Chapter 321 - Wrapping Up Work in the Port Town
General's office behind us, we found Colonel and his apparent confidants kneeling with gagged mouths. Mary looked down at them, surrounded by a few members of General's Faction. Meanwhile, the disarmament of the surrendered forces was ongoing elsewhere in the base, and any minor resistance would soon be quelled.
Colonel is a hated enemy for General, who lost his wife and unborn child to him. The rage over that loss is unimaginable. Yet, General, as a commander, suppresses his emotions and doesn't act on impulse. He's a formidable man.
However, we haven't heard the full story from General himself, so we continue to pretend we don't know. Even if it's revealed later that we knew, maintaining this pretense can sometimes be a matter of etiquette. It's best to continue it here.
"Sir, the traitors are yours to deal with."
"…I am grateful. Lieutenant, proceed with the interrogation."
"Yes, sir."
Witnessing this exchange, these men seem like proper soldiers, hardly the pirates they are. Perhaps they are trying to maintain a professional demeanor in front of us.
Colonel, being dragged away, glares with bloodshot eyes, filled with hatred and defiance. His last stand, though impressive, isn't something a sensitive criminal could pull off. Neither we nor General's men are that delicate.
The tragic end of a villain is a common tale, not worth dwelling on. In a few weeks, we'll probably forget all about him.
What concerns me is what will happen to Colonel's subordinates. I hope they can be retained as a fighting force, but if they pose a threat, it might be better to eliminate them. That decision lies with General.
Moreover, the sudden appearance of a mysterious group of women who effortlessly quelled the rebellion has left General's Faction in a state of intense tension. Despite being former professional soldiers, they must recognize the difference in skill and professionalism.
General's side was cornered by Colonel's sudden attack. Yet, Mary and her team, with minimal numbers, not only turned the tide but did so without killing anyone. This display of overwhelming strength must make them feel increasingly uneasy. If we wanted to, we could easily turn on General's men as well.
This is exactly what we intended. We aren't just recruiters; we're also here to show the pirates the dire consequences of defiance or betrayal. A friendly attitude now can quickly turn hostile. They must realize they could end up like Colonel.
In essence, our recruitment is coercive. While we help General's Faction, we also demonstrate our exceptional combat prowess. The smart ones will understand this. At the very least, I believe General and his lieutenant do.
"What's this, another commotion?"
Rosabel-san returned at just the right moment. Her deliberately light tone is meant to ease the tense atmosphere. With her years of experience, this is child's play.
"The main issues are resolved. Rosabel-san, we'd like you to join the subsequent discussions."
"Of course. But they'll be busy with the aftermath. Let's keep it brief and head back."
Next, we discussed the future plans. Once these were decided, Rosmerta's subordinates would handle the details. Our mission was to set the initial framework. Once the two sides were connected, they could proceed on their own.
I stood as a formal guard during the negotiations, observing the proceedings. There were no obstacles. For General's men, this was a chance to return to the military. If they perform well, they could even rise in rank under the Duke's favor.
Given the internal strife and killings among the pirates, this was the perfect opportunity to change sides. The former rival nations' naval forces had no grudges, which is why Rosmerta likely decided to recruit them.
In the end, General agreed to the terms, sending his lieutenant to the Royal Capital of Brenark to finalize the agreement. If certain conditions were met, they would even participate in the attack on the old Retnark port town under Duke Oversta's command. This would be a perfect opportunity for General to earn military honors and repay some of his debts to Duke Oversta.
For Rosmerta, this was the ideal outcome. The prestige of House Oversta and the Duchess would only grow.
While it might seem like a quick change of heart, the chaotic era of old Retnark is ending. As a leader, General must consider the future of his subordinates. He appears to be a capable man.
Of course, the smooth negotiations were due to our prior groundwork. The legendary healer Rosabel and the noble and virtuous Siegrune were the perfect negotiators.
Finally, we received General's handwritten letter to deliver to Rosmerta. This marked the near completion of our mission.
"Then, we'll take our leave."
"Perhaps we won't meet again, but don't forget this favor."
As expected, Rosabel-san. Unlike the formal Siegrune, she is more straightforward and charismatic.
Balancing friendliness and pressure, we left a strong impression. Future negotiations should go smoothly.
We joined Valeria and the Second Combat Unit in the hall, declared we didn't need a send-off, and boarded the boat. "This is Siegrune. The operation was a success. Everyone, withdraw."
We informed the team secretly remaining on the island and returned to the mother ship. The return journey was uneventful, and once we reached Rigaheim, the mission would be nearly over.
We planned to finalize the details at our warehouse base.
"Information Bureau and some members of the Second Combat Unit will remain in Rigaheim. The rest will return to Exembra."
"Can we leave the negotiations with the shipping guild to the Secretariat, Vice-Commander?"
"Yes, Heidi. Frederica and April's secretaries will handle it. They should manage it smoothly, but it's unfamiliar territory. Everyone, please assist them."
Starting legitimate operations requires various procedures with different organizations. The shipping guild, administration, and other related guilds. Many preparations are needed to start operations. This will be good experience for the Secretariat members. Our role was to lay the groundwork.
The Information Bureau members, who have been working here for a long time, probably want to return. They will have to endure a bit longer until replacements arrive.
"The Second Combat Unit will primarily guard Cafe Daisy and this base. They might also help the Secretariat."
"That's likely. Mary and the others can decide who stays. Ten should be enough."
To solidify the Kikyo Society's position in Rigaheim, many members will be sent, even if most will eventually withdraw. Many members want to experience life in a port town, so securing personnel shouldn't be a problem. The journey to and from Exembra is manageable, and it won't be a permanent assignment. It should be a light-hearted task.
Once we determine that operations are running smoothly, we plan to establish a proper branch. This will also help with organizational strengthening, not just business. Setting up a new branch is always challenging.
"We'll depart tomorrow morning. Everyone, pack your belongings. Yukari-dono, shall I head directly to the Royal Capital?"
I plan to have Siegrune and an Information Bureau member report the outcome to Rosmerta or one of her confidants in person. Face-to-face communication is better for conveying nuances and importance.
"Yes, a quick report is best. I might have gone, but Rosmerta tends to offload troublesome tasks to me. I'd rather avoid meeting him now."
"Heh, indeed. It's no laughing matter. He might ask us to suppress a difficult battlefield."
"He probably won't use us as frontline troops, but he might want us for covert operations like this one."
"If we're given new tasks, how will we handle them? We'll be busy with the war and its effects, which are already impacting the summer arena events."
The war's impact is uncertain, with invitations from other countries and domestic attendance being affected. The arena is a significant source of revenue for us and the higher-ups, so it's a serious matter.
The war's outcome is certain, but it's a full-scale conflict. Absorbing and governing the chaotic lands of old Retnark will be a massive undertaking, with many issues arising. Exembra can't remain unaffected, especially with the ongoing refugee crisis.
"Depending on the reward, we might consider it, but let's avoid overcommitting. We're busy too."
"Understood. If Rosmerta-sama asks for anything, I'll decline unless it's exceptional."
"Thank you. Let's go shopping for souvenirs."
We have to leave early tomorrow, so we should take care of any loose ends now. It's already late in the afternoon, but we have to make time.
"Onee-sama, Roberta and the others asked us to buy dried fish."
"Right. Colette also asked me."
"I'll come too."
"Let's all go to the market. We can get better deals if we buy in bulk."
"I was also asked to get local wine and sweets. More is better, right?"
Everyone is in the mood to buy souvenirs. The atmosphere suddenly feels like a trip.
"Food and drink are always welcome. Let's buy as much as we can!"
"Let's do it, let's do it!"
Our final battle will be at the market.
We've just completed a major operation. Tonight, we can let loose and celebrate. Let's buy souvenirs, indulge in fresh seafood, and toast to our success!