Chapter 138 - Declaration of War
We've exhausted all our options. The only thing left is how to handle the evidence. After all, everything we've discussed here is just speculation.
But if we go back to basics, it's actually a simple matter. We're criminals. We're not the kind who can't do anything without evidence.
Most importantly, they've declared war on us. What's so wrong with accepting it? This is a fight between criminals. Why should we hold back?
Ruminating and hesitating until we're paralyzed is the worst thing we can do. If we have the time to do that, we should take action first. The more we wait, the harder it becomes to turn the tide.
I've always said, "First strike, first win." That's how we open the door.
Siegrune, who's usually so calm, now demands a resolution. "Everyone, you've assessed the situation, right? Yukari-dono, you've already made your decision, haven't you? Tell us what you plan to do."
Of course, the answer is obvious. "It's the same as I said before. War. After the way they've treated us, there's no other way than to show them hell."
The top of the Adventurer Guild will be removed from their position. We won't show mercy to those who follow them.
"Alright, let's go now!"
I stop the impulsive rush. "Hold it. We'll strike at midnight. In the meantime, we'll make a grand declaration of war to gather their allies. We'll take them all out in one fell swoop."
We're not going to ambush them or attack on a whim. We're going to challenge them head-on. After all, they're the ones who started this. We need to make that clear to the public. It's still daytime, so we don't have much time, but we'll do what we can to lay the groundwork.
"I'll handle the declaration with the Secretariat Unit. The rest of the Secretariat Unit and the Intelligence Unit will work on gaining support from sympathetic nobles and other guilds. The Vanguard Unit will inform the legitimate adventurers and guild staff. The Combat Unit will prepare for full-scale engagement while ensuring our regular operations aren't disrupted. The Combat Support Unit will provide close coordination with all units. Rosabel-san and Colette-san, I need you to assist Margaret, who isn't here. Zenobia and Valeria will also help with media outreach, separate from the Secretariat Unit. Siegrune and Gradena, you'll oversee and support the entire operation. All officers, except the Secretariat Unit, will go all out, so make sure to fill in the gaps."
I rattle off the orders quickly.
It's crucial to inform the legitimate adventurers. We don't want to target those uninvolved with the delinquent adventurers, and Exembra already has a disproportionately low number of adventurers compared to the city's size. Many who relocated here after the kingdom's fall can't move easily, so only a few have returned. We don't want to reduce the steady increase of new adventurers due to the Kikyo Society.
Looking back, it's strange that more decent adventurers haven't flocked to the rapidly growing Exembra. Maybe the guild master is part of the problem.
"Details are up to you, but if you have any issues, consult each other. Dismissed!"
"Got it!"
We need to start the declaration immediately. We want the residents to know in advance, and we need to give the other side time to prepare.
As everyone disperses, Ophelia stops her former adventurer friends and asks me, "Yukari, can I borrow Verone and Liliane for the Vanguard Unit?"
"Hmm? If they're okay with it, do as you wish. It's up to you."
If she has a plan, I trust her to execute it.
"By the way, you knew the former guild master, right? You were at odds with Valid, so maybe something will come from that side. Not likely, but it's possible."
"I do know him, but we weren't particularly close, so don't get your hopes up."
I see, the former guild master. He might be useful. Still, we shouldn't get our hopes up, but we should explore all options. Ophelia and the others left to discuss their approach with the regular adventurers. I'll trust them.
"Is everything in order, Yukarinowe-sama? Considering the whole of Exembra, there are still a significant number of delinquent adventurers. If the guild master’s group is indeed his lackeys, they will gather their forces and wait for us. I don't doubt your victory, but please be cautious in your preparations. Also, if possible, secure evidence. The Commerce Guild, both as an organization and as individuals, will spare no effort to assist you. I'll take my leave for now."
Jallens offered some advice and hurried off. He'll be busy too, but it's a relief to have the Commerce Guild on our side. For me, they are more valuable allies than the Adventurer Guild.
His advice is timely, but it's not a problem. I told them not to underestimate us. I won't underestimate them either. That's why we're going all out.
If there's evidence of their misdeeds, we'll find it. There are plenty of ways to do it.
Now, I need to draft the declaration.
The Adventurer Guild sent such a provocative message. We need to respond in kind.
"I'm pretty good at this. I'll write a rough draft, and Frederica and the others can polish it."
"Yes, it will be a public document. While you're working on that, we'll secure the posting spaces."
The Secretariat Unit has a lot of groundwork to do, working closely with the Intelligence Unit. I trust them to handle it.
Now, I'll focus on the declaration.
At my desk, I concentrate on the task, referencing old documents for inspiration. It's not perfect, but it's a start. I'll rely on Frederica and the others to improve it.
I read over my draft.
Declaration of War
In the central continent, where the towering Romariel Mountains stretch to the east, the Kikyo Society, renowned in the city of Exembra, hereby proclaims to the wise citizens and the wider world:
I hereby declare war on the Exembra Branch of the Adventurer Guild and its leader, Norwich Curtis Valid, and his followers.
Norwich Curtis Valid and his followers have privatized the guild, disregarding the safety and well-being of the citizens, instigating unnecessary conflicts, and disrupting the peace of Exembra, ultimately forcing our Kikyo Society to take up arms.
Fortunately, the decent adventurers, excluding the ringleaders, have shown understanding of our cause. Major guilds and numerous peace-loving, rational forces have aligned with us, ready to confront the ringleaders.
The leader, who abuses his privatized power, has gathered and strengthened a band of brutal delinquent adventurers, challenging our Kikyo Society and continuing to threaten the peace of Exembra.
Despite my calls for a peaceful resolution, the ringleaders have only become more aggressive, trying to subdue our Kikyo Society and intensify pressure on the citizens.
Our efforts for peace have been rendered futile, and Exembra's peace is on the brink of destruction.
Given this, our Kikyo Society rises resolutely for our independence and self-defense, and for the protection of the citizens, determined to crush all obstacles.
I trust the loyalty and bravery of our Kikyo Society, determined to expose the ringleaders' misdeeds and swiftly eliminate the root of evil, restoring peace to the city of Exembra and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
The glory of our Kikyo Society will shine even brighter by crushing the ambitions of the ringleaders.
Execution of War: Midnight on the day of this declaration
Issued by: Kikyo Society
President: Yukarinowe Nijoophas
Well, that's it. It's slightly embellished, but that's to be expected.
A little bravado is fine. If we win, it will be justified.
The key point is that this is a declaration of war against the guild master and his followers, not the entire Adventurer Guild. This should address Jallens' concerns to some extent. In this world, appearances matter.
"Frederica! I've drafted the declaration. Polish it and distribute it. Especially to the Adventurer Guild—make it a top priority."
"Yes, it can't start without this declaration. I'll get to work immediately."
It's still early. By midnight, the message will be widely known. Not just through postings, but with Margaret actively spreading the word.
By now, the Adventurer Guild's statement has everyone talking.
Is this the end for the Kikyo Society? Many might think so.
A notorious and unconventional group of women suddenly challenging a well-known and established organization like the Adventurer Guild. Even in a local branch, the disparity in fame, influence, and size is vast. It's an unpredictable match, especially for those who don't know the full story.
And now, an immediate counterattack in the form of a declaration.
There's no way we'll back down. Losing is unimaginable.
We'll crush a group of delinquent adventurers led by a small-time criminal. We'll find the evidence, one way or another.
If we can't handle this, there's no way we can stand alongside the Five Great Families. Battles with the McDallian Family or the Gandrault Gang would be like a dream. Failure would lead to ridicule, our reputation would be shattered, and it might even be the end of the Kikyo Society.
We need to handle this easily. A complete victory is the minimum requirement.
There's nothing else for me to do as the president. Now, it's up to everyone else and the passage of time.
Today, I'll stay in the office, composed and ready, without any distractions.
I close my eyes, waiting for everyone to return. In a state of calm, the time passes quickly.
As the sun sets, Siegrune calls out to me.
"Yukari-dono, everything is ready, a bit earlier than expected."
"Great, thank you. It's faster than I thought."
Perhaps because of the upcoming battle, even the usually composed vice-commander seems a bit excited.
I often leave the office to him, and it's been a while since we've gone out on a mission together.
"The team's enthusiasm was high. How about a pre-battle meal? The young men have ordered food from the cafeteria. It should arrive soon."
"An empty stomach can't fight. Good idea. After we eat, we'll rest. We'll launch the attack before midnight, so we'll start the strategy meeting at an appropriate time. The basic plan is up to you, Siegrune."
"Got it! And, there's some good news."
What is it, being so dramatic?
Next chapter, "Festival Fireworks."