Chapter 368 - Third Seat's Rounds and a Secret Hideout
When a group in combat uniforms enters a hotel, it naturally draws attention. But since everyone else is a guest, there's no real issue.
We have our usual approach of paying in advance to ensure we're treated well. When the air of violence is combined with the power of money, most people don't complain.
Smart guests will keep their distance from such an imposing group. Our presence serves as a warning. If you want to avoid trouble, run while you can. The closer you are to us, the more likely you are to get caught up in something unpleasant.
Ignoring the various gazes, we moved through the hotel and entered the most luxurious room on the top floor. There, I saw a familiar smirking face for the first time in a while.
In the room, besides Gradena, there were two others, bringing the total to eight of us, including the five who greeted us. Including Heidi and the others, our support team has grown considerably.
"Been waiting, Yukari. But I thought you'd at least look a little more teacher-like. Nothing's changed, huh? No wonder kids get scared."
"At school, I dress more casually to be more approachable."
There's no comparing the oppressive aura I have when wearing my custom cloak to the intimidation I get from wearing a tracksuit. While the tracksuit does make me intimidating as the Demon Instructor, it has a somewhat comical feel to it.
We exchanged casual chatter and caught up on recent events.
I'd already reported on what happened in Beltoria, and Yukari and the others have told me about Exembra, so we have a fair idea of what's going on. The recent complications were the main topic of discussion.
"A curse? Another one with strange magic, huh?"
"It seems a talisman can prevent it. You should all get some from the church."
"The church, huh? I've never been too fond of it."
"I get it, but precautions are necessary. Besides, things are pretty hectic in Exembra. Was it really okay for you to come and offer support?"
From what Yukari and the others told me, there are countless issues in Exembra.
"The post-war chaos is under control. I've been pretty idle, so I thought I'd help you guys out. It's not something you need to worry about during the expedition."
"Good to hear. We've got our hands full here, so we're counting on you."
"Heh, sounds like a challenge. I'd rather be busy than idle in Exembra. How about you guys?"
Everyone in the room smiled wickedly. They were probably looking forward to dealing with new enemies in a new land.
"It wasn't exactly quiet in Exembra either, but this seems more interesting."
They're reliable. They still have a bit of a travel mindset, but it's worth taking in the sights while we're here.
"By the way, you mentioned making the rounds. Where did you go?"
"I dropped by all the major guilds. I was also asked to deliver some packages from the Exembra guild leaders. I'm not a delivery service, but they take advantage of me."
"Carrying things on the side? Still, you must have gotten some benefits, right?"
If the Third Seat of the Kikyo Society is delivering things, it must be important. There's a mutual support system with the Exembra guilds.
"Yeah. The Commerce Guild and Healer Guild gave me valuable information, the Blacksmith Guild and Magic Item Guild lent me unique tools, and the Adventurer Guild provided new information on uncharted territories. That's about it."
"That's better than just a delivery fee. What's the guilds' angle?"
"They also want me to bring back information from Berliza. Even with guild communications, they can't fully trust their own people for various reasons. They figure it's more reliable to hear it from us."
Fufu, ironically, criminals value trust. There's a sense of solidarity among those who operate in the same criminal city. It's an interesting situation.
"I see. What about Exembra's Leader, Anastasia Union? She must be busy, but she can't ignore the base, can she?"
"That Leader is as calm as ever, at least on the surface. She's also expanding her territory into the former Retnark domain quietly."
"Huh, that's what's happening."
While we're dealing with complications, things seem to be going smoothly on their end. That's the kind of calmness you'd expect from a Leader.
"Anyway, I plan to visit Anastasia Union tomorrow."
She said it casually, but it's a big deal.
"You might be seen as an intruder."
"We'll see. But I have a letter from the Leader."
A letter not just from the guilds, but from the Leader as well. That's intriguing.
"Hmm, what's in the letter?"
"I haven't read it, but I assume it's not too important. You never know until you see it, though."
"...I see. Well, if you're delivering it, you have to go."
"Exactly. Ha-ha, it's going to be interesting."
She's grinning, genuinely excited. I think tomorrow will be eventful.
"Anyway, you're here as the Third Seat of the Kikyo Society. And in Exembra, we have ties with the Three Great Families. It would be rude not to pay your respects, wouldn't it?"
"Right. Ignoring formalities would be like picking a fight. There's nothing unnatural about showing up unannounced in the morning."
"In the morning? I could go at night, too."
"It's not an invasion. Morning is better. Plus, Layla told me the Young Master is often not around in the afternoon due to his training."
The Young Master spends a lot of time training. If I show up too late, he might not be there. It's better to catch him by surprise without giving him time to prepare.
Gradena isn't just quick to fight. She can handle whatever happens. I wish I could be there, but I have school.
"Sis, the drinks and snacks have arrived."
"Great timing. Bring them in."
"You guys should relax and enjoy yourselves. You'll be busy soon, so take the time to recover from your journey."
Well, how will this all play out? It's better to take control of the situation rather than let the enemy dictate it. Opportunities like this are rare, and Gradena might turn the tables and make it entertaining. Let's see how it goes.
The next day, I went about my usual school routine despite the eventful night.
My involvement has decreased significantly thanks to the new Public Morals Committee. The peaceful academy has left nothing for me to patrol.
After a perfunctory round, I retreated to the library, now a daily ritual. The library is mostly empty during class hours, making it a quiet and comfortable space for reading.
I immersed myself in an old magic theory book for about two hours.
Gradena must be meeting the Young Master about now. I hope it doesn't end in a fight.
While I was lost in thought, I sensed someone approaching.
"There you are, Evilbanshee-sensei."
"Your Public Morals Committee is doing a great job, so I'm free. What's up?"
Ruth Cleados, the Student Council President. Her father, Count Cleados, is scheduled to meet me tomorrow. The time and place will be revealed later, but it's probably about that. She's not someone who would seek me out just for a chat.
"Can you leave now? My father has summoned me."
She's pushing the scheduled meeting to today and specifying it's immediate, a cautious move. She's trying to keep her movements as discreet as possible, likely because her father feels threatened.
What should I do? It's technically still working hours, and I can't just say I'm leaving early for a meeting with a count.
Eh, whatever. I'll just go. I can come up with an excuse later if needed.
"Alright. Where is it?"
"I'll show you."
"It's still morning. Aren't you supposed to be working as Student Council President?"
"Early departures are not uncommon. It's insulting to suggest I'm slacking off. Besides, my father requested that I guide you. The car is waiting."
She's well-prepared.
"I'll go change, then. Wait a moment."
I can't meet a prominent noble in my tracksuit and sandals. As the President of the Kikyo Society, I have a reputation to uphold.
I hurried to the dorm, quickly changed into more formal attire, and put on my silver-gray cloak. The silver-gray cloak has a different kind of presence compared to the ink-black one. I kept my weapons to a minimum but made sure I wouldn't be underestimated.
Walking through the school grounds in the morning, dressed in a white coat and sunglasses, I was extremely noticeable. I felt countless gazes from the windows of the school buildings.
"Valeria, is something going on?"
I was spotted by one of my protégés.
"Today's meeting got moved up. It shouldn't take long, but please take care of the others while I'm gone."
"Layla here. So it's today's meeting. Should we assign some of the others for support?"
"Good idea. Send one or two if you can. Gradena is probably meeting the Young Master, so it's best to cover more ground. Layla, ensure the school's perimeter is secure. Valeria, focus on the others' safety."
"Understood, Onee-sama."
I communicated briefly through an earring while walking and found Ruth Cleados at the parking lot near the main gate, waiting in a car.
A middle-aged man, likely a butler and bodyguard, opened the rear door for me with a bow. I got in, joining Ruth and her attendant in the spacious back seat.
"Teacher, you're too conspicuous."
"If your father is under surveillance, you probably are too. Changing to a low-profile look at this point would be pointless. Besides, a woman like me is bound to stand out no matter what. If you want to blend in, be more thorough from the start."
The luxury car glided smoothly.
"Do you think we're being watched?"
"There are always at least ten people watching the school. I don't know if any are specifically watching you, but it's a good assumption given your position. By the way, where are we going?"
"You'll see when we get there."
Hmph, fine. I ignored the attendant's piercing gaze and fell silent.
The attendant, the middle-aged butler, and the driver all seemed competent. Even if they appeared calm, they had the aura of seasoned warriors, likely former knights or mercenaries.
The car, while not armored, was equipped with several magical devices, probably for added protection. They were taking the security of their charge seriously.
As I discreetly assessed the capabilities and magical items of everyone present, we arrived at our destination.
It was the familiar hotel at the base of the mountain near the school, where Gradena and the others were staying. I hadn't expected to be brought here.
While the hotel is upscale, it's not the kind of place a high-ranking noble would typically use. Its security isn't particularly impressive. This could be a surprise to the enemy, but it's not the best place for someone who feels threatened.
I followed Ruth Cleados, accompanied by the middle-aged butler and the attendant, from the parking lot into the hotel.
"Here, Heidi. Another member is heading to where the President is."
I heard a small sound only my keen ears could catch. They were on their way to provide support.
I didn't respond, focusing instead on scanning the hotel. There were many suspicious individuals around, more than when I last visited. Some were posted in the lobby or on the upper floors, others in the parking lot. Some were hidden, but their presence was noticeable.
Gradena and the others should be out meeting the Young Master. They had just arrived, so they would be busy. It would have been helpful if some of them were still on standby.
"This way, Teacher."
Ruth Cleados bypassed the elevators, leading me to a part of the hotel I had never seen. The hallways were different from the staff areas, suggesting they were reserved for special guests.
We walked through a quiet corridor and eventually reached what looked like a private garden. In the spacious area stood a small, detached house, likely reserved for VIP guests.
At the entrance of the small house, we bypassed a magical security system and entered a room. The small antechamber was filled with three heavily armed knights. They eyed me warily.
"Ruth-sama, please proceed. The Count is waiting. However, Evilbanshee-dono must undergo a body check."
"Huh? I don't have any weapons."
"You must have magical devices. We'll take your accessories and coat as precautions."
They were being overly authoritative, and demanding that I hand over my equipment was unacceptable.
First impressions are crucial. I have no intention of being submissive or doing as they say. Who do they think they're dealing with? I'll be assertive.
"You know, I could kill all of you, even naked. Don't waste my time. I won't hand over my belongings to you."
Of course, they don't trust me, but I don't trust them either. Handing over important equipment is out of the question.
Besides, this is an unofficial meeting. Titles and formalities don't matter here. I don't even carry obvious weapons, and giving in would only lead to more demands. Stop complaining and deal with it.
I didn't take off my sunglasses, maintaining a casual but firm stance.
"...Then, we cannot let you pass."
"Stop it, this is pointless. Instead of confiscating anything, a Magic-Sealing Bracelet would be more acceptable. Besides, Teacher doesn't carry weapons or have any hostile intentions, right? Isn't that so, Teacher?"
As expected, the Student Council President understands the situation well.
After all, Count Cleados is a powerful figure in this country, but that doesn't affect me. I'm here to deal with Berliza's enemies. There's no reason to be treated arrogantly.
"You're right. I understand your concerns. I'll wear the bracelet, but bring it over."
The bracelet would be useless, but I showed the inside of my cloak to demonstrate I had no weapons hidden.
The knights seemed convinced by Ruth's words and reluctantly accepted that I had no visible weapons.
"Here. Removing the bracelet inside the room will be considered a hostile act."
I put on the Magic-Sealing Bracelet, a simple, removable type I had seen at a dance hall. It's not very effective, but it doesn't matter much to me.
Such a minor confrontation was expected. It's all part of the negotiation process.
I hope this trouble will be worth it. If I can get valuable information on Badu Lot's base or the nobles controlling them, it would be a huge success.
I was invited to a secret hideout by the Count, but things started off rocky. It's going to be a bumpy ride.
The next chapter: "Coincidence or Conspiracy?"