Chapter 359 - Peaceful Academy Days
Living a life far from peaceful, I always carry a multitude of trouble magnets.
Anyone living a similar lifestyle surely faces never-ending troubles. Naturally, the members of my Kikyo Society are almost without exception by my side.
Today, the one forced into dealing with a nuisance was Leila-san, the Assistant to the Intelligence Bureau Executive.
"I got some intel from Thompson. It seems Kudanseal is looking for you, Leila-san."
Kudanseal was a gang that Leila had attacked before, seizing a large amount of cash and drugs from them.
"They’re persistent. My face wasn't revealed, so there shouldn't be an issue... Are they still searching?"
I called Leila-san into the office after school to share the info. As she said, since her identity was safe, there wasn't really a problem if we just ignored it.
However, Kudanseal had been raided and lost their money and drugs, so it seemed they were desperate for recovery and revenge. The Blue Coats, who were in league with Kudanseal, were apparently being pressured to investigate and provide information at any cost.
"They probably can't let it go after being hit like that. Even a gang without a formal sign has their reputation to maintain."
Of course, the Blue Coats weren't about to be ordered around by a gang.
They were apparently brushing it off for now, but being nagged constantly was annoying, and if it started to affect their kickbacks, they couldn't just leave it alone.
Thompson, who had now been promoted to Company Commander, sent a message thinking it would be easier if we settled things on our end.
"Reputation, is it? But the fact that we can't just wipe them out makes it tedious."
"Now that Jienko-Nigi is gone, Kudanseal is Thompson’s precious cash cow."
"Settling things without wiping them out is quite an annoying request. I don't think they’re the type to listen to reason, but..."
There’s no such thing as a convenient, peaceful resolution through talk alone without some kind of peace offering. After all, they were a gang, and we were the ones who had raided them and dealt a heavy blow. Normally, negotiation would be impossible.
"Thompson suggested that since the Badoo Lott territory is now a vacuum, we should use that. It’s centered on the slums, but he wants us to handle the negotiations so Kudanseal can take over. Kudanseal gets new territory for their business, and the Blue Coats get a cut of the profits from there, too. Isn't that his plan?"
"So he intends to reconcile them by offering new territory? We aren't giving up our own territory, but will they be satisfied with that? I suspect they won't be happy unless they get back the money and goods we took."
That money and those drugs had already been given to the Thieves Guild as payment for information. It was too late to do anything about it now, and there was no way I was going to pay out of my own pocket to compensate them.
"The point is for the trouble to end; reconciliation isn't necessary. You just have to make them understand the difference in power and standing. You might as well turn them into your pawns, Leila-san."
"I don't think they’re the type to listen obediently... No, I should just train them to do so."
Exactly. We didn't need to make them allies. We just had to use the logic of power to remind them of their place.
Originally, no peace offering should even be necessary. Threatening them with overwhelming violence would be enough. Adding the gift of a territory they could control on top of that makes it the best deal possible.
It wasn't about whether the other side was satisfied; it was about making them satisfied.
"You don't need to show them your face or identity. Stay in that skull mask and beat their own position into their heads."
"Understood. Then tonight, I shall remove this nuisance."
"I’m counting on you. If they seem useful, you can give them a few tools. I’ll leave that judgment to you, too."
One of Thompson’s concerns would likely be resolved tonight.
It was a fitting gift for his promotion to Company Commander.
After finishing the talk with Leila-san, I went out for my after-school patrol before club activities.
The atmosphere at the academy had become much more peaceful lately, though there was also a strange restlessness.
The kidnapping of the Student Council Secretary wasn't known to the general student body. But the shift in the Student Council’s attitude likely had an effect. They seemed to be reflecting on their actions.
During my patrol, I no longer saw any signs of drug use or possession, and I didn't think there were many students out late partying anymore.
The rumors the Student Council had spread about tightened crackdowns just to spite me were still in effect. While there was an air of self-restraint, the youthful energy was clearly seeking an outlet, creating a buzzing atmosphere.
Walking through the academy in my usual jersey and sunglasses, I continued my patrol as I pleased.
There was little to caution students about after school. Those not in clubs went home early, so as long as there weren't any fights breaking out, it was peaceful.
I strolled through the campus and paused in front of the deserted chapel.
Despite being a prestigious school bearing the name of Saint Esmeralda, the passage of time seemed to be gradually distancing people from the church. The building was grand, but the desolate atmosphere seemed to symbolize the church’s fading power, even if it remained a massive organization.
Well, it had nothing to do with me. In Exembra, where villains gathered, religion was mostly seen as just another scam, and most of our members had lived lives abandoned by God. If there were a God, they might have complaints, but they certainly wouldn't want to worship him.
And even outside Exembra, it was like this. Although the academy was a special environment, having a grand church, a grand priest, and a dedicated following was likely becoming old-fashioned.
The church, which had made a name for itself by exterminating undead, couldn't maintain its influence forever in a world without them. If anything, it was impressive they’d managed to drag it out this long. They were playing it well.
"Phew. Whatever."
Cutting off my pointless thoughts, I decided to end my rounds. Just as I was about to wrap up, I passed by the auditorium where the Theater Club practiced. Valerya and the others should be there.
"I’ll stop by for a bit."
I might as well catch a glimpse of my little sisters enjoying their youth. I didn't want to disturb them, so I’d just peek in and leave.
The Theater Club was apparently a club that welcomed observers, so anyone could enter the auditorium.
This was my first time inside, and the structure was unique. There was a main stage directly opposite the entrance, with smaller stages on both the left and right.
Since it was a popular club, there were other spectators besides me, with quite a few people gathered in a corner. I took a spot behind them, concealing my presence.
On the main stage, they were in the middle of a rehearsal, and it looked quite serious, not just basic training.
Their movements were exaggerated to suit the stage, and their projecting voices echoed to every corner of the auditorium.
They seemed to be practicing for an actual performance, and their intensity was impressive for students. It was clearly a club that had produced many famous actresses.
Now, let’s see if my sisters were on stage or not. If they were in the wings or backstage, I wouldn't be able to see them... I wondered if they were hidden somewhere.
"Oh, Roberta-san."
Roberta-san appeared on the right stage, holding a wooden sword.
It seemed they were practicing a fight scene, and Roberta-san was providing instruction. I felt there was a significant difference between stage combat and a real fight, but the Theater Club must aim for authenticity.
Students with wooden swords began practicing swordplay under Roberta-san’s guidance.
Once they’d seen even a bit of the skill of a corporal from the Kikyo Society’s First Combat Unit, it was easy to see why they’d fall for her flair and graceful movements. To meet their expectations, she seemed to be enjoying herself while teaching them with all her heart.
When Roberta-san glanced briefly at a higher spot, I looked up to see Violante-san. She appeared to be practicing lighting from a catwalk-like area, creating light magic lamps one after another on the left stage to enhance the scene. Her skill was far beyond the level of an ordinary student.
Her lighting effects were as precise and complex as a computer program. It wasn't just illuminating; she was creating patterns with dozens of light beams, changing colors in gradients, and even drawing pictures like pictograms. She was also using shadows to emphasize the atmosphere.
The speed and control with which she unleashed this magic was extraordinary. She was perfectly handling lighting effects that would normally require several people.
Violante-san’s magical affinity was wind, so she shouldn't have been able to create such complex lighting with general magic. That meant she was using a magic tool, which in itself was an incredible technique. She seemed to be demonstrating these techniques as an example and teaching them to the other lighting staff.
"Even though they’re new members, they’re acting more like professional instructors than seniors."
It felt quite strange, but I supposed that’s how a merit-based, serious club worked.
In that case, I wondered what Valerya was doing. Since she was a beauty and quite confident, I expected her to be an actress.
I watched for her to appear on stage, but there was no sign of her. Was she working backstage, then?
As I searched for my little sister, the intense acting rehearsal stopped. It seemed the student acting as the director was giving feedback.
While I was impressed by the director’s passionate guidance, I noticed the back of the student sitting next to her. She wore a large flat cap, and even from behind, she exuded a strangely haughty aura.
"...Is that?"
I moved slightly to get a side view of the student, and as expected, it was Valerya.
She was slumped in a chair next to the director, crossing her legs in the most arrogant manner.
Valerya whispered something to the director, who was shouting instructions, and the director then shouted even more guidance based on what she said.
Wait. It wasn't as if Valerya was the director, so what was her position here?
Well, everyone seemed to be having fun, so whatever. Feeling somewhat unconvinced and strangely unsettled, I decided to leave the auditorium without disturbing them.
The large student body of St. Esmeralda’s Girls' Academy consisted mostly of decent students, with only a small fraction being delinquents. But that small fraction was troublesome and stood out.
However, the ringleader of the delinquents, the curly-haired lady, had been forcibly dragged into a club, and the Student Council, which had represented the troublemakers, had quieted down after their own folly came back to haunt them.
Now it felt like my job had become easier, just guiding the few remaining delinquents.
Enjoying the after-school air of the academy, which was changing for the better, I took the long way to the club building. That was when I spotted the former troublemaker-in-chief.
As a life guidance instructor, I should say something to keep her in check.
"Student Council President Ruth Cleados-san. Keep any boring schemes to yourself until I’m gone, alright?"
"Instructor Evilbanshee, you have such a terrible way of putting things... I am doing nothing of the sort."
I ignored her nonsense and continued the chat. Communication is vital for problem children.
"What are you doing alone? I always imagined the Student Council President would be walking around with a bunch of hangers-on."
"Sigh... Speaking of which, I heard you’ve won over Edith-san. How on earth did you manage to tame her?"
"Because I’m not afraid of your families. If you have the guts to blow anyone away who complains, even a delinquent like her can be reasoned with. You're the same, Ruth Cleados-san."
"Who exactly are you, Instructor? I had the Evilbanshee family investigated, but it seemed as though no such family exists."
Of course. Since there was no such thing as an Evilbanshee family, they wouldn't find anything no matter how much they looked. Even if there were a family with the same name, they’d have no relation to me.
She looked at me with deep suspicion, but regardless, I was an instructor officially hired by the academy.
She likely suspected I was related to the Anastasia Union, but even with that position, a person wouldn't normally go around picking fights with Berlyza nobility. She must find the whole thing mysterious.
"Really? Your investigation must be poor. Well, from now on, ignore any boring orders from your family and just enjoy your student life. If you have any problems, I might even give you some special advice. After all, I am the life guidance instructor. I’ll solve any student worries in a flash."
While hoping no more major trouble would occur, I didn't think all the bad things the Student Council had done would simply vanish into the past.
If they were truly in trouble, I’d do something. It would be easier to have them consult me from the start than to let them make a mess even more complicated. In that sense, it was good to close the distance between us.
"...I see. Well, I have a meeting, so I shall take my leave."
After looking at me as if I were incredibly suspicious, the Student Council President walked away.
She was quite a handful. Well, she wouldn't do anything too stupid. She wasn't that much of a fool.