Chapter 322 - Returning to Daily Life is the Start of Trouble
The journey there is easy, but the journey back is fraught with danger. I don’t know the exact origin or meaning, but I think it’s a pretty good lesson when taken at face value. We, who are prone to trouble, should never let our guard down. Even if it’s hard to be constantly vigilant, we tend to relax on the way back after finishing important tasks. On the return trip, we continued moving without stopping in any towns, just like on the way there.
And so, we returned to Exembra. This bustling metropolis, filled with all sorts of unsavory characters, is our home. We passed through the different clusters of buildings and the cacophony of the city, eventually arriving at our unusual, fortress-like abode in a quiet residential area. Seeing this place, which stands out from its surroundings, always makes me feel like I’ve truly come home.
"Yukari!"
As I ascended from the underground parking to the office, I was greeted with a warm hug from a friend, who was accompanied by her younger sister. I happily returned the embrace.
"Frederica, have you guys put on a bit of weight?"
"Eh, what!?"
Stress eating, perhaps? I wanted to point out that our Kikyo Society is strict about beauty, but maintaining the ideal physique is a fundamental requirement.
While soothing my friend, who was in a bad mood from my straightforward comment, we made our way to the back of the office.
"Hey, you’re finally back."
"Yeah, we did our best to hurry. I think you’ve come to understand the responsibilities of the Third Seat, haven’t you?"
"Please, don’t make the President and Vice-Commander both absent at the same time. By the way, I haven’t seen Siegrune around."
"He’s in the Royal Capital. I’ll drop off my things and be right back."
Leaving Gradena, who was grumbling lightly, I headed to my room first. I had been receiving occasional reports about the situation in Exembra while we were in Rigaheim, so I had a general idea of what was going on.
Everyone who had returned from the expedition needed to unpack and was quite tired from the journey, so today would be a day off. Even the senior members like Mary and Valeria would take a break. I, however, couldn’t afford to rest.
It felt good to be back in my own room. In Rigaheim, we didn’t have individual rooms on the ship or in the warehouse, so I had been sharing space with everyone. It was fun, but sometimes, a person needs some alone time. It’s good to be home.
The urge to collapse onto the bed after putting down my luggage was strong, but I knew I’d struggle to get up again if I did.
"Can’t help it. Time to get to work."
I could rest later. Reinvigorated, I returned to the office. I listened to a quick summary of the recent events from Gradena and Frederica, who had been in charge during my absence.
Most issues had been handled by the team left in Exembra, so I only needed to hear a brief after-the-fact report. The main concern was the upcoming arena event.
We couldn’t rely on visitors from other countries. The Royal Capital, in particular, was busy with war preparations, and a large number of volunteers from Exembra had been mobilized. Additionally, as an industrial city, even the non-combatant residents were mostly occupied.
Still, people need entertainment, no matter the circumstances. Even with fewer visitors from other places, considering the population and the usual excitement in Exembra, the arena should see a decent turnout. At the very least, it should be a successful event.
The real issue was the decrease in revenue due to fewer visitors. With fewer people placing bets, a significant drop in sales was inevitable.
"The revenue from betting tickets and related lodging services is expected to decline. While the sales of recovery potions through the Healer Guild will increase significantly, and we managed to sell our ingots at a high price, it won’t be enough to cover the losses. Overall, we’re looking at a significant deficit."
"Well, that can’t be helped. We’re not in a position to capitalize on war-related demand. As long as we’re not in the red, there’s no need to worry."
It’s a shame we can’t count on the wealthy people from the Royal Capital. During a war, it’s unlikely that important figures would spend their time at the arena. Ethical considerations aside, they’re busy with war preparations and power struggles. Nobles and merchants have more pressing matters to attend to.
"Speaking of which, the Clad Family and Anastasia Union are really on the ball. The Clad Family is involved in the distribution of steel and textiles, and they’re doing great. The Anastasia Union has connections in Belliza, so it’s no surprise they’re strong."
Bellariza is at the forefront of magic item development, which ties into the lucrative business of war. The Anastasia Union has strong ties to the Magic Item Guild in their home country, so they’re likely to play a significant role in any collaborative efforts.
Seeing the extensive networks and organizational strength of these established groups makes us, the Kikyo Society, realize we still have a lot to learn.
Still, it’s impressive. The Five Great Families have dominated the underworld for generations, with connections in various fields.
When the McDallian Family and others were forced out, they didn’t just focus on surface-level territory but also secured various rights and privileges. Back then, there was a lot we knew but couldn’t do anything about.
No matter how much the Kikyo Society boasts about its military might, that alone isn’t enough. We’ve known this for a while. In this world, connections often determine success.
The Kikyo Society needs to broaden its horizons and adopt an aggressive approach. We still have a long way to go.
"Though it’s not a special demand, we recently completed a new request from Rosmerta-sama. It was a profitable job."
"Was that the one in the report? The mock battle with the Aurora Torch Knights?"
"Right, Ophelia’s Tenth Combat Unit handled it. It was a short-term job, but it brought in a decent amount of money."
The Aurora Torch Knights are a private knight order, so they won’t be called to fight in this war. The regular army and volunteers are more than enough to secure victory. Despite being under the patronage of the powerful, they won’t be needed.
Why would they openly conduct combat training? It’s likely part of the power struggle. The powerful Oustasta Duke and Rosmerta have many enemies. They’re essentially declaring that they’re always on guard and ready to respond to any suspicious activity. There are always those who think too much.
"Also, Lord Andar mentioned an important development. It seems the regulations on magic items are being relaxed. According to the headquarters, the changes are effective immediately and have already begun. We don’t have all the details yet, but it seems the speed limits on vehicles and regulations on weapons will be revised."
"Really? That’s a big deal."
This surprising news is probably causing a flurry of information gathering across the continent. It’s that important.
If the source were unreliable, I wouldn’t give it much thought, but since it came from the branch leader of the Magic Item Guild, it’s credible.
With the relaxation of regulations, we need to closely monitor the specific benefits we might gain.
"Even if it’s good news, I wonder what’s behind it. They’ve been strict about releasing such technologies until now."
"Lord Andar didn’t know the specifics. Something might have happened at the Magic Item Guild headquarters."
Even if we don’t know the full extent of the changes, the regulations on communication-related magic items might also be revised. The impact on weapons will be significant, and it will be a major change for countries and organizations across the continent.
Hmm, if organizations across the continent start updating and modifying their equipment, this could lead to a massive boom.
"We need to stay informed. We should coordinate with the Commerce Guild, Adventurer Guild, and Phantom Thief Guild, in addition to Lord Andar."
"Josephine is already on it."
I expected as much. She’ll handle it better than I could.
"We need to gather information more frequently. The domestic situation will change with the war, and we need to keep an eye on multiple fronts. It’s a hassle, but it’s important."
"Speaking of hassles, there’s something else. It seems there are more bounty hunters around."
"Bounty hunters?"
Right, you see...
"Yukari, you’re a wanted person, aren’t you? You’re a target."
"Oh, right. I’d forgotten about that."
It’s not worth worrying about, so I’d forgotten. The Medek-Legisamo Empire has a bounty on my head.
Still, I’m always up for a fight. The reward might be substantial, but I’ll take on anyone who wants to challenge me.
If they want my head, they should be prepared to lose theirs. Bring it on.
"Let’s put that aside. The immediate concerns are the arena event and the Rigaheim matter. How’s the preparation for sending personnel to Rigaheim coming along?"
"The selection has been completed, so there’s no problem. We’ll send them in two days."
"I’ll go too. It’s a potential new base, so I want to check it out."
"Fine, but don’t take more than three days. We can’t afford to have you idle."
"It’s not for fun, it’s an inspection!"
It feels like we’re back to our daily routine.
But I can’t afford to get complacent with the comfort of home. I’ll leave the Rigaheim and arena matters to the team and focus on other things. For the future.
As the early summer turned into full summer, the Kingdom of Brenark began its advance.
With an armed lawless zone right next door, the situation was fraught with unpredictable risks. The main concern was the merchants’ unease, and the ambitious nobles wanted to expand their territory and coastline. The confidence in a swift victory was a significant factor in this invasion.
This conflict is a turning point for the Kingdom of Brenark. It’s an opportunity for future generations to make a name for themselves or advance their careers. From the upper nobility to the lower ranks and even the common soldiers, the atmosphere is charged with excitement.
The previous king’s era saw a unilateral attack on the old Retnark, which isn’t a distant memory. For some, it might be a matter of revenge.
The domestic situation, once strained, has fully recovered, and the military is well-prepared. They’ve successfully infiltrated several towns through intrigue, leaving only a few troublesome armed strongholds to deal with.
The likelihood of the Kingdom of Brenark failing is extremely low, and the focus is already shifting to the post-war administration.
As for our Kikyo Society, known for our martial prowess, we’re staying out of the war. We were called to deal with the pirates, but we won’t be involved in the ground war. The victors are eager for glory, and there are enough of them to handle the battle.
Many are looking to the post-war landscape, and their desires will drive development.
But our involvement in the unstable Retnark territory is limited to Rigaheim. The impact of sending people there has made things a bit busy.
Still, the influx of new apprentices and the promotion of new members means we can maintain our operations in Exembra even with people in Rigaheim. This growth is a testament to the organization’s expansion.
As I finished my morning routine and reviewed the reports, it seemed we had a visitor.
From the slightly open door of the president’s office, I heard a noisy voice.
"Listen up! My niece’s husband is in deep trouble with a debt he didn’t even incur!"
"What’s this all of a sudden, lady? It’s early in the morning."
The visitor seemed to be the lady from the Lightning Street café, who we often help out.
"I can’t just sit back! My niece’s life is in danger, and I need to hide her here!"
"That’s unfortunate, but borrowed money must be repaid. What did he do to get into debt?"
Gradena, familiar with the lady, was handling the situation kindly. With everyone out, there was no one to pass the task to.
A debt consultation was unexpected. Even for the café lady, money matters require caution.
"It’s betting tickets, apparently. He got too involved with the arena."
"Come on, you shouldn’t borrow money for that. And from a bad person, no less?"
"He’s a no-good husband, but the creditors are loan sharks."
I see. That’s why she came to us.
"Interesting. Tell me more."
"Right? Listen up."
Another troublemaker has appeared.
Anyone who interferes with our business, no matter how insignificant, can’t be ignored.
Still, loan sharks are a new kind of trouble for us.
I left the lady’s handling to Gradena and finished reading the reports. By the time I left the office, the lady had already gone, sparing me her lengthy gossip.
Still, these rumors can sometimes be surprisingly useful.
---
Back home, a new trouble has already arrived.
In the next chapter, I’ll briefly explain, but be careful not to get involved with loan sharks, as it’s a criminal activity.
Continued in the next chapter: "The Sense of Impending Troubles!"