Chapter 58 - Exembra Defense Force No. 2
Our long-awaited Kikyo Society-run gambling den finally opened for business.
It's been a few days since the opening, and business has been going smoothly. For a new establishment, we're doing better than expected.
Part of the reason for this success is the unique feature of our gambling den: all of our staff are women.
This all-female staff is a selling point. In a competitive market with many other gambling dens, it helps us stand out and establish our identity.
Surprisingly, this feature has been welcomed not just by the usual perverts, but also by young people and even women, who seem intrigued by the novelty. It’s not a particularly sexy setup, which might be why it’s been well-received.
We also benefited from the cooperation of Jarlens, a board member of the Commerce Guild. He helped us spread the word to influential merchants, adventurers, guilds, and even nobles, which certainly paid off.
I'm even thinking about holding a Costume Day to generate more buzz.
In any case, thanks to everyone's hard work, we've had a good start.
Today, Gradena and I have a rare moment of free time, so we're enjoying a leisurely tea time at our favorite sweets shop.
Valeria is on vacation and spending time with other friends who are also on break. It's a good sign that she’s becoming more independent.
"Hey, Yukari, how about we crash a place or two?"
Gradena’s casual suggestion is alarmingly violent. She seems stressed.
"If we had a good target, I’d be up for it. But lately, things have been too quiet and boring."
"I know. I’m so sharp from training that I’m itching for action."
I feel the same way as Gradena.
Our Kikyo Society’s finances are thriving, thanks in large part to the gambling den. We expect a steady increase in customers, and our investment will be recovered sooner than planned. We should start planning our next move.
Still, there’s a downside to the smooth sailing. It’s not exactly a complaint, but I’m spoiled. Lately, we haven’t had many challenges. Our previous victories have created a peaceful environment.
While peace is good, it’s also boring. Human nature, I guess.
We anticipated some trouble after poaching staff from other gambling dens, but so far, nothing has come up. It’s frustrating to expect something and have nothing happen.
Maybe we should make the first move. But we just started the gambling den, and everyone except me is busy.
Sigh, it’s frustrating.
"How about we go hunt some monsters?"
"I remember you fought an Ice Golem. I’d love to try that."
As we chat, I spot a Kikyo Society member in the distance. It’s a member of the Fifth Combat Unit.
She spots us through the window and comes inside to our table.
"President, Acting Vice-Commander, I apologize for disturbing your break."
She’s a sturdy dwarf with a robust build, often favored by Paula. She’s quite polite.
It’s unusual for a messenger to come in person during non-combat situations. The Fifth Combat Unit was supposed to be on duty at the gambling den today, so something must have happened.
"What’s going on?"
"There’s a problem. Paula-san asked me to bring you here."
The dwarf girl, clearly uncomfortable, relays the message in a few words. It seems she’s reluctant to say more here.
"We’ll go right away. Gradena, are you coming?"
"Of course."
Gradena, always excited by trouble, is eager to go. I probably look the same way.
We settle the bill and head to the gambling den at a brisk pace.
Since it’s not far, we arrive quickly.
We go straight to the guard room, where Paula greets us with an unusually troubled expression.
"Yukari, Gradena, thank you for coming."
"What’s going on?"
"It doesn’t seem to be a violent incident."
Gradena looks a bit disappointed and slumps her shoulders.
"If it were, we’d just beat them up and call it a day. It’s a bit more complicated. They’re waiting in a separate room."
"Complicated?"
Gradena and I exchange glances before urging Paula to explain.
After hearing the whole story, it is indeed a complicated situation. The person in question is the Vice-General of the Exembra Garrison, a prominent figure in the administrative district.
However, it’s a petty matter.
"To think he’d rack up debts and try to use his power to get out of it. What a pathetic excuse for a man."
Gradena’s disdain is understandable.
Apparently, he’s been frequenting our place, losing consistently, and accumulated a massive debt. Now he’s trying to use his position to get out of paying. He’s a despicable person.
This kind of behavior makes it difficult to extend credit, even to someone in a position of authority. Seriously, what a hassle.
"Normally, we’d pursue him relentlessly and recover as much as possible. But since he’s still a figure of authority, we need to be careful. One mistake could lead to bigger problems."
"True. But we can’t let him off the hook. That’s unacceptable."
"He underestimates the Kikyo Society too much."
What should we do?
Let’s talk to him first. We might learn something useful.
We also need to investigate whether he can really pay. I’ll have the dwarf girl inform the Intelligence Unit to gather information on this Vice-General.
"I’ll handle the conversation. Gradena and Paula, you’ll join me."
He’s apparently being held in a VIP room. We head there.
After knocking, we enter the room.
The first thing we see is a middle-aged man sitting on a sofa. He’s of average build and height, with no distinguishing features. The only notable thing is his arrogant attitude, which is unpleasant just to look at.
But I can see through his facade. He’s tense.
If you look closely, you can see his crossed legs are trembling, and his tightly clasped hands are hiding his shaking. Despite the lack of heat, sweat is pouring down his face, impossible to hide.
He’s just a small-time player putting on a show.
"So, you’re the one in charge here?"
I could commend him for keeping his voice steady, but it’s a matter of how long he can maintain the facade.
I smile calmly and sit across from him. Gradena and Paula stand by the door.
"Yes, that’s right. I’m the president of the Kikyo Society. Nice to meet you."
"No need for introductions. You’re the infamous Yukarinowe Nijoooufashi, right? I’m the Vice-General of the Exembra Garrison, Douglas Dant Dacmasti."
Calling him a Vice-General is generous.
The Exembra Garrison is exceptionally understaffed compared to the size of the city.
Their duties include defending against external threats, maintaining city security, and dealing with monsters and bandits. It’s a broad range of tasks, far too much for such a small group. This is due to the devastating loss of personnel from past wars. Now, the garrison is more of a nominal organization.
In reality, the Adventurer Guild and other guilds handle external threats, while underground organizations provide security within the city.
To be honest, this Vice-General doesn’t seem competent enough for the role. He’s more of a placeholder, and everyone knows it.
However, he is still a figure of authority. As the leader of a small organization, I need to be mindful of my position.
Even I, who can be quite impulsive, adapt my approach based on the situation. I try to act like an adult, at least sometimes.
"...You’re well-informed, Lord Vice-General. How’s the city been lately?"
I pour a cold tea from a side table and offer it to him, buying some time with small talk.
The Vice-General, either afraid to get to the core of the matter or trying to please me, starts talking about the city and the garrison, despite his arrogant demeanor.
I intended it as small talk, but I ended up learning some useful information about other organizations.
While we chat, the dwarf girl quietly enters the room, speaks to Paula, and then approaches me.
"Excuse me, President. Here you go."
With a nod to the Vice-General, I quickly scan the memo she hands me.
As a prominent figure in the city, the Intelligence Unit had already marked him. The memo is quite detailed.
Douglas Dant Dacmasti, the fifth son of the Dacmasti family. A noble from Retnark, with his main estate and family in Retnark.
He’s one of the nobles sent to govern various territories in the old Brenark Kingdom. Despite being the second-in-command of the nominal garrison, he’s not a crucial figure. However, his family has a high standing among the nobles sent from Retnark.
While not particularly diligent or honest, he does the minimum required work. Until recently, he was unremarkable, both publicly and privately.
However, he got into gambling and accumulated significant debt at another gambling den.
Unable to turn to his family, he resorted to embezzling funds from the garrison. Josephine and her team did a thorough job. Indeed.
Now, he’s in debt to us as well. There’s no saving him.
I crumple the memo and burn it in my hand.
"...Excuse me. Lord Vice-General, you seem to be in financial trouble."
"No, no, it’s just a rumor."
"I see. When can we expect payment for today’s losses?"
According to Paula, he demanded that the debt be forgiven. Let’s see how he reacts now.
"...Just a little more time, please. I have a lot on my plate right now."
Interesting, he’s willing to pay.
That changes things. I need to treat him like a customer, but I’m not very patient.
He might be planning to embezzle more funds or score a big win elsewhere. I don’t care where the money comes from as long as he can pay.
"We’ll wait, considering your position, Lord Vice-General."
"Y-Yes, I’ll send a messenger within a few days. I-I’ll pay in full then."
I’m skeptical, but if he says he’ll pay, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. If he doesn’t, we’ll collect by force, harshly.
After seeing him off, I sink into a sofa.
Gradena and Paula are smirking. I turn to Paula with a complaint.
"Paula, he said he’d pay. It wasn’t about forgiving the debt, right?"
"Yukari, are you aware of how intimidating you can be?"
"You were so intimidating. I know you’re strict about money, but it’s hard to ask for forgiveness when you’re that intimidating."
Oh, I unconsciously let my anger show.
I like gambling and money, and I understand the urge to take risks sometimes.
But it’s unacceptable to cover up the consequences or run away from them, especially if it hurts us.
"But do you really think he can pay? If he doesn’t, what will you do?"
"I’ll leave this to Paula. If he breaks his promise, pursue him relentlessly. We have a big scoop on his embezzlement. If necessary, we can involve his family in Retnark to collect the debt."
"Heh, that sounds more interesting. Let’s see how it plays out."
If he pays as promised, that’s fine. If not, we’ll pursue him until the end.
Or we could accept other forms of payment. As long as it’s proportional to the debt.
As the son of a noble family from Retnark and the Vice-General of the Exembra Garrison, he likely has information that our Intelligence Unit doesn’t. Information could be a fair trade.
If he’s useful, we could consolidate his debts with us and even use him as a pawn. It’s not a bad idea.
I’ll leave this to Paula and coordinate with the Intelligence Unit.
Unless something major happens, I won’t need to be involved.
Still, it’s a waste to have the Combat Unit handle debt collection.
We might need a specialized unit for this kind of work, or even outsource it. Starting a company for debt collection isn’t out of the question.
If they can’t pay with money, they can compensate with information. If that’s not possible, they can work it off.
We only lend credit to those with assets, so this shouldn’t be a frequent issue.
I’ll discuss this with the senior members."