Chapter 154 - Sudden Escalation
The prolonged discussions at the assembly left little time for a break, and we moved directly to the party venue.
I was a bit worried about Valeria and Shelby, who were waiting in the parking lot, but I suppose they're fine.
Entering the party venue adjacent to the grand hall, the food was already prepared. Thanks to the magical devices, it was kept warm, and steam was rising. The smell was inviting and made my appetite grow.
The venue was opulent, more than adequate for a grand event. The interior was lavishly decorated, on par with the Clad Family, with skilled musicians providing a beautiful melody that was not too distracting for conversation. The servers, dressed in a classic style, had a subtle but stylish flair, reminiscent of butlers and maids. It was a good touch.
Looking outside, the snow and wind had intensified, creating a bleak scene.
As I observed the room, the host soon appeared to give the opening speech.
Parties often have a specific theme. At the Clad Family's event, it was a celebration of Balgar Clad's succession.
"...Now, let me introduce her."
I wasn't particularly interested in McDallian's speech, so I only half-listened until the end. Apparently, the party was for his wife's birthday. Boring.
Still, I was a bit curious and glanced at the woman he introduced.
She was a bit older but still beautiful, with a gentle and elegant demeanor. McDallian had good taste. It's surprising that someone of her caliber would be interested in him, but the world is full of surprises.
Her speech was as uninteresting as the rest, and as I focused on the food, attention shifted to us.
"The Kikyo Society's gift was far too wonderful to be enjoyed by me alone. I will have it served to everyone."
Oh, wow! What an attentive hostess!
From the back room, our gift was brought out. On several plates were the high-quality fruits Lily had prepared, beautifully arranged.
The air was filled with a fresh and aromatic scent. Despite the variety of dishes, these fruits stood out with their refreshing fragrance and vivid appearance.
"What is this?"
"It's a delicious fruit. The Kikyo Society brought this?"
Fruits are generally liked by most people, young and old. I might as well use this opportunity for some free advertising. I'll settle the score with McDallian's unpleasant gift another time.
The bosses who tried the fruits had high praise.
"This is delicious!"
"What a delightful treat. Hey, can you pack some for me? I want to share this with my family."
Some of them were a bit presumptuous, but the positive feedback was encouraging. This is partly thanks to the hostess.
I don't have bad feelings toward her, even if she is McDallian's wife.
Feeling goodwill toward an enemy's family is dangerous, but...
"Alright. I'll have a taste..."
Just as I was about to try the fruit, a chill ran down my spine.
"Siegrune!"
"What!?"
I instinctively tensed as a large window shattered.
Something came flying in with terrifying force, landing some distance away. The sound of destruction and impact was intense. If it had come any closer, I might have been hit. I managed to react just in time.
If it had been magic, I would have sensed it earlier. So, it must have been a physical attack, like a thrown object. Probably, but what was it?
The moment of chaos was followed by silence. The venue was in shock. The once-luxurious decor was now in ruins, and the heavy snowfall made it hard to see clearly.
"We were definitely attacked. I don't think this is over."
"Indeed, and it's not an ordinary opponent."
Someone had managed to attack us without our notice, causing such destruction. The attacker was likely nearby.
I was concerned about the casualties, but that could wait.
I quickly moved to the cover of a nearby pillar and focused on detecting magical energy to locate the enemy.
"Siegrune, what do you think?"
"...It seems there are three attackers coming from the north, where we were attacked earlier. There are two more in the parking lot to the south. They're already engaged in combat. Valeria and Shelby must be holding them off."
Identifying friend from foe by magical energy alone is difficult, but I agreed with Siegrune's assessment. The attackers from the north were our enemies, and the three who were leaving were likely also part of the group. I wasn't concerned about them for now.
"Five in total. They are quite strong. We can't afford to waste time."
Whoever they were, they were far more capable than the McDallian Family's security. They were stronger than the assassins typically hired by the city's nobles. The bosses' limited security forces might struggle against them.
The host is responsible for the assembly's security, but interfering would be a breach of protocol. But this isn't the time for such considerations.
"A, ahhh! Don McDallian! Your wife too!"
"What a disaster..."
Damn, too noisy. They're giving away their positions to the enemy.
"...Yukari-dono, look at that."
Turning to where she pointed, the snow had cleared, making it easier to see.
The first thing I noticed were six swords embedded in the ground. They were larger and more absurd than the ones used by Xenobia. The aftermath of the attack wasn't just inanimate objects; there were human remains and bloodstains. The snow was turning red.
Some were already dead, and the once-luxurious venue was now a scene of destruction. The fruits we brought were likely ruined as well.
And at the most devastated area by the window...
"...McDallian."
His wife was there too.
Instant death. The complete destruction left no chance of survival.
A slight sense of loss, but I quickly shook it off. Several others, including the bosses, had fallen. This would surely lead to a significant upheaval. But worrying about it now was pointless. What's done is done. No time for hesitation!
The bosses, who had likely faced many battles, quickly regained their composure. Even if they didn't know who the attackers were, they understood the gravity of the situation. It was extremely dangerous.
"Run! Our current forces are no match!"
"McDallian's security is useless! Hurry!"
A wise decision.
Our current forces were indeed inadequate. The guards, if they were even present, had failed to stop the attackers. The McDallian Family had a large number of troops but lacked elite fighters. They likely had no chance against this sudden assault.
Additionally, the guards in the parking lot were likely engaged in combat. We couldn't expect reinforcements.
Most of the bosses here lacked significant combat skills. They relied on their subordinates for direct combat. This situation required a different approach.
The attackers' motives were unclear. If it was a solo operation, it was unlikely to be someone with a grudge against the McDallian Family. This suggested a new and powerful force had entered the city, possibly the Legisamo Cartel.
The sudden attack left no room for escape. They might spare us or kill us all. The situation was uncertain.
The leader of the Anastasia Union, known for their elite fighters, was absent. Even if their representative was strong, they didn't seem eager to engage. Most bosses had only a few guards in the parking lot, as per the unwritten rule not to bring excessive security.
In short, no one was reliable.
"What should we do, Yukari-dono?"
These attackers are now our enemies. McDallian was our target, and we couldn't let unknown forces interfere. The hostess had praised our fruit, and her smile was memorable.
"Let's do it. I want to know who's behind this and capture at least one of them."
I wanted to identify the attackers. They couldn't be from an established organization in Exembra. This felt like a new, emerging force, possibly the Legisamo Cartel.
As I discussed the plan with Siegrune, the room became chaotic.
"What are you doing, you fools! Don't you know where you are?"
"Who are you, and why are you here? We'll kill you!"
These were likely McDallian Family members.
"Father! Where is Father!"
"Get more reinforcements! Find Father quickly!"
Damn, this is getting complicated.
"...Yukari-dono, this is problematic."
"...I know. This is their territory. Let them handle it."
Even if we were asked for help, we couldn't interfere. No matter the outcome, it wasn't our place to get involved.
The realization that McDallian and his wife were dead would soon dawn on them. If this happened to their family, they would understand the need to handle it themselves.
In the meantime, we should leave. The battle in the parking lot was concerning.
I didn't want to be the first to flee, but I decided to speak to someone nearby before moving.
"Hey, Nijo Oafas!"
Few call me that. The person who approached was familiar.
"You, Don Clad?"
"Let the McDallian Family handle this. Can you help us create an escape route?"
I suppose. We don't have time to argue.
"We're heading to the parking lot. The attackers are coming from the opposite direction, but there's a battle there too. Do you want to join us?"
"That works. My guards are not easily defeated, and the others need a way to leave. The Anastasia Union will cover the rear."
I see. That's your plan.
Siegrune and I would lead the way to the parking lot.
If we encounter any obstacles, we'll clear them and help with the fight there.
The other bosses would follow, and the rear would be covered by the Anastasia Union.
Our goals aligned. If they wanted to follow, they could.
"Alright, let's go."
The noise from the McDallian Family grew louder. I didn't want to get caught up in more chaos or misunderstandings.
I quickly put on my special combat gloves and started moving with Siegrune.
The story is about to get intense.
The upcoming events will be a mix of tension and calm, and the story will continue for a while.
Stay tuned for the next chapter.
Also, check out the activity report if you have some free time.