Chapter 230 - The Tall Poppy Cannot Stop Emerging
All eyes are on me as I confront the head of this illicit market. They look at me with fear.
In today's Exembra, the Kikyo Society is widely known, and this place is already under our control. Rumors about us have spread like wildfire, including tales of our strength and influence.
We are the young and ambitious organization that brought down one of the Five Great Families, the McDallian Family. Our actions have even had a significant impact on women across the nation.
Given our reputation, it should be clear by now that we don't do things half-heartedly. We know how to make a statement.
We can't let them down. Putting on a performance is part of the job.
"You, there's a reason behind this... ugh..."
I'll hear your excuses later.
Grabbing the man by the collar, I lift him up and throw him against the wall. It must hurt, but not enough to cause serious injury.
I follow up with more pressure on the cowering old man. Even if he's old, I won't show mercy to someone who's healthy.
The person in charge must take responsibility. As an example, he needs to face the consequences.
Nearby, there's a barrel filled with what looks like stolen weapons—cheap swords and spears. I pull them out and start throwing them.
The first spear embeds itself in the wall above the man's head, and the next sword grazes his shoulder before sticking into the wall. My aim is precise, and the weapons penetrate with impressive force. It's a display of power that demands respect.
After throwing about ten weapons, the room falls silent.
The tension is palpable, a result of Siegrune's imposing presence and my own threats.
Performing this act with such skill and without hesitation sends a clear message: I don't value their lives. This is crucial. The new rulers must be seen as ruthless and unforgiving to prevent any underestimation.
Siegrune's voice rings out, breaking the silence.
"Raise your hand if you understand this is Kikyo Society territory!"
Reluctantly, several hands go up.
"Good courage! You knew this and still chose to deal in illegal goods. I hope you're prepared."
Siegrune's pressure intensifies.
Both buyers and sellers are equally guilty. We can't tolerate actions that tarnish the Kikyo Society's name.
We need to make it clear: the new rulers are not to be taken lightly. We will not tolerate any defiance.
The tension is so thick that some people faint. At that point, Mary and the others enter the room.
"What's going on here?"
They quickly take in the situation. Experienced members can tell what's happening at a glance. Seeing me and Siegrune intimidating the surroundings, they understand that we've just caught the criminals in the act.
More than just stolen goods, the real issue is the drugs.
"Mary, check that shelf over there."
Mary heads to the open shelf I indicated.
Drugs are illegal substances that bring nothing but harm. In a world with magic, there's no need for medical drugs, and the mental effects are not worth the risks. They are used mainly for entertainment or to create dependence.
Anyone under the influence is unpredictable and can cause trouble for those around them. If our territory is compromised, the consequences could be dire, especially if children or pregnant women are affected.
While the Kikyo Society isn't a force for justice, we value the peace and stability of our territory. We won't tolerate any interference that could disrupt our operations. If necessary, we'll even go to war to maintain peace. It's a paradox, but it's necessary.
Moreover, we can't rule out involvement from organizations like the Legisamo Cartel. We can't allow illegal activities to fund our enemies.
Any illegal activity in our territory, hidden from us, is an act of hostility. We need to root out and crush these threats.
"Alright, it's time to hear your excuses."
I pull the man from the wall and begin the interrogation.
"You were dealing in stolen goods and drugs, correct? How long has this been going on?"
I won't accept any lies or silence. The old man, either resigned or scared, starts to speak.
"The stolen goods have been going on for more than ten years. But the drugs are recent."
He doesn't seem to be lying. The setup of the place didn't suggest a recent start, but the critical issue is the secrecy and the drugs.
I fold my arms, signaling for him to continue.
The man explains that the illicit trade started during the McDallian Family's reign. After they were gone, he continued it in secret. He had debts to the merchant guild and wanted to keep them hidden.
Recently, a new organization in Exembra had threatened to expose his activities unless he helped them with drug trafficking. They offered a cut of the profits.
With debts and the threat of exposure, he felt cornered. He knew it was risky, but he took the deal.
If he had just come to us, he wouldn't have faced such threats. But it's too late for that.
The most pressing concern is the new organization and the source of the debts.
"I need more details. Who are you indebted to?"
The man will need a more thorough interrogation. The Intelligence Bureau will handle it.
I gather the team and lay out our plan.
"Siegrune and I will take the man back to the Headquarters. The Second Combat Unit will secure the area and close the shop. Once the Intelligence Bureau arrives, you can decide whether to assist or take over. Mary, bring a few people back to the Headquarters with us."
"Understood. I'll keep the unit on surveillance."
"Good. Siegrune, let's go."
"Move it, old man. No dilly-dallying."
Siegrune pulls the man up, and we head out to the armored vehicle. We drive back to the Headquarters.
Once there, I brief the Intelligence Bureau and send a team to Central Avenue.
The interrogation is left to the professionals. They'll extract more information than I could.
While they work, Siegrune and I prepare for the next move. Speed is crucial. If we wait, the threatening organization might get word of our actions. We need to strike before they can prepare.
The interrogation is quick.
"Yukari-san, we have the details."
"Good work. What did you find?"
"The debts are to a noble family with ties to the McDallian Family. The noble's finances are strained, and they're pressuring the merchant to repay quickly. The amount isn't significant—less than two million Gist."
That's not a large sum for us.
"Interesting. We can use this. How will we handle it?"
"We can pay off the debt and take over the store. Josephine will ensure it's a fair deal."
"Make sure to inform the Secretariat."
"Of course. There's also the matter of the drugs. Something troubling came up."
"Troubling?"
"A few weeks ago, a Clad Family affiliate was robbed of a large shipment of drugs. The stolen goods might be what we found here."
So, the Clad Family's loss has found its way to our territory.
"Is it possible that the stolen drugs are being sold here?"
"We don't have concrete proof, but the suspect we identified is hiding in the area. It's almost certain."
The area in question is the former McDallian territory, where new social misfits have settled. One of these groups must be responsible.
"Interesting. The suspect isn't acting alone. Who are they?"
"They're more like a gang. Young and reckless, but surprisingly well-organized."
A gang without backing from a larger organization. They have some nerve, but they're likely amateurs. Still, they seem competent.
"They're reckless, but they're also shrewd. Attacking the Clad Family's shipment is bold, but it's a good opportunity in the current chaos. It might have been more luck than planning, though."
"They might be smarter than they seem. Robbing the Clad Family and using the merchant as a front is no small feat."
I see. It makes sense.
"Let's gather more information before we move. We need to know their hideout and strength."
"I agree. We'll find their base and assess their capabilities."
"Good. We can't let them grow. We'll take them down while we can."
We won't tolerate any threats to our territory. If they challenge us, we'll respond in kind. We're ready for a fight.