanded their forces by now. I'll ask Josephine about the situation later.
After a casual stroll, I return to the headquarters and head to a restricted room.
As usual, I barge into the Intelligence Division, and Josephine is buried in documents with a serious look. Ortlinde, as usual, is nowhere to be found.
"Ah, Yukari-dono. Is something the matter?"
"You're as busy as ever. I have a question."
"Sure, I was due for a break anyway."
Josephine has learned a lot from the Oversta family in the Royal Capital and is experimenting with what she's learned.
I won't interfere unless necessary, but I appreciate her efforts.
"So, what is it?"
I move to the sofa, and she prepares tea before I ask my question.
"I'm talking about those troublemakers and delinquents. I'm wondering about the Exembra Garrison, which is responsible for maintaining order. Do you know anything?"
"That's a timely topic. I'm actually in the middle of gathering and analyzing information on that."
So, she's in the middle of it. I might have asked a bit too early.
"There are still some uncertainties, but I can share what I know. It's a serious situation. The upper echelons of Exembra are about to be reshuffled, and this will include the upper ranks of the Garrison."
Hmm, that makes sense. The current upper ranks of Exembra were sent by Retnark. If Retnark has lost its power, Exembra has no reason to follow its remnants.
"That means the high-ranking officials of the Garrison we had leverage over will be replaced."
I don't remember their names, but the Vice-General of the Garrison was in our debt due to financial dealings. We used to get information from him.
"Vice-General Dacmasti was recalled to the mainland recently. It was sudden, and he didn't even say goodbye. Currently, both the General and Vice-General positions are vacant, and it's expected that someone will fill them after the power struggle ends."
"So, the Garrison won't be actively maintaining order in the city for a while?"
"The current Garrison has enough manpower and structure to maintain order in the administrative districts. Even without the Generals, the field operations will continue. It's likely that they'll continue as usual. There's no sign of a significant increase in forces either."
Same as before... it's within acceptable limits.
The power struggles among nobles and officials will inevitably affect the lower ranks, but they'll try to minimize the impact. If they cause economic harm, they'll be overthrown from below. Essentially, they'll continue to outsource law enforcement to the underworld. They're still unreliable.
Well, it's the good old 'status quo.' Better than it getting worse, I suppose.
"I was thinking of talking to the higher-ups of the Exembra Garrison, but it seems our connections are no longer useful."
"The importance of having many useful connections is something I've learned from the Royal Capital. As the Intelligence Division, we need to take a more proactive approach in this situation."
Josephine, usually calm, seems more determined.
"So, you're planning to influence potential new appointees?"
"Exactly. We're thinking of getting even more involved and leveraging Kikyo Society's support to push someone into the General's position."
I like her proactive stance. Regardless of the outcome, I'll let her do her best.
"I see. Alright, understood. Even if it fails, we'll try our best. We'll try to secure influential positions in Exembra, not just in the Garrison. I'll allocate personnel to this effort, and if resources are lacking, feel free to ask."
Exembra is our home. This is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the major shifts happening now. Others will have the same idea, so it won't be easy, but with my personal funds, Kikyo Society has considerable financial power. To politicians, money is like ammunition. The more you have, the stronger you are. With the Kikyo Society as a reliable backup, many will be inclined to support us. We're a group of women, but in this city, no one doubts our strength. Even if there's prejudice, a pragmatic politician will choose the practical option.
Moreover, with the Snake Head Society in decline and the fate of the Anastasia Union uncertain, Kikyo Society's presence is likely to grow.
A shift in the tide is a great opportunity. We should seize every chance we can. Even the Five Great Families can be outmaneuvered.
"Great! I'll do whatever it takes to deliver results!"
She seems unusually enthusiastic. I'll keep my expectations modest, but I'll support her.
I don't know what the others think, but Josephine is a formidable woman. I wouldn't have put her in charge of the Intelligence Division otherwise.
She's saying she'll do whatever it takes. I wonder what methods she has in mind."
The term 'Construction Guild' was used in this chapter. In earlier chapters, it was referred to as the 'Architecture Guild.' 'Construction' is a broader category, so I decided to change it to 'Construction Guild' for better accuracy. I hope this explanation clarifies the change.