Chapter 270 - Business Before Winter
Fulaveneta and I stayed behind in the conference room for a chat.
"This is about the delinquent girls' rehabilitation program we took on for a fee."
"They were a bit of a waste, weren't they?"
"It's a contract, so there's no choice. We knew this would happen from the start, Lady Yukarinowe."
"I know, but still..."
We took in ten delinquent girls. Not only did we not let them idle away their time, but six out of ten actually made it to the final apprentice exam.
And all six passed! Those who passed such a rigorous exam!
Admittedly, some of them were slacking off at first, but it was still a grueling, nearly three-hundred-day ordeal. In terms of growth, this is the standard pace, but still.
The remaining four were deemed not ready for the final exam, but with a bit more training, they could probably take it.
Initially, it seemed like a tough sell, but their hard work and the efforts of the Instruction Bureau's members paid off. It was truly remarkable.
Out of the ten, six earned the right to become full members, but they won't join the Kikyo Society.
We took them in for a fee to rehabilitate them, so we have to send them back home. Even if they want to join us, we can't keep them. If we did, their parents would wonder why they paid us in the first place.
Some parents might have just wanted to get rid of them, but after seeing them face the final exam, they might change their minds. During the open house, they saw their daughters cooperate and defeat fearsome monsters, and when they met again, their daughters had impeccable manners and etiquette.
Not to mention, their attitudes were no longer bratty; they exuded a newfound presence. They seemed like entirely different people, and it's no wonder their parents' perceptions changed.
We all think it's a shame to let them go, but it's probably for the best.
After we instilled the Kikyo Society's principles, they'll be able to survive anywhere. It's invigorating to see strong women emerge.
Moreover, being the daughters of influential people, they might cross paths with us again. When that happens, I doubt they'll choose to oppose us. It might be advantageous, but it won't be a disadvantage.
If they ever get fed up with their families, they can always come back, but I've asked Fulaveneta to discourage that. Influential people have extensive networks, and they don't want unfavorable rumors to spread about their daughters being taken away.
Besides, if they have the strength to pass our final exam or get close to it, they should have the courage to stand up to their parents. If they're told to marry someone they don't like, they can just refuse. They have the skills to survive on their own, even without their parents' support. We teach them negotiation skills, so they can use them to their advantage.
In the end, influential people should live in the world of the influential and the ordinary. There's no need for them to join dangerous underground organizations. We mustn't forget that we are a collection of misfits who don't fit into society.
In any case, I believe this program was a near-perfect success, so I think we'll get more requests for similar paid rehabilitation programs. Specifically, Baron Icetoy, who managed this project, will likely bring us more business based on our success.
"This is just a prediction, but social events will heat up during the winter. Those delinquent girls will surely become a hot topic."
"Indeed. Even the ones who lack combat skills will excel in academics and etiquette. They'll seem like entirely different people."
In schools for young ladies and gentlemen, they don't teach the underside of society. Combined with the grueling training they endured, their experience is vastly different from those who only put on a facade. The intensity of their apprenticeship far surpasses any ordinary school.
"If they gain a good reputation, more requests for delinquent girls will come in."
"Of course. But I'm confident we'll achieve results that go beyond that."
"Interesting. You think even well-behaved girls will want to join us?"
That confidence is reassuring.
In reality, I doubt that girls from families with a certain level of wealth, who aren't influential, will be thrown into our program. Only those who aren't attending school and are considered delinquents end up here. It's unlikely to happen to ordinary girls.
"Thanks to Frederica, the Head of Operations, we received the expected budget and an increase in personnel. I'll continue to deliver results."
"I'm counting on you. With the increase in apprentices this fall, I'll be relying on you again."
Not just the apprentices, but the number of full members has also increased significantly from spring to fall.
With more members, various inconveniences are starting to arise, so I need to start implementing some solutions. A full reorganization isn't necessary, but I plan to introduce some new systems. Probably around the end of winter.
After our general discussion and small talk, we returned to tidying up the room.
It's been a few days since the move started.
The R&D Bureau was the only department to complete everything quickly, and its director is now setting off.
"Charlotte, if you need anything, whether it's money or materials, just let us know."
"I already have more than enough. I won't be able to return until I achieve results."
"That's the spirit. Don't worry if things don't go as planned. You can always come back, Charlotte. We need you here."
"Vice-Commander, thank you. I'm more concerned about the success of the other missions than my own."
Charlotte is heading to the Royal Capital for training to enhance her seal magic, and I've given her an additional mission.
"It's too much for you to be the only seal magic user. You should start taking on apprentices."
"Even without Lady Yukari's explicit permission, Charlotte's charm should be enough."
The mission is simple: recruit more seal magic users.
According to the information, there are a few female seal magic users at her training destination. With Charlotte's skill and charm, I expect she can persuade them to join.
However, this will be a case of poaching, so if she does it secretly, it could cause trouble with their workshops.
Therefore, the plan is to have them volunteer to join Exembra, and we'll pay a nominal fee to the workshop to maintain good relations. We can't just take their apprentices without proper compensation and respect.
We owe them a debt for the training, so we can't just silence them with money.
"I don't expect it to be easy, but I'll give it my best shot."
"That's the spirit. I'll look forward to seeing you again in the spring."
"Send a letter when you need to be picked up from the Royal Capital. Take care."
It's a temporary farewell, so there's no grand send-off.
Charlotte's departure has been planned for a while, so she's already taken care of a lot of things. We've had countless mini-send-offs, so it's not a big deal.
The R&D Bureau members will escort her to the Royal Capital, while we send her off from the office.
After seeing her off, we head to Sixth Avenue in the mid-afternoon on the Neutronstar Andromeda.
The loud noise of the vehicle announces our presence, declaring that the Kikyo Society's president is on the move.
Stopping at a sweets shop to promise to return later, we arrive at a high-end store. A welcoming staff member comes out to greet us.
"Welcome, President. Torietta-san has been eagerly waiting for you."
No need for a guide; I head straight to the back of the store.
The clothing shop Brillonvest has a second branch on Central Avenue, but Torietta-san prefers to stay at her original location.
"Yukari-san, I've been waiting!"
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Here, you wanted this material. It's a gift."
"Ah, always so helpful. Let's get started right away, shall we?"
"Right away? Well, I'll give you a general idea, and you can make it fit the theme."
She's clearly excited about my request.
The request is for staff uniforms for the Arena. I want to implement this for the next Arena event.
With a general idea, I'm confident Torietta-san will exceed my expectations.
Even with a vague idea, she can create something fantastic. The current staff uniforms, which are just regular clothes with a red armband, look a bit lazy.
"What kind of overall look are you going for?"
"Hmm, let me see..."
I describe the general idea I have in mind, and she sketches it out, gradually refining it.
I want something completely different from our usual style. For this, a Japanese-inspired design is the way to go. A traditional kimono would restrict movement, so I suggest something like a kyudo uniform.
"The collar should be continuous, stretching from the right to the left side, overlapping to cover the chest area?"
"Exactly. Not too loose, and the sleeves should reach just above the elbow. The arena has good air conditioning, and we need something that allows for easy movement."
"How will you keep the front closed? A zipper or buttons? It needs to stay closed when bending to avoid exposure."
I was thinking of using a belt or a tie, but for practicality, buttons might be better.
"Let's go with buttons, but hidden ones."
"It's shaping up to be a sleek design. What about the hem?"
"Since it'll be hidden, it can be simple. But maybe a bit longer, just above the knee, with slits in the front and back for ease of movement."
"Will you be wearing pants or a skirt underneath? How will the bottom look?"
Hmm, how do I explain hakama? The details don't matter much, but I need something that fits the theme.
"Think of it as a loose skirt-like pants. Something like extended culottes."
Exactly, just like what she sketched, complete with pleats.
Ideally, the top would have a belt, and the hakama would tie over it, but that's too complicated. A simple design that anyone can put on without instructions is ideal.
"The waist should have an adjustable fastener instead of a belt, and bold side slits. The top should be visible through these slits. This is important. Please make it look sharp overall."
"That's a bit vague, but I'll make a rough prototype for your feedback. I'm still trying to grasp the full image."
Torietta-san quickly cuts and sews some fabric, creating a rough version in no time.
Fitting it to my body, we make adjustments and try it on again.
"Wow, this is close. But the top could fit a bit more snugly, following the body's lines more closely. Not bulky, but with a rounded feel. The bottom's adjustable part could be a bit wider. And these side slits, they're perfect. Maybe a bit bolder?"
"Got it. I'll make a better version next. Why don't you enjoy some tea in the meantime?"
Torietta-san is now fully in work mode, completely engrossed in her task.
Her skilled hands move gracefully, and the kyudo-inspired uniform takes shape.
"What do you think of this?"
As expected of a master. She's taken my vague idea and brought it close to my ideal.
Putting it on and checking in the mirror, it looks good, but there's a problem. I should have noticed this earlier.
"The body's lines show more than expected..."
"Very sexy."
The chest area is a bit too prominent. It looks a bit unbalanced.
I could try wrapping a thick belt around the abdomen or binding the chest, but what to do?
"Ah, right. Let's add chest guards. That should help."
With the current prototype, the top is made of simple fabric, but the final version will be made of moon-white metal thread and lined with a comfortable inner layer. The chest guards will add a cool look.
"Is this the basic shape we're going for?"
"Yep. The final version will be moon-white on top and ink-black on the bottom. I also want a red stripe on the left arm."
The staff badge is a red armband. Even though we're making custom uniforms, I want to keep the look.
"Red stripe. I'll make a few prototypes, and then we can move to the final version. Should we make this a special order for everyone?"
"This time, we'll use the same design for everyone, so a special order isn't necessary. Five sizes should cover it. That should speed things up."
"Right. With a simple design, if the sizes are fixed, it should be faster to produce than a tailored coat."
Using my presidential privilege, I proceed with the plan.
Oh, right. While I'm at it, I'll have her make uniforms for the external staff too. A similar design, but with different colors for our members. No ultra-rare materials, though.
After discussing various details with Torietta-san and being forced to buy a lot of cakes, I return to the new headquarters.
In my room at the new headquarters, I go through some documents and think about the winter events.
The winter arena tournament won't be a free-for-all like in the fall but will feature champions in different categories, a decision made just recently.
This unique format is an original idea for Exembra. Typically, the main events in arenas are large-scale elimination matches, with casual one-on-one fights or monster battles during other times.
We didn't want to do the same old thing, so Exembra will offer something different.
Creating categories isn't easy, especially in a world with different races and magic. Weight classes, as I know them, don't really apply. We decided to categorize by weapon type.
This will allow us to create champions in each category. The title of "champion" has a great ring to it, and we can arrange many title matches for promotional purposes.
We'll have three categories for swords alone, so short sword users won't face greatsword users. After the first event, we'll make adjustments, but I believe this will motivate the competitors.
Of course, the champion from the fall tournament will be the strongest, but I'm also considering other formats, like team battles between guilds or defense team matches. We'll see once the category system is established.
The only departments that will be busy this winter are the arena and the gambling hall, so I urge them to get their preparations done quickly.
It feels great to see the backlog of work being cleared.
Once that's done, it's time for one of the Kikyo Society's traditional events!
The delinquent girls' future and Charlotte's journey were discussed, followed by my whimsical idea for the arena uniforms.
Arena-related topics will continue to appear, but they won't be the main focus for a while.
Next, the Kikyo Society will focus on a special winter training program to further enhance their skills.