Chapter 243 - An Invitation to a Conspiracy
Before listening to Rosmerta's prized information, I downed the cold tea. In the room without any butlers or maids to refill the teacups, the duchess spoke with a grand air of superiority.
"Bringing the Magic Item Guild's the Branch back to the reborn Kingdom of Brenark was my doing. It's been a little over a year since it started operating. From the beginning, there was some slack, but recently it's become a laughing matter."
Rosmerta's tone was one of exasperation, but her smile was broad. She must have a really good story to tell.
"Hmm, so they're up to no good, huh?"
"Yes. The guild is divided into four major departments based on the use of magical artifacts, each led by a department head with significant authority. The department heads are the ones who really run things, even though there are branch managers and a board of directors above them, who are more like figureheads."
"So, it's similar to the Adventurer Guild. The problem is with one of those department heads, I assume?"
"Hehe, it would be nice if it were just one. They're all rotten. Each one is involved in some sort of wrongdoing."
Well, that's quite a revelation. This is getting interesting.
"But the Magic Item Guild holds a lot of authority. For someone in a position to run such an organization, being a bit underhanded seems almost expected. If you've won power struggles, you'd have to be willing to do dirty work to maintain your position."
"Specifically, what kind of things are they up to? In the Royal Capital, the nobility and law enforcement are strong, so the underworld barely functions. What kind of mischief can they get up to in that environment?"
Without the support of a corrupt organization, it's hard to pull off something big. It must be personal crimes, I suppose.
"Oh, it's various things, but they're all pretty petty. For example, embezzlement and misappropriation within the guild are routine, and they abuse their authority for womanizing and other pleasures. They also privatize the guild's agency and force lavish receptions. But those are just the tip of the iceberg. They're also involved in the black market trade of magical artifacts with certain nobles and merchant guilds. They export magical artifacts that can be used as weapons, and it's all done in secret. It's become a full-fledged criminal organization. The only reason it's not worse is that they haven't gotten into human trafficking or drugs."
If that's true, the Magic Item Guild itself is essentially an underworld organization. This is serious.
"But why let it slide when you know about it? If they're allowed to run amok in the Royal Capital, it'll make both the duchy and the Royal Palace look bad."
"That's true, but the open misconduct is recent, and I'm the only one who has a complete grasp of it so far. Plus, since I was the one who brought the guild back, I can't make a big fuss. If the the Branch were to collapse, it would be a problem. If the kingdom were to act, it would strain our relationship with the Magic Item Guild. I need to resolve this quietly, and I've been struggling with it."
It's complicated. The world doesn't work with simple good-guy-bad-guy scenarios. I understand that. Magic items are essential in daily life and military applications, and straining relations with the Magic Item Guild would be a mistake for the kingdom.
The the Branch's misdeeds are an internal issue, but the guild is so authoritarian that a small kingdom like Brenark can't afford to be too harsh. Especially since the guild Rosmerta brought in is now a criminal syndicate, it's a politically disastrous situation.
Secretly taking down the department heads is a tall order, given the organization's power and authority. Even Rosmerta is at a loss.
"Can't you file a complaint with the Headquarters? With all the misdeeds, it would damage the guild's reputation."
"Of course, I'm considering it. We're gathering all the evidence of their criminal activities. But if we can use it more effectively, that would be better. Right, Yukarinowe?"
"What do you mean by 'right, Yukarinowe'?! You're looking at me like I'm a moth drawn to a flame."
Rosmerta's smile is definitely one of someone plotting something sinister.
"Oh, dear. I only thought of something very beneficial for both of us."
"Hmm, fine. Just tell me."
She gave a specific example. One of the department heads is a gambling addict who frequently visits Exembra.
According to Rosmerta's investigation, this person often visits casinos, including our territory, and loses large sums of money. Despite returning with heavy losses, they somehow manage to bring more money and continue gambling.
"The department head's salary should be substantial, but the amounts they're using are clearly abnormal. When we investigated the source of the funds, we found some interesting things."
"The amounts are too large for simple embezzlement to cover. What else is there?"
"The department head is involved in the smuggling of magical artifacts."
Ah, you mentioned weapons-grade magical artifacts earlier. So, the likely buyers are...
"Smuggling... could it be Retnark?"
"Exactly. They use disposable hired hands to profit from the old Retnark territory."
The former invading nation to the east of the Kingdom of Brenark, which disintegrated after a series of civil wars. Now, it's a fragmented region with no central authority, overrun by various armed factions. They make perfect customers for smuggling. A collapsed nation is easier for criminals to operate in, and crimes committed outside the kingdom are harder to trace and easier to deny. However, if it becomes public, it would be a major scandal for the Magic Item Guild.
"I want you, Yukarinowe, to start by getting this department head under control. Since they're desperate for quick money, crushing a few deals should make them crack. From there, we can work out the details."
"Crushing deals... I suppose a gambling addict who's just after money sounds manageable."
The key information about the deals is in Rosmerta's hands. By disrupting the deals and cutting off the gambling funds, you can leverage the evidence of smuggling to bring them to heel. If you offer them a way out, they might become an ally.
Given their gambling addiction, which is almost a disease, the odds are in your favor.
"One more thing, why target this one first among all the corrupt department heads?"
"This person is the head of the department that handles the magical artifacts you're interested in. If the kingdom were to take action, it would cause friction, but the Kikyo Society can handle it without issues. I'm counting on you."
I see. A criminal organization like ours can handle threats without drawing too much attention. If the kingdom or Rosmerta were to act, they'd stand out, but I can do it subtly. If it gets exposed, so what?
Starting with the smuggler, you can gradually bring the other department heads into line. Just threatening them won't be enough, but if you offer them a way to benefit, it'll be a negotiation between criminals. I think it can work.
The Kikyo Society will get the magical artifacts we need, and Rosmerta can stop the criminal activities through us. We'll also gain leverage over them.
Publicly, the Magic Item Guild won't be disturbed, and everything will be handled discreetly. It's a solid plan.
"It will take some time to follow through, but considering the value of the information, it's worth it. You've done a lot of digging."
"The Royal Capital is my domain. There's nothing I can't uncover if I set my mind to it. People still underestimate me."
"Making you an enemy would be foolish... but I appreciate the evidence. With it, I can confront them and save a lot of trouble. It's a simple task."
"My, you make it sound so easy. That's a bit scary."
We're both scary in our own ways. Let's continue working together.
"Still, there are four of them. How long will it take?"
"It will take some time, but I have their schedules. If you follow my plan, it shouldn't take too long."
She has everything planned out. I knew she was formidable.
"Still, a few days seems tight. I have plans to visit the Kikyo Society. Can you pass a message to them?"
"Of course. I'll send someone to explain the situation. Should I address it to Siegrune?"
"Yes, if Siegrune isn't available, then Deputy Head of Operations Gradena. If neither is available, then Head of Operations Frederica or Deputy Head of Operations April. At least one of them will be there."
"I'll pass the message. Do you need any backup?"
"Hmm, that's not necessary. Everyone is busy, and it's not a big operation. Valeria and I can handle it, and we don't need a large group to threaten them."
If we have to go to Retnark, the two of us will be more mobile. Besides, dealing with guild officials and disrupting deals doesn't require much combat strength.
"Alright, we'll start tonight?"
"Tonight? Perfect timing."
"Hehe, it seems the goddess of fate has brought you to me. I'm glad Valeria came too."
Rosmerta stood up and gently stroked Valeria's soft hair.
"Prepare yourselves and wait inside the fortress. I'll have someone show you to your rooms."
"Fine, we'll rest there."
Since we'll be working at night, I might as well rest. I have no interest in exploring the fortress.
There was nothing to do in the assigned room. Valeria and I spent the time quietly until dinner, which we enjoyed together. Afterward, we had a cup of tea before being summoned again.
"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. I've confirmed the plan is in motion. Please proceed as planned."
"Got it. What's the plan?"
"The handover will take place in the slums east of the Royal Capital. The items will be transported using a mobile magical artifact. Can you intercept it?"
"Intercept it entirely. Impressive, they're doing this openly in the slums, even in the Royal Capital."
"Yes, it's infuriating. The items are transported in a small mobile magical artifact, which they use their guild pass to move through the city gates without inspection."
I see, a guild privilege.
Worldwide guilds often have diplomatic privileges, like bypassing identity checks and avoiding cargo inspections. It's perfect for smuggling, even though it's supposed to be for trust.
"Intercepting it means we shouldn't damage the contents, right?"
"Yes, it would be best if the cargo is undamaged. We plan to use it as evidence and then put it to good use. What about your share?"
"I don't need it. Consider it a favor."
Rosmerta wants the magical artifacts, but we're after custom-made items. We'll let her have the smuggled goods.
"Hehe, fine. If you succeed, return to the base."
"Understood. Show us the way to the first handover. We'll take it from there."
"Thank you."
The task is straightforward. It shouldn't be too difficult.
I received a few gadgets from Rosmerta, changed into my usual combat gear, and headed to the location with a guide.
Since we'll need to transport the intercepted truck, the Bloomstar Galaxy will stay behind.