Chapter 48 - A Black Market Called Thanksgiving
Even after a minor incident, it’s important to move on quickly. When the veterans return to their usual routines, the new members follow suit.
Returning to daily life brought about some positive changes.
The new members, who experienced the attack, are more focused and engaged in their training. I expect their progress to improve.
Training roles have also been established based on combat styles.
For orthodox swordsmanship, Zieglune.
For axe and brute-force combat, Angelina.
For hand-to-hand combat, Valeria and Mary.
For spear combat, Brittany.
For dagger combat, the beastgirl Mira.
For archery, Albert.
For magical combat, the gentle elf Liliane and the calm Onee-sama Verone.
For adaptive combat, Ophelia.
Gradena, Bonnie, and Paula can teach the importance of spirit and determination in combat. We have many practical training sessions, and fighting different combat styles is good practice.
I also teach combat to the apprentices, but my main role, along with Rosabel, Colette, and Josephine, is to give lectures.
We cover the basics of magic, reading, writing, and general knowledge.
Teaching general knowledge as a person from another world might seem odd, but there are many who are surprisingly ignorant. My background in studying makes me a suitable teacher, and my knowledge is often more extensive than theirs.
The lectures are more practical than formal school lessons. We teach what’s necessary to survive in this industry.
For example, how to behave in a casino, how to deal with outlaws, common scams and tricks, basic underworld etiquette, and the relationships between various factions. We also cover basic law, customs, and memorizing emblems.
Physical training alone isn’t enough. Without knowledge, one can easily be deceived. Being prepared is crucial.
While we provide this education, there are proper educational institutions in Exembra.
There’s no compulsory education, but anyone can attend if they pay. There are many schools, and some are like night schools, catering mainly to young people.
I’m interested in the schools of this world, but as the leader of the Kikyo Society, I can’t attend as a regular student.
I’m considering sending younger members like Sarah-chan and the former girl gang to proper schools.
I’m aware that our education has biases.
While discussing the importance of education with Rosabel and Sophie, Zieglune returned.
A diligent apprentice served us cold tea as she took her seat.
"The territory of the Rosimar Gang has been smoothly integrated. The reputation we built on Lightning Street and Sixth Avenue helped. The representative of the commercial district was also reasonable."
Zieglune, the former blue knight, sipped her drink with satisfaction.
"It’s a bit of an expansion, but it shouldn’t be a problem, right?"
"Since it’s adjacent to Lightning Street, it won’t be a significant burden. The rotation and personnel should remain the same."
If we had left the territory of the Rosimar Gang unclaimed, it could have led to conflicts over the vacant territory.
While I initially didn’t mind, it’s better to integrate it since it’s adjacent to our territory. If it were a distant location, I might have left it alone.
While it won’t bring in much protection money, the additional profit without much burden is a good deal.
Thanks to the Sixth Avenue business, our finances have improved, and the opening of our bar and flower shop is approaching. This will bring us more financial stability.
With financial stability, we don’t need to hoard large sums of money.
I plan to distribute regular bonuses to the members, including myself.
While we can’t yet afford large sums to everyone, regular, expendable income will be a significant motivator.
I’m already wealthy, but regular income is still gratifying.
Frederica and I manage the finances. For organizational operations, we use the Kikyo Society’s Record Cards issued by the Commercial Guild, separate from personal Record Cards.
Since multiple Record Cards are often needed for large organizations, we currently have three.
Frederica and I usually handle the transactions, and Zieglune has one for emergencies, though she rarely uses it.
Zieglune was chosen because she is trustworthy and loyal to the organization.
With improving finances, one day, an invitation arrived.
"Hey, Kikyo Society President, Yukarinowe-dono. We are holding the annual Thanksgiving Festival on 39th Street."
"Thanksgiving Festival?"
"I’ve heard of it. It’s a black market on 39th Street."
The organizer is a prominent figure in one of the major underworld organizations in Exembra. The black market is held irregularly in the territory they control.
It mainly deals in stolen goods and loot, as well as rare magical artifacts, artworks, exotic weapons, and even rare animals and slaves.
Being directly invited by a major player is a sign of the Kikyo Society’s growing influence.
"Onee-sama, what should we do?"
"Of course, we’re going."
We can’t miss such an interesting event.
Newcomers like us might not be allowed into the most dangerous sections, but there are bound to be rare items in the other areas. This is an opportunity we can’t pass up.
We might find something interesting, and even if we don’t, it’s an event worth experiencing.
The invitation allows up to two additional guests with me.
I suggested it, and a competition began.
"This should go to a senior member."
"I’m definitely coming with Onee-sama."
"Identification magic is best used in situations like this."
"This is a great opportunity for information gathering."
"There might be rare flowers too."
"A former adventurer’s insight would be valuable."
"I want to see the weapons."
"I want to learn."
Even the new members joined in, each making their case.
I understand their enthusiasm, but what to do?
Since the event is unlikely to turn violent, it’s fine if the Combat Unit doesn’t go. I’ll be fair about it.
After a rigorous draw, Frederica and the new member Roberta won the right to accompany me.
"Yes!"
"Damn, next time! I really wanted to go."
"Roberta, that’s unfair."
"Bring us back some souvenirs!"
While the disappointed members grumbled, we prepared for the night.
The event was scheduled to start soon after the invitation arrived, likely to avoid interference from law enforcement or rival factions. With the current climate, a raid is unlikely, but it’s a precaution.
After dinner, as the night deepened, we set out in our black coats to 39th Street.
Frederica, relaxed and eager to shop, and Roberta, tense and anxious, joined me in the overhauled jeep.
"Roberta, try to relax."
I gave her a disapproving look, and she sheepishly scratched her head.
"But I’m nervous. It’s my first time at a black market."
"Just be casual. If anything happens, I’ll handle it."
Frederica, the elegant blonde beauty, was completely relaxed and genuinely excited.
"Don’t worry. Try to enjoy it like Frederica. Being too tense might draw unwanted attention."
"I’ll try."
The event area had a large parking space, filled with many vehicles, unusual for Exembra.
As we parked and joined the crowd, we naturally drew attention, being new and prominent members of the Kikyo Society.
I ignored the annoying stares. The event’s security guards, likely affiliated with the organizers, kept the area under control, preventing any troublemakers from causing disruptions.
Ignoring the uncomfortable gazes, we entered the grand building hosting the Thanksgiving Festival.
Showing our invitations, we were led to the main area. The upper floors, where more dangerous transactions take place, were off-limits to us.
Stepping into the grand hall, we were greeted by a bustling and lively atmosphere.
"No more price cuts, you got that?"
"Hey, kid, how about this?"
The hall was much larger than expected, filled with the loud voices of vendors and customers.
"Wow!"
Roberta, wide-eyed, was clearly impressed by the vibrant atmosphere.
"I expected a more formal setting, but it’s surprisingly free."
"It’s a true black market."
It felt more like a flea market or a garage sale.
The customers were a mix of rough-looking individuals, quirky merchants, wealthy collectors, and adventurers, similar to the clientele at casinos.
The security guards, despite their intimidating presence, kept a low profile, and the overall atmosphere was relaxed and friendly.
"There are lots of swords over there!"
Judging by the atmosphere, it seemed safe to explore and enjoy the event.
With no immediate concerns, I decided to let everyone wander freely. There was a rest area in a corner where we could regroup later.
"Everyone has something they want to see. Frederica and Roberta, try not to cause any trouble."
"Don’t worry. I’ll find some good deals. Look forward to it."
"I’m off!"
Frederica headed towards a display of ornate decorations, while Roberta, drawn to the swords, went her own way.
I decided to check out the magical artifacts.
The hall was vast, and I started with a quick tour. As expected, the black market offered a different kind of merchandise compared to regular shops.
Everything was suspicious, with outrageous claims attached to the items.
For example, a ring advertised as the ultimate magical artifact to dramatically increase magical power, or a legendary sword called the Golden Flame Sword, claimed to be a rare find.
There were also dubious magical artifacts and potions, alongside practical items like barrier magic devices and communication orbs, which are usually restricted to guilds. The communication orbs, though tempting, were too expensive, and I suspected they were overpriced.
Just walking around was entertaining. I wished I could have brought more members.
"Hey, miss, check this out. You’re the only woman around, so I’ll show you something special if you buy something."
I wasn’t approached much, but I was stopped at a booth selling small trinkets by a dog-like beastman, who was quite charming. I decided to take a look.
On the table were neat arrangements of items for women.
Small magical artifacts, some with poison needles or flashbang capabilities, were interesting. They were designed as rings, necklaces, and hair accessories, making them easy to wear and use for self-defense.
They were compact and wouldn’t take up much space, and could serve as both defensive and fashionable accessories. Many were surprisingly beautiful and cute, making them perfect souvenirs for everyone.
They were expensive, but I’m wealthy, so I splurged.
I decided to buy everything on the table, a typical rich person’s casual purchase.
"Really? Thanks, miss! Here’s your payment."
I handed over the Record Card with a slight frown.
"Of course."
The beastman, impressed by my purchase, packed the items into a large paper bag with care.
He mentioned a special item, so I asked to see more.
"Sure thing, miss. If you like it, feel free to buy it."
He unlocked a large, locked box and showed me the contents.
Indeed, these items were valuable.
"Hmm, not bad… Wait."
One item caught my eye.
It was a familiar, nostalgic item. I never thought I’d see it here.
"That’s a mana-sealing bracelet. A rare item you can’t find anywhere else. Easy to use, too."
He spoke proudly, but I recognized it immediately. It’s the magical artifact we were forced to wear in the camp. I couldn’t forget it.
I couldn’t help but feel a moment of nostalgia."