Chapter 67 - How to Earn Money
Money is important.
I wouldn’t say it’s the most important thing, but it certainly ranks high on the priority list. Most people would agree that having money is better than not having it. Some people do ruin themselves with too much, but that’s a different story. There are countless uses for it, and I, for one, can never have enough.
The Kikyo Society has several ways to earn our living:
- Protection fees (from Sixth Avenue, Lightning Street, and Raijin District. Raijin District, adjacent to the former Rosimar Gang’s territory, is usually lumped together with Lightning Street.)
- Extortion (primarily from merchants who misbehave on our turf. This also includes penalties for other nuisances.)
- Front businesses (profits from our tavern and flower shop)
- Gambling dens
- Corporate violence (primarily retaliation against chambers of commerce that benefit from us but act against us. This can also be seen as intimidation backed by force.)
- Dues (collected from individual Kikyo Society members’ personal earnings, including my sales of metal threads and ingots)
- Labor compensation from tasks performed for the Commerce Guild and territories under our control
- Miscellaneous
Incidentally, in the Kikyo Society, higher dues do not lead to higher status. If someone makes an exceptional amount, we might consider giving them a special position, but for now, the only one who really stands out is Lily, and we have no plans to change that.
Other families and gangs have their own methods for raising funds, such as:
- Drug trafficking
- Weapon and illegal magical artifact trades
- Illegal waste disposal
- Money laundering
- Prostitution
- Underground lending
- Fraud
- Cargo theft and plunder
- Smuggling
- Counterfeiting Record Cards
- Counterfeiting branded goods
- Entertainment revenue
- Human trafficking
- Kidnapping for ransom
- Civil intervention violence
There might be more, but that’s the gist of it. We would like to get into the entertainment and prostitution businesses eventually, but it’s still a ways off.
The demand for prostitution in Exembra is particularly strong, driven by the hopes of the local sex workers, who are currently in one of the most exploitative professions. Joining the Kikyo Society could improve their conditions, or so the optimistic view goes.
Given the potential profits, we have no choice. However, we lack the expertise. That’s why we’re counting on Caroline in the Royal Capital. If she can join us, we’ll start moving forward, but for now, it’s not feasible.
Additionally, the red-light district is far away, and we’d rather avoid conflicts with the families controlling it for now.
Our main source of income, without a doubt, is the gambling den. The earnings here are in a different league. We’ve gained a lot of regular high rollers, who in turn bring in well-heeled guests, making them perfect targets.
Our gambling den is a kind of amusement facility. Whether you win or lose, the goal is to have fun. Our top-notch dealers and floor staff ensure that everyone—families, individuals, young and old—enjoys themselves to the fullest.
It’s gratifying to see the success, but recently, the influx of foreign guests has led to overcrowding, which goes against our policies. As a result, the Kikyo Society is planning renovations to expand the current venue and open a second location.
Job applications, including for dealer positions, have surged to unprecedented levels. Some applicants even come from abroad. The problem now is having too many applicants and having to turn some away.
We might need to consider planning a third location alongside the second one. For now, though, it’s all about making money today. Economic activity is crucial for the development of society. Earning money is not just a personal hobby; it has far-reaching benefits.
“Yukari, Jallens-san from the Commerce Guild is here to see you.”
“Already? I’ll be right there.”
I was in my room conducting an experiment with a magic potion for a wealthy acquaintance when Frederica came to inform me of the visitor. Today, Jallens had a consultation, and I had set aside time for it.
It sounded urgent, so it must be a tricky situation. After tidying up the potions and equipment, I made my way to the reception area.
“Yukarinowe-sama, thank you for seeing me today.”
“No need for formalities. We’ve helped each other out before.”
The Kikyo Society’s financial contributions to the Commerce Guild have grown significantly, and Jallens, along with other executives, now regards us with more respect. This has boosted Jallens’s influence within the guild.
I wonder what he’s here for today. After the usual pleasantries, I prompted him to get to the point. He seemed in a hurry, so the sooner, the better.
“So, what’s the issue? You sound like you’re having trouble putting it into words.”
“Well, recently, we provided a loan to a chamber of commerce. There’s been a problem.”
A loan, huh. Maybe it’s a matter of non-payment. I let him continue.
“The chamber of commerce in question wanted to establish a branch in Exembra. They had all the necessary documents and the responsible person’s Record Card, and everything followed the Commerce Guild’s regulations. We proceeded with the loan.”
“A routine procedure for the Commerce Guild, I see.”
“Yes. However, after some time, one of our staff reported an issue. Upon investigation, we found that not only had the branch not been established, but the site was occupied by an armed group. They refused to accept our investigation and wouldn’t even communicate.”
“So, the branch was a lie, and they’re trying to default on the loan? Or perhaps the armed group took over by force for some unknown reason?”
“The responsible person is nowhere to be found. The group is preparing to leave. If they disappear, we’ll have no one to hold accountable.”
Either a well-planned scam or an unexpected armed takeover. Both are quite bold moves. And if they leave, it could be too late.
“By the way, what about collateral?”
“Since the main office was a well-known chamber of commerce, we considered future relations and provided the loan without collateral. This is a common practice in the Commerce Guild.”
“I see. One more thing—did you consult with the Exembra Garrison?”
The Garrison’s Vice-General is in our pocket, so if they’re not helping, we’ll need to give them a nudge.
“Yes, of course. However, the Garrison and the Commerce Guild’s self-defense forces seemed unable to handle the situation. We also don’t have the luxury of time.”
If they leave, it’ll be too late. Our in-house forces aren’t enough.
If it’s a scam, the chamber of commerce is likely fake, and they’ll be caught with forged documents.
That’s where the Kikyo Society comes in.
“Do you think it’s a scam or an armed takeover?”
“Both are possible, but it’s likely a scam. The timing is too perfect.”
I agree. Either way, the money isn’t coming back on its own. We need to act quickly.
Whether it’s a scam or a takeover, interrogating the armed group will reveal the truth.
But there’s something that bothers me.
“If it’s a scam, Jallens, you’re usually more careful. What happened?”
“To be honest, the document review was handled by my nephew. He has also disappeared.”
“So, you were set up.”
“I realize now that there were some irregularities. However, I made the final decision and approved the loan. I must take responsibility.”
It seems like a power struggle within the Commerce Guild. The nephew’s involvement is suspicious.
We can’t let Jallens fall from power. Losing him would mean losing a valuable connection. Recovering the bad debt is crucial. If anyone still has issues, the Kikyo Society can step in.
“Whether they’re from abroad or not, we need to secure them before they escape. We can investigate later.”
“Can you help?”
“Of course. We’ll recover the money and take a reward from them.”
The money isn’t in cash but a Record Card issued by the Commerce Guild. Recovering it will be enough.
“Thank you. I’ll personally ensure the reward.”
Now, the immediate available forces are me and Valeria. Gradena, Ophelia, and Shelby, along with the combat support team, are training underground. The new recruits should stay behind until the enemy’s strength is clear.
We need more forces, but if they leave, it’ll be too late. We’ll go with the ones who can deploy immediately.
“Valeria! We’re moving out. Get ready and inform the others underground. We’re leaving soon!”
“Yes, Onee-sama!”
Valeria immediately ran to arm herself, and the other trainees headed to the basement.
I returned to my room to prepare. When I got back to the office, everyone was already assembled.
The team, still hyped from training, was ready to go.
“We don’t have time. I’ll explain in the jeep.”
“Roger!”
“Jallens, you’ll guide us.”
“Understood. Thank you all for your help.”
We all piled into Shelby’s large jeep, and I explained the situation. Jallens was navigating from the passenger seat.
“An armed group. Sounds exciting.”
“Hope they’re tough.”
“Today, I had plans to go shopping with Onee-sama. Let’s get this over with quickly.”
“Always supportive. It’s been a while since we’ve seen real action! I’m looking forward to it.”
Their eagerness is reassuring. I, too, feel a bit more excited with the prospect of action.
“Let’s hope we recover the money intact. If it’s been used, we’ll do what we can.”
Worst case, we can sell their weapons and magical artifacts for a decent amount.
We waited in the jeep, eager to get moving. After a longer wait than expected, Shelby announced our arrival.
“Everyone, we’re almost there!”
We were far from the Kikyo Society’s territory. The building, a dilapidated two-story structure, was surrounded by empty lots with several trucks and jeeps parked. They were still here, and the number of vehicles suggested a large group.
A guard was posted outside, an obstacle we needed to remove. We didn’t want to cause a disturbance, so we aimed to resolve this inside the building.
The jeep pulled up to the entrance. Gradena used a lightning spell to silently incapacitate the guard, a swift and silent move.
Well done. Now, the fun part.
“Shelby, you and Jallens stay with the jeep.”
“Got it. I’ll signal if anything happens.”
“The support team, you take care of the first floor. Once it’s clear, join Shelby and keep watch. We need to be ready for anyone who might show up.”
“Leave it to us!”
“The rest, let’s go upstairs. We’ll finish this quickly.”
“Roger!”
“It’s been a while since we did a raid. I’m ready to let loose!”
We didn’t break down the door. We simply opened the double doors and walked in.
Time for some chaos.