Chapter 159 - The New Attraction on Sixth Avenue
The situation in Exembra remains tense, with no signs of improvement. The Legisamo Cartel, which suddenly appeared and dismantled the Snake Head Society, then ambushed the underworld’s general assembly, and even killed McDallians, has gone into hiding. They remain elusive.
According to the Clad Family, the information obtained from captured enemies hasn’t been particularly useful. There’s been no significant movement or credible intelligence since the attack. It’s unlikely they’ve returned to their home country, the Medek-Legisamo Empire, but they’re likely biding their time. Ugh, it’s a mystery.
While the Five Great Families are busy hunting them down, the Kikyo Society can focus on our own affairs.
The integration of new members is progressing smoothly, and many have already become regular members. The former prisoners we recruited, despite being hardened criminals, have adapted quickly. They fit in well with us, and their expertise is proving valuable. We don’t hold grudges, and they appreciate the lack of pretense in our organization.
Of course, some might have ulterior motives, but Ortlinde and the Intelligence Unit are keeping a close eye on them. We don’t care about their pasts, as long as they have the skills we need. We’re not picky, and we don’t discriminate based on personality. Whether they’re eccentric or scoundrels, as long as they’re useful, they’re welcome. However, any betrayal will not be tolerated.
We target those skilled in commerce, and their addition is a significant boost to the Secretariat. Our trade with the frontier baron of Donditch has been agreed upon, starting with a small volume. Given the urgency on their side, the negotiations went smoothly in our favor, with no suspicious moves from their end.
To show our goodwill, we didn’t let the Rose Madder Mercenary Corps leave empty-handed. We provided them with a substantial amount of low-rank healing potions and a few mid- and high-rank ones. We aim to maintain a good relationship, and this initial gesture is a service to build trust. We expect the first shipment from them soon.
And today, in the midst of winter, we have a new achievement to unveil.
"Finally, it’s ready."
"Yes, but we can’t be complacent until it’s fully operational. Based on today’s observations, it seems promising."
We were standing in a luxurious, high-end hotel, our pride and joy: the Epic Junebel Hotel & Resorts. Junebel is a type of bellflower, known for its delicate bell-shaped petals. It’s a fitting name for our base of operations, reflecting the Kikyo Society’s elegance.
Located on Sixth Avenue, this hotel will become a symbol of the Kikyo Society and a core part of our operations. It’s a significant investment, and we’re celebrating its opening with a party for our connections and their associates. To maintain a low profile, the party is run by the hotel’s highly capable manager, whom we recruited from elsewhere. She’s been working tirelessly since joining us, and her expertise is invaluable.
We chose the winter for a strategic reason.
Winter is a slow period, and many wealthy people have time on their hands. Casinos are bustling, and local elites are less likely to travel. This is a prime time for social gatherings and new acquaintances. The debut of a new high-end hotel from the much-talked-about Kikyo Society should attract many curious guests.
Indeed, the party is exceeding our expectations, with a large crowd of invited guests and their families and friends. Our competitors might be envious, but healthy competition is good for the city.
As the de facto owner, I couldn’t miss this event. It’s important to make an appearance when gathering influential people, to avoid offending anyone. While it can be tedious, it’s a necessary part of the job. Recently, there have been fewer troublesome guests, making such events less problematic.
I’ve finished greeting the usual crowd and am now relaxing in a private room with Frederica.
"The hotel’s reservations are full until spring."
The manager handles all operational aspects, from casino management to show scheduling, menu planning, and staff management.
The only aspects we oversee are financial audits and major budget approvals, as well as security. This is a crucial facility for our future, and we can’t afford any significant issues.
"Even considering the winter downtime, this is impressive. Is it the casino?"
"Our publicity efforts have paid off. The casino is a hot topic at the party."
Entertainment is key to attracting idle rich people. While casinos can be similar, our female-led operations set us apart. This new facility adds unique elements.
We’ve introduced new gambling games using dice and cards. The dice games include simple yet novel variations like Hi-Lo and Over/Under, as well as a more complex game called Chinchiro. The unique aspect is the presence of the dealer, a charming and stylish woman who runs the games. The simplicity makes it accessible, and the new gambling options will likely captivate curious and adventurous guests.
The card game is inspired by hanafuda, featuring plants and magical beasts from this world. The gameplay is similar to baccarat, making it easy to learn. The visual impact of the cards is designed to attract new players. We plan to introduce more games over time, including three-player and two-player options, which are also intriguing.
The names are adjusted for familiarity, and the rules are carefully crafted to ensure the house’s edge. The manager and casino staff have worked diligently on these details.
While I provided the initial ideas, the staff have developed and refined them. They are proud of their work, and with success, we might expand the facility to its own floor. That’s a future possibility.
After the party, the casino will be open, and guests are already buzzing about it. We hope they’ll have a good time and spend generously.
"You should mingle a bit. You might find common ground with other gambling enthusiasts."
Frederica, in a formal dress today, looks stunning in a deep green gown that complements her blonde hair and glasses. She looks so elegant that she could pass for a noble lady, and her new look is refreshing.
"If you say so, Yukari should do the same. As president, you should mingle more."
"I’ve done my part. I’ve made the necessary connections, and I’m done."
We laughed, as greeting everyone had been tiring. I brought Frederica along for support, and we retreated to a private room to rest.
Today, I’m dressed differently from usual. Instead of my usual dark or moon-white coats, I wore a deep purple dress to match my hair. Designed by Torietta, it’s a formal, aristocratic style, though I’m not sure how well it suits me. Still, as the president of the Kikyo Society, it’s important to look the part.
Naturally, I draw attention, and not just because of my looks. My presence and status command attention. I’m sure it’s not just an illusion. If anyone has complaints, I’m ready to deal with them.
However, I’m here to host, not to be the main attraction. There are many distinguished guests, and I shouldn’t outshine them.
"Frederica, can you take over from here? I’m going to check the hotel and then leave."
"Yes, we’ll handle it."
The hotel’s management is now in the capable hands of the manager, but Frederica and Sophie have been instrumental in its development. They’ll stay until the casino stabilizes in the morning. Sophie attended the party briefly and is now resting with Sarah.
The security for this event is top-notch, as we’ve gathered influential guests.
Zenobia and Valeria are stationed near the guests, and the rooftop is monitored for any threats. While we expect no issues, the Legisamo Cartel’s activities make extra caution necessary.
Stepping out into the corridor, I’m greeted by a dreamlike, luxurious space that extends endlessly.
The hotel’s appeal goes beyond the casino. That’s why it’s booked solid until spring.
Many guests are here for the gambling, while others are using the new venue for social gatherings. The latter is likely drawn by the hotel’s unique features.
We’ve ensured the basic standards of a high-end hotel, offering a ‘dream hotel’ experience at a premium price.
We consulted with the Oversta family to create an exclusive social space that even nobles would admire. Hosting a party here is a status symbol, and we spared no expense in creating this space. I’ve only seen it in progress, and I look forward to attending a future event here.
Beyond the social spaces, we’ve also focused on other facilities.
We have eight high-end restaurants and bars, each offering a different culinary experience in various settings. The vegetables and fruits served are all high-quality varieties developed by Lily, giving us a unique edge. Even non-gourmets will be drawn to the exceptional ingredients and skilled chefs.
The spa is another highlight, offering luxurious treatments by highly skilled therapists. It’s a place of indulgence and relaxation, appealing to both men and women, including the nobility. The treatment rooms, pool, sauna, and gym are all meticulously designed to meet every guest’s needs. This hotel aims to be a class above the rest, and we’re confident in its superior service.
The guest rooms, even the standard ones, are adorned with no compromises. The amenities, which I supervised, are crafted by skilled artisans and mages, surpassing even those used by nobility. We plan to sell these as well, adding to our revenue.
The gardens, flower beds, and floral decorations, overseen by Lily, create a breathtaking landscape that even the fussiest royals would approve of. It’s a work of art that will captivate even those with little interest in gardening.
The pièce de résistance is the fountain show, inspired by a certain place. It’s not operational during winter but will be a hidden gem when it debuts in spring.
Using a large artificial lake, we’ve created a spectacular fountain show with hundreds of magically enhanced fountains, offering diverse performances and illuminated at night.
The idea is mine, but the design was done by a creative young member, and the customization of the fountain mechanisms was handled by our magic device research team.
It’s impressive how our members, working together, can achieve so much.
With the help of Priene and others, we’ve minimized costs by producing as much as possible in-house.
In short, we’ve created an extraordinary hotel. The massive investment, drawn from our reserves, is expected to pay off in just a few years.
This isn’t just a high-end hotel; it’s something extraordinary. It will attract attention from around the world, and no one will ignore it.
There’s still room for improvement, and we have plans for expansion. While the available space is limited, the underground areas can be expanded. We’ll consider adding more attractions, as this isn’t just a hotel but a resort.
Some ideas include a fishing pond, a motorcycle showroom, and a magic training facility.
The fishing pond would be a unique addition, offering a relaxing experience for families and a break from daily routines. Hosting fishing tournaments could also be fun.
The motorcycle exhibit is more of a personal interest, but it might appeal to wealthy enthusiasts. A racing track would be ideal, but we’ll start with test rides, collaborating with the Dominic Cruel Workshop. It’s a low-priority project, but we might experiment with it.
The magic training facility is a more serious consideration. There are few places in the city where one can freely practice magic, and not many can afford to set up such facilities at home. Adding elements like target shooting could make it an entertaining attraction, though safety concerns need careful consideration.
There will be unexpected challenges as we move forward, but the manager and staff should be able to handle most issues. This marks a significant step forward.
With the arena and other major projects on the horizon, we’re preparing for a busy spring. The Legisamo Cartel and its issues are secondary concerns. I’d prefer the Five Great Families to handle it, but we have other priorities.
We still have tasks to complete during the winter to prepare for a smoother spring.
One step at a time. Next, I’ll focus on laying the groundwork. It’s a daunting task, but it’s necessary.