Chapter 76 - A Policy for Payback
The Kikyo Society’s leaders gathered in the reception area of the office, which had been cleaned up by diligent efforts. The room, though still in disarray, was somewhat presentable with sheets covering the damaged furniture.
It was better than looking at the ruined interior, and she was grateful for the efforts. The walls and curtains were scorched, and the windows were broken, but some things couldn’t be fixed in a short time.
"Yukari-dono, you’re here. Let’s start the report."
Siegrune took the lead, and each member reported their status.
"First, the report from Headquarters. One of our Secretariat members opened the door and was immediately attacked. Initially, there was confusion, but we regrouped with Colette and the Intelligence Unit. We held our ground until you and the others returned and subdued the attackers. There were injuries, and the office is in the state you see. The damage is still being assessed, but it’s in the millions of Gist."
Frederica gave a concise report. The situation at Headquarters was clear, and as long as there were no casualties, the rest could be fixed with money.
The leaders seemed to have already discussed the situation upon rejoining, so there were no surprised reactions.
"The Combat Unit, which was supposed to be here, seems to have been lured away by false information. They were called to a warehouse in Raijin District, but it was empty."
"The Combat Unit on patrol at Sixth Avenue also received a similar report and rushed to the same warehouse. They fell for the trap."
"So, they attacked the Headquarters while the Combat Unit was away. With many of our leaders absent due to the war with Retnark, it was a well-planned move."
It was a simple but effective strategy.
"The Branch at Sixth Avenue faced a similar situation. There were several false reports, and all the on-duty members were sent away. They attacked the Branch’s cafeteria, but fortunately, I, Brittany, and the Second Combat Unit were present and quickly subdued the attackers. There were minimal injuries, and no customers were harmed."
Indeed, the Branch was well-prepared. Some customers were startled and dropped plates and glasses, but no one was injured. Initially, Mary and the others didn’t take the situation seriously, thinking it was just another skirmish. They didn’t expect an attack on Headquarters as well.
"There were no issues at the gambling den. We always have lookouts, and it wasn’t targeted."
Charlotte, the leader of the Fifth Combat Unit, reported that the gambling den was well-protected and not attacked.
"The same for the Princess’s Shelter Inn. It wasn’t attacked."
Sophie reported with a mix of relief and disappointment. If the inn were attacked, the customers would likely have fought back fiercely.
The next reporter was someone who wasn’t typically a leader, indicating important information.
"Oh no, the Elegance Balloon suffered significant damage… It’s an unforgivable act!"
Lily, usually calm, showed rare anger.
The popular tourist spot, the Elegance Balloon, was suddenly attacked with magic. With many visitors, including those from far away, the attack caused numerous injuries. The once-elegant garden turned into a chaotic scene of screams and confusion.
The injured were treated with the inn’s stock of healing potions, fortunately with no fatalities. It was lucky the magic wasn’t lethal. However, the damage to the facility and the incident’s impact on future business would be severe. Lily’s anger was justified.
The Elegance Balloon was a significant source of revenue for the Kikyo Society. The attack affected their income, and she shared Lily’s outrage.
The most severe damage was to the Elegance Balloon, followed by Headquarters. There were no other significant reports.
They confirmed the overall situation. Despite the damage to their facilities, everyone was unharmed, which was the most important thing.
"Josephine, anything else you know?"
"From eyewitness accounts and interrogations, we’ve almost identified which organizations carried out the attacks. We haven’t yet determined if there’s a mastermind behind it, but that will take more time."
"True. For now, the immediate threat is enough. If we can identify the attackers, that’s a good start."
"The mutual non-aggression pact has been broken. What do you plan to do, Yukari?"
All eyes turned to her.
Everyone was eager, ready to act immediately.
She understood their feelings, but there was a proper order to things.
She looked around the gathered leaders before speaking.
"Listen closely, everyone. We will crush all the organizations involved in this attack. After that, their territories will belong to the Kikyo Society. Be prepared."
This time, they would strike first. They would crush and take everything.
"Alright! Let’s do it!"
"We’ll get ready right away! Bring the equipment!"
"Hold on! Yukari-dono, what about the mutual non-aggression pact? We have a just cause, but the McDallian Family might cause trouble if we act rashly."
"You’re right, Siegrune. We won’t act immediately. To avoid future complications, we need to do some groundwork. Everyone, be patient."
"What if they escape or prepare countermeasures while we’re doing that?"
"Bonnie, if they prepare, we’ll crush those preparations too. If they try to run, we have no interest in cowards."
If they had lost a single member, she would have pursued them to the ends of the earth. But with no casualties, she was content to wait.
"That’s true. We can always crush them whenever we want. They should be on their guard."
"Exactly. There’s no need to rush. We know who we’re dealing with, and we can take our time. Besides, we’re all tired."
She shrugged playfully, and the tension in the room eased a bit.
"Ha, you’re right. We can mask our fatigue with healing potions, but fatigue is still fatigue. Right now, we’ve assigned Combat Unit members to guard all our bases. They won’t have the strength to attack us again soon. We leaders need some rest."
"True, most of us have been fighting since morning."
"Alright, let’s eat, take a bath, and get some sleep."
"I’m hungry, too."
The non-leaders, except for those on watch, were allowed to eat and bathe normally.
She, too, wanted to take a refreshing shower.
"Alright, everyone, let’s dismiss for now. Don’t rush into anything."
She emphasized the point, and everyone nodded understandingly. They seemed to grasp the situation.
In the end, they released all the captured enemies. Their injured state would serve as a message to their organizations.
She had no intention of killing them. They weren’t worthy enemies. Some might even run away, but they were no threat.
Moreover, she generally avoided killing. It was too easy to become accustomed to it. But if necessary, she would do it. It was a ruthless world, and she couldn’t afford to be careless.
"Short-sighted thinking is bad! Ugh, even I sound unconvincing."
She would start the groundwork the next day.
She wrote letters and had them delivered through the Commerce Guild. They wouldn’t deliver them themselves.
She also sent warning letters to the organizations involved in the attacks.
"We will punish those who broke the pact. Surrender entirely or face death. If you surrender, we will negotiate. The deadline is seven days from now at sunset."
She left room for negotiation.
While she had declared they would crush all the organizations, it wasn’t practical to do so. The Kikyo Society couldn’t absorb all of them, and it was wise to accept their submission.
After a good night’s sleep, her anger subsided, and she regained her composure. The other leaders understood and adjusted their plans.
If they had lost even one member, she would have shown no mercy. But the damage could be fixed with money, and it was wise to prepare for a settlement.
Many organizations had participated in the attack on the Kikyo Society.
Almost all neighboring organizations were involved, with the notable exception of the Bruno Gang. The Bruno Gang, which had a history with the Marzio Family, was also not involved.
The Bruno Gang, understanding the power dynamics, refused to participate in the attack. They also didn’t leak information to the Kikyo Society, which was fine. Their own safety was paramount.
Seven organizations were to be crushed.
Three were roughly the same size as the Kikyo Society, two were slightly larger, and the Marzio Family was quite large, controlling more territory and having more members than the Kikyo Society. Another was of similar size to the Marzio Family, though she hadn’t had much interaction with them.
Crushing all of them would be a significant challenge, but if necessary, she would do it.
However, by leaving room for negotiation, she hoped to avoid a full-scale war. The failed attack had demonstrated their weakness, and rational leaders would understand their chances were slim.
She met with her leaders the next morning after her usual morning training and shower.
"Until we receive responses, we will operate as usual. I’m not worried, but be vigilant."
"The attack was recent. Even the apprentices won’t let their guard down."
"True. But let’s hope the groundwork goes well."
This time, the Kikyo Society had the upper hand.
Protecting the Clad Family’s reputation and opposing the Kikyo Society, who were the victims, would be a difficult position for any organization, including the McDallian Family.
"That’s true. Now, what about the hostile organizations?"
"I mentioned leaving room for negotiation. What do you plan to do specifically?"
"If they submit and join the Kikyo Society, we can allow them to continue operating independently."
"Join, but not as part of the Kikyo Society?"
"Exactly. If they want to be part of the Kikyo Society, we can consider it."
The Five Great Families were strong not just in their own power but in the number of organizations under them.
The Kikyo Society operated independently, but as they grew, it would become necessary to absorb and incorporate other organizations. This was a perfect opportunity.
"Joining as subordinates? That sounds fair."
"It’s reasonable. Crushing everything would be too burdensome. Depending on the conditions, many might choose to join."
They would maintain the security of their territories, paying a significant tribute to the Kikyo Society. The Kikyo Society would benefit without the burden of direct management. They would also demand substantial compensation for the damage to their facilities.
"But what about the organizations already under the Five Great Families? Will they defect to us?"
"If they want to survive, that’s their only choice. We won’t tolerate them, and the Five Great Families won’t protect those who broke the pact."
"Understood. Let’s proceed."
Until the deadline, they would remain vigilant but calm. They would also keep an eye on the Five Great Families. The Intelligence Unit, regretting their failure to detect the attack, was now more determined.
The office needed to be repaired. It looked too bare and reminded her of the early days.
Josephine and Frederica would have to work hard on it.