Chapter 255 - The World Expands Bit by Bit
Once a neighboring country to the east, the region is now a fractured land where small factions vie for dominance. This area is the former Retnark Kingdom.
Even in this collapsing nation, the people's daily lives continue to persist. When unusual activity was detected in Boigle, one of the larger towns in the former Retnark, it has been over ten days since the reconnaissance team was dispatched.
It’s always the things we dread that come true. Unfortunately, the reconnaissance report confirmed a grave situation.
The head of the Intelligence Bureau has convened a meeting of the senior staff to explain the situation. These meetings are usually held at night after regular business hours, but today’s is scheduled for mid-afternoon due to its urgency.
Siegrune announced the start of the meeting, and Josephine immediately began to speak. "Regarding the journalist's claims, it seems they were not lying. The rumors of a fixed match and attempts to spread them are indeed true. Additionally, while the motivations behind the bomb plot are unclear—whether political or any specific demands—it has been confirmed that they were preparing bombs."
Siegrune and I were already aware of this report since we received it while with Josephine, but the rest of the senior staff looked gravely concerned.
"What’s the reason? Is there something we’ve done to make the people of Boigle resent us?"
"Yes, I’ve never heard of this town before. What’s going on?"
The motive is a crucial point. Criminal organizations wouldn’t invest time and money unless there was a profit or a matter of honor involved.
If the Kikyo Society has no ties to this town, then the question is what reason the attackers have.
"The group planning this is the largest underworld organization in the area, the Boid Gang. They have over five hundred members, but their combat strength is considered average at best. They lack any notable strong individuals and are a loose coalition of smaller organizations spread throughout the town. We predict that a targeted attack would allow us to easily defeat them piecemeal. However, a concern is that they appear to have ample supplies, particularly a large number of bombs."
"That sounds suspicious. It’s hard to believe explosives are so easily obtainable."
Charlotte’s skepticism is valid. Making bombs requires knowledge of magical artifacts, and the Magic Item Guild doesn’t even provide them to the military. It’s clear that the guild strictly limits the military use of magical artifacts, as evidenced by the lack of large-scale offensive magical weapons and the absence of limiter removals on military vehicles.
Perhaps the guild allows the use of defensive items like boundary magic artifacts, and personal weapons are permitted, though the exact policies are unclear.
In any case, obtaining illegal bombs, even a few, is difficult, let alone a large number.
"Bombs, huh? You’re bringing back bad memories."
Indeed. The bombs caused us significant damage. We cannot allow them to be used again in our territory, especially in our territory.
There’s a history in the Exembra underworld where bombs were once taboo. We haven’t forgotten those who broke this unspoken rule.
Now, it’s a formal rule, and neither the Clad Family nor the Anastasia Union would ever use them. Even new arrivals wouldn’t dare. Attempting to obtain or use bombs would make them enemies of all of Exembra.
Of course, such things are also illegal in any town governed by law.
However, in a collapsed nation like the former Retnark, there is no real order. It’s a lawless zone where the strongest rule.
Explosives are efficient tools for killing and intimidation. In a world without rules, those who can get them will use them.
"Exembra’s rules and common sense don’t apply here."
"Yes, in the underworld of a collapsed nation. But how are they obtaining the bombs?"
"We have that information. In a collapsed nation, many skilled individuals are out of work. Former magical artifact engineers and others who didn’t quite make it in their fields are available. While competent professionals have likely moved to other countries, there are still a number of less competent ones around."
"True, but that’s not something we can criticize."
Indeed, it’s plausible that these individuals are making crude bombs for quick money.
They might even be obtaining defective magical artifacts from other countries and converting them into bombs for the armed factions in the former Retnark.
"Since the evidence is confirmed, it’s likely they will carry out their plan, even if the reasons are unclear."
"Yes, but crushing them without understanding the reasons might lead to similar attacks from other organizations. There’s even a possibility that multiple groups are working simultaneously."
"Unless the Boid Gang is acting alone, dealing with a puppet master would be more complicated. Yukari, what do you think?"
Hmm.
"Too many unknowns. The reasons for targeting the Arena, the officials, and spreading rumors about fixed matches are unclear."
"We are investigating, but the reasons remain elusive. Should we capture a few of the Boid Gang members and interrogate them?"
We avoided rough methods to avoid conflicts with organizations from other regions.
With the Arena tournament approaching, a misunderstanding leading to a fight could cause significant trouble. Our management capabilities could be questioned. Therefore, we needed to investigate carefully. If it’s a confirmed attack, then we can respond.
Starting a fight without proper investigation could also cause issues if the Boid Gang has ties to the Clad Family or the Anastasia Union.
If such ties were discovered, it could lead to significant problems in Exembra’s current stable setup. We would need to explain the situation and seek approval or assistance from them.
However, we’ve confirmed that the Boid Gang is not affiliated with any such organizations, which is a relief.
"Given the circumstances, it’s clear we’re being provoked. We have every right to retaliate."
That’s right. We’re dealing with lawless bandits from a collapsed nation. They don’t follow rules or reason.
We must act decisively and strike first.
"Mary is right. Yukari, what do you think?"
"Yeah, let’s cut to the chase. They might be trying to hide, but we know what’s going on. We’ll strike first and crush them. The Intelligence Bureau should remain vigilant for any other movements, and we’ll interrogate them after the operation."
Exactly. We’ve obtained this information early, so acting promptly will allow us to stay ahead, even if there are multiple layers of plots.
"Great, I like that! I have a few members from Boigle. They’d be perfect for this. Let me send them!"
"Ah, Paula, that’s not fair."
Our members are eager, which is a good sign.
Several have volunteered or shown interest, but having multiple members from Boigle makes it logical to assign them the task. They might even have local contacts.
The Fifth Combat Unit is small, but since we’ll be targeting them piecemeal, it’s a manageable task. This is a good opportunity to demonstrate our untouchable status to the former Retnark.
"Then I’ll assign this to Paula. The Fifth Combat Unit will launch a full-scale operation as soon as they’re ready. They will coordinate with local Intelligence Bureau members to raid the Boid Gang, ensuring all explosives are destroyed. Interrogations will be conducted on-site. We’ll also send a team from the Combat Support Unit to assist."
"Graylease should also go and handle the interrogations. This case has many concerning aspects."
Agreed.
"By the way, Josephine, how will we handle the rumors? The fixed matches and bomb plots could still spread."
"We’re already addressing that. We’re spreading a mix of true and false rumors to bury any malicious ones. The fixed matches and bomb plots will just be part of the many stories circulating."
Clever. Impressive as always.
"Even with the Intelligence Bureau’s good work, everyone else should remain vigilant about rumors and the general atmosphere. This applies until the tournament and even after it’s over. We can’t afford any mishaps!"
"Got it!"
With that, the meeting concluded, and the senior staff returned to their tasks.
Paula, Shelby, and Graylease were the busiest, preparing for the mission. The rest of the staff, while not directly involved, also needed to stay alert.
Regular patrols would be more thorough, and we’d gather information from locals about suspicious individuals. The Administration Bureau, known for managing the pleasure districts, was also skilled in information gathering.
Even the Construction Bureau and the R&D Bureau had close ties with guilds and merchants.
With our extensive network, it’s difficult for anything to go unnoticed.
The Security Bureau would ensure no one could infiltrate the Arena, and the Secretariat and Public Relations Bureau would coordinate to gather and share information with relevant parties. The tournament is a communal event, and we must be prepared for any eventuality.
While most departments were busy, the Internal Audit Bureau and the Instruction Bureau, along with Rosabel and Colette’s Healing Bureau, continued their usual routines.
Siegrune and Gradena focused on training the Headquarters Direct Response Unit.
Days passed after Paula’s team set out.
Enjoying a peaceful autumn afternoon in the Rooftop Garden, we had a tea party.
The garden, tended by Lily, was filled with colorful cosmos flowers, creating a cheerful atmosphere.
"Onee-sama, would you like a refill?"
Lily and Frederica were with us, enjoying the flowers and the passing clouds while savoring the tea.
"Yes, please. This tea is excellent, isn’t it? Did it come from Torietta-san?"
"Yes, when Brillonvest opened their second store, Yukari generously provided the materials. As a thank you, they sent us a large quantity of high-quality tea and alcohol. They’ll also prioritize our orders at the second store."
I knew Brillonvest had been thriving, especially after opening the second store due to an increase in apprentices.
"I provided the prime location, so it’s only fair. Besides, with our relationship with Torietta-san, it’s nothing new."
"Lately, my clothes appear automatically..."
The new store opened in an area we secured on Central Avenue. My clothes, from undergarments to battle gear, are all made by Torietta, and our friendship continues.
"Brillonvest’s haute couture is so popular now that even wealthy merchants can’t easily get their hands on it. Imagine how many people would envy you."
"Frederica, I’m sure they’d make something for you if you asked."
"I have what I need, but I’ll consider it if necessary."
Frederica is still obsessed with collecting and researching magical artifacts whenever she has the time and money. It’s a good sign that she’s losing interest in gambling, though her spending habits haven’t changed.
"Despite the intense competition, most stores in Exembra are thriving under the Three Great Families. The recent troubles haven’t affected them, and the peace continues."
While Paula and her team are dealing with the chaos in the former Retnark, Exembra remains calm and peaceful.
Just then, the head of the Intelligence Bureau appeared.
"Ah, what a lovely scent. Can I have a cup?"
Josephine took a seat next to Valeria, who was pouring tea, and grabbed a pastry, then gulped down the hot tea, blinking back tears from the heat.
We watched her with a mix of exasperation and concern.
"What are you up to, anyway? You’re not here just for a break, are you?"
"No, I have a report from Boigle. It’s not good news."
This doesn’t sound promising.
What new trouble has emerged?
No matter what, we can’t back down. We must face it head-on.
"Let’s get straight to it. The mastermind behind this is the Donditch organization from the northern neighbor."
"...What? Donditch is a northern neighbor?"
The story has shifted from the eastern collapsed nation to the northern neighbor.
Hmm, how are these connected? This seems even more complicated than I imagined.
I could do without this.