Chapter 229 - A Detour for the President and Vice President
After the meeting, we stepped outside, and it was just shy of evening. Balgar Clad and the Leader left quickly, looking busy, and we considered heading back too, but the time felt a bit awkward. The idea of going home to do desk work wasn’t appealing, and we weren’t in the mood for research or training. Besides, it was still too early for dinner. As we climbed into the small armored car, we had a little chat.
"What do you think? Since we’re out, we could do some shopping or something?"
It was a casual suggestion, but shopping can be a good way to unwind, especially when you’re with someone. "Shopping with Yukari-dono doesn’t sound bad. We don’t get much time for such things, after all."
True, the officers often go out for meals together, but a leisurely shopping trip is a rare treat. For me, it had been a while since I’d gone out with Valeria and Frederica during my free time.
"Alright, then. How about we stop by some stores on Central Avenue?"
This place is known for its restaurants, so it wouldn’t take much time to stop by. "Actually, I’d like to visit one of the stores in our territory. I don’t go to Central Avenue much, and I’ve been curious about it."
"Me neither. This is a good opportunity."
Our current location was on the southern side of Central Avenue, while our territory was in the north, so it would be a bit of a drive. Siegrune drove the armored car, and we passed through the bustling Central Avenue. The city’s vibrant energy was evident, and it gave me a sense of Exembra’s prosperity. I had a few stores in mind where I’d like to stop, but today, we’d focus on our destination.
Eventually, we arrived at a particularly large building. "Is that the edge of our territory?"
"That’s what I’ve heard. I believe it was originally built with McDallian Family funds. The current guild using it is said to be well-funded, but I’ve been curious and wanted to see it for myself."
I understand. Even if they appear compliant, the store has been run by the McDallian Family since the beginning. And if they went to such lengths to build it, there might be more to it than meets the eye.
"Let’s check it out from a distance first. If there’s nothing suspicious, that’s fine."
"Agreed. Siegrune, park the car to the side for now."
We watched the store from a distance, feeling a bit like detectives on stakeout. The armored car was noticeable, but as long as we were just observing, it wasn’t a problem. We could gather information from the outside, such as the type of customers and the flow of people. If suspicious individuals frequently entered or exited, that would be a significant clue.
"Do you know what kind of store it is?"
"I remember it being a high-end furniture store, mainly dealing in imported items."
"Hmm, maybe we should go in and take a look."
If we found any furniture that would fit the new headquarters, it would be worth a visit. Personally, I was looking to replace the sofa for a more comfortable break.
After a while, we engaged in some casual conversation. We hadn’t had much time to talk since the expedition, and there was a lot to catch up on. Even as we chatted, we continued to observe for about an hour.
"It doesn’t seem very popular."
"True, there aren’t many people coming in and out, considering its location on Central Avenue. High-end furniture stores aren’t usually crowded, but it’s still a bit concerning."
"Notice anything? There’s less activity from the front, but..."
"There’s more from the back."
Exactly. Magic perception can cover areas we can’t see with our eyes.
"The back of the stores in this area isn’t usually designed for customers. It’s unlikely that employees are constantly coming and going, so it’s probably customers, but not ordinary ones."
"If they’re going through the back, they’re likely not regular customers. It would be useful to see who’s coming and going."
"Agreed. We have time, so let’s check it out."
"Understood. The Intelligence Bureau is busy, so it’s better not to involve them in trivial matters."
The Intelligence Bureau mainly handles espionage in the administrative district and gathers information in uncontrolled territories. With the Arena’s upcoming event, there’s a lot of activity among the nobles and some merchants, involving bribes and threats. Monitoring the old McDallian territory is already a significant burden, and adding more tasks would be too much, even for us.
"Since we’re here, let’s put some pressure on them. What if we go in through the front and leave through the back?"
"Would they let us?"
"If they have nothing to hide, it shouldn’t be a problem. We have no reason to sneak around."
"True. Let’s go."
We got out of the armored car and entered the store. A concierge-like man approached us, his eyes lingering on the amethyst badge on our chest. I quickly cut off his pleasantries with a brief greeting and started looking around the store.
"We’re just here to look at the items. Don’t worry about us."
"Ah, if you need anything, just let me know."
"Understood. Please take your time."
He retreated to the back, probably to report our presence to the Kikyo Society. The items in the store didn’t suit my taste, and Siegrune seemed to lose interest after a few minutes.
"Originally, I wanted to look around more, but these items seem too artistic and impractical."
"I agree. Let’s try talking to a store employee first."
Just as we were about to approach a young employee, we heard a sound.
"What was that?"
We exchanged glances, and the sound came again. It was a dull thud.
"Is there a fight going on?"
It’s unlikely that someone would accidentally knock things over multiple times in a high-end furniture store. More likely, there’s a conflict. The Kikyo Society handles issues in this area, so if there’s trouble, we have a reason to go back.
"Perfect timing. Let’s go!"
"Whoever’s causing this, thanks!"
Before the employee could react, we pushed past the concierge, who had retreated to the back. The sound was coming from that direction.
We ran down a corridor, ignoring the closed doors on either side. At the end, we found another door, and a man emerged.
"Ah, you two!"
It was the concierge.
Ignoring his protests, we pushed past him and entered the room.
The first thing we saw was a man being restrained on the floor by others. A nervous-looking employee was nearby, and the room was filled with various items—definitely not furniture. There were jewelry, paintings, sculptures, weapons, armor, magical items, and potion bottles.
"Yukari-dono, is this a black market operation?"
"It looks like they’re selling stolen goods. This wasn’t in our reports, was it?"
"A new store dealing in such interesting items wouldn’t go unnoticed by us."
They were operating in secret. What a joke.
Where does the profit from this go?
If it stays with the store owner and employees, that’s one thing, but it’s likely being funneled elsewhere. This kind of illegal business requires protection, and they were keeping it a secret from the Kikyo Society.
This is unacceptable on many levels.
"Who said you could barge in?"
"Who gave you permission to speak!"
Siegrune’s intimidating presence silenced the young employee. Her glare and commanding voice effectively communicated the seriousness of the situation.
"Everyone, recognize this Kikyo emblem. Any unauthorized actions from now on are strictly forbidden. Do not move or speak. Disobey me, and you will be dealt with immediately. If you think you can leave here unscathed, be my guest."
Her threats were genuine, and the tense atmosphere made it clear she meant business. While we don’t kill indiscriminately, intimidation is part of our job. The employees were visibly shaken.
While Siegrune kept them in check, I began to look around. The selection here was far better than the store’s ostentatious furniture. I focused on finding the items they least wanted us to see.
A locked cabinet caught my eye. It was behind the counter, out of reach of customers.
Three employees stood behind the counter, frozen by Siegrune’s glare. I pushed past them, forced the lock open, and found what I was looking for: a pile of white powder, packaged and stacked.
"Drugs. What a joke."
To think they’d deal in drugs in our territory.
I was impressed they managed to avoid detection for so long. Our patrols aren’t incompetent; if the drug trade was widespread, they would have noticed. This suggests the operation is recent, small-scale, or limited to trusted individuals.
Regardless, this is a serious offense.
"Vice-Commander! I’ll be leaving this to you for a moment."
"Understood, President."
I deliberately called her Vice-Commander, and she responded as President, making it clear we were the top of the Kikyo Society.
"You, listen well. You will not survive this encounter with us and the President!"
In our territory, the Kikyo Society is the law. We do not tolerate unauthorized activities. There’s no room for leniency, and immediate action is necessary.
I ran to the back door and signaled for backup. Climbing onto the roof, I launched a signal flare. The light would quickly summon our members.
After a short wait, a team led by Mary appeared. They recognized me standing on the roof and hurried over.
"Mary’s unit. That’s enough."
Combat patrols are usually divided into teams, and they rotate responsibilities efficiently. I expected one team to respond, but several converged from different areas. An excellent response.
I signaled to have the flare extinguished to prevent more members from joining. I gestured for them to enter the building and went back to the store.
"Vice-Commander! The Second Combat Unit will arrive shortly. The unit leader is also on the way. Let’s handle this together. Who’s in charge here?"
"This one."
A wealthy-looking old man was pushed forward. He had a certain presence but looked uneasy, aware of our reputation.
"Let’s hear your story. I don’t have much time. Be honest."
We won’t be taken lightly by some street merchants. They may have thought they could get away with this, but not in front of the Kikyo Society.
Stolen goods and drug trafficking. This is a joke.
We will make them confess everything and set an example.