Chapter 56 - Operation Escape
The Kikyo Society's current goal is to open our own gambling den.
Finding the location isn't hard. We've already secured a spot—the basement of the Kikyo Society Branch. With the right funding, setting up the facilities and interior is a breeze.
The real challenge is finding the right people, especially the dealers.
A dealer is stationed at each game table to deal cards, roll dice, and distribute chips based on the payout. They need to be well-versed in game rules and skilled in card handling. They also interact closely with customers, requiring excellent customer service skills.
They must entertain a diverse clientele, from beginners to seasoned players, and keep the games lively. It’s a demanding job, and training someone from scratch isn’t easy.
We’re looking for female dealers. While they are in short supply, they do exist. However, our recruitment efforts have been met with silence, despite offering better conditions than most places.
There’s no doubt that pressure is being applied to discourage applications. Whether it’s harassment against the Kikyo Society or a bid to curb our growth, we can’t secure the talent we need. This has been a significant headache.
But we won’t be deterred. We’ve conducted investigations to identify which female dealers work at various gambling dens. We’re considering direct headhunting. We don’t need to wait for applications.
During these investigations, we discovered female employees and dealers working in slave-like conditions at some gambling dens.
Naturally, rescuing them and bringing them into the Kikyo Society would be the quickest solution.
We had already planned to help these women, even without the urging of other gambling-related organizations. When they reached out to us, it felt like a stroke of luck. Their cooperation would expedite the process.
We want to secure as many dealers as possible, but we can’t force anyone to join us. Knowing how many are willing to escape would be helpful.
Once everything is ready, it’s time to act. This recent development has sped up our timeline, allowing us to move forward with our plans.
We present the idea to the negotiators, encouraging the women to join the Kikyo Society after escaping their current situation.
Our treatment is worlds apart from what they currently experience. They shouldn’t have any complaints.
"But wasn’t the Kikyo Society supposed to not have a gambling den?" one of them asks.
"You’ve done your research. We’re setting one up," I reply.
"Hmm, you make it sound so easy..."
I understand their skepticism. Without solid proof, it’s hard for them to trust us. They have responsibilities, after all.
"We’ve already secured the location. The interior and facilities are in progress, but we have the funding and connections. The only thing left is to gather the people. It’s a matter of whether we do it or not," I explain.
"Can we see the location beforehand?"
"At this point, it’s just an empty space. There’s nothing to see. But if you’re asking about the specifics, like how we’ll free the women in captivity, it’s simpler than you think."
We know the women are confined in underground cells, working from evening until early morning. Outside their shifts, they’re locked in these cells. The cells are locked from the outside, making escape impossible.
A few caretakers live in the building, but they don’t watch the women closely. They sleep, making it easy to sneak in.
We plan to enter in the early morning, when everyone is asleep, and quietly lead the women out.
"We have a plan for that. What we need from you is to prepare the women who want to escape. Make sure they’re ready."
They have minimal personal belongings, so there’s not much to prepare. Still, they need to be mentally prepared. An abrupt visit could cause confusion and even lead to misunderstandings. Proper groundwork is essential to ensure a smooth rescue.
"Can you explain how you plan to do this?"
We’ve already conducted reconnaissance and understand the situation. With external assistance, escaping should be straightforward.
"It sounds simple, doesn’t it? But it’s not difficult. The key is execution. We’ll leave the timing to you."
They seem to agree that it’s feasible and are eager to proceed.
Waiting won’t solve anything, and they have no one else to turn to. This is their best option.
"One more thing. We want to maintain the appearance that they left voluntarily. Otherwise, we might be accused of kidnapping," I add.
"Of course. We’ll have them write resignation letters and leave them in their rooms."
"Sounds good. A representative can write one letter for all of them. It’s just a formality, but it’s necessary."
Once they’re free and working with us, it will be clear they left voluntarily. The ones who kept them captive have no right to complain.
"We’ll contact you once we have a date."
They’re no longer nervous. They’re ready to move forward.
The operation is scheduled for a few days later. It’s a simple task, and I’ll be up early as usual. The Intelligence Unit will continue surveillance until the operation.
This isn’t a combat mission but a stealth operation, so the Intelligence Unit’s infiltration team is best suited for it. I could have done it myself, but I tend to be more flamboyant. Besides, I don’t want to take away their chance to shine.
I’ll stay nearby as backup. I have a responsibility to see it through.
On the morning of the operation, it’s still dark but the weather is clear. We move by jeep, and everything is in place.
There were no unexpected issues during the night, so we proceed as planned.
"Alright, Graylease, I’m counting on you."
I pat her shoulder to encourage her.
"Leave it to me!"
She looks determined, and it’s heartening.
Graylease leads the operation, supported by two others. She’s capable, but it’s good for her to gain experience leading a team.
Josephine and Ortlinde are busy with other tasks, and this operation isn’t particularly challenging. It’s a perfect opportunity for Graylease to gain experience.
Valeria and I wait outside, ready to intervene if needed.
"Graylease, let’s go. Everyone, act as usual."
Graylease nods, ready for her role. We move out in two jeeps, with Siegrune driving the second one.
Let’s get this over with.
It’s a quiet, early morning. We park the jeeps near the back entrance, where the live-in employees are sleeping.
"If anything goes wrong, make a commotion. Valeria will intervene," I instruct.
"Understood, but I’ll handle it smoothly."
They move quickly and efficiently, breaking the lock and entering the building. The back door is simple, unlike the front entrance.
I watch as they enter, impressed by their well-coordinated movements.
"They’re doing well."
"Josephine and Ortlinde have trained them well. They’re handling it perfectly."
We wait quietly, watching the operation unfold. After a short while, one of the Intelligence Unit members returns, followed by the women they’ve rescued. They look tense but relieved.
The number matches what we expected, and there’s no sign of trouble. They’ve done an excellent job.
The Intelligence Unit members guide the women into the jeeps. Graylease and another member stay to secure the perimeter.
Their meticulous attention to detail is commendable. I’m proud of them.
We load the women into the jeeps and head back to the Branch. After dropping them off, we return to Headquarters, where Josephine is waiting.
"Welcome back. How did it go with Graylease?"
"Perfectly. They did a fantastic job. Right, Valeria?"
"They’re more than capable, Onee-sama."
Josephine looks pleased. Graylease and her team have earned her trust.
"Great. We’ll put them to work right away."
"Fufu, it’s the result of Josephine and Ortlinde’s excellent training. We’ll rely on them more in the future."
"Please be gentle with them," Josephine jokes.
We share a laugh, knowing how busy we all are.
We’ll need Josephine’s advice on the gambling den’s interior and the women’s cooperation to get it done.
Josephine will be busy, so Graylease and her team will have to step up.
In the end, we rescued sixteen women from the cramped cells. None wanted to stay in their previous situation. Some were there due to debt, others were victims of human trafficking.
Some were originally from Exembra, while others were brought from elsewhere. Most had places to return to, but they agreed to work at the Kikyo Society for the time being.
Only four of them were dealers, and even with the rest as staff, we’re short-handed for running a gambling den. We’ll need to continue our recruitment efforts.
For now, we’ll give the women a few days to rest. They can relax within the Branch, where they can eat and live comfortably. We’ll consider supervised outings after a few days.
We can’t keep them locked up forever, but we’ll handle any issues as they arise. Once they’ve had time to rest, it’s time to get to work.
Their first task will be to help set up the gambling den. We delayed the interior work specifically for this purpose. Building their workplace with their own hands will foster a sense of ownership and commitment.
We’re offering excellent conditions, and we want them to work diligently and enthusiastically for the long term. They’ve been forced to work in the gambling industry, but they can still contribute in meaningful ways.
We’ll invest whatever it takes to make this a success. We want them to help create a profitable gambling den. This is the first task we’re entrusting to them.
Later, female dealers and staff from other gambling dens approached us secretly, interested in our new operation. Our plan is working. We’re welcoming them, ensuring their safe departure from their previous employers.
Gradually, we’re increasing our numbers through these contacts and direct headhunting. Despite the time it takes, we’re steadily preparing for our opening.
I’m excited about the gambling den’s launch. It will be a lucrative venture.
The only concern is potential backlash from the organizations we’ve poached from. But the women who left are responsible for their own choices, and we expect them to recognize this.
We’re ready to face any challenges that come our way.