Chapter 325 - Run, Maidens!
In the Kingdom of Brenark, mercenaries from all over the continent are reportedly gathering. However, this war is practically a foregone conclusion from the start. With local mercenaries not needed, the kingdom can secure a decisive victory, leaving no room for outsiders to participate. This is something that can be determined with proper situational analysis.
Those who have gathered are either bored tourists or foolish individuals who made a wasted trip. As for the mercenaries, they are not our concern, but the bounty hunters pose a problem. There seems to be a reason why they are gathering in Exembra.
It's not just that I and Cloud Cutter have wreaked havoc in the Medek-Legisamo Empire. Exembra has long been notorious not only as a rapidly developing economic hub but also as a den of iniquity.
While those seeking to benefit from economic development are one thing, the influx of criminals is a significant point. Bounty hunters are drawn to Exembra because many wanted criminals are hiding here.
It's a revelation, really. It makes sense why bounty hunters would gather. I must have overlooked it, but I'm sure this has been the case for a while.
Information from various sources suggests that the Kingdom of Brenark's army is steadily expanding its control and defeating troublesome armed groups one after another. There are even rumors that they might declare victory within days.
And through the Duchess, I know these rumors are true. The war will soon be over, and we will face a significant turning point.
If the former Retnark territory is integrated, the kingdom will become extremely busy—probably even more so than during wartime. Not only will the territory roughly double, but we will also gain a coastline. Noble families will likely clash over the governance of the new territories, and the national strategy will change with the addition of a coastline. It won't be a time for merchants, both domestic and foreign, to sit idly by.
Everyone will move with various motives, leading to a chaotic yet festive daily life. Many are already preparing for the future.
Furthermore, the Magic Item Guild's policy shift is a massive change.
Until now, the monopolized magic items were heavily regulated. However, they are now gradually relaxing these regulations, forcing not only major organizations but also smaller ones to adapt.
Naturally, we, the Kikyo Society, must also adapt.
We risk falling behind if we can't keep up with the changing times. Fortunately, we are an organization of young, flexible members.
For an ambitious organization like ours, change is an opportunity. We won’t be left behind.
"Onee-sama, are you still working?"
Valeria and Frederica entered the President's office while I was deep in thought. It seems Siegrune is also here.
"Let's take a break. I'll make some tea."
"Yeah, is Gradena at the Arena?"
"She said she was looking for interesting fighters."
It must be a fun job, combining her hobby with work.
A good fighter is a cash cow for the management, so Gradena's research is important. I hope she keeps up the good work.
We moved to the reception area in the office and chatted.
Today's snacks were crispy cookies, which were soothing for my tired brain.
"By the way, did you read the report from the Intelligence Bureau about the bookie killings?"
"No, I haven't."
"I haven't either. Have the details been revealed?"
The incident where unauthorized bookies selling bets for the Arena were killed by unknown assailants happened just a few days ago. We had it investigated as a precaution, but the perpetrators and the identity of the bookies remain unknown.
"It's not confirmed yet, but it seems the Anastasia Union is involved on both sides."
"What, the Anastasia Union in the buffer zone between us and the Clad Family? And they were causing trouble in our territory? What’s going on?"
"That they were both the Anastasia Union is quite intriguing."
Just thinking about it sounds complicated. I wouldn’t be able to handle it without the soothing presence of my junior, munching on cookies beside me.
"Apparently, all the dead bodies were examined, and they were all beastmen. Furthermore, there are reports of Anastasia Union members being spotted around the time of the killings. However, there’s no concrete evidence, and it could just be a coincidence."
"Even so, if the Anastasia Union is responsible, it’s not a peaceful situation. If it’s true, it could be a purge for breaching an agreement."
"Perhaps. If lower-ranking members of the Anastasia Union were running the bookies without our knowledge, they might have taken care of it themselves before we could. After all, it's a martial organization."
But this is a strange situation. At least in Exembra, the Anastasia Union was supposed to be a well-organized group centered around the Leader.
There’s no reason for them to run unauthorized bookies and cause trouble in other territories. They are already busy with their own operations and the war. There’s no motive, and it’s unclear why they would do it.
"We can’t complain without evidence... or it might be different."
"The Leader wouldn’t hold back. Next time I see her, I’ll talk to her. She doesn’t seem to be good at beating around the bush, so I’m sure I can get to the bottom of it. If it turns out to be true, I’ll consider it a favor. I don’t intend to make a big deal of it, though."
With the post-war situation likely to be busy, there’s no time for the Three Great Families to be at odds.
"Alright, let's stop with the boring talk. While we’re at it, I have something to discuss with the three of you."
"Is it about our basic post-war strategy? You’ve been thinking about it for a while."
"Yes. We’ve discussed it briefly before, but we’ll expand our activities as much as possible."
"I’d love to hear it. It sounds like an exciting opportunity for new members and veterans alike."
"I’ll follow you, Onee-sama."
Discussing the future is always positive. Even if it’s a predetermined plan, everyone will be motivated when the President says, 'Let's do it.'
If they respond well, I’ll be motivated to push forward without hesitation.
"First, we’ll solidify our control in Exembra. We can’t afford to be complacent. We’ll continue to develop our existing territories and start new ventures."
"We had a few candidates, but it seems we’re finally moving forward."
"With the influx of new members from spring to summer, we’re ready to start with the underground Arena. The public Arena is already running smoothly, so there are no issues."
"We have the locations and fighters secured, and the Security Bureau, led by Zenobia, is enthusiastic."
The public Arena can run with fewer of our personnel, so we can smoothly move to the next step. This is all part of the planned progression.
"Next is expanding our territories. After the war, more people will likely move from the former Retnark territory. There are reports that the physical expansion of Exembra will accelerate. We’ll take over any new districts adjacent to our territory and maintain a strong presence to prevent new organizations from encroaching."
Exembra is a city surrounded by long walls, and the city does not expand in an uncontrolled manner beyond these walls. Instead, the walls themselves move to expand the city through advanced magical civilization.
The urban planning is more haphazard and rough, but there are still untamed areas within the vast city. This is likely tied to vested interests.
"We have no choice but to eliminate hostile organizations, but we’ll keep an eye on those that could be useful allies. As the buffer zones expand, we can’t handle all the surveillance ourselves."
"That’s right. We should actively recruit useful organizations."
There’s a lot to do in Exembra alone, but this is what we must do as one of the Three Great Families.
"Rigaheim is progressing similarly. Using local forces to manage our ventures is the easiest and best approach."
"The groundwork is already in place with the members we’ve sent. There are no issues."
This is already in motion. Of course, Rigaheim is an important new base. We’ll first establish a robust system for port handling and parallelly plan for smuggling operations. There’s potential for new ventures, and the members in Rigaheim will surely be busy.
"Yukari, the Retnark territory is vast, but will the Kikyo Society focus only on Rigaheim?"
"Considering the increase in members and the efficiency of our existing ventures, we have some leeway. I don’t think Yukari-dono would stop here."
"Certainly. This is just the beginning. Boigle, both strategically and situationally, is a town we want to secure. Depending on future developments, we’ll also need to monitor areas that will become the Duke Oversta’s territory."
Boigle is where the Boid Gang, which planned a bombing at the Arena, was based. The remnants of that gang have mostly disappeared, but they still have connections to informants.
Boigle is centrally located in the former Retnark territory and serves as a convenient transit point to Rigaheim. Since we were the first to establish a presence there, the Clad Family and the Anastasia Union haven’t gotten involved. It’s a town we should control.
Furthermore, given our close relationship with the Duchess Oversta, we can’t avoid being involved in the new ducal territory.
If we anticipate any troublesome requests, having an office there would be advantageous in the long run. It’s bound to lead to profitable opportunities. I’m sure everyone can imagine that.
"What about the small kingdoms in the south? Are we expanding our operations there as well?"
"That will be handled by Village Head Dandy and the bear beastmen as guards. We aim to significantly increase our trade in minerals and vegetables. While the south is promising, I want to strengthen our ties with Donditch in the north."
"In that case, the Margrave might be involved. Indeed, now that we’ve integrated Rigaheim into our domain, using the sea route for trade with the Margrave is much faster and easier."
With the armed groups in Retnark eliminated and fewer bandits around, the Rose Madder Mercenary Corps, which used to provide transportation and security, will have more free time. However, there’s plenty of work to be done.
"If our connections become stronger, it could lead to new opportunities. Still, it’s overwhelming to think about Exembra, the towns of the former Retnark territory, the south, and the north."
"What are you saying? We’re not done yet."
Frederica’s face shows surprise, as if to say, 'There’s more?'
The key points are yet to come. This is where my ideas really take shape.
"Onee-sama, you look excited."
"Hehe, yes. If we’re going to expand, we might as well go all out. Small goals are important, but we can have big ones too."
"This sounds like something big is about to happen. But it’s intriguing. Yukari-dono, what are you planning?"
"I’m already tired from thinking about it... but there’s no choice, right?"
If you want to achieve something, you first need to voice it.
Once you do, it starts to move toward reality.
"I’ve been thinking for a long time that the center of this continent is where the most money and information converge. Even if we don’t seek profit there, it’s nice to breathe the air of a big city sometimes."
"Yukari-dono... always thinking big."
Siegrune immediately understood my grand vision.
What I’m suggesting is establishing an office in the largest country on the continent, Berliza. Not in some remote area of Berliza, but right in the heart of it.
It might be unnecessary or even a mistake.
Of course, Berliza is a different environment altogether, with a well-organized society. Everything will be more challenging.
But the more challenging it is, the more it excites me.
There must be members who will be drawn to the allure of the greatest city in the greatest country.
For me, it’s a mix of personal interest and the spirit of a challenger. Plus, there’s the personal factor of my favorite rebellious princess, the 'Evil Princess,' being there.
It’s just a feeling, but I want to take a step towards a new goal that isn’t easily within reach.
If we only stick to the routine, everyone will get bored. We’re young, after all.
Let’s go all out! I’m sure there’s something interesting waiting for us at the end of this path.
So, let’s get moving!