Chapter 46 - Shadowy Foes and Peaceful Days
It's been quite a while since order was brought to Sixth Avenue. The artisans and merchants understand that this order and safety don't come for free. Even those not directly involved in business should know that much; it's part of being a grown-up.
If the residents of Sixth Avenue continue to ignore the order we, the Kikyo Society, have established and maintained, we might have to take a slightly harsher approach.
I've heard from Torietta-san that the elders of Sixth Avenue have been informed. Still, there's been no action from their side. We need to question what they're thinking and why they're ignoring us. We've already proven our worth.
The apprentices' training is almost complete, and it's time to clarify who's in charge of Sixth Avenue. Everyone knows that Sixth Avenue is under the Kikyo Society's control, but without a formal agreement with the elders, collecting protection fees won't go as smoothly as we'd like. We could do it unilaterally, but the stubborn artisans might resist, which would be troublesome. It's best to establish a clear line.
We also need to start preparing for the Kikyo Society-operated tavern in Sixth Avenue. It's time to move forward with all these plans.
One night, I gather the full members of the Kikyo Society and declare, "Tomorrow, I'll speak with the representatives of Sixth Avenue. Our track record is solid, and I won't tolerate any complaints."
"If they start whining, we won't let them off the hook. They haven't paid for our protection for long enough."
"Right, it's not free work."
"But if it goes well, we'll be busy again soon."
"More earnings mean more opportunities."
The members are energized by the new challenge.
"Tomorrow, there will be a meeting of Sixth Avenue's key store owners and artisans. They know we'll be there."
We've put in a lot of groundwork with Torietta-san, the owner of the Brillonvest clothing store. There's no room for further delays. We'll settle this tomorrow.
Siegrune looks at me thoughtfully. "Yukari-dono, I think it's best if we go alone tomorrow. If the leader suddenly shows up, they might become too confident."
"That's a good point. I'll handle the negotiations, and Siegrune will support me. The Combat Unit will provide security. Their presence alone will be a strong deterrent."
I see. I was planning to handle it myself, but if Siegrune thinks it's best, I'll trust her judgment. Frederica and Siegrune are reliable. If they can't handle it, I doubt I could do any better.
Even if the Combat Unit goes to the negotiation, the Headquarters and Lightning Street will be well-protected with me and the apprentices.
"Alright, I'll leave it to you all. Make a firm decision tomorrow. Of course, a friendly agreement would be ideal, but if not, use your best judgment."
I'm delegating full authority. Even if the atmosphere is tense, our track record should lead to a favorable outcome.
Alright, now it's up to them. The next day, after sending the negotiation team off, I focus on my usual self-training.
The apprentices stay at the Headquarters today, training or resting as they see fit. I spend what feels like an unusually long time training, and by evening, the negotiation team returns.
Siegrune starts her report with a grim expression.
"Yukari-dono, we faced interference."
Hmm, it seems things didn't go well.
"What happened?"
Siegrune patiently questioned the representatives of Sixth Avenue about why they weren't moving forward with our relationship. Using a mix of persuasion and threats, she eventually got some answers, though not everything. It seems the Commercial Guild, a different faction from Jallens, is interfering with the Kikyo Society's relationship with Sixth Avenue.
Someone from the Commercial Guild is pressuring the elders of Sixth Avenue not to work with us. The stores on Sixth Avenue are under the Commercial Guild's umbrella, so they can't ignore the pressure. This has likely been the reason for their reluctance to recognize our authority.
However, many shopkeepers and artisans, like Torietta-san, are keen to join forces with us. This is a positive sign.
"Those people seemed to have some leverage. They were unusually hesitant."
"They seemed caught between us and the Commercial Guild. There was also pressure from below."
I haven't been to the Commercial Guild recently, but I have a friendly relationship with Jallens. The guild isn't a monolithic entity, so the person behind this interference is likely someone with equal or greater standing than Jallens, and who sees us as a threat. It's unclear what their motive is.
The Commercial Guild doesn't gain much by opposing us. The protection we provide helps stabilize commerce, and the protection fees are a separate matter. There's no reason for conflict. In fact, the Commercial Guild should be grateful for the stability we bring to Sixth Avenue.
"I'll identify our enemies. Josephine, work with Ortlinde to investigate immediately."
Josephine nods and leaves at once. Ortlinde isn't here, so they'll meet up elsewhere.
"We can't wait for the enemy to show themselves. Frederica, start preparing the tavern with Sophie."
"The schedule is set, so it's just a matter of execution. As a precaution, I'd like you to inspect the location with us. Let's go together another day."
"That sounds good. For now, everyone else, continue with your usual tasks. We'll call you to action as soon as we have more information."
"Sure thing!"
The team's enthusiastic response is reassuring.
Who is causing this interference and why? This is a clear provocation, and I won't let it slide, no matter who they are.
On the surface, the Kikyo Society continues its usual activities. Josephine and Ortlinde are busy investigating, but the enemy remains elusive. Even with their skills, two people can only do so much. We need to strengthen our Intelligence Unit.
I've spoken to Jallens about the situation and secured his cooperation. The power struggles within the Commercial Guild are intense, and he provided information on potential candidates who might be against us.
If this interference is due to personal grudges, it's one thing, but if it's backed by an organization, we need to uncover the full extent of the threat.
Despite the tension, we carry on with our daily tasks. I'm heading to the location for the Kikyo Society-operated tavern in Sixth Avenue.
It's a prime location in the heart of Sixth Avenue, a bustling spot that's been untouched due to the conflicts. It's a waste, and now the Kikyo Society will put it to good use.
"Hmm, it's quite spacious inside."
"The management is well-maintained. I expected it to be more rundown."
The two-story building is quite large and well-kept by the Commercial Guild. It will need new equipment, but the potential is clear. If we can make this place a success, the investment will pay off quickly.
I've brought Sophie, who will manage the tavern, along with Josephine and Lily. Jallens from the Commercial Guild is also with us.
"Are you sure you're up to it?"
"It's too late to back out now. You've prepared for this, and everyone will support you. You'll do great."
Sophie will handle all aspects of the tavern, from renovations to staff recruitment and supply management. She has connections with renovation companies and suppliers, and Jallens will help with staff recruitment through the Commercial Guild. It's a lot of work, but Sophie can handle it.
Josephine will assist Sophie and Lily with the interior design.
By involving Jallens and the Commercial Guild, we might provoke the enemy, which could help us catch them. But for now, we need their support.
"Let's make it a wonderful place."
Lily, the flower mage, will run a flower shop at the entrance. She can create the flowers herself and doesn't need much equipment. We'll let her manage it as she sees fit. Depending on how it goes, we might expand it into a specialty store or keep it as a small operation. There's no real cause for concern.
Based on today's inspection, we'll decide on the renovations. We'll then consult with renovation experts to finalize the plans.
The flower shop will occupy a six-mat area near the entrance. The main tavern will be over a hundred square meters, plus a kitchen and bar. The second floor will have living quarters and a break room for staff, as well as an office. The basement will serve as a storage area and a private meeting room.
The tavern will have rotating guards to ensure security. We'll offer live-in options for staff, and Sophie might choose to live there as well.
I'll stay out of the design and operational decisions. Sophie will decide the atmosphere, hours, and everything else except the core concept of a tavern. Of course, I'll be available for consultations.
"Jallens-san, let me know if there's any movement within the guild."
"I'll keep an eye out. With such a bold move, interference is inevitable."
We'll identify and deal with the source of trouble.
Despite our plans, the days pass peacefully. The tavern preparations go smoothly, and the enemy remains quiet, almost eerily so. We've also started collecting protection fees from Sixth Avenue, though some stores refuse due to the lack of formal recognition. Those who reject us won't benefit from our protection, and joining later will come at a higher cost.
Fortunately, such cases are rare, thanks to our positive reputation.
The smooth progress almost makes me forget about the enemy. Complacency is dangerous.
Surprisingly, no major issues arise during the hot summer. The apprentices have completed their basic training and will graduate to full members. We expected some dropouts, but everyone made it through, even those we thought might struggle. The recovery potions helped, but their perseverance is commendable.
Reflecting on it, life in the former Kingdom of Brenark, with its poor security and harsh conditions, makes our offer more appealing. We provide a safe place to live, ample food, and medical care. It's a good deal.
Standing before the apprentices, I feel a sense of pride.
As a symbol of their graduation, I present each of them with the Kikyo Society's black and off-white cloak.
"You've all done well."
"Ugh, sniff, thank you, President!"
Some are moved to tears, which is a bit awkward.
With all the apprentices now full members and the tavern preparations nearly complete, something feels off. It's as if something is about to happen.