Chapter 235 - Outsourcing Delinquent Rehab
Etoile Felt had no choice but to sit back down after being served a refill. I couldn’t waste the offered tea, so I settled back into my chair. Once I took a sip of the tea and the atmosphere became more formal, I waited for Baron Icetoy to speak. I had nothing more to say today.
What could he want? A noble, especially one I had just recently assessed as formidable, surely had something specific to discuss.
We three sat in silence, pretending to be calm as we waited for him to start. Judging by his reluctance, it was probably going to be a troublesome matter. I almost wished we had left before he started.
Still, I couldn’t waste the high-quality tea, so I drank it slowly, savoring the hot liquid and its aroma. As I did, the baron finally spoke.
"I hear that the Kikyo Society is very passionate about education."
We exchanged glances. Was this just small talk? Or did he want advice on rehabilitating his delinquent daughter?
Well, might as well indulge him. Since the tea was still in my cup, I might as well chat a bit.
"Of course, just as noble education is necessary for nobles, we have our own set of needs. Many people who join us have no connections to such circles, so education is essential. In that sense, we are indeed a very education-focused organization."
"Could you give me more specific details?"
He was probably interested in rehabilitating his daughter. His interest seemed genuine.
"Hmm, a rough overview should be fine..."
I sighed. I didn’t particularly want to go into detail, but I could give a brief overview.
The Kikyo Society is a highly education-focused organization, with educational content spanning a wide range of topics.
The starting point for education varies depending on the individual’s level. For basic knowledge, we start with reading, writing, and arithmetic, bringing everyone up to our standard definition of 'normal.'
We also cover common sense and what is considered normal, to avoid unnecessary conflicts within the Kikyo Society due to differences in upbringing and environments.
In the Kingdom of Brenark, race and species differences are not typically an issue, but in some regions, persecution is a daily reality. We aim to eradicate such prejudices, which is an absolute must. Surprisingly, this isn’t as difficult as it might seem.
Daily life, from morning to night, is filled with lectures and training, leaving no time for unnecessary thoughts. Numerous challenges require unity and cooperation to overcome, naturally reshaping individuals.
Focusing on general common sense, we correct individual perceptions of what is 'normal' and then teach the necessary knowledge and common sense for Kikyo Society members.
We cover basic topics not taught in school, such as how to handle pick-up artists, effective ways to start and avoid fights, drinking etiquette, gambling, and appropriate behavior for different occasions, including manners and etiquette.
While the Kikyo Society’s common sense differs from the world’s, members must understand and recognize both.
Once they grasp the 'common sense' and basic education, we move on to more challenging topics.
To act maliciously, one must understand what is wrong, primarily concerning the law.
Exembra is a city dominated by the underworld, but even in public, there are rules. When breaking the law, one must know how to avoid detection, how to cover tracks, and how to mislead, which requires a certain level of caution.
Understanding what is black or white, or can be handled in shades of gray, makes one stronger.
Such knowledge is essential for our side, both for deceiving and using others and for avoiding being deceived.
To become a full member of the Kikyo Society, one must acquire this knowledge, even if only in broad strokes. Specialists can handle the finer details.
We also cover magic-related subjects, various magical beast characteristics, and much more, far more than can be listed here.
While there is an endless amount to learn, we prioritize efficiency, minimizing waste and teaching only what is necessary until one becomes a full member.
Education continues even after becoming a full member. I and other executives continue our studies and research, occasionally gathering to review and update relevant laws, confirm changes, and share individual research findings. This is also crucial.
Though it may seem tedious, sharing knowledge and regular reminders are highly effective, as forgetting is more common than one might think.
And then there’s physical enhancement. This is a different kind of hell.
Especially for building basic physical strength, one must endure immense suffering.
As we enhance physical and magical power, we also train the mind and learn combat techniques.
From hand-to-hand combat unique to the Kikyo Society to weapon handling, magical training, and more, the starting point varies by individual, but the journey is arduous.
Here, we have another advantage.
Various recovery potions can forcibly restore physical and magical strength, eliminating the need for rest due to fatigue or injury.
The ability to use high-quality recovery potions liberally is a unique advantage of the Kikyo Society.
We provide full meals, beds, and clothing, but during the apprenticeship period, we do not let anyone take it easy. They must work their hardest.
Once they complete the hellish training period and become full members, they can finally relax a bit.
After being assigned to various departments, they will need to continue learning and training, but compared to the relentless daily grind during the apprenticeship, it will feel like a breeze.
However, full members will take on more responsibilities and will be constantly exposed to life-threatening situations. Carrying the Kikyo emblem means becoming a target for enemies, though this is less of a concern during peaceful times.
I gave the baron a rough overview of our methods.
"...Hellish suffering, you say. Impossible under normal school education, I see."
"If we only did normal things, we’d die quickly in our world. What I’ve described is only the beginning of the grueling apprenticeship period. It’s necessary to adapt ordinary people to our world and to reshape their pampered nature."
The low dropout rate in such a hellish daily routine is thanks to Director Fulaveneta. Her ability to assess individual situations and push them to their limits is what makes it all possible.
Our educational content and methods are constantly updated, producing highly skilled new members.
"I had heard rumors, but it seems to exceed them. As a noble, I have my reservations, but overall, it’s truly impressive. Not just theoretical; you’ve achieved practical results, which is remarkable."
The baron looked quite impressed, nodding thoughtfully.
It’s the foundation of our pride in training our members. I know it’s great, but it’s nice to be praised by others.
"Yes, truly remarkable. This is the driving force behind the Kikyo Society’s rapid growth. We started small, and we couldn’t have come this far without increasing our numbers and training them. Simply gathering people wouldn’t have been enough to compete with the Five Great Families. It’s only because we trained the gathered members that we’ve reached this point."
I spoke with a hint of pride, as did Siegrune and Josephine, the initial members.
Before Fulaveneta joined, we all handled the training of new members, and reflecting on how far we’ve come is quite moving.
"The Kikyo Society is one of the leading educational organizations. Impressive indeed. This leads me to wonder, could you take on a request?"
"Sure, what is it?"
Flattered and in a good mood, I responded.
"It’s nothing major. Could you take in my daughter?"
"...Your daughter...?"
"I’m ashamed to admit, but she’s a spoiled brat whom neither my wife nor the Academy can reform. I thought the Kikyo Society, with its reputation, might help."
I was caught off guard by this unexpected request.
"...Well, as I said, we do have an educational department, but we only train aspiring members. The training is so intense that it could be lethal. We can’t give special treatment to a noble’s daughter, and are you sure about this?"
"I understand. Just to give you an idea, how many casualties have you had during training?"
I don’t think I’ve heard of any deaths. If there had been any, I would remember. Still, I glanced at Siegrune and Josephine to be sure.
"Yukari-dono, there have been no deaths during training."
"That’s right. Many apprentices have come close to death, but no one has actually died."
Our advantage is that as long as one doesn’t die instantly, we can use recovery potions to save them. There’s always a supervisor during training, so deaths are rare.
I haven’t heard of any deaths before, so I’m fairly certain there haven’t been any.
"...As you can see, there have been no deaths."
"Even with the risk of death, the probability seems very low."
"That’s true, but I won’t take responsibility for any accidents. I don’t want to deal with disputes, so I’d rather not take her in."
I hadn’t expected this turn of events. What’s he thinking? I’d prefer to decline.
"Please, consider it. Of course, I’m willing to provide funding. For the education of my foolish daughter, I’m happy to contribute."
He’s willing to pay. It seems he’s serious.
Noble requests often come with direct benefits and positive side effects. Given that he’s sincere, my initial reluctance wavered.
Well, if that’s the case, I should think about a proper response.
"...A donation, you say. How much are you willing to contribute? We’re not a charity, and we don’t want to be used. Education costs money, and we expect proper compensation."
Everything has a cost.
If a wealthy parent wants their child admitted, they should be prepared to pay.
"Let’s start with ten million gist."
Hmm, not bad, especially if it can be used as a temporary budget for the Instruction Bureau. Director Fulaveneta would be pleased.
Given that we don’t provide special treatment, adding another apprentice shouldn’t be a significant burden.
"...So, there’s more to come, I take it?"
"Yes, I have another request, which I’d like to discuss further."
This is unusual. It’s not just about taking in a delinquent daughter.
The clever baron seems to have something in mind, judging by his clear smile. I see. It’s bound to be something unsavory.
I need to regain control of the conversation. I want to refuse.
"...This doesn’t seem like a quick chat. It’s late. Shall we reschedule?"
"My apologies for detaining you. Yes, I also have some adjustments to make. Could we meet again in five days?"
I plan to have the Intelligence Bureau summarize the debt issue tomorrow, but the mysterious additional request is something I should handle myself.
By not revealing details now, he seems to want to discuss it after the adjustments. I wonder what he’ll propose.
Still, his proposal as a capable nobleman sparks my interest.
"Alright, in five days. Let’s meet earlier next time."
"I’ll have everything prepared by morning."
What a confident baron. It’s refreshing to find such an interesting noble in Exembra.
Ah, I almost forgot something important as I was about to leave, but I’ll keep it to myself for now.
I forgot to mention that we’ll take over the debt from the black market. I can handle that with the debt issue tomorrow.
The Kikyo Society is beginning to gain attention as an educational institution.
The encounter with the baron is temporarily on hold, and in the days leading up to our next meeting, we’ll delve into the status of Kikyo Society members.
Next, we’ll continue with "Consultations Come Flooding In."