Chapter 59 - The Invitation
The snow continues to fall, creating a monotonous winter landscape. The snowflakes drifting down are getting annoying.
After checking on the newly opened gambling den, I trudge through the snow on my way back to headquarters.
The temperature-regulating function of my coat lessens the cold, but my exposed face and especially my ears are still freezing. The white breath I exhale clearly indicates the season.
I don’t particularly dislike the cold that penetrates to my bones, but it can get tiring if it goes on too long.
I hurry back, eager to warm up with a hot cup of tea. Winter is well past its halfway point, I think.
Being in a warm room brings a sense of ease. The comfort of a hot cup of tea or a hot bath makes me feel positive. It’s a bit self-indulgent, but it’s a nice feeling.
During this relaxing moment, a letter arrives, addressed to the president.
It reminds me of the invitation to the black market I received before.
"This time, it’s from the Clad Family. I wonder what it’s about."
"Could it be a challenge?"
"It’s quite a formal envelope."
The sender is the Clad Family, one of the Five Great Families in Exembra.
I wonder what they want. There’s no point in speculating, so I’ll just read it.
Under the watchful eyes of the senior members, I boldly tear open the envelope.
"Clad Family New Leader Inauguration Celebration and General Assembly Invitation
Wishing you good health in these cold times.
As you know, our family recently appointed Balgar Clad as the new leader. To celebrate this, we are hosting an inauguration party and the general assembly at the Clad Family residence.
We kindly request your presence at this event to promote the development of Exembra."
The letter is quite formal, but it’s essentially an invitation. The specific conditions and date are written afterward.
The general assembly is where the underground organizations gather to meet and adjust their interests. It’s a meeting of the big bosses, almost like a council of villains.
The Kikyo Society is unique for being all-female, and we’re still new to Exembra. Being invited to an event hosted by a major organization is unexpected.
We had some information about the Clad Family’s leadership change, but since we had no direct connection, I hadn’t paid much attention.
Oh, right, the Bruno Gang is under the Clad Family, so there is a loose connection. We’ve had some collaboration with the Bruno Gang, like supplying healing potions and exchanging information.
Still, why are they inviting us now? It could be just out of curiosity, but it’s unusual.
"What’s it about, Yukari? Is it a challenge?"
"That’s unlikely. It’s a formal envelope."
"Wait, what’s it about?"
Everyone is leaning forward, clearly interested in the letter from such a prominent family.
"Nothing much. It’s an inauguration party and general assembly. They want me to attend, it seems."
"What!?
"The general assembly is usually hosted by the Five Great Families. They’re inviting us?"
"So, we’re making a name for ourselves?"
"Sounds fun. Can I go?"
"Me too!"
"Me too!"
They’re all excited, but it’s not that simple.
"The general assembly is a formal event. Only the leader and the deputy or their representative can attend. No one else will be allowed, even if they come."
"Oh, that’s a bummer."
"It’s a prestigious event. Only the leader and the deputy can attend."
I’m flattered, but it’s a bit of a hassle. I don’t really want to go.
"But it’s important to show up. If we skip it, it could be seen as a slight to the Clad Family."
"True. We should attend for the Kikyo Society’s benefit."
I get it. The Clad Family maintains a neutral stance toward us. They haven’t shown any hostility, and they’re inviting us to such a significant event. It wouldn’t be wise to offend them.
Still, the other families are a different story.
"What’s the general assembly? The meeting of the Five Great Families?"
The general assembly is held every six months, hosted in rotation by the Five Great Families.
Before the assembly, they usually host a party for some reason. This time, it’s the inauguration party.
"So, we’ve made a name for ourselves?"
"It’s an interesting event. But it’s a hassle."
Indeed, it’s a hassle. Both Siegrune and I stand out as women. We’ll attract a lot of attention.
"But if we don’t attend, it could be seen as a slight to the Clad Family. We can’t afford to offend them."
"True. We should attend for the Kikyo Society’s benefit."
I understand. The Clad Family maintains a neutral stance. They haven’t shown any hostility, and they’ve invited us to such a significant event. It wouldn’t be wise to offend them.
Still, the other families are a different story.
"The general assembly will have all the big bosses. What should we do?"
"The McDallian Family will definitely be there. We should avoid them as much as possible."
I have no intention of starting trouble at an event hosted by another family.
I’ll go with a polite demeanor, but I won’t be the one to start any trouble. Probably.
"We’re just making a formal appearance, right?"
"That’s likely. We don’t have any significant business to discuss with other organizations."
"The Kikyo Society is getting some attention. They probably just want to see what we look like."
"Being the president is tough."
"I’m more nervous, as the vice-commander."
We don’t really know the Clad Family’s intentions, but if they want to see us, we’ll show them.
Siegrune’s handsome appearance and my own will be enough. I’ll make a grand entrance.
The preparation leading up to the assembly takes a few days.
My preparation is the only thing that needs attention. The Kikyo Society will continue its usual operations.
For the event, my usual coat and the innerwear made by Torietta will be sufficient. Siegrune will be similarly dressed.
The only other thing to prepare is a gift. Since it’s also an inauguration party, bringing a poor gift would be embarrassing.
I’ll consult Josephine about what to bring.
"A valuable gift would be best. The attendees often bring gifts related to their businesses to promote themselves."
"Do we have anything like that? The only thing that comes to mind is the handcrafted goods from Sixth Avenue."
"That’s perfect. The metal ingots and threads you provide are used in Sixth Avenue’s products. They’ll appreciate it."
Hmm, that might work.
"We can bring the fabric as is, without worrying about sizes or preferences. We can also bring metal ingots. They can use them as they please."
"That sounds good. Thank you, Josephine."
I’ll settle on this gift. It’s not too elaborate, and we’re not that close to them.
I’ll head to the fabric store Brillonvest to pick up the materials. They should have some in stock, but if not, I’ll place an order with the metal threads.
One last thing.
The Kikyo Society is already quite noticeable, so we might as well go all out. It suits my style, and it’s a perfect stage for a grand entrance. I’ll make an impression.
The preparations for the event are complete.
On the day, I’ll wear my usual coat with the innerwear made by Torietta. Siegrune will be similarly dressed.
For the gift, we’ll bring the metal threads and fabric. It’s a thoughtful and appropriate choice.
I’m excited about the event, but the assembly is a bit of a chore. I’ll look forward to the grand entrance with the Bloomstar Galaxy.