Chapter 65 - Vehicles, Collected!
After discussing the rewards from Balgar Clad at the executive meeting, we decided to purchase an armored personnel carrier. For our personnel transport needs, we already have enough Jeeps and trucks to cover the essentials. However, the armored personnel carrier we decided to buy is more about safely transporting non-combatants than anything else. Given the possibility of ambushes during transit, it was crucial to have a countermeasure in place. While such incidents might not happen frequently, we can't afford to let our guard down. Better to be prepared in advance.
When buying a new vehicle, typically, the store only has a few sample models. We decide on the specifications based on these samples and then place the order. An armored personnel carrier is not something you'd expect to find as a sample, but with enough money, they should be able to make one. It’s going to be quite expensive, but it’s not my money, so I don't really mind.
For the used vehicle rewards, we planned to receive small, practical cars that we could use around town. We were told we could get a few, so we expected to receive at least three or four small vehicles. If not, we could always settle for fewer.
The lot we secured in the Sixth Avenue area has plenty of space to park several vehicles. Since the decision was made, it's best to act quickly. New vehicles take time to deliver, so we should get everything sorted out as soon as possible.
The day after the executive meeting, Valeria and I were about to head out to arrange the vehicle purchases when a visitor arrived. The Secretariat Unit's apprentice led in the younger sister of the Leader of the Anastasia Union. She was bundled up warmly, making her look both adorable and a bit silly.
"Hello. Or should I say, good morning?"
"Again, so abrupt. Are you here early? Maybe you have nothing to do?"
"That’s quite rude! I assure you, I’m busy. I get invited everywhere, you know?"
She pretended to be angry, but she seemed a bit embarrassed about her early arrival. After all, it hadn't been that long since the last meeting.
Even so, as the sister of someone with a significant position, I can only imagine how much freedom she really has. Those constant invitations are probably not just for friendship. There are probably many people with ulterior motives trying to get close to her. She probably doesn't find such invitations very appealing. That’s why she might have chosen to visit me.
"Maybe you’ve been busy?"
"No worries. Since you came all this way, I won’t turn you away."
As she noticed us holding our coats, her eyes widened.
"Oh, you were just about to go out?"
"Sure. Want to come along? I can show you the flower shop I mentioned last time."
"Sure, if you don’t mind."
"Great. Let’s take care of some errands first. We’re heading to Central Avenue. Frederica, let the others know we’ll be out."
After letting everyone at the Headquarters know, Valeria, the younger sister, and I headed to the garage. We climbed into a Jeep and drove off, keeping to a safe speed.
Our first stop was a specialized store for magical transportation devices. It's a large, high-end store on Central Avenue, and the only one of its kind in Exembra. The owner is an acquaintance of mine, and I've visited a few times before. He's the middle-aged man I played a one-on-one game with at the Marzio Family's casino. Despite his sleazy appearance, he's generous and friendly. I'm sure he'll listen to my requests.
"Excuse us."
As we entered, I glanced around the spacious shop where a few customers were already present.
"Welcome, Yukarinowe-sama. I’ll fetch the owner right away. Please take a seat. Everyone, feel free to make yourselves comfortable."
The concierge, standing near the entrance, greeted us formally and then disappeared into the back after giving instructions to another concierge.
Tea and snacks were promptly served, and we waited for Buladesh to arrive.
"Do you know the owner here?"
"We have a bit of a connection. I’ve been a customer here a few times."
"Onee-sama has a wide network of contacts."
The three of us chatted quietly, and soon Buladesh appeared.
"Ah, Yukarinowe, Valeria, it’s a pleasure to see you. And this is your first visit, I believe?"
He greeted us with a grand gesture and then turned to the younger sister with a friendly smile.
"Yes, I am—"
"Meet the younger sister of the Leader of the Anastasia Union."
"Hey! What do you mean, 'younger sister'?"
We teased her a bit before explaining our purpose to Buladesh. As we described what we wanted, his expression grew increasingly serious.
"An armored personnel carrier, huh? I understand the concept, but we’ve never built anything like that before. To my knowledge, no one in the neighboring countries has either."
That makes sense. It’s expensive, and usually, magical devices or a mage with defensive spells would suffice.
"So, you can be the first to offer this service and make a name for your company."
"You make it sound so easy."
Despite his resistance, he seemed to be seriously considering it. He muttered about material costs and development expenses, jotting notes in his memo pad.
"I’ll try, but it will be quite expensive. I’ve heard from Balgar Clad, but the budget isn’t unlimited. I’ll need to consult with them."
Of course, there should be a reasonable budget. If it’s too tight, I might have to negotiate directly, but it shouldn’t come to that.
"Understood. If it’s too much, we can settle for a lightly armored vehicle. That’s our minimum requirement, so please give us a quote for that as well."
"Lightly armored? That’s a different story. We can discuss it in more detail."
Buladesh’s face showed signs of a headache, but this is business, and he has to push through. Once the basics were settled, we moved on to the options.
We’re not the type to be satisfied with just the basic model. If they’re going to indulge us, we’ll take full advantage. We requested air conditioning powered by magical devices, top-tier security features, automatic floor mats with self-cleaning functions, and fog lights. There were other options, but we decided to exclude the unnecessary ones.
And then, the secret option.
"Make sure to remove the speed limiter as usual."
"I understand, but don’t push it too far."
We’ve had this discussion before. The option to remove the speed limiter, which restricts the vehicle to around thirty kilometers per hour, is a bit risky. If caught, there could be consequences, but we’ll deal with it when the time comes. We plan to use it only in emergencies or when driving outside the city.
"The cost of the options will add up, and I doubt we can include it in the bill to Balgar Clad. The vehicle alone is already quite expensive."
"So, I have to pay for it?"
"Pretty much."
"Hmm… The high price of the vehicle includes the profit, right?"
"Of course. We can’t compromise on that."
"I understand the need for profit, but isn’t it a bit excessive?"
"It’s not excessive."
Buladesh maintained his poker face, true to his gambling roots. But I’m not one to back down easily. Why should I pay when I’m the one being indulged?
"This is a big deal, and a lot of money is involved. Think about who’s behind this and why it’s such a big business. I don’t plan to cancel, but if I have to pay out of pocket, I might choose a cheaper option."
"……"
"……"
After a moment of silence and a staring contest, Buladesh looked away.
"In reality, the options are a small price compared to the profit. Consider it a service."
He finally gave in with a reluctant smile.
"You should have said that from the start."
"Onee-sama is as impressive as ever."
The negotiation itself is important as a businessman, even if the outcome is predetermined.
"Um, I don’t fully understand what you’re discussing, but are you crossing a dangerous bridge?"
The younger sister, who had been watching from the side, seemed concerned about the speed limiter.
"Don’t worry. If we get caught, we can either bluff our way out or silence them."
"That’s the kind of naive view of the world that I consider a flaw in your character."
"You may be right. But things will work out. No need to worry."
"You’re right. Onee-sama can handle anything."
"You two… Never mind."
She cut herself off with a mix of exasperation and amusement, realizing further protest was futile.
After completing the necessary procedures, we arranged for the Kikyo Society to be notified if any issues arise. If everything goes smoothly, we’ll receive a messenger when the vehicle is ready. Now we just have to wait.
We left Buladesh’s shop and headed to a used car dealership recommended to us. The place was a bit off Central Avenue, in a spacious lot. As we drove in, a gruff-looking man came out of the building, likely the sales representative.
"That coat and crest indicate the Kikyo Society, right? I’ve heard about you. A woman who’s as tough and bold as a man. I was looking forward to meeting you."
The burly man spoke in a straightforward manner. Many merchants can be rude to women, but this one seemed surprisingly friendly.
"Word from above. I’ve set aside the ones you can take. Pick what you like."
The vehicles were lined up near the entrance. They didn’t look too worn out or in poor condition.
"These are used, but they’re well-maintained. They’ll serve you well, don’t worry."
I must have looked skeptical. I hadn’t meant to, though.
I surveyed the lineup. There were large Jeeps like the ones we usually use, medium and small trucks, and medium and small wagons, all in various colors and models.
We had quite a selection to choose from. The boss here must be quite generous.
"I’m not being greedy, but how many can I take? Surely not all of them?"
"All of them would be a problem. I can part with one large, two medium or smaller, or three small vehicles. Depending on the model, I might be able to negotiate a bit more."
We needed something practical for daily use. While it’s good to have backups, we have enough large and medium vehicles. We’ll go with the small ones as planned.
So, no trucks, just the wagons. They’re small and cheap, and there shouldn’t be any issues.
"I’ve decided. I’ll take those small ones."
"Are you sure? I’ve got some good large ones too."
"Actually, we already have enough large vehicles. What we need are the smaller ones."
"I see. I thought you’d want the same type you drove here. If you’re only taking small ones, how about a small truck as a bonus? It’s been sitting here for a while. What do you say?"
"That’s a generous offer. I’ll take it. There are plenty of uses for it."
The boss here is as generous as the burly man. We arranged for the selected vehicles to be delivered to the parking lot on Sixth Avenue. We let Valeria choose the specific models and then left.
The service and quality were good, so I’ll remember this place as a reliable option.
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