Chapter 248 - A Mountain Is Born!
I raced back to Exembra aboard the Bloomstar Galaxy, then immediately gathered the members at the office to brief them on what came next.
I planned to formally share the details during the executive meeting, but for now, I wanted the present members to start preparations right away.
It was better to inform our associates in Exembra directly, rather than risk rumors spreading through unreliable channels.
"So, the Magic Item Guild is setting up a branch here in Exembra. It's not official yet, but it's practically decided. Start preparing."
"Um, Yukari-san? You were supposed to place an order for security-related magic items... how did it come to this?"
Frederica asked with an exasperated expression, speaking for everyone. How disappointing.
"Didn't Rosmerta-sama send word? We were supposed to put some pressure on that problematic guild. And then, well, that woman's persuasive tongue did the rest."
"Still, to bring a Guild branch all the way here... truly, Rosmerta-sama and Yukari-dono exceed all expectations. I don't understand how this happened, but the result is far beyond satisfactory."
"Yeah, I dunno what the hell’s going on, but it sounds fun as hell. Wish I’d gone along."
"It's all thanks to Onee-sama's brilliance."
Vice-Commander Siegrune praised me without restraint, and Acting Vice-Commander Gradena looked equally amused.
Valeria, one of the key figures involved, seemed delighted too. But the administrative staff looked weary—probably already imagining the workload ahead.
"I'll explain the full details at the executive meeting. For now, I need two things: spreading the word to relevant departments, and preparing for the Guild branch. Frederica and April, you'll handle preliminary coordination with Exembra's side—probably a few rounds of meetings. Siegrune and Gradena, I'll need you as liaisons when the Magic Item Guild representatives arrive."
It felt a bit like passing the buck, but I didn’t think the Secretariat’s overall burden would be too heavy.
We’d just need to explain the situation to the Clad Family and Anastasia Union, then work together to make smart use of the Guild. We weren’t responsible for the interior fit-out of the building we’d be lending as the Guild branch.
Since the bureaucratic procedures would take time, we’d have plenty of time to prepare the space and plan our moves.
As for creative uses beyond custom orders, I’d leave that to our more mischievous members—especially those with a history of scheming. Collaborating with other organizations to exploit the Guild was fair game too. I wanted them to explore every possibility.
"Perhaps we should start with letters explaining the situation. People will need time to mentally prepare before we dive into specifics."
"Leave that to you. No one’s going to refuse anyway, no matter how it plays out."
"We got this. Let’s welcome them with a ‘Welcome to the den of villains’ vibe, eh, Siegrune?"
"Yeah. I’m already looking forward to that day."
Mm. Couldn’t ask for more reliable comrades.
As for the security magic items, I could leave those to the Construction Bureau and Security Bureau. Unless something blew up, I wouldn’t need to get involved.
"I ended up staying in the Royal Capital longer than expected. Anything happen while I was gone?"
I’d already quickly assigned tasks upon returning, but I needed to catch up on the state of our Kikyo Society.
"Just yesterday, Charlotte headed to the Royal Capital. Didn’t you cross paths?"
"Yesterday? Must’ve missed her. But why now? Wasn’t her training trip supposed to be toward the end of autumn?"
Charlotte, head of the R&D Bureau, had planned to go to the Royal Capital for training in seal magic. I’d left the timing up to her, but this was still late summer—way too early.
"She wanted to introduce herself early to the workshop that’ll be hosting her. If she shows up at the same time as other senior seal mages, she might get distracted by social obligations before even starting her training. She’s always been that conscientious."
"I see. She’s doing her groundwork now so she can focus on training later."
"Yeah, she said she’ll also network with the seal mages there. Plans to return in about four or five days."
Only natural from a former noble—her social graces are impeccable.
Still, it makes sense. She’ll need to be considerate not just to her master, but to everyone else at the workshop. She’s the one being hosted, after all. Thoughtful as ever.
"Got it. Anything else?"
"Also, the plan Fuulaveneta’s been pushing has finally started moving. Within a few days, we’ll be taking in a noble’s daughter as an apprentice."
Ah yes—the plan to take in a rebellious noble daughter, a problem child, and toughen her up. For a fee, of course.
I suppose they’ve finalized the specific terms by now.
"It’s the deal with Baron Icetoy. But with Fuulaveneta handling it, I’m not worried."
"Parallel to that, the open house plans are progressing too. Margaret and the Public Relations Bureau are leading that. They said they need to speak with Yukari-dono about building a mountain for the tour site."
Right, I did mention that.
"Seems things are moving faster than I expected. In that case, I should go talk to Margaret first."
"If you’re building a mountain, count me in for the view. Been too long since I got Delta out for a spin."
"I’d like to go too, but I’ve been asked to give a lecture to Fuulaveneta later today... and she also mentioned wanting to speak with Valeria when she returned. What should we do?"
"You want to speak with me...? Understood."
My junior looked eager to come along, but there was no role for her in mountain construction.
She glanced enviously at Gradena, but chose to prioritize her duties. How she’s grown.
"By the way, where is Margaret now?"
"The Public Relations Bureau members are at the training facility, holding a meeting with the Instruction Bureau. I heard they’ll return early this afternoon."
"Then I’ll go with Valeria to see Fuulaveneta. Please let Margaret know Yukari-dono has returned."
"While you’re at it, do me a favor. If she has other plans, just tell her it doesn’t have to be today."
"Understood. Valeria, let’s go when you’re ready."
After passing on the message, I had lunch and took a short rest while waiting for Margaret.
Later, I retreated to my room. After several days away, the privacy felt luxurious. Nothing beats your own space.
I unpacked and did a quick cleaning, but ended up too relaxed—sleepy, even.
Still, I couldn’t very well take a nap while waiting for someone. I moved to the office instead, skimming reports to pass the time. Not idling—working.
"We’re back! Welcome home, Yukari-san!"
The one I was waiting for had returned. Margaret, dressed and made up like a news anchor, looked every bit the PR professional.
"Welcome back. Did Siegrune tell you?"
"I heard you’re ready to start building the mountain right away. Is now a good time?"
"Anytime works for me. Gradena, you ready?"
"Yeah! I’ll get Delta out—just meet me at the outer warehouse!"
Why use that ridiculously modified armored personnel carrier? There was zero need for it today, but apparently, “it’s been too long since we ran it.”
Margaret, the PR team, Gradena, and I split into vehicles and headed first to Delta’s location.
There it stood in the warehouse—its imposing form, unseen for so long, still breathtaking.
The massive paint jobs and flashy lighting made it look even larger than it was, dominating the space completely.
"If this is the mountain people have to climb, it’s safe and secure, no doubt."
"In that sense, fair point. But wait—now that I think about it, a bare mountain would erode in the rain, wouldn’t it?"
"Yeah, probably. Even wind would wear it down over time."
That’s no good. If we only used it once, maybe shoddy would suffice. But if we’re reusing it, it needs to be solid. I didn’t want to keep repairing it myself.
"To withstand rain and wind, we’ll need to grow vegetation. Or turn it into a solid rock mountain."
Hmm. A rocky mountain wouldn’t need to worry about weathering for thousands, maybe even tens of thousands of years.
But a massive rock mountain suddenly appearing in a lush area would be way too conspicuous. Ideally, I wanted a normal-looking mountain.
Well, I supposed a mountain appearing out of nowhere was suspicious to begin with—but this way, at least it’d be slightly less absurd. Right!
"In that case, I’ll ask Lily for help. Sorry, could you call her over?"
"I’ll go check at the Elegance Balloon."
I had a PR member go fetch her.
"Margaret, while we wait—how far along is the open house planning?"
"We’ve coordinated with the Instruction Bureau and set a schedule. Right now, we already have over forty people who’ve signed up to attend."
"That many? But the fee wasn’t cheap, was it?"
"We consulted Baron Icetoy and set a high price—definitely not affordable for commoners. It includes guided commentary, but it’s thirty thousand Gist per person."
That’s highway robbery.
"Well, if we’re targeting the wealthy, I guess that’s about right."
"Our guests are all nobles or merchants connected to them. Apparently, the higher the price, the more exclusive it feels—so they’re actually happier. But that means our guides have to deliver."
"Still, impressive. Forty people at thirty thousand Gist each? That’s over a million in instant profit. Not bad for emergency income."
"If this first event succeeds, we’re planning to hold second and third events. So the first one is crucial. I’ll admit, I’m a bit nervous."
They were still accepting applicants, and expected even more sign-ups.
Given how often the Kikyo Society makes headlines, it made sense that people would be curious enough to pay for a tour.
And honestly, profit was great. It meant bigger budgets for the Instruction and PR Bureaus, and if I could give bonuses to those involved, morale would soar.
If we could also subtly show our visitors just how terrifying we are, the benefits would go far beyond one stone, two birds.
As I listened to more details about pricing and tour content, a jeep pulled into the warehouse.
Out stepped a figure in a moon-white robe-like coat and a matching triangular hat. Adorning the outfit were fresh, living flowers—her signature touch.
A uniquely gifted member with an affinity for floral magic. And also, Deputy Director of the R&D Bureau.
"Glad you could make it, Lily."
"Orchid Lily, reporting for duty~. I’ve already heard all about it on the way~."
"Can you do it?"
"Fufufu~. My excitement for this new challenge won’t stop~."
Her voice was leisurely, but she was utterly dependable. This would go smoothly.
"Then let’s get started. Gradena!"
"Yeah! Let’s go! Hurry up and get in!"
She was clearly thrilled to drive Delta again—full of energy. Not that I particularly cared.
We all piled into the armored vehicle and set off toward the Northeast Forest.
Upon arrival, Margaret pointed out the designated spot—something she’d apparently planned during my absence.
We veered off the road leading to the Northeast Forest and continued for several kilometers—another path pre-built by the Construction Bureau.
We arrived at an empty grassland near the forest’s edge.
"This spot works? Then let’s begin. First, I’ll make a rough earthen mound. Adjust the height and width as we go—speak up if you have opinions."
Considering vehicle access, I gradually built up a wide, gently sloping mountain.
I converted the ultra-dense magic power within my body into earth, materializing it and hardening it so it wouldn’t easily collapse.
Once it rose significantly taller than the surrounding trees, we all climbed to the top.
"Whoa, it’s high~!"
"Incredible. If I trained my earth magic a bit more, could I make a mountain too?"
"It’s large in scale, but really just a pile of dirt. If you don’t care about details, it mostly comes down to raw magical power. I have an affinity, so it’s efficient for me, but even general magic could do it."
Not easy, but certainly not impossible.
"The view’s great, but maybe a bit higher? The exam site is deep in the backcountry."
"Then I’ll keep raising it. Call out when it feels right."
As I spoke, I began increasing the height while everyone stood atop the mountain.
"Ah—this should be enough. Could we make the summit wider? We’ll need space to park vehicles."
Right. If dozens of participants arrive in their own vehicles, we’ll need parking.
And we’d probably set up tents for rest areas too—so we’d need decent space.
I expanded the summit broadly, and also paved the access route.
I made the path wide, and replaced the earthen surface with stone. Any fine-tuning could wait for later.
Once the rough shape was complete, it was Lily’s turn.
"Here we go~. From barren mountain to blooming flowers~!"
Though not extremely tall, the mountain had a broad, flat summit—meaning its surface area was vast.
And across that surface, grass rapidly sprouted, thick and lush.
"Wow, amazing!"
Then saplings emerged, and flowers bloomed among the undergrowth—until, apparently, Lily’s magic ran dry.
"...Hmm, a bit too wide~. This is about all I can do in one go~."
"Outstanding. I think we could just let nature take its course from here, but what do you think?"
"Yeah~. A few more sessions should let the roots take firm hold~."
Since rich nobles would be climbing this mountain, safety had to be absolute. I’d leave the judgment to Lily. If needed, I or the Construction Bureau could reinforce it later.
"For today, let’s leave it at this. Margaret, I’m leaving the rest to you and Lily. Let me know if you need me."
"Yes, we’ll count on you. Thank you, Lily-san."
If Delta could climb the path, any vehicle could. As a test, it was perfect.
Since things were moving forward so smoothly, I was already looking forward to the event.
Another episode with zero New Year vibes, but in-universe it’s around early autumn… Maybe mountains carry a bit of auspicious symbolism?
Happy New Year. I’ll do my best this year too.