Chapter 323 - A Premonition of Successive Troubles!
"Gradena, it seems you had an interesting story," Valeria said as she returned from outside. Lately, whenever I’m at the Headquarters, she’s been conducting practical combat training at the Instruction Bureau.
"Did you hear that? It wasn’t interesting at all. This time, it’s a bookie. That woman brought in a troublesome story," Gradena replied, sitting down on the sofa.
Indeed, it wasn’t interesting. As I sat down, Valeria joined me, and my younger sister immediately asked what the story was about.
"It’s a new troublemaker. A bookie has appeared."
"What’s a bookie?"
Surprisingly, many of our members didn’t know about them. They might have existed somewhere, but we just hadn’t been aware of them.
"Well, a bookie is someone who sells betting slips without being an official bookmaker," I explained.
"That’s right. They’re taking profits that should be ours. It’s like they’re picking a fight with us," Gradena added.
Exembra’s Arena is relatively new, and the only other gambling options have been casinos. There hasn’t been much room for bookies to thrive. However, with the growing attention to the Arena from across the continent, even the Clad Family and the Anastasia Union have started underground arenas. It’s not surprising that bookies have appeared.
The most notorious bookies are in Berliza, the most civilized nation on the continent. The Anastasia Union has run arenas there for a long time, so the history of bookies is also quite old. I’ve heard that the authorities and bookies are still playing cat and mouse.
From what I remember, bookies are quite diligent. They check official odds, study the strengths and current form of top fighters, and analyze matchups. They’re careful to avoid significant losses, sometimes refusing to sell betting slips or redirecting customers to other bookies.
Their diligence and caution aside, they also try to provide better service than official bookmakers to attract customers. Because they’re smaller, they have lower overhead and can offer higher payouts. They even have systems to refund a portion of losses or allow regulars to buy on credit.
To boost betting slip sales, they create stories around matchups and come up with catchy slogans for individual fighters. It’s quite an impressive marketing effort.
Worse yet, some bookies also lend money, which is the worst-case scenario. Lending requires significant capital and organizational power, but it’s a typical method to drain people dry. This isn’t just a bookie operation; it’s a criminal organization. In this case, the woman’s relative got caught in it.
The source of the bookie’s funding is the real issue. I don’t think the Clad Family or the Leader are involved, and it’s unlikely that someone in the organization is acting independently. If the Three Great Families were breaking their agreements, they’d face severe consequences.
The most plausible explanation is a new organization. Given that they’re also lending money, it’s unlikely to be the work of an individual.
A bookie combined with a loan shark operation isn’t something an amateur would start. It’s more likely that a foreign organization has come to town.
"Onee-sama?"
"Hmm? You got the information from that woman, right?"
"Yeah, she squeezed the information out of her no-good husband. He told her everything about who got him involved. We don’t know who the enemy is, but we can find out if we go there."
Indeed, after years of working together, that woman knows how to use us.
She’s a reliable neighbor.
"I’m glad we can save some trouble."
"I’m bored, so I’ll go pay a visit. Want to come, Valeria?"
"I’ll go."
"We need to thoroughly investigate the background. Bring one of them back."
"Got it. I’ll bring three or so."
With a confident smile, the two of them left, excited.
However, when they returned, they brought unexpected news.
"Ah, right. When we got there, everyone was already dead. It probably happened sometime between last night and this morning."
"Seven people were down. There was nothing of value left."
The bookie’s hideout was in a buffer zone between our territory and the Clad Family’s. The buffer zone is filled with small, emerging organizations and those not affiliated with the Three Great Families. It could have been a result of internal conflict, or they might have been targeted for their shady business.
Or, it could be that the Clad Family took them out for running an underground arena. Leaving the bodies behind could be a warning. In that case, there might still be more of them.
In any case, losing seven people is a significant blow for a new organization. Most organizations not affiliated with the Three Great Families are small, with a few to a dozen members. For some, this could be a devastating loss. The bookie operation is likely out of business or at least out of commission for a while.
"It’s unsettling. But if they’re out of business, that’s fine."
"I’m curious who did it, but in the buffer zone, we won’t get much useful information."
Most people in the buffer zone have their own reasons for living in such a dangerous area and are generally uncooperative with the Three Great Families.
"Let’s have Josephine investigate."
"Right. We need to explain to the woman who brought us the information. Two of you, pass it on to the Intelligence Bureau."
"Sure. Yukari, things are getting fishy."
Even in a city like Exembra, where criminals abound, a mass murder of seven people is unusual, especially outside of a conflict.
We can’t ignore what happened in the buffer zone.
It would be better if the Clad Family had taken care of it, but even with a positive outlook, things usually turn out to be more troublesome.
Sigh, I wonder what’s going to happen next.
Despite the sense of impending trouble, time marches on.
Even with wars and murders, Exembra remains relatively peaceful. After the incident, there were no significant follow-ups.
Today, as usual, the Arena hosted its scheduled events, and everything proceeded smoothly.
With fewer important guests attending the Arena, I’ve had more free time. I used to delegate most of the tedious meetings to the Vice-Commander and other executives, but I still had to handle some. Now that those are gone, I have even more free time.
Not just me, but the entire Kikyo Society has fewer people involved in the Arena. We’ve outsourced much of the security, so the Security Bureau only needs to focus on key areas and handle complex situations. The Healing Bureau and Public Relations Bureau are the busiest, but not excessively so.
The members in Rigaheim are the busiest, but overall, the Kikyo Society is quite idle.
We still have regular patrols and duties, but the relentless pace has eased. Everyone can take turns on vacation and recharge.
I’ve had more time to indulge in my hobbies.
I’ve started working on time-consuming magic research, visited the Dominic Cruel Workshop more often, and spent more time chatting with Torietta-san.
It’s not good to be constantly busy. It’s okay to relax sometimes.
Today, I’m enjoying my free time.
I’m taking the Bloomstar Galaxy for a spin on the empty plains. The hot summer air feels refreshing as I speed through it. I might even make a detour to the Royal Capital for some street food.
The speed limit set by the Magic Item Guild used to be thirty kilometers per hour, but it’s now been raised to seventy. My beloved vehicle is more than capable, but I’ll take advantage of the new limit.
"Since I’m here, I might as well enjoy the benefits of the new speed limit."
On the way back, I’ll take the road between the Royal Capital and Exembra. The road is well-maintained, so I don’t have to worry about bumps. It’s quite comfortable.
With time to spare, I even stopped at an inn along the way for tea.
"Hmm, it’s peaceful."
This inn used to be significant because of the thirty-kilometer speed limit, but what will happen now?
Even if we don’t always travel at top speed, being able to cover the distance at seventy kilometers per hour means we can easily travel between the Royal Capital and Exembra without an overnight stay. This is a significant change.
Even a small increase in speed can bring about significant social changes. The Magic Item Guild’s influence is truly remarkable.
"Damn, everything’s so dull."
"What’s going on? No war, just a peaceful day."
"Idiot! You were the one who said things were looking up in Brenark."
"Yeah, but it’s a war. It’s a good opportunity for us. You must have thought the same, right?"
These noisy people are ruining my tea time.
"Coming all the way to this backwater, only to be told we’re not needed. This is ridiculous!"
"Hmph, I should have stayed in Berliza."
"You only came because of your manners. What’s your problem now?"
"Right, right. We should have listened to the leader."
They seem to be part of a mercenary group, all the way from Berliza. What a hassle.
Well, with these nuisances around, I can’t enjoy my tea. I’ll leave.
As I stood up, I naturally drew attention. My overflowing vitality and beauty are irresistible to commoners, and my elegant white coat enhances my appearance.
I’ll let them look from a distance. Go ahead, look all you want. Being noticed is part of the job.
"Hey, hey! Wait up, you there!"
It seems they’re talking to me.
I don’t exude a commoner’s vibe, but there are always fools who don’t know their place. It’s a burden of being beautiful.
Still, it’s not worth engaging with every one of them.
I ignored the catcall and walked towards my vehicle, but the persistent ones didn’t give up. Annoying.
"Hey, I said wait!"
"Hey, cut it out. Do you really like her that much?"
"Haha, you’re not her type, ugly. It’s embarrassing."
"Shut up! Look closer! Her back, her back. I’ve seen that face before, no doubt about it!"
"What? Her back?"
"Her back... the flower crest, I’ve seen it somewhere."
"That’s right, a wanted poster!"
Damn, this isn’t a catcall. What a bother.
"It’s a wanted poster from the Empire. I only saw part of it, but I recognized that face."
"I remember, I remember! Haha, this is our lucky day!"
"Seriously? That flower crest, could it be the two-billion-zist bounty?"
"Our luck is turning! That’s the woman the leaders and executives were after. She’s the top of the easy targets list!"
"Capture her alive!"
This is the first time I’ve encountered bounty hunters. What do they mean by "easy target"?
Two billion is a substantial amount. Most people would consider her a formidable opponent. Oh well, bring it on.
I mounted the Bloomstar Galaxy and put on my sunglasses.
"Wait!"
"We’re not letting her get away!"
I revved the engine to scare them off.
When they quieted down, I spoke.
"Don’t act above your station. I’ll play along, but come outside the town."
"Shut up, we’re not letting you go!"
"Why would I run from the likes of you? Dealing with bodies here would be a hassle. I’ll go ahead."
This is a good way to pass the time. My equipment, including my coat, is ready. I’m more than capable of handling these fools.
I’ve heard that bounty hunters are after me. I’ll make an example of a few, and the rest will think twice about approaching.
I started the bike slowly, and they scrambled to get into their vehicles. More people, seemingly bored, also joined the chase.
Even if they’re just curious, most would avoid getting involved. They must be very bored and curious, or maybe they think it could be a good opportunity.
For me, it’s just a way to pass the time. I have nothing to hide.
Alright, I’ll give them a show they won’t forget!
As you can see, the bookie issue will have lingering consequences. It will progress in a few chapters.
The second half of this chapter is a slice of daily life. The next part continues with more mundane scenes.