Chapter 399 - A Continent-Scale Organization
It’s been about ten days since my visit to the Magic Item Guild.
During this time, a ship loaded with magical minerals from Rigaheim arrived, and an agreement on the export was mostly settled, according to the information from our Headquarters. The specific quantities, deadlines, and amounts still need to be ironed out, but the key points and the broad strokes have been agreed upon. With everyone on board, there’s no reason to think anyone will walk away from the deal and end up losing.
Representatives from the Duke Oversta’s household and members of our Secretariat will soon be on their way to Beltoria by ship, and once they arrive, the transaction for the magical minerals will be finalized. I’ve entrusted the details concerning the Kikyo Society’s role and share to the responsible members, so I can step back and leave it to them.
We used the headquarters of the Magic Item Guild for long-distance communication, so the information leaking to the Magic Doll Federation is a non-issue. Even if it did, I doubt they’d have the means to reverse the deal.
Everything is moving smoothly, with all the necessary arrangements in place.
The Knights' Guild has already been brought into the fold, and securing a training ground for the Magic Doll battles went through without a hitch.
Now that the club and the matter of benefits have been settled, we can move forward with the pending issue I’ve been putting off. I’m on my way to hear about it now.
“Sister, let’s go.”
Today, we’re all going out together for the first time in a while. My impatient younger sister has come to my room, and I keep her waiting while I fix my hair in the mirror. The eye patch is both difficult to cover with makeup and a constant irritation.
Every time I look in the mirror, I’m reminded that obtaining a complete countermeasure against the curse is my top priority right now.
“It’s a bit early still. If we go out now, Gradena and the others probably won’t be ready.”
I say this as I slip on my coat and start to put on my gear. I check each of my ranged weapons, various magical items, and potions, then stuff the special gloves into my pocket and pick up my pitch-black beret to complete my outfit.
Valeria’s urging has sped up my preparations.
“Still, it’s quite presumptuous of them to summon Sister like this.”
“Apparently, it’s something that can’t be leaked outside. If it’s a private matter, it’s inevitable that we have to go to their place.”
Our destination is the Anastasia Union Headquarters, which we’ve reconciled with. Last time, tensions were high, and things nearly turned ugly.
I’m not worried, but as the Head of Presidential Security, Valeria insists on accompanying me.
Even if the organization as a whole hasn’t betrayed us, there’s always the possibility of rogue elements. That’s why I’ve armed myself to the hilt and will be joined by Gradena and her team.
We’re heading into the heart of an organization we once opposed.
Caution is crucial, and showing weakness is unacceptable in this line of work. I’ll approach with confidence, ready to act if needed, making it clear we aren’t to be underestimated.
But I’m not actually expecting a fight this time around. That’s because we’re all going together.
We depart from the Academy, which has a unique atmosphere during the summer break, and meet up with Gradena and the others at the hotel. We start our journey without leaving the vehicles.
The drive is uneventful until we approach the gates of the Anastasia Union Headquarters, which open as before.
Last time, I was led to believe they might welcome us with open arms, only to find hundreds of aggressive members waiting for a confrontation.
Anyone with normal nerves would be too terrified to enter. Naturally, we proceed boldly, knowing that any hesitation would be perceived as weakness, which could lead to long-term consequences.
“You sure have a lot of people here today,” Valeria remarks.
Their numbers are detectable through magical senses, even before we see the grounds. It seems they’re preparing a grand welcome once again.
“Well, this is their headquarters, after all. A sparse crowd wouldn’t be fitting. Sister, how many people usually live here?”
“I’ve never counted, but there are at least five hundred people living within the compound. It could be more if we include members from the main family and other branches.”
Today, my sister is accompanying us. The Anastasia Union and we have multiple misunderstandings that need addressing.
There’s also the matter of the Young Master, which has been a point of misunderstanding. My sister, tired of dodging a stalker, agreed to accompany us. Her presence can help reassure the faction leaders that we are not enemies.
We arrive at the open gate and proceed without stopping. Despite the large number of people waiting, the atmosphere is different from last time.
“There’s something grand about it,” I comment.
Hundreds of lower-ranking members are lined up, creating a grand procession along the wide path leading from the main gate.
“Looks like they’re welcoming you back, Sister.”
“Overdoing it again…”
My sister dislikes such displays, her face clearly showing her discomfort.
We slowly drive forward, and eventually, a guide appears to direct us to a parking area. Harriet, driving, follows the instructions without hesitation, and the rest of the vehicles follow suit, parking in a dignified procession under the harsh summer sun.
On cue, several senior members, including the Young Master, appear on the street. He’s clearly staring at my sister.
“Sister, what do you want to do? We could give him a beating here and now, and that would be the end of it. He’d have no face left to show.”
It’s a sudden suggestion, but challenging him to a duel might be a good idea. The Anastasia Union is known for its martial culture, and they’d welcome a duel as a form of entertainment. No one would refuse a direct challenge, I think.
For the Young Master, who once lost to us, this could be a valuable chance for revenge. A leader of the Anastasia Union wouldn’t be afraid to lose, either.
The one-sided relationship between my sister and the Young Master is well-known within the organization, and few would object to settling the matter once and for all.
Still, it’s ultimately up to my sister.
“…There’s something I need to discuss with him. I think it’s best to face the issue head-on. Avoiding it won’t improve the situation.”
“Sure, if that’s what you want. You don’t have to push yourself.”
“No, it’s fine. Depending on the conversation, it might be a one-time thing.”
She’s being too kind to the stalker.
“Just so you know, no one-on-one talks. Harriet, stay close to her. You’ll probably get complaints, but…”
“Yukari, if we split up, we should be near Sigurdnaught. If the guy goes berserk, Harriet might not be able to handle him alone. Even a cursed man like him can still use Combat Body Transformation Magic.”
We’re in her family’s territory, but we need to be prepared for the worst. Even if the Young Master doesn’t act, other faction members might.
Our primary reason for being in Berliza is to protect my sister, so we need to ensure her safety.
“Agreed. Everyone, except for me and Valeria, stay with my sister.”
Everyone nods in agreement.
With Harriet, Gradena, and her five subordinates, as well as Roberta and Violante, we form a strong protective barrier around my sister.
It might seem excessive, but it will show that we’re taking her protection seriously.
We finalize our plan and approach the waiting guide.
“You kept us waiting. Well, take us to Gozen.”
“…This way.”
He doesn’t seem happy, but I don’t care about his feelings. He’s likely from the Young Master’s faction, though he’s acting as a guide.
Valeria and I head in the opposite direction from where my sister and the others are going.
We enter a small mansion within the compound, which, despite being unfamiliar, gives off a homelike vibe, like a grandmother’s house.
Perhaps this is intentionally done to create a positive impression.
“It’s been a while, Yukarinowe. Oh, you brought a cute young lady. And she’s not just cute… she rivals Adeel, doesn’t she?”
“Flattery will get you nowhere.”
As we enter a private room, the Matriarch and her advisor greet us in a casual tone. Valeria, true to her role as my bodyguard, ignores the remarks and focuses on assessing Adeel’s strength.
He’s a seasoned warrior, far more experienced than us, and likely too strong for me in my cursed state, probably.
“If you’re mocking my guard, I won’t take it lightly.”
“No, no, just reminiscing about the old days. It’s been a while since I’ve seen such talent. Even Adeel, I imagine, is intrigued by these young women. What kind of training produces such results?”
“It’s the unique environment of Exembra that has shaped them. The Leader’s focus on the city’s development is a significant factor.”
Living freely in that city requires such strength. They’ve adapted to the circumstances, and a softer environment would have produced a different Kikyo Society.
“If you’re tired of a peaceful city, we’d welcome you. I doubt anyone would ever be bored in our city. Though, Berliza has its own share of challenges these days. Similar, in a way.”
“You make it sound like it’s none of your concern, but if anything happens, you’ll be involved, won’t you?”
Whether we want to or not, we’re bound to get dragged into any trouble. We’ve been entangled in numerous issues, after all.
“If it stays contained and doesn’t affect us, we won’t meddle. But today, I’m here for a more serious discussion.”
“Then have a cup of tea. I’ll make it especially for you.”
I wanted to get straight to the point, but the Matriarch rises to prepare tea. Fine, I can wait.
The main topic today is the attacks on the Academy and the Anastasia Union Headquarters a while back. The attackers are still unknown, and the stolen items remain a mystery.
A rusted pendant from the Academy’s chapel, and an old ring from the Anastasia Union.
Both items bear ancient inscription magic, seemingly related to the church, and their effects are unknown. They are just old accessories, seemingly without any significant value. The reason for their theft is unsettling.
We’re here because they’ve discovered something about the stolen items or the attackers.
The Matriarch’s avoidance of the main topic suggests it might be difficult or unbelievable.
The sound of tea being poured into the cups creates a calming atmosphere.
Silently, we receive our cups and bring them to our lips. The tea is fragrant and tastes good, though it’s a commoner’s tea. Not a complaint, though.
“Alright, let me tell you what we’ve found out.”
We each drink about half our cups before the Matriarch starts her serious discussion.
“First, we still have no idea who carried out the attacks. No leads, no rumors, nothing.”
Disappointing, but expected. Valeria and I exchange a look of agreement.
“Don’t you have control over this city?”
“Not reliable enough, apparently.”
In Exembra, within our territory, tracking suspicious individuals would be effortless. This suggests their organization is unstable and unable to conduct proper investigations.
“How large do you think this city is? We can’t oversee everything directly.”
“The city is large and filled with hostile organizations. Its complex structure makes it difficult to track anyone in the underground.”
Accepting the unknown is one thing, but that’s not all she wants to say.
“What else?”
“The stolen magical items, they’re interesting. Adeel, you explain.”
“Yes. We’ve investigated extensively and found that similar magical items have been stolen across the continent. As you know, they’re not particularly valuable. These thefts have gone unnoticed until now, but they share a common factor.”
“The ancient inscription magic.”
A valuable item is suspicious when stolen, but multiple low-value items across the continent hint at a larger, organized effort.
“The scope is too broad to be the work of an individual or a small group.”
“Exactly. The organization behind this has the capability to gather information across the continent, the stealth and force to carry out secret attacks and thefts, and the determination to steal items that could be purchased openly. They must want to keep their activities hidden.”
“So, they don’t want their collection to be noticed?”
“That’s a possibility.”
Even after all this, we have no clue about the perpetrators’ identity or motives.
“Regardless of their motive, an organization capable of such actions would be on the scale of a major guild or a large commercial house.”
The consistent methods suggest a well-organized group, not a hired hand.
“Agreed. At a continental scale, the possibilities are limited. We’re investigating guilds and commercial houses, but so far, no results.”
The Matriarch’s cryptic tone suggests another suspect.
Given the organization’s reach…
“There’s a possibility… no, it’s not impossible. In fact, it might be the most suspicious given certain biases.”
“Did you figure it out? Without concrete evidence, considering the situation and the inscription magic, it’s natural to suspect them.”
So, it’s the church.
Based on our investigations, the church has always seemed to be a benevolent organization. They don’t exploit the poor or collude with criminals. Even in the crime-ridden city of Exembra, they’ve shown no unusual activity. The church, known for its active undead-hunting in the past, might still have a significant presence in the Holy City, but it’s unlikely they have a military force capable of operating across the continent.
If it’s true, the church would be a dangerous adversary. Despite declining influence, they have millions of followers across the continent, regardless of social status. The numbers are significant, and their organization is vast.
Religion is a tricky matter.
If we openly oppose them, we could be labeled as enemies of the faith, facing the wrath of millions of believers. It’s a risk we can’t take.
Until we have concrete evidence, we must consider this a mere suspicion.
Let’s hope it remains just that.