Chapter 39 - Maybe Too Many?
After returning to the Kikyo Society Headquarters following the rescue operation, the girls who had been on guard duty greeted us as if they couldn't wait any longer.
The rescued girls were carried to a large room and laid down to rest, and the worried members were also allowed to stay in the same room. If they woke up unexpectedly, the girls there could handle it. We wouldn’t want to be relied on for mental health support.
It was late, so we urged everyone to go to sleep quickly. We also needed to take our showers and rest; we had to start our usual rounds in the morning.
The next morning, it was time for an explanation.
Some of the apprentices had already been asleep when we arrived last night, and there were those who didn’t know about the girls we had rescued. We needed to brief them to avoid confusion.
The apprentices were going to be busy with training today, so they wouldn’t interact with the new girls. However, seeing unfamiliar faces in the Headquarters might make them uneasy. It was a matter of courtesy.
We also needed to decide what to do with the rescued girls today. We didn’t plan to let them linger indefinitely. They could either join us in Graylease or return to the slums. It was their choice.
There were also the other girls we had rescued by chance. They were still asleep, but we needed to talk to them once they woke up. Today, Sophie would stay at the Headquarters to look after them while taking a break from her field training.
I intended to spend the morning at my desk, experimenting with pharmaceutical magic. There was plenty to be gained from theoretical experiments, even when not actively training.
Paula was supervising the apprentices' training in the underground training grounds, and Sophie was watching over the unidentified girls upstairs. Graylease and the girls from the Kikyo Society were still in deep discussion, apparently without even eating breakfast.
I left the details to everyone else and focused on my magic experiments.
"Phew, it's almost noon."
When I finally looked up from my work, it was already late morning.
I wondered if Paula and the others had moved to the dining hall. As I was thinking this, someone came down from upstairs.
It was Sophie and three girls wearing the old uniforms from the Camp. It seemed they had dressed the rescued girls in the leftover uniforms. I had forgotten we had so many unused clothes and undergarments. It turned out they could come in handy.
"Yukari-san, I kept you waiting."
"No problem. Did you get their stories?"
The three girls weren’t part of the Kikyo Society. If they had families, we could send them back.
"Yes, briefly. They recently came to Exembra and settled in the slums. They have no relatives or place to return to."
It was a consequence of the war. There were many people in similar situations.
"I see. We can take them in, but we can’t give them special treatment. It’s dangerous here, and they’ll need to train. Can you explain that to them? If they refuse, that’s their choice."
I’m not interested in charity. Rescuing them was enough. I have no intention of keeping freeloaders.
"The same conditions as the other apprentices, then."
"Exactly. After the training period, we’ll try to place them in roles they prefer. For now, they must be hungry. Why don’t they go to the dining hall and talk while eating?"
"Alright, let’s go."
Sophie led the girls out. They looked somewhat dazed and still in shock, but if they decided to stay, they needed to pull themselves together. Daydreaming wouldn’t help them train.
After Sophie left, I tidied up my desk and washed my face. By the time I was done, it was well past noon.
"Looks like no one’s back yet. Maybe Paula and the others went to eat. I might as well head to the dining hall too."
Just as I was putting on my coat, the Kikyo Society girls descended. I had forgotten they were still here.
"Graylease, did you finish your discussion? Or are you taking a break?"
"We just finished. Sorry for keeping you waiting. Is it lunchtime? Can we join you?"
"Sure. You haven’t eaten breakfast yet, right? We can talk while we eat."
From their expressions, it seemed they had good news.
In the dining hall, the Kikyo Society girls eagerly devoured their food. Even I, known for my hearty appetite, was impressed by their speed. The cook, who was bustling around, seemed pleased despite the chaos.
The rescued girls were also eating normally, blending in with everyone else. Even if it was false cheer, it was still a good sign.
"Yukari-san, thank you first."
"That’s fine. You already thanked me yesterday. So, what are you going to do?"
"We’re joining the Kikyo Society with Graylease."
Of course. With Graylease joining us, the slums offered no future. Opportunities to escape such a life were rare.
"That’s great. You’ll be apprentices in the Kikyo Society. There are many other apprentices, and I’ll introduce you all tonight. Oh, right. We should have a welcome party. Waitress!"
"Sure thing!"
I called the cook over to confirm if we could reserve the dining hall for the evening.
"Of course! You’re our best customer! New recruits, huh? Yukari and the others have grown quite a bit."
It was true. With Graylease and the others, we now had about forty apprentices.
"We’ve just increased in numbers, but they need to grow. We’ll all come tonight. With so many people, I’ll pay in advance."
"Always a pleasure!"
Back at the Kikyo Society Headquarters, Sophie and the others had already returned and were answering questions from the other members. As expected, the three girls were also joining us as apprentices.
I had some concerns about room arrangements, but the three girls requested to stay in the same large room as the Kikyo Society girls. They thought it would be better for their spirits to be with others.
It was good to see them bonding with the other apprentices. We would push them hard in training, leaving them no time to overthink.
That night, once the patrol and study groups returned, everyone gathered in the dining hall. There were many first meetings among the apprentices, so I introduced everyone briefly and let them mingle.
At first, the apprentices were reserved and quiet, but as they drank, they became more relaxed. Eventually, some started causing a ruckus and even fighting.
As far as I was concerned, this was part of building communication, as long as it didn’t get out of hand. However, I didn’t want to inconvenience the dining hall, so I moved the rowdy ones outside.
"Phew, too much energy can be a problem."
"You used to be just as rowdy, Yukari."
"Onee-sama has always been wonderful."
Indeed. Back then, fights were a daily occurrence, and we handled them well. It was a bit nostalgic.
"Still, we’ve become quite a large group."
"They’re just beginners, not much use yet."
"We have the numbers now, so let’s start the training in earnest."
"We need to complete the basic training as soon as possible, then move on to combat training."
It was still early days, but we had enough numbers for the time being. We needed to develop them into full-fledged members of the Kikyo Society. Patience was key.
"Agreed. I’ll supervise the training tomorrow. Graylease and the others will join, so it’s a good opportunity to get them motivated."
"Here comes the drill sergeant."
A drill sergeant or a drill instructor, it didn’t matter. Lives were on the line, so there could be no slack.
"To be honest, some of them still underestimate us. First impressions are crucial, so I’ll make sure to set the tone. Sophie, I want you to help with tomorrow’s training."
"Me?"
The non-combat specialist Sophie looked puzzled.
"I think Sophie is the best person to show them what the Kikyo Society is really about."
"True. A light touch from us might not be as effective."
The Kikyo Society’s non-combat members, like Sophie, don’t neglect their training. Their close-quarters combat skills are formidable, and their Physical Enhancement Magic is far superior to the apprentices'.
"Still, it will take a while for the apprentices to become useful. Not everyone will progress as quickly as Mary, and we’ll have a shortage of manpower for a while."
"There’s no room for compromise in training, so it will take time. But we might be able to supplement our numbers a bit."
It was still a hopeful prospect, not a certainty.
"Any leads?"
"The replies to the letters Yukari and I sent should arrive soon."
Siegrune nodded, and everyone looked hopeful.
"It depends on their schedules, but if they join us, they’ll be immediately useful."
The mercenary Zenobia would be a significant asset. Ophelia and other adventurers, as well as Siegrune’s former Blue Knights, could also contribute immediately.
Carolyn, who used to run a brothel in the Royal Capital, would be perfect for our plans to expand into Exembra’s pleasure district.
It would be a huge help if they joined the Kikyo Society.
"Even a few would be a welcome addition."
"Zenobia and the others. It’s been a while."
"I’m looking forward to the former Blue Knights. They’re probably a lot like Siegrune."
"Strong individuals are always welcome."
Strength was important, but I also valued unique talents. Lily, for example, had a unique talent for Flower Magic. With so many apprentices, there might already be others with interesting abilities. It was something to look forward to.
Today, the expanded Kikyo Society gathered, drank, ate, and enjoyed themselves.
Let’s get back to work tomorrow!