Chapter 169 - Families on the Move
Night drives aren't so bad. In fact, they have a strange, exhilarating feel to them.
We speed along the deserted road, illuminated by the headlights, cutting through the darkness like a beam of light! Or something like that.
With so few people on the move, the speed naturally picks up. There are no obstacles in the dark, making for a very comfortable driving environment.
Still, there aren't many people around. Even though the threat of bandits has decreased, there are few night owls traveling between the Royal Capital and Exembra.
After a long drive, we arrive at a midway inn without incident and decide to stay the night. It's a considerate inn that accepts guests even in the middle of the night. We're not in a rush, but we don't want to drive while exhausted.
We plan to leave the next day after a good night's rest. We're tired from the journey, but we can eat when we wake up.
The next day, we wake up in the afternoon, reversing our sleep schedule, and have a meal while chatting.
"By the way, how was the loot?"
"Being a high-end store, there were a lot of quality items. With such a large shop, the inventory was plentiful, and loading everything was quite a task."
"Figures. Were there a lot of shields? What about weapons?"
It was primarily a shield shop, so shields were the main haul. Shields aren't very useful as is, so we'll have to pass them down to someone else.
A diligent young man who manages this area answers promptly.
"There were a few high-quality weapons, so we can adjust and distribute them to members who want them. The shield store had many high-quality items, but there aren't many members who use them, so we'll probably have to dispose of them through the Secretariat and the Combat Support Unit."
"Most of it will be disposed of. We'll try to ensure the profits are returned to the members as much as possible."
"Yay!"
Unused weapons and armor can be sold to merchants who deal in stolen goods or melted down by blacksmiths. The Kikyo Society has been around for a while, so we have connections for such things. Especially the Combat Support Unit's Shelby has been helpful in expanding these connections.
As for the high-end items, the materials themselves are often valuable, often using high-quality magic minerals and adorned with gems. These should bring in a decent profit. The Secretariat, including Frederica, should consider some bonuses for the hardworking members. It wouldn't do to have no rewards for the young men.
Feeling a bit relaxed, we settle in at the inn. We were planning to rest until the morning, but a woman in a distinctive black coat, a member of the Kikyo Society, burst in, looking flustered.
But she wasn't part of the team on the expedition to the Royal Capital.
"Hey, what's the matter! You're from the First Combat Unit, right?"
"Y-Yes, President! We were on our way back, and I'm glad I found you!"
It seems they won't let us rest.
"Drink this first. We'll talk afterward."
In her agitated state, she wouldn't be able to give an accurate report. I pour her a cup of our special herbal tea, which doubles as a restorative.
"Thank you."
We wait for her to calm down before letting her speak. Siegrune, always perceptive, knows just when to prompt her.
"Tell us what happened, calmly."
"Yes, Vice-Commander. First, the message. We were told to urgently recall either the President or the Vice-Commander."
An emergency call. Something serious must have happened. I exchanged a glance with Siegrune.
"Why?"
Our ever-calming Vice-Commander prompts her to continue. It seems to help her regain her composure, making her report more effective. Subtle but effective.
"Exembra has been in chaos since last night. The McDallian Family, frustrated by the lack of progress, has declared a full-scale war against the Legisamo Cartel, accusing them of having a traitor. They've also withdrawn from the mutual non-aggression pact."
"What!?"
The members are shocked, and the calm atmosphere is shattered.
Still, the McDallian Family is taking a bold move.
Indeed, it's been a while since the incident at the general assembly, and the Legisamo Cartel's base remains elusive.
Exembra is the domain of the Five Great Families. If these families can't find the Cartel even when working together, it's natural to suspect a traitor. Without an inside man, it would be impossible to explain such a well-hidden enemy. We too had started to consider this possibility.
But without confirming the traitor, breaking the pact would bring severe consequences. Breaking the agreement means turning everyone into enemies. While we understand their frustration, unilateral withdrawal is unacceptable. Declaring a full-scale war is reckless.
"So what's the situation? Has the Kikyo Society been attacked?"
"Not yet. After the initial report from the Intelligence Bureau, I was sent as a messenger. The situation is still developing, and it's possible that—"
We might be under attack right now.
"Onee-sama!"
"Yukari-dono, it seems we won't be able to rest for long."
"Right. We'll return at full speed! We'll start moving as soon as we're ready. Mary and the Second Combat Unit, head to Sixth Avenue. We're worried about that area as well."
"Understood, we'll leave immediately!"
We had planned to stay another night, but now we have to leave early.
We returned to our room, quickly prepared, and set off.
Our modified magic-powered vehicle is incredibly fast. It's at least five times faster than a standard vehicle.
Normally, a vehicle runs on the magic stored in a mana stone, and even if it could reach such speeds, it would quickly run out of power. However, our vehicle can be directly powered by our own mana. With the Kikyo Society members' absurd mana reserves, we can easily cover the distance between the Royal Capital and Exembra. Now, with only half the distance, there's no problem at all. If we're caught speeding or confronted, we'll either overpower them or bluff our way through. It's an emergency.
We returned to Exembra, far exceeding the internationally set speed limits, and rushed to the Headquarters.
Before entering the Headquarters, we confirmed that there were no disturbances on Lightning Street, and the Headquarters itself showed no signs of attack.
"We're back."
As I said, I entered to find Frederica and others waiting as usual. There didn't seem to be any immediate danger.
"Welcome back, Yukari. You returned sooner than expected. All the available executives are on standby."
"Hey, you're back. Things are getting interesting."
For now, the Kikyo Society doesn't seem to be in immediate danger.
We all entered, and the available executives were already gathered, so we immediately began the briefing.
"What's the situation? We heard the McDallian Family has gone berserk."
As I looked around, Josephine, as usual, began to summarize the situation.
"They've gone completely berserk. Last night, they stormed Central Avenue, attacking any members of other gangs they could find."
"On Central Avenue, just anyone?"
Indeed, this can only be described as a berserk state.
"They seem to be trying to quickly force information about the enemy's location out of anyone they can catch."
"If they keep this up, they'll be crushed by Exembra's underworld before they find the Legisamo Cartel."
If the administration gets involved, things could get even worse. While their forces aren't much, the Royal Capital might intervene, which wouldn't be good for the many organizations that run Exembra.
"For now, the Clad Family is fortifying their defenses. The Anastasia Union and the Gandrault Gang might also get involved, but we haven't received any information yet."
The boss has been killed, and the Five Great Families have their pride, but this will only benefit the Legisamo Cartel.
For now, our territory hasn't been affected, but the McDallian Family has been our long-time adversaries. It's hard to imagine this ending without casualties. Our territory is like a thorn in their side, close to their base. If they decide to crush the pact-breakers, they will likely come for the Kikyo Society. We need to be prepared.
The real question is how to proceed if there really is a traitor. The Legisamo Cartel's actions are also crucial. Ignoring them and focusing solely on the McDallian Family would be foolish.
"Also, it's not just the McDallian Family. Other organizations that lost their leaders in the incident are also starting to act recklessly. Last night, there was chaos all over the place."
Really, what's the point of all this infighting?
It's troublesome and stupid, but we can't afford to ignore it. The Five Great Families must have tried to negotiate, but it seems they couldn't control the situation.
"Yukari, what do we do? Should we launch an attack on the McDallian Family?"
"Ah, we have a righteous cause for crushing the pact-breakers. Let's do it!"
Hmm, quickly resolving the situation by doing just that might be the quickest way. But we want to know how the Clad Family and other major families will respond, and it would be wise to coordinate with them for the future. Besides, we haven't suffered any direct harm, so acting on our own isn't appropriate.
As I was thinking, another member burst in. Someone from the Intelligence Bureau.
"Director, urgent news!"
"What is it? Report here."
"Yes! The Gandrault Gang has attacked the Anastasia Union!"
What? The unexpected news left the executives in shock.
"Do you know why?"
"The Gandrault Gang believes the Anastasia Union is the mastermind and the traitor."
Could the Anastasia Union be working with the Legisamo Cartel?
"…I see. Let me know if there's any further news."
"Yes, Director."
Hmm, this is a problem.
"Josephine, what do you think? The Gandrault Gang might be lying."
"It's a tricky situation. We can't blindly believe the Gandrault Gang, but we can't fully trust the Anastasia Union either. We can't say for sure right now."
The situation has become chaotic. It started with the McDallian Family's rampage and now includes the Gandrault Gang and the Anastasia Union. If they accuse each other of being traitors, the McDallian Family will likely join in the hunt. How the Clad Family will respond is also a question.
The wisest choice might be to observe.
Let the fools wear themselves out and reduce their forces. In the process, the real traitors, if they exist, will likely reveal themselves.
When the stage is set, joining the fray would be the most efficient and correct choice. With the Kikyo Society's current strength, this is the best strategy. Strike at the end and take the spoils. It's the fisherman's gain.
But there's a problem.
"Frankly, I don't know much about the Gandrault Gang's strength, but do you think the current Anastasia Union can win?"
"It's tough. With the absence of the Leader and the lack of high-ranking executives, it's already challenging. If the McDallian Family joins, defeat is almost certain."
If the ruthless Gandrault Gang and the McDallian Family, driven by rage, win, the losers won't just lose; they'll be wiped out.
"Then, what about the Leader's sister?"
That's what I'm worried about.
The ultra-martial Anastasia Union won't run, even in a disadvantageous situation. The sister, given the territory and comrades entrusted by her brother, won't abandon them. There's no chance she's already escaped and is safe.
Killing in the underworld is of no concern to me, as long as it doesn't affect our territory.
But the sister isn't fully part of the underworld yet. She's the Leader's sister, and more importantly, she's our friend.
I can't abandon a friend.
"President, if we go to her aid, we'll be completely at odds with the Gandrault Gang."
Charlotte asks, her expression suggesting she already knows the answer.
Of course, the decision is clear.
"We're going. We'll save the sister. And, honestly, I've never liked the Gandrault Gang. Listening to their accusations and abandoning a friend is out of the question."
My priority is always the Kikyo Society. I won't prioritize the sister over the Kikyo Society. This is absolute.
But we're going to save her. I believe the Kikyo Society can overcome any challenges that arise from this decision, and it's worth doing.
Moreover, the sister has built friendships with many Kikyo Society members. Abandoning her now would leave a deep scar. It's a choice we can't make. The others wouldn't consider it either.
"Yeah! Hehe, that's what I thought. This is going to be fun."
"Alright, let's go!"
"Hold on! We need to organize the team. I'm glad you're excited, but we also need to prepare for the McDallian Family. Shelby, hurry with the rescue supplies."
I'll go, and the rest is up to the Vice-Commander and the others.
The Gandrault Gang is a suspicious organization, but the Anastasia Union has had issues with lower-level members bringing in external forces. A minor incident involving the Commerce Guild's Jallens, but it shows that such things can happen without the upper management's knowledge.
So, it's best to act as we see fit. Since we can't be sure, it's the best approach.