Chapter 137 - Conflict with Authority
"Kill them! I don’t care who this Guild Master is, I’ve made up my mind. No one is stopping me!"
"Don’t mess with us! There’s a limit to how much we can take!"
"We only took out the rotten adventurers. If you’re calling them criminals, they were a lot worse than us!"
Insults flew in the heat of the moment, one after another.
The glass in someone’s hand shattered, and the force of the table being slammed was intense. If this kept up, even the sturdy furniture would break.
"Right, Yukarinowe. You were talking about war, weren’t you? Fine by me, I’m in."
"Hell yeah! If we back down now, the Kikyo Society is finished!"
"They’ve come this far; they won’t back out now. We’re doing this!"
Gradena, Paula, and Bonnie, the headstrong fighters, looked ready to charge in at any moment.
I could relate to their anger, and it felt good to share it. These are the reliable, beloved comrades I can always count on.
Even the usually calm members were showing their anger now.
"This is going too far."
"The Adventurer Guild is supposed to be the best, not this."
"Is this really how the Adventurer Guild operates? Disgraceful."
"Hmph, they’re just a bunch of fools."
The words spat out in anger were tinged with disgust and disbelief.
Every guild has its secrets, but this time it’s different.
The root of all this lies with the rotten adventurers. It’s a fact that every resident of Exembra would agree with.
Their crimes were heinous, and in Exembra, where the city’s law enforcement has failed, organizations like the Kikyo Society have stepped in. The areas where the Kikyo Society has cracked down are the safest in the city, no doubt about it.
"Valid, that guy’s always seemed shady, but I didn’t expect this much."
"Anyone here still have ties to the adventurer world? For me, there’s no going back in Exembra."
"This is unacceptable. If they get in the way, I won’t hesitate to take down even old comrades."
"Me too, I’m angry."
The former adventurers were also showing their anger, their faces tense. It’s rare to see Mia so upset.
"Do you know this Guild Master, Ophelia?"
"Yes, I met him by chance when I was gathering information. He was impossible to talk to. More like a scheming noble than a top-tier Guild Master."
"Verone, wasn’t Valid from a noble family?"
Verone’s clarification raised a point. A former noble, huh.
"I remember the Valid family. They were part of the Robe Nobility, a sort of bureaucratic noble class. But what’s the point of a nobility from a fallen nation? More to the point, why is the administration letting this slide?"
The Robe Nobility were essentially bureaucrats with no real power, just a title. But if they held a judicial role, they still had some authority.
Still, a noble from a fallen nation’s bureaucracy is practically irrelevant.
And while everyone was angry, some were already thinking strategically.
"This unilateral action is concerning."
"It’s clearly unnatural. Does the Intelligence Unit have any leads?"
The Kikyo Society has thinkers like this. Their calm heads are invaluable to our more passionate members.
As I listened to the ongoing conversations, a vague idea began to form in my mind. I could see it, or at least I thought I could.
"Alright, let’s leave the details for later. We’re going to take them down."
"Yukarinowe, you’re going to war, right? I’ll take the lead!"
Just as we were about to respond, Jallens, who had been watching from the sidelines, stepped forward.
As the only male in the room, he stood out, his presence commanding attention.
"Excuse me! May I speak?"
Despite the sharp glares and hostile vibes from everyone, he calmly asked for permission to speak.
Receiving such intense pressure from my capable subordinates and still maintaining composure is no small feat.
If he had backed down, I wouldn’t have listened to him, no matter how much we’ve relied on him.
But I have to admit, I’ve reassessed this man. His courage and determination are commendable. I’m sure others feel the same.
"Very well, I, Shinogami, will allow it."
I projected my authority over everyone, making it clear that no one would interfere. I wanted to hear what he had to say.
Of course, if it was pointless, I’d cut him off immediately.
...Yeah, it seems like our hot-headed fighters have calmed down a bit. They’re willing to listen.
The Commerce Guild’s director straightened his posture and began speaking with the gravity befitting his position.
"Today, I come representing the unified stance of the Commerce Guild. To be clear, we have no intention of agreeing to the Adventurer Guild’s proposal. We will advise all our affiliated chambers, shops, and merchants to firmly reject this tyranny. We have already begun issuing these advisories to the administrative district and other guilds. While we need to confirm the response once we return to the guild, it is highly unlikely that the Adventurer Guild will receive significant support. After all, the recent problems with rogue adventurers and the Kikyo Society’s efforts are well-known and widely acknowledged."
His speech, complete with gestures, could have come from a politician rather than a merchant.
"Thus, I urge the Kikyo Society to exercise caution. The Adventurer Guild may be powerful, but it is a global organization. A full-scale conflict will not be confined to Exembra. Your anger is justified, but failing to find a resolution could lead to significant losses for all of you."
The Kikyo Society’s contributions to the Commerce Guild are substantial. If we falter, those funds will disappear.
I’ve always made it a priority to ensure that Kikyo Society members have a steady flow of money, and we’re generous spenders. We’re popular not just with large merchants but also with local shops, which is unusual for an organization that collects protection money.
The profits of all merchants and shops directly benefit the Commerce Guild, so it’s only natural that they value the Kikyo Society. This isn’t limited to Jallens.
Moreover, other guilds also benefit from our influence, even if indirectly.
Emotions are important, but even without them, the interests of all parties involved ensure that the Kikyo Society is valued.
This is a result of the Kikyo Society’s efforts to establish and expand its roots.
Jallens paused, perhaps to gauge our reaction.
One of the fighters, who had been silent until now, voiced a concern.
"Wait, what are you saying? Are you telling us to do nothing and just sit still? You can’t be serious."
"I hear you. You’re saying no one will fall for this nonsense, right? But that’s a different issue. The problem is with the people who started this nonsense."
Hearing Jallens’ words didn’t calm anyone’s anger. I’m sure everyone felt the same.
"Yukarinowe, you’ve been quiet. What’s your take? We were talking about war, weren’t we?"
Gradena’s intense gaze was on me.
Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m not one to back down.
Above all, I’m a woman of my word. I keep my promises and follow through.
"If you keep underestimating us, even you will be taken down. We’re going to war."
"Yu, Yukarinowe-sama!?"
I exchanged a knowing look with Gradena, who was grinning. They knew I was serious all along.
It’s time for me to take the lead. As the president, I need to set the direction. I won’t waste Jallens’ advice.
I have a vague plan, but I’m confident it can work with everyone’s help. Let’s start.
"Jallens-san, you have a valid point. But the world is more complex than just short-term gains. You know that as well as I do."
"But declaring war will leave the Adventurer Guild no choice but to fight back!"
I understand the importance of appearances. If we can find a way, there’s a solution.
We have members who excel in various fields, and I have high hopes for them. This might seem like a delegation, but I trust them.
"The problem isn’t just about the Adventurer Guild. It’s about saving face. These big shots care about their reputations. If the Kikyo Society, a mere branch of the Adventurer Guild, takes them down, even if they’re in the wrong, they won’t back down. They’ll find a way to make the Kikyo Society the scapegoat and label us as criminals worldwide. That’s what they’ll do, no doubt."
"Your point is valid, but the Adventurer Guild’s organizational strength cannot be underestimated. Do you have a plan? The Commerce Guild’s stance is that ignoring this will minimize the damage. We don’t want to end up in a decisive conflict with other guilds."
Well, it’s time to bring in the head of our Intelligence Unit. If we can figure out what’s really going on, we can find a solution.
There’s a big question mark. Why did they do this, knowing the backlash would be inevitable?
Everyone in Exembra knows about the rogue adventurers. No one would remain indifferent to such actions by the Adventurer Guild.
For them, our resistance might not matter, but the city’s residents won’t stay quiet. They suffered the most from the rogue adventurers.
"Time to shine, Josephine, Ortlinde. What’s behind this unnatural situation? Any leads?"
The Adventurer Guild may be a popular global organization, but they have no right to single out and eliminate a group like this, especially on such a large scale. This is clearly wrong.
Josephine and Ortlinde exchanged glances, then Josephine spoke.
"There are a few things we need to confirm, but I can make a general guess. It might even be partly my fault..."
"Your fault? What do you mean?"
This was an unexpected answer. Everyone was taken aback.
"Well, you know I’ve been working to support or place candidates in important positions among the Exembra nobility, right?"
I remember giving her the go-ahead for this. The other members, except Jallens, were aware of this, and the Commerce Guild was likely in the loop as well.
"It was going well, but I suspect the nobles who were ousted or about to be ousted are behind this."
These nobles, while former, still hold some power. They can’t be ignored, especially since they have influence over the administration.
"So, the ousted nobles have started targeting the Kikyo Society. If we extend our reach into the administration, it makes sense they’d react."
"But what’s the connection to the Adventurer Guild?"
Josephine started to piece things together.
"In simple terms, it’s a conspiracy by those who see the Kikyo Society as a nuisance. Even if a noble is ousted, they still have influence. The rampant rogue adventurers wouldn’t have been possible without the Adventurer Guild’s tacit approval. The Guild Master, Valid, must have ties to the rogue adventurers. To him, the Kikyo Society, which took action against them, is a threat."
"You mean the rogue adventurers were in cahoots with the Guild Master? The Guild Master of the world-renowned Adventurer Guild?"
If true, this is a major scandal. If we can prove it, it would be a powerful weapon.
I recall there was some turmoil when the new Guild Master was chosen. We didn’t pay much attention, but it was a significant event.
"That Guild Master, Valid, is notorious among adventurers. I’ve only heard rumors, but it’s a start."
"The ousted nobles, who have nowhere else to turn, and the Guild Master, who’s losing his minions, need to bring down the Kikyo Society to turn the tide. There are likely others involved as well. The Gandrault Gang and the McDallian Family, who patronized the rogue adventurers, fit the bill perfectly."
So, it’s a coalition of authority figures feeling cornered and the Kikyo Society’s enemies joining forces.
The underworld can wait. I’ve always known a showdown with them is inevitable. Their harassment is nothing new. The real issues are the nobles and the Adventurer Guild.
The powerful nobility of the rapidly growing city of Exembra and the Guild Master of the world-renowned Adventurer Guild, both based in Exembra.
Ordinarily, they would be formidable opponents.
But they are cornered. The Kikyo Society has brought them to this point, and we’ll see it through.
Yes, we’re getting closer to the truth.
With this much clarity, the next steps are straightforward.
"Wait. We still have the issue of evidence. They won’t just leave us evidence, and they might not even have any. What’s your plan?"
"Exactly. The evidence is crucial, but it won’t be easy to obtain."
Evidence is indeed key, and I understand its importance.
People in positions of power and influence often underestimate their opponents.
They wouldn’t expect a group of women to challenge them head-on. They’d dismiss the idea and assume that if such a group did exist, they’d be easy to crush.
If the Kikyo Society had followed Jallens’ advice and remained passive, what would happen?
The Kikyo Society would be seen as weak. This would leave a lasting negative impression. People would think we’re just a group of women who can’t stand up to authority. And the same issues would arise again and again, only worse.
Therefore, the Kikyo Society must break through with all its might. We must crush and destroy them.
Either they will fall, or we will. This is a war for our very existence.
War is a clash of strong wills.
Facing a powerful opponent, you must be prepared to stake everything. Any less, and you’ve already lost before you begin. You must give it your all, no matter who you’re up against.
To them, the Kikyo Society is a minor group of women. To us, they are a major target. We are a small organization compared to them, but we have an opportunity to exploit.
I intend to win this battle in every possible way.