Chapter 188 - The Enemy Behind the Veil
It was the day of the scheduled meeting. Despite a busy morning, the Clad Family’s messenger finally arrived around noon to inform me of the time for the meeting at the Epic Junebel Hotel & Resorts, as requested by Balgar Clad.
Initially, I was told the meeting would be sometime in the afternoon, but it seemed they wanted to inspect the hotel and have a meal beforehand, so they scheduled the actual meeting for the evening after dinner. They assured me they would cover the costs, so it wasn’t a problem, but it did feel a bit leisurely.
They didn’t request my presence, saying they would handle everything themselves and only needed my permission and arrangements. It seemed they also planned to bring along not just Clad Family associates but also their younger sisters and informants to tour the hotel. I decided to let them do as they pleased and informed the Security Bureau and the hotel that the Clad Family would be visiting. As long as there were no issues, they were free to do as they liked or be escorted around.
While our guests were enjoying themselves, we, the Kikyo Society, were busy working and resorting to junk food for meals. It was a bit disheartening.
Despite feeling a bit irritable as the day wore on, it was time to head to the meeting. The Kikyo Society participants would be me, Siegrune, and Josephine. Zenobia and the Security Bureau’s executives and assistants were also expected to attend. I had wanted to include Gradena and Valeria, but the McDallian Family’s activities in their territory kept them busy. Valeria, who usually handled the president’s protection, was being assigned to different tasks even when her main role wasn't needed. The same went for others, and our participants were limited. We didn’t even know how many people the other side would bring, but it didn’t matter much. I just wanted to share information as much as possible.
The destination was close by, so we decided to walk there for a change. We entered the hotel through a side entrance reserved for staff and headed to a standard conference room.
The room was modestly decorated, unlike the lavish ones used for social gatherings. Exembra attracts not just nobles but also wealthy businesspeople, so this room was designed for business meetings and negotiations.
Balgar Clad might have preferred to see the social rooms, but all of them were booked and in use. Even the top-tier rooms, kept as backups for emergencies, couldn’t be shown. I doubted the hotel manager would be happy even if I requested it, and it wasn’t necessary. A conference room was more than sufficient. The standard room here was still of a higher quality than those in regular hotels.
Since we were providing the venue, we were the hosts.
While the guests were enjoying themselves, we prepared the room and waited for the scheduled time. I planned to ask the manager and Zenobia about the guests' activities during this period when the visitors arrived.
"President, there are more guests than expected. This room is too small to accommodate everyone."
"Really? We can’t prepare another room in time, can we?"
"The staff is working on it, but the only available rooms are similar in size..."
"If there’s an available room, it’s fine. It’s a sudden change, after all. We’ll let the extra people wait in another room."
As I spoke with the staff, Balgar Clad and a group of familiar faces entered. I froze when I saw one of them.
"Mr. Nijooafusi, I’ve traveled extensively and seen many places, but this is beyond my expectations. I thought I could be frugal with the staff, facilities, food, and drinks, but there’s nothing to criticize, only praise."
"I’m impressed. I didn’t think it would be this good."
His words barely registered.
The cause was a woman who shouldn’t have been there.
"Even with a quick look, it’s truly amazing. As expected of a hotel built by my dear friend. Perhaps I’ll stay here tonight?"
Her casual conversation made me wonder if this was a dream or an illusion. It was clear, however, that it wasn’t just a resemblance. Her voice and mannerisms were unmistakable.
The woman was Rosmerta Juliana Oversta, the Duchess of Oversta, a crucial figure in the Kingdom of Brenark.
"...You, why are you here?"
"My, that’s impolite. I came to see a friend, after all."
She smiled and made a joke, but she wasn’t the type to stroll around without a reason.
I must have looked stunned because, as I looked around, I saw Flannel, the Crimson Knights’ commander, and other guards and officials. It seemed to be a large group.
The Clad Family’s entourage was similar, except for the conspicuous presence of Cloud Cutter. Anastasia Union was also there. With all the factions gathered, it was quite a large crowd.
Rosmerta’s appearance was unexpected, but since she was here, there was no point in complaining. I needed to switch gears.
I realized we couldn’t leave the guests standing, but the room was already too cramped with the unexpected number of guests.
"Let’s talk about your friend later. With this many people, we won’t all fit in this room."
What could we do? With Rosmerta here, it would be logical to use one of the backup rooms. But why wasn’t I informed about her arrival? I didn’t know when she arrived, but it should have been the first thing I was told. Zenobia shook her head, indicating she hadn’t been informed either. Had she arrived secretly just now?
"Sorry, Yukarinowe. I know it’s a special occasion, but we don’t have much time. It’s fine if only the minimum number of people stay in this room. The rest can wait outside, I’m afraid."
Her tone brooked no argument, which was fine with me.
"Then let’s do that. Bernal and Claude can stay."
"From our side, Guiskard and Cordra will remain."
Balgar Clad and his sister didn’t argue and quickly dismissed the extra members. The hotel staff began guiding the others to a different room.
"Then I’ll stay with Siegrune and Josephine. Sorry, Zenobia. Can the Security Bureau ensure tight security?"
"Sure, no problem. We’re excited to have such distinguished guests. Everyone will step up their game."
I left the Security Bureau’s executives to handle the security arrangements. I was confident that even with the Crimson Knights outside, the hotel was our territory, and only we could provide the necessary security.
Once everyone was seated, we had tea brought in and began the discussion.
"Before we exchange information, can you explain why Rosmerta is here?"
I needed to know this first.
"I invited the Lady. I thought she would come, given her proactive nature."
"Yes, I was invited. I had business in Exembra, so it was a good opportunity. I wanted to surprise someone, and I could see Yukarinowe too."
She had traveled from the Royal Capital, which wasn’t a short trip even if she hurried. Since Rosmerta was busy, the other business must have been the main reason. The surprise was a bit unsettling, but perhaps this was just an added benefit.
"Hmm, well, I won’t ask for details. Then, Don Clad, can you start?"
I didn’t want to get involved in noble affairs. The casual talk was over.
"Sure. Claude, go ahead."
"Yes. I am Claude, the secretary to Balgar Clad. Let’s start with what we know about our ‘enemy.’”
Everyone listened attentively.
"The Gandrault Gang was one of the Five Great Families in Exembra, but it seems they were infiltrated by the Legisamo Cartel some time ago. Based on our information, this infiltration began around five years ago."
That was a long time. With such a span, a takeover was possible.
"The reason for the infiltration can be traced to the Snake Head Society. They are enemies within the Medek-Legisamo Empire. The Legisamo Cartel saw the Gandrault Gang as a foothold to establish themselves in Exembra. Wherever the Snake Head Society exists, the Legisamo Cartel is not far behind, and vice versa. In Exembra, this infiltration was already underway."
We had suspected the takeover but hadn’t considered the involvement of the Snake Head Society. This explained why the Snake Head Society was the first to be eliminated. They would have been the first to notice the Gandrault Gang’s infiltration.
Given the weak state of the Snake Head Society at the time, the Legisamo Cartel had every reason to strike.
Still, it was unclear why this needed to be kept secret.
"There are many suspicious points about the Legisamo Cartel’s activities, but we can make some inferences. We have also found evidence to support this. According to our findings, the key lies in the collapse of the Kingdom of Brenark."
He sounded like a storyteller, and I felt a bit disenchanted, but I paid attention to the important parts.
"The collapse of a nation is a significant event for other countries. Not only Brenark but also the situation in Retnark, from a third-party perspective, was extremely suspicious. Despite this, neither the northern Donditch nor the southern small states showed any signs of territorial aggression. This situation created a potential for a large vacant region in the eastern part of the continent."
A vacant region. I was wary of such areas in cities, and on a larger scale, it applied to countries as well.
"Assuming a region becomes ungoverned, it would lack a military force. In other words, it would be a military vacuum. While no countries with territorial ambitions were present to the north and south of Brenark and Retnark, what about elsewhere?"
To the north and south, there were no such countries. To the east was the ocean, and to the west, the Romariel Mountains. At least, there didn’t seem to be any other powers in adjacent areas.
"The headquarters of the Legisamo Cartel, the Empire in the western part of the continent?"
My sister answered as if confirming something.
"Exactly. The ambitions of the Medek-Legisamo Empire, which advocates hegemony, would come into play."
The distance between the eastern and western parts of the continent was vast. The Romariel Mountains, which stretch for over three thousand kilometers, made travel between the two regions difficult. Even bypassing to the north or south, the mountains extended for over two thousand five hundred kilometers.
Could a western nation reach out to the east, bypassing the north and south? If so, for what purpose?
"The Medek-Legisamo Empire rose from a small state to a powerful nation in the western part of the continent. However, its expansion has stalled in recent years. To the south, the vast forest known as the Oceanic Forest, filled with numerous lakes and powerful beasts, poses a significant challenge. To the north, a cluster of medium and small states allied with Berliza presents a formidable obstacle. Thus, they turned to the east."
The north and south were difficult, so they aimed east. Still, it seemed like an enormous undertaking.
"Expanding their influence across the continent would significantly alter the balance of power. The Empire may have started to act not with dreams but with reality in mind."
An invasion by the Empire. The scope of the situation was growing. The story was also becoming convoluted.
"So, what’s the connection between the drug cartel and the Empire?"
I couldn’t help but interrupt, urging for a concise explanation.
The old man didn’t seem offended and continued confidently.
"The very existence of such a drug cartel suggests a connection to the Empire. A powerful military nation like the Empire wouldn’t overlook such a lawless group. In other words, the Legisamo Cartel is linked to the Empire."
His statement was confident. The circumstantial evidence was strong, and while the depth of their relationship was unclear, there was certainly a significant connection.
Satisfied by everyone’s reactions, Claude continued.
"The initial plan to infiltrate the Gandrault Gang was likely unrelated to the Empire’s ambitions. However, the collapse of the Kingdom of Brenark sparked the Empire’s ambitions, leading to a convergence of interests between the drug cartel and the Empire. The infiltration was kept secret to avoid detection by Donditch, which would have made the Empire’s plans more difficult due to the distance."
"Moreover, Exembra has been rapidly gaining strength, and the rebuilt Royal Capital is recovering at an astonishing pace. The longer it takes, the fewer opportunities the Empire will have. They are running out of time."
After a thorough explanation, Balgar Clad added a final note.
I see. The Legisamo Cartel was a vanguard for the Empire.
However, the sudden change in the Kingdom of Brenark’s situation was unexpected. A nation that seemed easy to conquer had not only recovered but grown stronger.
The Legisamo Cartel, though defeated by Brenark’s forces, was not one to retreat quietly. The Empire, which had cultivated the cartel, would not give up on dominating the eastern part of the continent just because of a single defeat.
The situation had indeed grown larger. Rosmerta’s presence here made sense.
Next, Rosmerta’s secretary spoke up.
"The Royal Palace’s assessment is largely the same. The Legisamo Cartel is a vanguard, and the main player is the Medek-Legisamo Empire. They are not the type to give up after one or two defeats. We must be prepared for a more intense invasion. There are indications that they were active in both Exembra and the Royal Capital."
"Exactly. The Empire is pausing its attacks on neighboring countries and will send a full-scale expeditionary force. However, it will take some time to prepare. Even with urgency, organizing the current front and assembling the expeditionary force will take considerable time."
The Legisamo Cartel had weakened Brenark by infiltrating the Gandrault Gang, collaborating with the House Gerdodus to flood the Royal Capital with drugs, and causing chaos in Exembra. They had successfully taken over the Gandrault Gang, eliminated the Snake Head Society, pitted the McDallian Family against the Kikyo Society, dealt a significant blow to Anastasia Union, and nearly destroyed the Clad Family. If Balgar Clad had been killed, Exembra would have fallen into chaos, and the city’s order, maintained by the underworld, would have deteriorated.
The meeting was shifting from information sharing to discussing how to respond to the Medek-Legisamo Empire.
To be honest, it felt overwhelming. I didn’t want to involve the Kikyo Society in a war. We were already busy, and we didn’t have the time for such nonsense.
I understood their concerns. The crisis in the Kingdom of Brenark was also a crisis for Exembra. The bomb used by the McDallian Family was likely supplied by the Empire. There was a valid reason to fight.
However, a war between nations should involve regular armies. Exembra’s defense force was weak, but the Royal Capital had a more substantial military, even if it was still under development. If a defensive war was necessary, they should be used. If the situation was dire, diplomatic efforts should be made, such as seeking alliances with Donditch or the southern small states. The threat to the Kingdom of Brenark was also a threat to the eastern part of the continent.
Still, this wasn’t just someone else’s problem. We could help, but the situation felt ominous.