Chapter 166 - A Request
When we returned to the Oversta residence, the party was already over. Not that I would have wanted to join even if it were still going on.
"Good work. I've already heard the initial report. Ugh, this busy period is really getting to me."
I headed to the parlor, where I had to make a direct report to Rosmerta. It looked like we were in for another troublesome situation, and even the usually composed woman seemed to be in a bad mood, sighing dramatically.
"I agree that it's troublesome, but the situation is serious. The amount of drugs found there alone could be worth billions on the street. The situation has already been created, and it's unlikely to be confined to the slums, given the scale."
There might even be influential figures in the Royal Capital involved. For example, a noble who pretends to be loyal to the Oversta family, or some other underground force. Such problems never truly go away.
Well, dealing with the Legisamo Cartel and its collaborators head-on is the responsibility of the authorities in the Royal Capital. In Exembra, the Five Great Families are leading the fight, and our Kikyo Society is more of a spectator. It's not a fire in our own backyard, but we're still a bit involved, at least for now.
As they say, where there is light, there is also shadow. This isn't just a matter of crime in a poor area; it's a vast, dark network that could ensnare many more people.
Drug-related issues are particularly troublesome. Even if a significant amount of the drug has already spread, it's clear that the supplier is the Legisamo Cartel. However, the extent of their network and the number of people already addicted are significant concerns for the rulers. It's a headache for them, to say the least.
"Really, it sounds like a mess. Even though it's not our problem, it's still pitiful."
"I know. It's hard to imagine that a foreign drug cartel could penetrate this far on its own... We might get some information by interrogating the ones we caught."
Perhaps it was a faction opposed to the Oversta family providing the inside help. Even with their immense power, they couldn't control everything. The Royal Capital is vast, and there are many different factions.
The Royal Capital might become a bit chaotic.
The Oversta family and its allies, the potential opposing forces, and the drug cartel that has infiltrated the city. There's a possibility that Exembra might be affected, especially given the Snake Head Society's rivalry with the Legisamo Cartel. But it's hard to say for sure.
The upper echelons of the Royal Capital will be even busier.
It's a pity, but we still need to convey our own request.
"Well, I know you're busy too, but I can't stay for long. I have other things to do."
"Oh, that's why I suggest you stay for a while. If you go back to Exembra, you won't have time to rest, right?"
She says she wants me to relax, but I know she just wants to use me.
"You, on the other hand, can afford to take a break. More importantly, I need Caroline back."
I got straight to the point.
"Ah, right! I have a good brandy. Would you like to try it?"
"Where is she now?"
I ignored her nonsense.
"Yukarinowe, you're not very cooperative."
"Hmph, if you want to talk seriously, I'll stay for the night."
"Very well, I'll have the preparations made right away. I have a lot to discuss. Why don't the others rest for now?"
I reluctantly agreed, and Rosmerta happily started making the preparations.
I had only intended to retrieve Caroline and leave, but it seemed I had been outmaneuvered.
She wanted to talk to me alone, without the others. This wasn't about renewing old friendships; it was bound to be troublesome.
The brandy was a small gesture, a way to gauge my mood. By accepting it, I indicated that I was willing to hear what she had to say. I could tell it was something difficult for her to bring up.
"So, about Caroline, I can't keep her much longer."
"You're a bit too dramatic. If she's willing, I'm fine with it. That's all I need. You, on the other hand, have something else to discuss, right? No need to be shy."
The return of Caroline was settled. She's not the type to break a promise. I trust her.
The real matter was yet to come.
"Yukarinowe, let's have an honest conversation as friends, without formalities or titles. Understand the implications of this."
"Such formalities are unnecessary between friends."
What's the point now? By being here, everything is already set. There's no turning back.
I do want to help her, but more importantly, I think it would be a loss to abandon her. As the head of the Kikyo Society, I believe this is the right course of action. It's just a hunch for now.
The formidable woman of the Royal Capital began to speak seriously. This might be her usual face.
"...The revival of the Royal Capital is evident from the city's appearance. It looks better, but the reality is far from comfortable. Frankly, the timing of the Legisamo Cartel's advance is overwhelming for both the Oversta family and the Royal Capital. I have a few requests."
Of course. The new Kingdom of Brenark is finally beginning to come together. Most of the resources are being devoted to reconstruction, with military preparations taking a back seat. While there are rumors of military preparations, they are far from complete.
There's no room for war when the reconstruction is so recent.
"Depending on the request, it's a matter that concerns Exembra as well. We can't afford to be stingy with cooperation."
If it's reasonable, I'll help. If not, I might say no.
"Yes, I appreciate that. The request is simple. I need you to supply us with materials. Preferably at a friend's price."
"Specifically?"
"You're dealing with Donditch, right? I need you to supply as much of the magical minerals from there as possible."
She's surprisingly well-informed.
"You know a lot. We've been trying to keep it under wraps, but I suppose you've figured it out."
Hmm, magical minerals. That's fine. We haven't made any specific promises to any particular customers. With the current business in Exembra, we can always sell high-quality magical minerals at a good price. Even if we stop supplying, it won't cause any major issues.
"Materials are always in short supply. We've been focusing on the reconstruction of the Royal Capital, but we didn't expect to have to rush into war preparations so soon."
The Kingdom of Brenark has its own mines and can supply materials, but what we get from Donditch is already refined and ready to use. Since you're asking for it, I assume you don't have any stockpiles. To secure a large amount from scratch would take time, no matter how quickly you try.
It would be convenient for you to get ready-to-use materials from us, especially since the transaction volume has increased recently. We can supply enough for several units, and more can be added as needed. I understand why Rosmerta wants this.
"Alright, I'll supply it to you. What else?"
It can't be just this.
"Also, I need as many healing potions as you can provide. By the way, I've heard good things about the Kikyo Society from the Healer Guild. It might be wise to reconsider our business relationship."
You want us to divert all the healing potions we send to the Healer Guild. Indeed, Donditch's Rose Madder Mercenary Corps has mentioned the Healer Guild, so it might be a good idea to reassess our relationship.
"I'll take your advice. Supplying materials is no problem."
If she asked for military support, I would refuse. I can't afford to divert resources from Exembra, which is in a difficult situation.
"Thank you. With this, we can better handle the Legisamo Cartel with the forces we have."
The Crimson Knights, who serve the Oversta family, should be a significant force. They should be able to handle most enemies. If not, the kingdom wouldn't have been able to rebuild.
However, balancing the protection of the Royal Palace and the rebuilt city is a challenge, especially given the limited resources and still-in-progress units. I'll take their restraint positively. Supplying materials is manageable.
"Alright, that's it."
"Actually, there's one more request. Could you do it on your way back?"
That's not good for my heart.
"Sure, but if it's too much trouble, I won't do it."
What else could she want? I replied with a hint of suspicion.
"It's something you could do on your way. It's not a big deal. I need you to put some pressure on someone."
"Putting pressure, huh."
She says it so casually.
Apparently, there's a noble trying to form an opposing faction against the dominant Oversta family. In noble society, this could be seen as a healthy dynamic.
These nobles view the current crisis as an opportunity. There are signs of movement, but the situation is delicate. If they start causing trouble, it could lead to the worst-case scenario.
The idea is to prevent them from taking advantage of the chaos in the Royal Capital by putting pressure on them.
The Crimson Knights are considered heroes in the Royal Capital, but they are busy with high-profile public activities. There are forces working in the shadows, but they are also busy.
However, they want to make an example of someone to send a clear message. Using us, who are conveniently in the area, is a good opportunity.
The nobles in question have some power, and they likely know about the relationship between Rosmerta and the Kikyo Society. If we openly display the Kikyo Society's emblem, it will send a clear message.
For us, causing a bit of trouble in the Royal Capital won't cause significant damage. With the Oversta family as our backer, most things will be forgiven. In fact, many might see it as a positive move.
Furthermore, it's clear that the Oversta family wants to eliminate potential rivals early on. It's a bit greedy.
Well, I'm fine with doing it, but...
"...This is cheap work for the return trip. You're dealing with a potential rival. We don't know what hidden strengths they might have."
This is a business deal, not a favor between friends. The Kikyo Society can't just do everything asked of us. We charge for material supplies, and it's not free, even at a friend's price.
However, the work must come with a concrete benefit.
"Yes, you have a point. What about the Arena? The construction is already underway, and there will be many opportunities for interference in the future. Politically, there will be various schemes from the Royal Capital to Exembra. Naturally, Yukarinowe can't stay uninvolved, can you?"
"...And?"
"I was planning to take care of it anyway. I'll handle all the political and financial interference. The Kikyo Society won't have to deal with any of it. How does that sound?"
I see. The Oversta family, as the most powerful, can make this happen.
Even if some nobles, guilds, or merchants are eager to interfere, having one of the most respected figures in the new kingdom support the Kikyo Society will eliminate most concerns. There are talks of a noble overseeing the Arena, but I'm sure they can arrange it.
They probably won't interfere with underground conflicts, but it's a relief to be free from surface-level troubles.
If one of the headaches is removed, it's a welcome change.
"Deal. Let's go with that."
"As expected from my dear friend. You're beautiful, strong, and reliable, Yukarinowe."
That's a bit too much flattery, and it's a bit annoying.
"So, how far do you want us to go? A surface-level threat, or a threat with some damage? Or more?"
There are different levels of threats. I don't want to be blamed for going too far later.
"Actually, there's a resolution in the noble society that this family has ignored. The current Royal Capital prioritizes order. I expect a strong show of force. For example, a level five crackdown, but with no harm to people, if possible."
No harm to people, but a level five crackdown. That's quite lenient.
"Considering both a show of force and the punishment, I'd say destroying the house and confiscating some property, maybe?"
"Hehehe, sorry. Do as you see fit, Yukarinowe. Please."
Hmph, if you say so, I'll do it my way.
By the time we finished, it was almost a new day. It was a good time for an attack, but I decided to wait. There was still more to do in the Royal Capital.
The main purpose was to attend the party here, but there were also other tasks like gathering information. Margaret had been promoting us to the nobles, but we hadn't approached the guilds and merchants yet.
I'll handle the assigned task on the way back tomorrow.
"That's all the business talk. Stay with me tonight."
"What, stay with you, now?"
"Of course. We're going to have fun."
Fine, she's a busy woman too. I'll stay with her tonight.
I was finally free from Rosmerta's endless talk when the butler announced breakfast.
I'm exhausted... so sleepy.
Back in the guest room, I wondered what to do.
Today, the Kikyo Society members will go out and do their activities. I'll give the ones without specific tasks some freedom.
I want to gather everyone tonight somewhere. There won't be an attack during the day. The gates of the Royal Capital and Exembra are open even at night, so we'll leave quickly after finishing the job.
I don't have any specific plans until then, though.
Sigh, the lack of sleep is hitting me hard. I can handle a night without sleep, but I'm still tired.
"Onee-sama, can I come in?"
It's Valeria.
"Sure, come in."
"Yukari-dono, you look tired."
"Siegrune is here too. I was talking with Rosmerta about a few things."
Perfect timing. I'll brief Siegrune and leave the rest to him. I'll rest until tonight.
"Was it a difficult discussion?"
"I was asked to do a job. I'll do it on the way back today, but I'll brief you and Siegrune first. Can you take charge until then?"
"Understood. You should rest, Yukari-dono. What's the job?"
I explained the job to Valeria and Siegrune and entrusted everything to my reliable vice-commander. My beloved junior will be out with Mary and the others today.
After confirming the plan for tonight, I decided to rest for the day.