Chapter 275 - A Swift Strike Following the Thaw
My trip abroad has a less-than-idyllic purpose: an assault.
I spent much of the winter on intensive special training and organizational reforms, leaving little time for other tasks. I attended a few meetings related to the Arena, but I left the operational side to others. I often delegated my responsibilities to other executives, and the same went for unrelated matters that didn't involve the Arena.
So, I guess you could call me a hands-off president. Luckily, I have trustworthy team members; otherwise, I wouldn't have enough bodies to handle everything. I thought winter was a slow period, so I crammed in a lot of work, only to end up busier than ever. The grueling daily training, endless deskwork, and executive meetings have pushed my stress levels to the brink.
Just when I needed to do something about it, the long-awaited thaw finally arrived. Even with the snow not completely melted, I'm ready to go anywhere.
"Anyway, I'm heading to Donditch."
"But with the snow still around, won't long-distance travel be difficult?"
"Don't worry. I'll clear the snow as I go."
We were having a tea break in my office. The garden is still a work-in-progress for spring, so there's nothing to see there. Plus, the gloomy sky does nothing to lift my spirits. Lately, my stress has been making me more aggressive. Even the fragrant Etoile Felt tea leaves can't soothe my restlessness.
Frederica and Josephine, sitting at the table, look exasperated by my state.
"Well, I won't stop you, but could you wait a couple more days? Someone will be back with the latest report, so you can get the most recent information."
"Alright. I'll prepare for the trip. As for the latest information, that's fine, but I assume the groundwork is going well?"
"It's all set. Even if it gets a bit noisy, we won't face any repercussions."
The Intelligence Bureau handled the groundwork. Our target is the Ljungberg Family, a major organization controlling the city of Tanbury in western Donditch. It's impossible to take them down quietly, so we needed the groundwork.
We must retaliate against the masterminds behind the attempted bombing at the Exembra Arena. It's not just about our feelings; as one of the Three Great Families of Exembra, we need to save face. When organizations grow, saving face becomes non-negotiable, even if it's a hassle.
However, causing chaos in another country is, of course, a crime. The underworld of Exembra and the connections in the Royal Capital are one thing, but Retnark, a collapsed state, is another.
So, we reached out to the ruling class in Tanbury.
The Ljungberg Family is a major organization in the city, so taking them down would upset some and please others. The Intelligence Bureau worked on aligning these interests and bribing key figures while gathering information on our targets.
"Securing secret approval to take down a family in another country isn't just a matter of money. It's impressive how you managed it."
"It was a combination of ample funds, Yukari-san's connections, and successful interest alignment. Once they realize it's in their best interest to let us take them down, they'll comply easily. It's a simple and clear-cut situation."
"Have you even set up a successor?"
"Not exactly a puppet, but close enough."
Josephine nods, but I can sense the hard work behind her calm demeanor. After taking down a major organization, the replacements must be on good terms with the local authorities. Maneuvering such a large organization isn't easy, and the detailed plan they came up with is their greatest achievement.
Once the plan is set, my connections come into play.
Donditch, unlike the reborn Brenark, is a country with rigid traditions and customs. It's not the kind of place that would readily support a foreign woman's schemes. Even with generous bribes and good proposals, things wouldn't go smoothly.
That's where my connections came in—agents.
I invested heavily in the Buladesh Company, which operates on Central Avenue in Exembra. They've expanded their operations to include foreign trade, and I had them introduce me to a promising individual in Donditch.
Using our funds and information, this agent posed as the mastermind, working with the city's officials to lay the groundwork. If successful, this ambitious agent would gain significant influence in western Donditch and a strong connection to our Kikyo Society.
For us, taking down the Ljungberg Family and gaining a direct connection to a powerful figure in western Donditch is a win-win.
"Setting up the enemy's destruction, creating international connections, and even planning to recover expenses—truly, I can't sleep with the Intelligence Bureau."
"Indeed. If there's any surplus after the expenses are recovered, it will go to the Intelligence Bureau."
"That would be appreciated by the members who have been working on the ground."
Josephine's Intelligence Bureau operatives did an excellent job. Not only did they set everything up, but they also had a plan to recover the expenses. The Ljungberg Family is known to be quite wealthy, with profitable underground arenas and a vast collection of rare items. Seizing these would cover our costs and even leave a profit.
"So, Yukari, who are you taking with you this time?"
"Hmm, they're a large organization with no distinctive features, right?"
"Exactly. There are no formidable enemies to be wary of, and internal power struggles are weak. Taking out the key executives should cause the organization to crumble on its own. Plus, the powerful backers have been neutralized, so they won't put up much resistance."
"In that case, we don't need many people. Valeria will come, and maybe Liliane and Paula."
Liliane and her team are perfect for magical support during travel. Clearing the snow will make the journey smoother, and her Ninth Combat Unit is known for their powerful and diverse magic, making them valuable beyond just combat.
Paula, who was involved in taking down the Boid Gang, the ones who were almost recruited by the Ljungberg Family for the bombing, will want to see it through.
With the combat unit leaders and a few more from each unit, we'll have more than enough.
"Well, it's a straightforward mission with the noisy authorities silenced. It's a relief to not have to worry about unnecessary trouble."
I need to relieve my stress quickly to enjoy this tea properly.
Two days later, everything went smoothly.
Lately, I've been grabbing anyone I see at headquarters for tea. Being alone can be depressing, and idle chatter during tea breaks helps pass the time.
"Fulaveneta just told me that Baron Icetoy has made another proposal."
"About the delinquent girls?"
"Yes. They were a hit this winter season. Baron Icetoy has received many requests. I saw them at a party, and they were quite noticeable."
Those girls. I expected more requests, but multiple?
"I didn't think there were that many delinquent girls. What's going on?"
Maybe a delinquent boom? That could be interesting.
"Some proposals are for short-term programs during the long break."
I see. Not a full overhaul but more like a short-term school. Whatever form it takes, if the Instruction Bureau approves, I have no objections.
Today, I'm having tea with Siegrune and Valeria. Siegrune is busy as my representative, while Valeria, who primarily guards me, has no current assignments and is quite free.
We were discussing the many apprentices set to graduate in spring when Josephine appeared, looking serious.
"I have a report from Tanbury."
"You look like you have something to say."
I expected a report confirming everything was ready, but it seems there's a problem.
"It's a bit of a mess."
She began as soon as she sat down, and the three of us listened intently.
"The agent was killed."
Oh, that's a sudden turn of events.
The groundwork should have been discreet enough to avoid detection by the Ljungberg Family.
"Who did it?"
"A Ljungberg Family assassin. It seems the information leaked from one of the officials we had on our side."
"I see. But the work done so far isn't wasted, right?"
"The agent had several subordinates and had secured significant bribes, so the groundwork isn't immediately invalidated."
"Onee-sama."
"Yes, we'll move forward while it's still effective."
We planned to act quickly from the start. The death of the ambitious agent won't change our plans.
Our primary goal is to retaliate for the bombing. We need to focus on that.
"Yukari-san, we've successfully turned some members of the Ljungberg Family. Please don't aim for total annihilation. Our local members will guide you to the targets, so once they're dealt with, please return."
"The leaked information is concerning. If it was intentional, the Ljungberg Family might be prepared for the assault. Please be cautious of traps."
"They're looking into that. By the time we arrive, we should have more information. But the sudden setback is unsettling. We've thoroughly investigated Tanbury, but there are still unknown forces in western Donditch. Please be careful."
"I'll handle whatever comes my way."
If someone accepted a bribe and then betrayed us, they're an enemy, no matter who they are. We need to hold them accountable for the death of our Kikyo Society agent.
"Siegrune, take care of things in Exembra. Josephine, focus on the pirate investigations. I'll leave tomorrow morning to take care of the miscellaneous tasks. I want to put Donditch behind me as soon as possible."
It's a trip abroad, but the purpose is an assault, not sightseeing. Still, it'll be a good stress reliever, and I'm looking forward to it.
The next morning, Paula and five members of the Fifth Combat Unit, Liliane and five members of the Ninth Combat Unit, along with a guide from the Intelligence Bureau and a few members of the Combat Support Unit, gathered. I was there, along with Valeria.
Our black and moon-white coats were adorned with the Kikyo crest and other decorations, giving us a proud and intimidating presence. I wore my usual black long coat, with the gold badge at the chest standing out against the black. The skill insignia and peony patches added a touch of class.
Valeria wore a moon-white duffle coat, Paula a moon-white trench coat, and Liliane a black cloak. Their sharp silhouettes, various badges, and the Kikyo crest on their backs made them all look very cool.
The other members wore coats that matched their styles, but there was a unified look. It was a great start, and my spirits were high.
"Take care of the driving, please."
"Will do. Leave it to me."
The driving was handled by the Combat Support Unit, ensuring a smooth and safe journey.
We set off in a convoy of three large Jeeps and one medium truck.
"Clearing the snow as we go... sounds fun."
The calm and collected elf, Liliane, looked genuinely excited. Her gentle smile belied her formidable combat skills.
"Finally, we can take down the masterminds. I've been waiting for this."
Paula, known for her rough and tough demeanor, sounded even more impressive in her stylish outfit. Having fun-loving and reliable fighters like Paula and Bonnie makes for a great travel companion.
"Alright, let's go cause some chaos. We'll show the fools in Donditch just how terrifying the Kikyo Society can be."
No matter what surprises await, we'll crush them. We have the strength to do it.
My body is already tingling with the anticipation of the chaos to come.