Chapter 447 - Adult Networking, Final Touches
The trivial incident is over, and life has returned to normal, at least on the surface. I did have some unofficial meetings with a few important people, but what's crucial for me right now is the upcoming Magic Doll Tournament.
I want to focus on club activities from now on. With the limited time left before the main event, I’m going to make each day count. Regular training is a given, and our collective coordination is steadily improving. We’ve recruited a former field commander from the knights to guide us a few times a week, and his insights as a specialist have been incredibly valuable.
There are a few minor issues, but overall, things are going smoothly. We’ve significantly enhanced the skills of our individual members, especially those who were beginners. They’ve now become competent, and they’re well-adjusted to fighting in the open field.
Our collective strength has grown tremendously. We’ve improved our group movements, coordinated attacks and defenses, and broadened our tactical understanding. In every aspect, our power has increased.
The smooth progress has brought no room for unwarranted doubts. This growing confidence will only empower Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy further.
Physical strength, mana, individual skills, teamwork, tactics, and confidence: we're all set to win. The only thing left is to secure the victory.
Oh, there's one more thing I need to take care of. I need to make a strong impression, and the groundwork has already been laid. This will be the final push.
My target is the Chairperson of the Magic Doll Federation. He runs a large trading company, is quite wealthy, and has strong connections with the nobility. A few counts of minor nobility, like a baron with a big ego, are backing him.
However, with the backing of the Marquis Ribbonstrat and Count Cleados, I have nothing to worry about. The Ribbonstrat family, my curly-haired friend’s family, owes me a significant favor, one that can't be easily repaid. Count Cleados, the Student Council President's family, owes me a life-saving favor—definitely not trivial.
The nobility's relationships can be delicate, but that's not my concern. It’s more important to prevent unnecessary interference.
The groundwork is all set. Now is the best time to act.
If we're going to do this, it’s now. I’ll pay an unexpected visit to the Chairperson's residence.
"This is Shinogami. Layla, how’s it on your end? I doubt they’ll be going out for a drink at this hour."
"This is Layla. No problems here. The target is at home. I’ll inform you immediately if there are any movements."
"Thanks. I’ll head over once I get some backup."
I arrived at the grand estate, one of many I’ve visited. As usual, the gate opened for our vehicle, and we were greeted by a grand procession of dozens of people.
I parked the vehicle casually and headed straight to the boss.
"I’m dropping by late at night, Gozen-sama."
"Everything’s ready on my end. Make yourself at home."
"Sure thing. Also, take care of the other matter, okay? I trust you."
"I owe you, so it’s the least I can do. If it benefits us as well, it’s a win-win."
I decided to go all in. The current Chairperson of the Magic Doll Federation will step down, and Gozen of Anastasia Union will take over.
Additionally, I’ve arranged for a veteran female member from Anastasia Union to serve as the advisor and life counselor for the Magic Doll Club, as well as an employee of the Magic Doll Federation. This will reassure the school principal.
Not only have I repaired relations with Anastasia Union, but I’ve taken it a step further. After overcoming numerous challenges, I believe this has been a significant improvement.
"Let’s get this over with. I’m heading in."
"You got it, Yukari-nee."
The backup I’m using is the Young Master and his faction. They owe me, so I can call on them for help without hesitation.
Publicly, I’m just a new teacher at Saint Emeralda Girls’ Academy, an outsider. This position often presents a challenge.
It’s difficult to persuade a powerful merchant from the great nation of Beltoria, even if I claim to be from Exembra. No matter how intimidating I am, pure physical force isn’t enough to command respect from those in power, especially the more aggressive ones.
While not impossible, it’s complicated due to the potential ripple effects.
In such cases, authority comes in handy.
Anastasia Union’s name carries enough weight and serves as a credible threat.
We piled into the vehicles and set off. There were no detailed plans. It might seem impulsive, but I believe it will work.
Our destination was in a high-end residential area, slightly off-center from the city. Thanks to Layla’s groundwork, the gates opened as we approached, like the owner was returning home.
The alarm system was disabled, and there were no guards or mercenaries on duty in this safe neighborhood. A few Blues might patrol, but they’re unlikely to notice us if we keep a low profile.
We parked our vehicles and stepped out. About fifty people waited on the grounds, while a dozen, including the Young Master, accompanied me to the front door.
I knocked loudly on the knocker. After a second, forceful knock, I could hear them approaching.
Multiple footsteps approached cautiously. They were clearly on high alert.
It’s unexpected for visitors at this hour, especially ones who entered the property uninvited. They’re rightly on guard.
Frustrated by the delay, I gestured to the Young Master, who understood and began pounding on the door.
"It’s Anastasia Union. I need to speak with the Chairperson. Open up!"
In Beltoria, Anastasia Union is a name that strikes fear into the hearts of even the most hardened. The power of that name isn’t to be underestimated.
The panic on the other side of the door was palpable.
"W-wait a moment. The Chairperson is already asleep. This is too sudden, it’s disrespectful. How do we even know you’re really from Anastasia Union?"
The Young Master retrieved his Record Card and held it up to the small window next to the door. He’s a thorough one.
"Can you see that? I won’t accept not knowing my name. Open up!"
"No, please. Can we reschedule?"
With my identity confirmed, they seemed to regain some composure.
Anastasia Union generally doesn’t act unreasonably, so they probably thought a negotiation was possible.
"No time for that. Open the door or we’ll break in."
"I-I won’t allow that. As the Chairperson’s guard, I can’t comply. Keep this up and I’ll call the Blues."
Their objections were all within expectation.
"Is that so? The last thing the Chairperson wants is Blues involvement. Do you really want to call them? We just want to talk. Once we’re done, we’ll leave. Just get us to the Chairperson."
There was a moment of silence.
"...Your threat isn’t amusing, but I’ll check with the Chairperson as a precaution. Please wait a moment."
"Don’t keep us waiting."
Guilty parties always have a harder time dealing with confrontations, and the Young Master’s confident demeanor and the overwhelming presence of our group weakened their resolve. They probably saw an opportunity to negotiate.
"What’s the plan after this, Yukari-nee?"
I’m still not used to this way of speaking, but it’s fine.
"The weakness is in the basement. It’s obvious from mana detection. They can’t move freely in this situation. I’ll handle the Chairperson. You guys just keep a watchful eye. Until we meet the target, this is your responsibility."
"I’ll take care of it. I’ll watch and learn from your work, Yukari-nee. Everyone, pay attention!"
"Yes, ma’am!"
They’re a loud bunch.
Perhaps their rough voices added to the pressure, because the door opened shortly after.
"The Chairperson will see you. However, we cannot accommodate such a large group. Please send one person to speak."
"No can do. Lead the way."
Ignoring the protests, the Young Master marched into the estate, and we followed suit. There was no room for debate.
"Where is he? Lead us or we’ll find him ourselves."
"W-wait a moment. That’s not—"
"You heard her, boys. Time to search the house."
"Fine, fine! Follow me, but please don’t move around without permission."
It must be terrifying to have over ten unruly visitors in your home.
The guards are well aware they’re outmatched, and the Chairperson is probably trembling in fear, wondering what’s about to happen.
The servants and family members must be hiding, silenced by fear.
To me, they’re all guilty by association. I’m not in a position to judge them, but I’ll use their vulnerabilities. Anyone who gets caught with a weakness will eventually pay the price.
The guard reluctantly stopped in front of a room on the second floor. This must be the Chairperson’s office.
The guard knocked and entered. I followed immediately.
"Well, well, if it isn’t Anastasia Union... Wait, you!"
Yes, that’s the one. The Chairperson of the Magic Doll Federation.
He was sitting behind a large desk in what appeared to be a study. Instead of documents, there were bottles of wine, glasses, and a plate with cheese and ham. He was clearly enjoying a late-night drink.
He must have thought he could casually chat over a glass while dealing with an unexpected visit from Anastasia Union.
But when he saw me, his expression turned to surprise.
"I see you recognize my face."
"No way, Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy?"
"Yukareed Evilbanshee. There’s no need for formalities. Let’s get straight to the point."
"W-wait, let’s talk. I’d like to understand why Anastasia Union is involved."
No way. I’m not going through all the formalities.
He’s underestimating me. Let’s set that straight right away.
"You want me to explain? Figure it out yourself."
Think about it. The possibilities are endless, but it doesn’t matter which one it is.
I kept my hands in my coat pocket, approached the center of the room, and kicked a four-person sofa. It flew across the room, crashing into a bookshelf and creating a chaotic scene.
I didn’t care about the guard’s and the Chairperson’s reactions. I had more to say.
"Listen up. If you agree to my demands, I’ll keep your secrets and forget the past. I have three simple requests, nothing unreasonable. Are we clear?"
"W-what do you mean, explain—"
"Did you not hear me? I only want a yes or no."
I’m not here to have a conversation. I’m here to make demands.
If he doesn’t understand, I’ll make him understand. I’ll make him want to understand.
I approached the large desk and snatched a fork. Then, I swung it down with my backhand, aiming for the Chairperson’s hand on the desk.
"Aah, ahhh, aaaaahhhh!"
"Chairperson, Sir! What is this, you—"
The guard was in the way. A glance at the Young Master, and he got the hint.
"You, stay out of this."
The guard was grabbed by the shoulder and forcefully seated on an unbroken sofa.
"Chairperson, I’m asking again. Yes or no?"
Understand your position. It’s obvious, isn’t it?
The Chairperson, holding his fork-pierced hand, momentarily showed anger at the sudden injustice. I wouldn’t have it.
I stepped closer and grabbed his hair aggressively, pulling his head up. I twisted his neck, and it creaked. A little more pressure, and his thin neck would snap. If he thought this was just a threat or a joke, he was a fool.
After a few seconds of silence, the Chairperson finally understood, his eyes filled with fear as he quivered.
I repeated my demands.
"Three requests. One, stop interfering with Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy. If you weren’t involved, order all federation employees to comply. Two, resign as Chairperson after the tournament. Three, appoint Gozen of Anastasia Union as the next Chairperson. No negotiations. If these aren’t met, the secret in your basement will be exposed. Got it?"
This isn’t just about petty embezzlement from the federation. This is about crossing me, leading to the exposure of something far more serious.
If the federation was above board, Layla wouldn’t have had to investigate the Chairperson, and I wouldn’t have discovered the basement.
"Listen up, Chairperson. Let me add one more thing. Human trafficking is a serious crime in Beltoria. We don’t engage in that, and you’re asking for a death sentence. Do you understand?"
Anastasia Union can’t overlook such a crime once discovered.
This time, I’m letting you off for my sake, but there will be consequences eventually.
"Also, the nobles backing you have already pulled out, fearing the fallout. If you act recklessly, your precious trading company won’t survive. You can think what you want, but don’t waste our time. If I say I’ll do it, I will. Remember that."
Human trafficking is a capital offense in Beltoria.
Power and wealth can bend things to a certain extent, but there are limits.
"We’re done here."
The message is delivered. The rest is up to the Chairperson.
Judging by his terrified and desperate expression, he won’t defy me.
It’s all his doing, after all.
With this, the distractions are cleared. Now I can focus entirely on the Magic Doll Tournament. The main event is going to be exciting.