Chapter 145 - Signs of Expansion
As autumn deepens, bringing comfortable weather, the Kikyo Society is entering a new phase. Today's executive meeting will thoroughly discuss our future direction, though it will mostly be a review of already decided matters. I, as the president, silently observe as Siegrune leads the proceedings as usual.
"We will continue to expand our budget accommodations business," Siegrune says.
While I’ve been hands-off, the Kikyo Society's control of cheap inns has been steadily growing, training employees and establishing a solid foundation. We’ve also been quietly recruiting from high-end hotels and mid-level establishments. Now is the time to expand rapidly. We’ve laid the groundwork.
"The next step is to move into constructing a high-end hotel. As planned, there should be no objections, right?"
We have a large plot of land on Sixth Avenue that we secured long ago. The time has come to bring our plans to fruition.
"Is this about the new casino, right?"
"Yes, it will be our largest casino," Siegrune confirms.
The high-end hotel will feature a massive casino and a garden enhanced by Lily's expertise. While other districts in Exembra have their own high-end hotels and casinos, we aim to surpass them in quality. Our unique experience and Lily's skills make this a certainty. We have a clear vision and detailed plans.
Moreover, being a women-only establishment in this world is a significant selling point. Not only do we aim to be the best, but being the only one of its kind gives us a strong advantage. Exembra has a severe shortage of high-end accommodations, which is another factor in our favor.
The timing is right, and we have a clear budget and personnel plan. Once completed, it will become a major source of revenue.
"This is the first step in making Sixth Avenue the most popular spot in Exembra," says one of the executives.
"Exactly. If this succeeds, the Kikyo Society will have even more options," I agree.
"This will be a huge business," another adds.
"Money can make most things possible. We'll be able to do more once we have it."
"Will the construction be too much for Priene and her team? We should talk to the Construction Guild early," someone suggests.
Building a high-end hotel is beyond the current capabilities of our Architecture Unit. Still, we aim to involve them as much as possible. Priene, the leader of the unit, has been working hard, but they are still inexperienced.
We plan to subcontract the bulk of the work to the Construction Guild, a seasoned organization. Since we are providing the funds and are even a member of the guild, they will be cooperative. This project is massive and will require some indulgences. This will be a significant learning experience for the unit members and Priene.
This project will pave the way for future ventures related to the Arena, which is an even larger scale operation. Sixth Avenue is at the heart of the Kikyo Society, and we will not cut corners. Establishing a strong foundation is crucial.
Siegrune turns to the Secretariat Unit.
"Frederica and Sophie will be in charge of overseeing the construction and management. Follow the plan and proceed as intended. April can handle the day-to-day operations, no worries there."
"Certainly. Even if there are unexpected issues, April will handle them. Sophie and I will focus on this project."
This development will be limited to high-end hotels on Sixth Avenue.
The Arena will be developed in the administrative district, where the authorities have already secured most of the land. While this is a necessary compromise, the Kikyo Society's territory is unique. We control the only island outside the administrative district adjacent to the Arena.
Development in the administrative district is active, but we will let others take the lead. Our Arena-related projects can come later. We have a strategic plan, and even if the mutual non-aggression pact is dissolved, we are confident in our success. The location is excellent, and with the right management, the returns will be substantial.
There's no rush. We will proceed methodically. The Kikyo Society is already slated to manage the Arena, which alone will bring in enormous revenue. Therefore, we will focus on Sixth Avenue first to solidify our foundation. Once that is secure, the additional revenue from the Arena will be a significant boost.
This is where I step in. After discussing the main agenda, I address the group.
"Alright, everyone. With the disturbances settling down and new business plans underway, the Secretariat Unit will be busy, but the Combat Unit will have some spare time, right?"
The Intelligence Unit is always busy, so I skip over them. The others should have some free time.
"Sure, maybe. What's up?"
"There are things I want to do if we have the time... I believe we will have the time," I say.
I understand the need to make the most of available time, but it’s not to the point of being overwhelmed.
The Kikyo Society still has a lot to do, even without the fine details. Expanding into high-end hotels is just the first step in our larger plan. We have been preparing the groundwork and have the necessary resources and influence.
"So, what's next?"
"I've been thinking about this, and I believe you've been thinking about it too. We're going to do it," I say.
"President?"
Valeria looks at me with a puzzled expression, as adorable as ever.
I look around at the confused executives, take a deep breath, and speak.
"I think it's time for the Kikyo Society to aim higher. We don't need to let the Five Great Families continue to dominate, right?"
"...What?"
"What do you mean by that?"
I clarify for the still confused group.
"Our hotel project and the future Arena-related businesses are on track. The Kikyo Society will no longer have financial concerns. This means we will expand to rival, or even surpass, the Five Great Families."
I observe as everyone processes this.
The mutual non-aggression pact among underworld organizations is still in effect, but it is likely to be abandoned soon. Whether it happens at the next general meeting or the one after that, it's only a matter of time. The pact is maintained for political reasons, but it won't last forever.
We will actively expand the Kikyo Society in preparation. This is my plan.
"Do you mean expanding the Kikyo Society further? Financially, we have no issues, right?"
"...Rivaling or surpassing the Five Great Families?"
"Ha! That sounds fun! We might not have the numbers, but we don't lose, you know. So, we're going to recruit more people, right?"
"Exactly. Our biggest weakness compared to the Five Great Families is our numbers. We need to address that first."
To achieve something big, we need more people. As we expand, we will need more hands. This means actively recruiting, as we did in the early days, but on a larger scale.
Since the rise of the Kikyo Society, more women's groups have emerged, some small. Absorbing the viable ones is an option.
"There are always people who want to join the Kikyo Society. We will be more proactive in recruiting, right?"
"Yes. We've been growing steadily, but we need to grow more. For example, if we were to topple one of the Five Great Families, we would need to replace them entirely."
Everyone's eyes light up.
I always follow through on what I say. They should understand what this means.
It’s preparation for the inevitable conflict. The Kikyo Society will not just be a defensive force but will actively seek to expand.
We will increase our strength and acquire new territories.
We will crush and take over any obstacles in our way.
We will rise to the next level.
"Should we start reaching out to promising groups?"
"Hell yeah, let's go all out!"
"Hearing it from you, Yukari, makes me feel fired up. Are you serious?"
"It's a bit far off, but I'm looking forward to it."
Indeed. There's no reason for the Kikyo Society to remain stagnant. It's time.
I've never liked the arrogance of the Five Great Families. The Kikyo Society has the potential to compete, and we will develop it further.
We will gain the power to take on anyone, anywhere.
We won't lower our standards. We will ensure the quality of our new members, even if it takes time. Immediate combat-ready recruits are rare, but we have the training expertise and promising young leaders. I won't compromise on quality.
"Who do you have in mind?"
"Bonnie, you're getting ahead of yourself. It's still far off."
"Heh, you're right. Whether it's the McDallians or the Clads, as long as we can have a big fight, I'm game."
Who we target first will depend on the situation. The Snake Head Society is on its last legs, and any organization will likely target their territory. There might already be covert battles happening. When it becomes public, we will either join the fray or target a different, complacent group. We'll see.
However, personally, I have a target in mind.
I will crush the thorn in our side. Of course, it’s the McDallian Family. They should be prepared.
"So, everyone, if you find promising candidates, bring them in like before. To expand, we need more people."
"Got it!"
Valeria has been involved in recruitment and will likely continue with renewed enthusiasm.
If large-scale conflicts break out, the Kikyo Society might become a primary target for the Five Great Families. In such a scenario, we might face multiple fronts. We need to expand our defenses and offensive capabilities. We will also expand into new ventures. Regardless, we will need more people, especially combat-ready full members.
It’s impractical to think we can take on multiple organizations with ten times the number of members. Therefore, we need to narrow the gap in numbers. While it’s impossible to completely close the gap in a short time, we will compensate with our superior skills. This is a compromise we have to make.
Ultimately, the situation will no longer allow the Kikyo Society to remain as it is.
Stagnation is the beginning of decline. We must grow to survive.
And emotionally speaking...
I don’t want to be underestimated. I want to show up those stuck in their ways. At the very least, in Exembra, we will rise to a level where no one can look down on us. I believe this is a shared goal among all members.
The Kikyo Society will move to the next stage.
Thank you for the continued support for the new developments.