Chapter 457 - Exerting and Regenerating Power
The number of adversaries involved in the Magic Doll battles was greater than anticipated.
The key targets include the Chairperson and senior officials of the Magic Doll Federation, those who approved the boycott of the final matches on that day, and the power brokers who believe they are backed by the Federation. These are the primary foes.
The root of their antagonism likely stems from the rights and privileges related to the Magic Dolls I once seized. The grudge-holding individuals are making their final stand, but it’s nothing more than a nuisance. They will certainly regret their actions.
Adding to the mix are those who find the rise of Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy distasteful. The leaders of the three schools that boycotted the finals had their own agendas, whether they were incited or acted on their own. Regardless, their actions have sullied the image of our club and our school, and they have all but declared war on us. They shouldn’t complain when the backlash comes.
There are also those who spread baseless rumors. At the venue where the default victory was announced, some were quick to shout malicious jeers. They were either paid shills or simply enjoyed causing trouble. Tracking down such individuals, who often operate within specific networks, is not difficult with the right connections.
I will not spare the companies that disseminate malicious rumors through magazines and flyers. Even low-level informants who spread groundless lies about Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy will be dealt with. They are not spreading rumors out of spite but are doing it for a fee, and we know it.
I will crush them all. This is a done deal.
Surprisingly, our preparations for operating in the shadows of Beltoria went smoother than expected. This is a classic power struggle that the establishment loves. Additionally, Saint Emeralda has the backing of several influential figures.
The school cannot tolerate such disrespect. Many will readily support our efforts to corner our adversaries, even enjoying the spectacle from a safe distance. After all, the schools that boycotted the Beltoria preliminaries are our enemies.
The Magic Doll battles are a popular and highly visible competition in the northern continent, with numerous alumnae supporting their alma mater. The Headmistress's diplomacy has also been effective.
We have created a situation where we can pursue our enemies within the realm of acceptable action.
"Yukari-san, here’s the update. We've taken care of the ring leader of the shills. He claims no involvement in the recent incident, and as proof, he’s agreed to cut ties with the lower-level shills and revealed their hideouts."
"President, we've also instructed the information brokers to spread negative rumors about our adversaries. They won't be able to do business without credibility. We also have their hideouts secured."
"We’ve nearly finished with the magazine and flyer companies. In addition to destroying their homes, we’ve dumped a large amount of earth at their workplaces. They’ll likely go bankrupt before they can rebuild."
Heidi and Layla provided updates on the ongoing operations.
"Even if we leave them half-dead, fools forget in half a year. We’ll make sure the damage is unforgettable for a long time."
We will leave them jobless, their homes moderately destroyed, and strip them of their valuables.
"It was a bit challenging for the school-related individuals, but with the help of nobles, we can manage. Nobles have far-reaching connections and significant influence."
"It seems to have gone well."
Indeed. Dealing with school-related issues requires a more delicate approach. This is where the influence and resources of the nobility come in handy.
Noble and wealthy children are rare in schools like Saint Emeralda. These schools attract the offspring of the elite, who serve to enhance their prestige and networks. Consequently, many other schools struggle financially.
When a large sum of money is donated through nobles, these schools are more willing to comply with requests.
The conditions for the donations are simple: fire the current advisor of the Magic Doll Club and never rehire them. Additionally, they must not hire any of the advisors listed in the provided directory in the future.
The schools will likely comply, imagining the reasons behind the nobles' actions and eager to secure the much-needed funds.
We won’t just make them lose their jobs; we will also attack their homes, strip them of valuables, dump earth and sewage, and make their living conditions intolerable. They should consider themselves lucky we don’t burn their homes or incite the slum residents against them. If we wanted to, we could escalate the harassment further.
The leaders of the three schools that boycotted the finals and the current advisors of the Magic Doll Federation will be similarly eliminated.
What remains are the retired Federation officials and the nobles who believe they have the Federation's backing.
"The nobles can be handled by the Ribbonstrat family, right?"
My old family, the Ribbonstrat family, has offered to cooperate. Given their reputation, they are better suited for such tasks than we are.
I owe them a favor regarding Edith, and Saint Emeralda is where their daughter studies. Any noble who challenges them will find no one to criticize their actions, as they have legitimate reasons to act.
"It’s their proposal. I’m sure they’ll handle it professionally."
"As for the Federation’s Chairperson and some officials, Count Cleados is actively working on it."
"Interesting. What’s his plan?"
"He intends to dismantle the commerce guilds they manage, effectively through fraud."
"Fraud? Is it that simple?"
Organized and large-scale fraud is easier to pull off with experience. Amateurs usually fail.
"We will coordinate with our threats. It will likely succeed."
"It should be fine. The looming shadow of the former Anastasia Union will add to the intimidation, and the psychological impact of losing their privileges will be significant. Even if the offer isn’t perfect, the realistic benefits and the illusion of a way out will be crucial. I’ve seen a bit of how Count Cleados’s people work, and they are skilled."
If they are experienced, there should be no problem. They are motivated by practical gains and are willing to help.
"The details are secondary. What kind of damage will be inflicted? Just dismantling the guilds seems a bit weak."
The Magic Doll Federation is the root cause. We cannot let them off easily.
Especially the Chairperson, who mobilized the young master of the Anastasia Union and myself to issue threats. After they disrespected us, they must face the consequences to save face.
"In the process of dismantling the guilds, we are setting them up to incur debts. The creditors will be intimidating entities connected to the Anastasia Union, ensuring they can’t live normal lives going forward."
"Pushing them into debt traps. That’s satisfactory."
With that, the retaliation will be complete. However, there is a problem.
The problem is that the Federation will be left in a state of total functional collapse just before the finals. The competition cannot be canceled.
Thus, we need to quickly refresh and stabilize the Federation.
We must bring in new personnel to manage the Federation and prepare for the finals in a very short time. Though challenging, it must be done.
Naturally, the groundwork is already laid.
"I’ll go see the new Chairperson. I need to make sure they’re in a good mood to avoid any unpleasant comments."
"I’ll come too. I’ll get the car ready."
Heidi left my room to arrange the car.
"Layla, you’ll continue to oversee the operations. Thank you."
"Understood."
We arrived at the headquarters of the Anastasia Union.
This was my umpteenth visit. I no longer feel nervous, and it feels like visiting a grandmother’s house.
The heavy gates open automatically as our vehicle approaches, and we enter the grounds as usual. As always, someone is there to greet us when we park.
"The Matriarch is waiting."
The words are few, but it’s a familiar routine.
After a brief greeting, the easygoing conversation begins.
"You’ve ruined my retirement, you know!"
"Don’t be silly. You were bored anyway. Besides, it’s just a bit earlier than planned."
"A bit? It’s one thing to adjust the timeline, but completely rebuilding the organization is a different matter altogether!"
"It’s all about perspective. Think of it as a chance to build it the way you want. After all, people are already being gathered, right?"
The Anastasia Union is not just a presence in Beltoria but a key player in Berliza. They have connections everywhere and can easily recruit anyone knowledgeable in Magic Dolls or the competition.
"There are plenty of people who can teach Magic Dolls, but what we need are those who can manage the organization. Such individuals are not idle, and we don’t have the luxury of time to groom them. We have to bring in experienced but stubborn old-timers."
"That’s where the Matriarch, as a key figure, comes in. That’s why I’m asking for your help."
I can already imagine it and find it unappealing. I absolutely want no part in it.
I understand the need for experienced personnel, but gathering only such individuals is unnecessary. Two or three for leadership roles should suffice.
While saying " well, well, well, " I offer her favorite snacks and tea to improve her mood.
"Ideally, I would have you, Yukarinowe, work tirelessly in the new Federation."
"No way. You know that, right?"
Organizations require discipline. The Matriarch, the top officials, and the rank-and-file employees must fulfill their roles. Even if I were appointed to a high position by the Matriarch, there would surely be those who would not accept it, given my young age and lack of experience in the Magic Doll field. Engaging in petty power struggles would be a waste of time. The organization would function better without me.
Frankly, I cannot stand being in anyone’s shadow. I lead the Kikyo Society and act almost independently as a teacher at the Academy. Working as a Federation employee is out of the question.
"...You’re right. Having you work there would likely destroy the organization quickly."
"Exactly."
"Don’t be so sure. Anyway, how’s the cleanup going?"
"Destroying them is easy. The challenge is the aftermath. Can the finals go as planned?"
"Of course not. We’ll do our best to make it happen in some form."
I remember the Matriarch mentioning that she would re-evaluate the relationship with the knightly order that provides the competition venue. If there are issues with the old Federation, both sides will likely refuse to cooperate, necessitating significant changes to the competition itself.
"As long as it takes shape, that’s fine. But time is short."
"I understand. As an advisor to the participating schools, just wait and see."
It’s reassuring to know she’s on it.
As long as the competition can proceed, everything else is secondary. I’m even looking forward to seeing how it will change.
---
This time, all the minor tasks are done!
Only the final competition remains!