Chapter 444 - Shadows Creeping into a Bright Daily Life
Thanks to the timely removal of an unnecessary black curtain, the boycott of the practice matches quickly subsided.
The club members who were unaware of the behind-the-scenes drama still didn’t know what had happened, but that’s something they didn’t need to know. They should just continue their club activities with a carefree attitude.
Even as daily life returned to its peaceful routine, the tension escalated as the main event approached.
Late summer had passed, and the season in Berliza was already autumn.
The softer sunlight made it clear that the main event was drawing near.
By this time, the unrest in Berliza had been settled. The undead that had appeared on Kishibul Island had been completely eradicated, and the remnants of the Gulgandi invaders from another continent had been eliminated.
The covert operations by the Medek-Legisamo Empire were ongoing, but that was something beyond our control.
In short, Berliza had returned to normal.
We were ready to push things forward with full force, looking toward the future.
Many of our Kikyo Society members had traveled from Exembra to support us.
Primarily, the Secretariat members set up front companies and dummy corporations to secure the necessary assets, advancing their agenda through a combination of administrative procedures and muscle. For the time being, they would be operating from a hotel owned by Count Cleados.
Once the initial introductions were out of the way, negotiations and discussions with various parties could be left to the Secretariat. This would allow Layla and the others, who had been burdened with various tasks, to take a bit of a break.
By proceeding systematically, we could minimize interference from fools who might try to meddle.
The tasks of emulating a college lecturer and acting as a bodyguard for my younger sister were also on track to be completed without issues.
The only remaining challenge was the revival of the Magic Doll Club. With the right approach, we could confidently say that we had the strength to defeat even the top teams.
However, success would only be achieved by delivering results. Without tangible outcomes, all our efforts would be meaningless. Results are what matter.
But results are never guaranteed. No matter how well-prepared you are, bad luck can still lead to a loss.
If it were my own battle, I’d be determined to overcome even the worst luck. But the students are the ones fighting, and I can’t interfere. This frustration stems from the fact that I’ve grown attached to them.
They’ve worked so hard. I want their efforts to end with a smile.
The only lingering concern is the futile struggles of the Magic Doll Federation.
The unsettling feeling I have is probably due to the persistence of those who wish to prevent the Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy from regaining its former glory. It’s not just my imagination.
However, with our backing secured, they shouldn’t be able to use their power anymore. We have leverage over many ordinary employees, and we can even use it to our advantage.
Since I’ll be leaving at the end of the autumn, I don’t want to leave a trail of trouble.
A simple warning like, 'We have leverage, so don’t do anything foolish,' should suffice. A person with a normal mind would likely resign from their position in the Federation at a convenient time. Ideally, fools who create leverage for themselves would just leave.
A powerless person who gets involved in wrongdoing only becomes prey for bigger criminals. Before things get worse, I’d prefer that they see it as a valuable lesson.
In any case, we’ve done what we can.
Now, all that’s left is to see the event through smoothly.
'What? You bought that? When? Where?'
'That’s the famous cosmetic line, right? I’m impressed you managed to get it.'
'My mother has a long-standing relationship with a trading company. It seems they brought it in. You won’t find it in regular stores.'
'Typical for a countess’s household. I guess your retainers know how to handle business.'
Most of the time, the bus ride is noisy.
Today, despite being tired from the outdoor training at the practice field, they still have plenty of energy.
They’re such a close-knit group.
Edith, who was always ready to start a fight, has surprisingly blended in well.
With such a large group, personal conflicts are bound to happen. In our Kikyo Society, minor disputes were common, but we had strict rules and leaders to keep them from escalating into bigger issues.
Even in a school of well-bred young ladies, strong-willed girls are bound to clash. So, it’s odd that I haven’t detected even the slightest hint of tension or minor disputes. It’s perplexing.
'Miss, Miss, Miss! Tell us about the cosmetics you use!'
'Yeah, I’ve always been curious. And that dress is lovely. Where did you get it?'
You’re being too noisy.
'My things aren’t for brats like you. If you grow up to be a proper lady, I might tell you.'
'How mean!'
'But it’s okay to share, right?'
'Of course, she’s using the best stuff. It’s so unfair!'
'I want the same as Miss too!'
'I want it too!'
Despite the noisy bus ride, they’ve gathered around my seat at the front, eager to corner me. They’re unusually excited.
It’s fortunate that this is a high-quality magical vehicle on a smooth road; otherwise, the old driver would be rightfully upset.
Still, they are a close-knit group.
'Say, you guys, do you ever get into fights? Or do you secretly bicker behind my back?'
'What’s with the sudden question? Miss, as a faculty member, you shouldn’t make such a sour face.'
'Do we ever seem to get along poorly? I don’t think so.'
'Miss, I think we’re managing well enough that you don’t need to worry about such things.'
'Hmm, if Hermira says so, I’ll believe it. But if you have any issues, speak up.'
Mildree casually placed her hand on my shoulder and spoke with a knowing smile.
'No one in a club overseen by a scary advisor like you would dare cause trouble. Consider that, Miss Evilbanshee.'
Well, I doubt a scary advisor would let anyone casually place a hand on her shoulder. The inconsistency in her actions and words is quite striking.
The club members are even laughing at Mildree’s comment. Hermira continued.
'Mildree may be joking, but I think Miss Evilbanshee’s presence is much stronger than she imagines. We can chat and laugh, but none of us would bring personal issues into the club. Miss, don’t you draw a clear line between that?'
'Exactly. If we did, Miss would likely say, “Take your petty fights outside and stay away from club activities until you resolve it.”'
Indeed. It’s fine to have disagreements, but I won’t tolerate anything that disrupts club activities. I might even let them fight it out in front of everyone. If it gets too messy, I’d beat both of them bloody until they learn their lesson.
'Also, the club president and vice-president take good care of everyone. Edith-san often helps with magic lessons too.'
'Sigurdnaught, you don’t need to bring that up. You’re better at teaching anyway.'
Hmm, not the younger sister, but this curly-haired lady.
Their good relationship seems to be thanks to the leaders and active members who look out for everyone.
'And being a small club helps. Everyone can participate in matches without worrying about being left out, which fosters a sense of unity as we aim for the top.'
Mildree’s words were convincing. The smaller size of the club might be an advantage in that regard.
Ideally, a larger group would foster competition and improve overall performance. But as things stand, the current setup is working well.
'I never said everyone would play. If someone shows a lack of skill or slacks off, they won’t be included.'
'Of course, but everyone is working hard!'
I agree. As an advisor, I need to keep everyone on their toes. Our goals are high, and practice is rigorous, but we’re having fun.
Reinforcing that sense of purpose while maintaining a harmonious atmosphere, the next day after a pleasant practice session...
The curly-haired lady skipped school without permission.
Since she joined the Magic Doll Club, this has never happened.
Everyone was worried about Edith’s absence, which continued well past club time.
Most of the students here are from wealthy families and have recently received newly approved communication devices. I don’t encourage casual use of these devices, but I do tell them to use them for necessary communication.
Edith owned a communication device. She should have informed someone if she was taking a day off, and she’s not responding to calls. This is certainly suspicious.
Logically, taking a day off isn’t unusual. Some students do have sudden family matters to attend to. Edith, who used to be a troublemaker, might be skipping again. Maybe there’s no need to worry.
Still, when trouble arises or seems imminent, the usual reaction is to wait and see. People often let their guard down, thinking it’s a minor issue. They delay action, either because they’re lazy or because they don’t want to deal with it.
In a harsh world, I never let my guard down. Immediate action is necessary.
Naturally, I took action. I issued the necessary instructions.
'This is Shinogami. Layla, can you talk?'
Layla, having finished her various tasks for the Kikyo Society, was finally enjoying her life as an exchange student. She had joined the Reading Club and was actively participating in discussions and sharing her thoughts on books.
Today, I’ll put her to work again.
‘Please wait a moment.’
After a soft whisper, a response came through the communication device after a few seconds.
'This is Layla. President, I kept you waiting.'
'It’s okay, but you’re in the middle of Reading Club activities, right? I’m sorry to bother you.'
'No, not at all. Is there a problem?'
'The curly-haired lady is absent without permission. I’m probably overthinking it, but I’d like to know what’s going on.'
'Edith Ribbonstrat, you mean. An unexcused absence doesn’t sound like a family matter, does it?'
'Probably not. But it doesn’t seem like a serious incident. If something major happened, we would have heard about it.'
'True. Still, it’s worrying. Based on her past, I can guess what she might be up to.'
Exactly. Edith’s troubled past can’t be erased, and those connections often come back to haunt her. Such issues are common in our Kikyo Society, which attracts many troublemakers.
Layla and I are probably right about this.
'Can you track her movements? I need your help.'
'Understood. I’ll mobilize Heidi and the others to find her immediately.'
The other members of the Intelligence Bureau are currently supporting the Secretariat and aren’t too busy, so they can act quickly.
If she’s involved in something problematic, we need to resolve it fast. She’s a valued member of the club, and her unexplained absence is causing trouble.
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One problem may have been solved, but another awaits. This small incident will be resolved before we proceed to the Magic Doll Club tournament without a care.
The next chapter: 'Persistent Past Ties'