Chapter 61 - A Civilized Discussion
According to today’s schedule, the assembly will be held first, followed by the inauguration party.
The discussions on interest adjustments and other matters don’t concern us, so we won’t be asked for our opinions. Probably.
However, as newcomers, the Kikyo Society might be asked to make a formal greeting. Given that we were invited for a face-to-face meeting, it’s almost certain.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a burden. I have no idea what to say.
I have no desire to be friendly with these people. I’d prefer to be left alone. But living in the same city, that’s not really an option.
After the assembly, the venue will shift to Balgar Clad’s inauguration party.
My main excitement is the lavish spread of food that will be served. I’m looking forward to it to get through the boring assembly.
They might have some entertainment, but whatever they come up with is probably not going to be great.
The assembly is off to a noisy start, with everyone airing their grievances.
"Your young ones are causing trouble in our territory. What’s going on?"
"Yours started it. They’re young and impulsive, so let’s not make a big deal out of it."
"Maybe, but if it involves our interests, it’s not just a minor issue."
These are trivial matters. If this is all they talk about, the assembly is just a tea party for bored bosses.
I’ve been watching this go on for a while now. It’s a pointless, trivial affair.
As I observe with a critical eye, I notice Balgar Clad looking at me. I’ll pretend not to notice.
"Alright, let’s move on from these trivial matters. As you all know, we have a new face among us today. Let’s have her introduce herself."
"I was wondering about that. Let’s hear from her."
"She’s Yukarinowe Nijoooufashi, the president of the Kikyo Society, based in the eastern part of Exembra. Nijoooufashi-san, a few words, please?"
Here we go. It’s a hassle, but I’ll go along with it.
Being called by her last name and addressed with honorifics is a bit unexpected.
Oh well, I’ll play the part of a respectful newcomer for now.
"Thank you, Don Clad. I am Yukari Nijoooufashi, president of the Kikyo Society. It’s a pleasure to meet you all."
‘Don’ is a respectful title. I’m trying to show respect to Balgar Clad as the new leader of the Clad Family.
He seems pleased, either understanding my gesture or genuinely happy.
"I’ve heard about you. For a woman, you’re surprisingly strong."
"Yes, I’ve heard you’ve given the Bruno Gang and the McDallian Family a hard time."
"You seem full of energy."
"Sounds like she’s causing trouble."
"Let’s not get carried away. It’s more interesting to let her do her thing."
These bosses seem to find the situation entertaining. Better than them trying to provoke me.
The McDallian Family hasn’t made any moves yet, but I doubt they’ll stay silent.
"Does Don McDallian have anything to say?"
Someone, probably one of the Five Great Families, is trying to stir things up.
Balgar Clad finally looks at me.
"...I’ve heard you’re quite strong. How about showing us during the entertainment?"
"That sounds fun!"
"Heh, that’s a great idea! What do you say, Kikyo Society president?"
Of course, I don’t want to. Why should I?
"Who should be the opponent? Should we send someone from our side?"
The room is buzzing with excitement over who will face me.
This is ridiculous. I can’t just go along with it.
"No, I’ll take care of it. My family has a suitable candidate."
The candidate is likely the skilled hitman mentioned in Josephine’s report. He’s probably using this as an opportunity to eliminate me under the guise of a legitimate event.
I was about to protest when a strong voice echoed through the hall.
"Hold on. I’ll take it."
The speaker is a towering figure with an aura as commanding as ‘Cloud Cutter.’ I recognize him immediately. He’s the powerful and intimidating leader of the Anastasia Union.
"Leader, even you can’t just do as you please."
"I said I’ll provide the opponent. Do you have a problem with that? Or do you think you can find a better one?"
The McDallian Family is cornered. That’s good, but not necessarily a favorable outcome for me.
It seems I’ll be facing an opponent endorsed by the leader of the Anastasia Union.
"What do you think, everyone? The Kikyo Society president is a woman. Wouldn’t it be fitting for a woman to face her?"
"Yes, that’s a good idea!"
"The Anastasia Union has a strong woman fighter."
"This is getting more interesting."
These people are getting too excited. It’s hard to stop them now.
I sigh. Do I have to go through with this? No, I won’t be pushed around.
"Leader, who will you send?"
"My sister. This will be a good experience for her."
The hall buzzes with excitement. I don’t know the leader’s sister, but she must be famous.
Siegrune, who also doesn’t know about the sister, nods in agreement.
"Don Clad, is this alright?"
The leader of the Anastasia Union asks Balgar Clad for permission, acknowledging his role as the host.
"I appreciate your gesture, Leader. This will be a great show. It’s fine with me, Nijoooufashi-san, right?"
It’s not fine, but he looks genuinely excited about it.
I look at the elderly boss, Balgar Clad, and the leader of the Anastasia Union, silently protesting.
"Leader, your sister is quite strong, you said?"
The leader’s gaze suggests he thinks I’m in the same boat.
I’m not against a fight, especially with a strong opponent. But being treated like an exhibit is annoying, and there’s no benefit for me.
I’ll be clear about it.
"Leader, a match with your sister sounds intriguing. I genuinely congratulate Don Clad on his inauguration. However, that doesn’t mean I should be an exhibit."
My honesty seems to make some of them uneasy.
"Everyone, let’s calm down."
Balgar Clad, the host, steps in to diffuse the tension.
He’s skilled at managing the atmosphere, defusing the aggressive vibes, including from ‘Cloud Cutter,’ with just a few words.
"Nijoooufashi-san, we’re not backing down. Can you accept it?"
I can’t be swayed by empty words. I won’t give in easily.
"Alright. How about a reward? That would make it more interesting."
A reward?
"I’ll offer a reward as well. A reward just for participating, and if you win my sister, I’ll offer whatever you want."
"Interesting. I’ll contribute too."
"Heh, me too."
The rewards keep piling up.
Suddenly, it’s looking like a lucrative opportunity.
If there’s something in it for me, the situation changes.
A high-stakes match against a powerful opponent sounds exciting now.
I try to suppress my excitement, but it’s hard.
Showing off my strength can be a good demonstration, and I don’t have to reveal everything. The same goes for my opponent.
I stand up and survey the assembled bosses, adopting a regal demeanor.
"Alright. I’ll accept. But don’t think I’ll forget about the reward."
"The Clad Family’s name is on the line. The others will honor their promises too. It will be something to look forward to."
I’ve been played, but it’s fine. I take my seat.
"Yukari-dono, is this a good thing? I can fight in your place if you want."
Siegrune leans in to whisper.
"That might have been an option. But since I’ve spoken, I’ll do it myself."
"I’m not worried, but please be careful. I’ll bring your spear. It would be better to use that."
"Good point. I’ll pretend to be skilled with a spear. No need to show my real fighting style."
I’ve learned the basics of spear fighting from Siegrune. While not my primary skill, it’s enough for a convincing act.
My true strength lies in close combat, but there’s no need to reveal that.
"Alright, let’s move on to the main discussion."
The main discussion? Is this the real agenda?
"There are issues with the drug trade. I’d like to hear everyone’s honest opinions."
Drugs. Not a pleasant topic.
The drug trade is a significant source of income for the underworld. Adjusting these interests is the main topic today.
The Kikyo Society doesn’t deal with drugs. We’re well aware of their dangers and have thoroughly educated our members. We don’t allow any drug-related activities in our territory, and anyone caught will face severe consequences.
While I’m concerned, the bosses are heatedly discussing their issues.
Then, the middle-aged boss next to me leans in, speaking in a friendly tone.
"How about getting involved in the business? I’ve heard the Kikyo Society doesn’t deal with drugs, but I can set you up. It’s profitable."
Money is important, but not at this cost. Drugs bring nothing but misery. The thought of our territory and members being affected is unsettling. I can’t allow it.
Some of our members have suffered from drugs in the past. I’m fully aware of the dangers.
"...We won’t deal with drugs. I’ll pretend I never heard this."
He shrugs and loses interest in me.
The leader of the Anastasia Union, known for their hardline stance against drugs like the Kikyo Society, is also silent. However, his subordinate organizations still engage in the trade.
No matter how powerful the Five Great Families are, I won’t allow any drug trade in our territory.
From the discussion, it seems they will strictly enforce the trade within their own territories, which is fortunate.
"I heard the Kikyo Society acquires valuable metal threads and ingots from somewhere."
"I also heard you have a large supply of healing potions."
"I’m curious where you get these materials."
"And you came here in a very interesting vehicle. I’d like to know more about it."
"Sounds like a lot of interesting information."
"I’d like to be part of these discussions."
While I was lost in thought, the questions started pouring in.
I’m suddenly the center of attention. They’re all curious.
None of this is a secret, and they can find out with a bit of investigation, but I won’t just give in to their curiosity.
"Everyone, that wasn’t the purpose of today’s meeting. If you have questions, please discuss them with her individually."
Unexpectedly, the host, Balgar Clad, comes to my rescue.
His intervention cools down the room, and the bosses fall silent.
"Let’s take a break until the party. You can relax in the lounge or enjoy the garden."
The assembly is temporarily adjourned. Next is the inauguration party.
I wonder what will happen with the entertainment.
"Siegrune, let’s go outside."
"Good idea. I’ll fetch your spear as well."
I don’t want to be bothered by people inside the mansion, so we’ll leave. Let’s get out of here.