Chapter 227 - A New Job for the Construction Bureau
“I understand the progress at the Arena. I want Priene and her team to take on a new job. Frederica and her team will support them.”
“Sure thing! We’ve already turned down all but the smallest requests from the Commerce Guild!”
“I think this kind of support would be a good job for new member training. What do you have in mind?”
I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I believe everyone else has been considering it too.
“Don’t you think this Headquarters is getting a bit cramped?”
The mass promotion of apprentices to full members is expected to continue. If we don’t do something soon, we’ll run out of space for everything.
This applies not only to the offices of the Secretariat and the Intelligence Bureau but also to the dormitories, which have been full for a long time. The warehouse is also too small, and the underground Training Grounds are far too cramped for the number of people we have.
“So Priene’s up next. Building a new home, I see.”
“Wow, that’s quite a challenge!”
This Headquarters holds a special place in my heart. It’s where we became the Kikyo Society.
We were recommended to consider purchasing it by the Commerce Guild’s Jallens, and after fending off the Bruno Gang’s attempts to buy it, we founded the Kikyo Society with the initial members.
I’m sure Frederica, another founding member, has an emotional attachment to it as well.
“I don’t plan to give it up. We’ll continue using it as a Branch. However, we’ve taken down the McDallian Family and have become a powerful organization. Symbolically, we need a new Headquarters. Besides, it’s necessary from a practical standpoint. With the Construction Bureau’s members having gained significant experience, now is a good time to undertake this project, don’t you think?”
The Construction Bureau has accumulated enough experience to get the job done. Their numbers have grown, and through guild jobs, they’ve formed connections to fill any gaps. While interior work will require specialists, the foundation and most of the building can be handled by the Construction Bureau members.
I’ll need support from the Secretariat for expenses and material purchases, as well as for furnishing the place.
“While I’m a bit sentimental about leaving this place, the timing seems right. I’ll talk to the founding members informally. We can also settle the initial purchase costs now, which should be no problem.”
“Sure, we’ll put in our best effort, but where are we building it?”
“Of course, at the McDallian Family’s former stronghold. We’ll demolish what’s there and start from scratch.”
Using the existing building wouldn’t make it a symbol of the Kikyo Society.
The place has a feel of a classic villain’s mansion—expensive and clean, with a traditional look of an old corrupt politician’s residence. It just doesn’t fit our style.
By the way, it was in a state of disrepair with battle scars, but that doesn’t matter since we’re tearing it down.
Furthermore, the Kikyo Society is a martial organization, even though it’s run by women. We want the new Headquarters to boldly proclaim that.
We want a presence that suggests strength and deters any rash actions.
“I had something like our previous base in the Royal Capital in mind. I want the new team to surpass that.”
It was a fortress-like base. We handed it over to Rosmerta, but our new Headquarters must be better.
I want an overwhelming sense of intimidation and defense, fitting for the base of a notorious organization.
“Oh, that sounds great! Leave it to us!”
For Priene and the pre-Construction Bureau members, that was their first job. It was the catalyst for forming the Construction Bureau, and aiming to build something better than that is a good goal.
“First, I want the Construction Bureau to come up with a concrete plan. We’ll present it at the next leadership meeting and incorporate everyone’s input.”
“That sounds good. We can achieve things at this base that were challenging at the previous one. The Secretariat will also consider our needs.”
“This is getting exciting!”
It’s a reassuring response.
Most of the Construction Bureau members have an affinity for earth magic, similar to my mineral magic but distinct. While they can’t create metals, gems, or magical ores, veteran members have reached a level comparable to mine in other areas.
It will be my job to grant the final extreme defense, but a strong foundation will reduce the workload. Their enthusiasm and skill are truly reassuring.
A significant step toward the future. After concluding the discussion, we returned to our respective tasks.
A few hours after the discussion about the new base, I was listening to a report from the Intelligence Bureau on the uncontrolled territories of the former McDallian Family when a letter arrived. I dismissed the Intelligence Bureau member to examine the contents.
I prioritized the letter over the current discussion because the sender was someone important.
We’re both busy. It’s unlikely to be a casual invitation.
A party under the guise of information exchange might serve as a well-deserved break while getting work done.
Sure enough, it’s interesting.
I understood the content and headed to Siegrune’s room. She should be in her private quarters at this hour.
“Excuse me, Siegrune-san, can I come in?”
“Yukari-dono? Please, come in.”
Siegrune’s room is always neatly arranged with no unnecessary items, making it comfortable. It’s not barren but tastefully decorated.
The vases and paintings change with the seasons, and there are always flowers in the vases, reflecting her cheerful personality.
“So, what brings you here, Yukari-dono? You don’t seem to be here for a drink.”
As I took a seat on the sofa she offered, I placed the letter from Balgar Clad on the table.
Siegrune read it and nodded thoughtfully.
“A general assembly, I suppose. It seems like you and I are expected to attend.”
“It’s not as formal as that. It’s a simple three-party meeting, from what I understand.”
Balgar Clad’s proposal was to gather the Clad Family, the Anastasia Union, and the Kikyo Society for a meeting.
These three are the dominant forces in Exembra today.
While we, the Kikyo Society, may be smaller in scale compared to them, each of our members is a powerhouse. We’re no longer a force that can be ignored. It’s only natural for them to reach out.
“While the specific details aren’t mentioned, I can guess. I believe we’re thinking along the same lines and want to formalize our agreement.”
“Yes, there’s also a strong aspect of information exchange. We can’t afford to track every detail of each other’s camps, and there might be talks about the Arena-related benefits.”
“Yes, that’s also a possibility. Given that we’re already working out the details of profit distribution, this will likely be a final confirmation.”
“If it’s Don Clad and the President, it won’t be a trivial discussion. I’ll accept the invitation and clear my schedule for that day.”
“Was there something planned?”
“It’s not a big deal. I was planning to inspect territories not under our control, but it’s not urgent.”
“Ah, I see. I was just talking with the Intelligence Bureau members, and there are a lot of things happening. I’ll accompany you on that occasion.”
Siegrune and I often have such discussions, but we rarely work together outside. It’s usually better for the President and Vice-Commander to handle their tasks separately.
That’s why it’s also enjoyable to work together outside.
A few days after receiving the proposal for the three-party meeting, the agreed-upon day arrived.
The venue was a high-end restaurant on Central Avenue, one of the Clad Family’s establishments.
Since the hosts can’t arrange for the meeting during regular lunch or dinner hours, the food will likely be light appetizers. While there’s no complaint, it’s natural to wonder why a restaurant is chosen. It’s because they have a private room suitable for confidential discussions, and Central Avenue is a convenient location for all three parties to gather.
“Who would’ve thought no one would be here...”
“Politeness of a gentleman, indeed. Or, perhaps, I was foolish to think they were gentlemen.”
We arrived a little late, only to find that we were the first to show up, waiting for the others. Ridiculous.
The place was filled with Clad Family members, creating a tense atmosphere, but the boss hadn’t arrived yet.
We were led to a secluded room, and I thought about ordering the most expensive bottle to vent my frustration. Of course, the latecomers would treat us.
“Yukari-dono, they’ve arrived.”
“Seriously, they’re arriving in a friendly group?”
While identifying individuals through magic is difficult, the strength of their auras can be discerned. Especially for a powerhouse like the President, their unique wavelength is unmistakable if they don’t hide it.
Given the large number of people arriving, it’s unlikely that the Anastasia Union arrived en masse. It’s more likely that Balgar Clad is with them.
“From the vibe, it seems Cloud Cutter isn’t here.”
“He’s one of the strongest guards, but since Don Clad is the one proposing the meeting, it’s probably best not to bring such a powerful force.”
“A show of basic courtesy, I suppose. Besides, there’s no reason for any rash actions in the current situation. Their arrival with the President suggests they’ve already formed an alliance.”
“True, that might lead to an alliance with us as well. While it might be grandiose to call it an alliance, at least a non-aggression pact similar to what we had before wouldn’t be surprising.”
That’s the main topic. In case of any unforeseen or sudden issues, we’ll discuss how to handle them.
After a quiet wait, the guests finally entered the room.
“I apologize for the wait, President Yukarinowe and Vice-Commander Siegrune.”
“It’s not my fault, so don’t blame me.”
Balgar Clad uses formal titles, while the rebuttal came from the President of the Anastasia Union.
Each brought one companion.
“I’ll take your apology as a promise for another time. Now, I notice some familiar faces and some new ones.”
Balgar Clad’s companion was an elderly man with a storyteller-like speaking style, someone I recognized from a previous meeting.
“I haven’t seen you in a while. Let me introduce myself again. I am Claude, the secretary to Balgar Clad.”
I remember his speaking style, even if I forgot his name. We met at a pre-expedition meeting in Epic Junebel, where he explained the situation.
“This is Danelle, who recently arrived from Berliza. She’s interested in you, so I brought her along for the meeting.”
“I’m President Yukarinowe of the Kikyo Society, and this is Vice-Commander Siegrune. I’m Danelle, nice to meet you.”
The President’s companion was a woman. I couldn’t tell her species, but her distinctive ears suggested she was a beastkin. She exuded a strong aura, fitting for the martial Anastasia Union.
“You don’t need introductions. If you’re interested, feel free to visit us. External sparring partners can be a great source of stimulation.”
“Really? I’ll do that soon, then.”
Her straightforward attitude is refreshing. Despite sizing each other up, there’s a sense of friendly interaction.
With no overt hostility from the new faces, the meeting should proceed smoothly.