Chapter 84 - Grown-up Circumstances
"So, can we conclude that everything is now clear?"
"Probably. Reading the report Josephine and Ortrude compiled, there's nothing particularly puzzling. I didn't expect to be caught up in such a complicated situation..."
This was after thoroughly reading the report from the Intelligence Unit, which clarified the reasons behind the attack and kidnapping on me, the president of the Kikyo Society.
I was spending a relaxed evening in my room with Frederica, sipping high-quality whiskey. The conversation, however, inevitably turned to the report from the Intelligence Unit.
I generally avoid complicated matters. If necessary, I will think and act, but I prefer not to deal with troublesome things. The best approach is to simply take out anyone who gets in the way, but the world is not that simple.
The content of the report was abstract and hard to grasp, but I had no doubts about Josephine and the others. If they said it was so, it must be true.
"It's about power and influence. I never expected it to escalate to this level."
"Exactly. If the Intelligence Unit hadn't done a good job summarizing it, understanding the situation would have been difficult even after hearing the details."
It all began in the Royal Capital, where a massive power structure existed.
The arena, where gladiators fought, was a massive gambling venue that attracted not only the citizens of the Royal Capital but also visitors from neighboring cities and other countries.
Compared to our small-scale gambling venues, the arena could accommodate far more people, making it a significantly larger operation.
The arena was the heart of a vast power structure in the Royal Capital. Historically, the construction of arenas was exclusive to the Royal Capital in the former Kingdom of Brenark, which gave it a central role in the associated power structure. It also carried a certain prestige compared to arenas in other countries.
The arena, which had been a symbol of the former Kingdom of Brenark, was destroyed along with its surrounding facilities during the war with Retnark. Even now, years later, there are no concrete plans for its reconstruction. After all, it was just an entertainment venue, and there were more pressing matters to attend to.
However, this was a problem for those who had been profiting from it. Not only corrupt nobles and merchants but also the gladiators, who relied on the arena for income, were in dire straits. The small venues they continued to use after the war provided a fraction of their previous earnings, far less than what their dangerous profession warranted.
The people who had benefited from the arena's power structure tried to revive it in the post-war Royal Capital. However, recreating the pre-war environment proved challenging, and the gladiators could no longer wait.
Exembra, now more populous and prosperous than the former Royal Capital, became a potential new home for the arena. With its abundant resources and substantial financial flow, Exembra could provide the same, if not greater, opportunities.
After the dust settled from the war, the people who had fled the Royal Capital began to move. Many of them had survived, and those who had died in the war were few. The profit-driven nobles and merchants would not abandon such a lucrative opportunity.
The reconstruction of a new power structure and the operation of the arena in Exembra seemed feasible, but there were issues.
First, the lack of high-level and mid-level healers.
While they existed, there were not enough to spare for a new arena.
Gladiators, who risked their lives in combat, needed healers to reduce fatalities. High-level and mid-level healers were essential, and multiple healers would be required at all times.
However, healers were in high demand everywhere, and securing them was not easy, especially those capable of using mid-level or higher magic. Even the Healer Guild could not provide a complete solution.
For the gladiators, securing healers was a matter of life and death. If this aspect was neglected, their morale and trust in the organizers would plummet.
The Kikyo Society emerged as a potential solution. According to investigations, they had formidable combat capabilities, operated multiple front companies, and had access to high-level recovery potions. Unconfirmed reports suggested they had a close relationship with the legendary healer, Rosabel, which added credibility to their potion supply.
Furthermore, the proposed location for the arena was in the northern district of Exembra, an area not fully controlled by the underworld. It was adjacent to a territory controlled by a Kikyo Society-affiliated family, making it a convenient location.
If all this was true, entrusting the arena's operation to the Kikyo Society would solve all the problems.
The arena, being a gambling venue, would attract many rough and dangerous individuals. Ensuring order would require significant combat power, and the Kikyo Society's reputation as a force to be reckoned with would serve as a deterrent.
The Kikyo Society's combat capabilities would also help manage the gladiators, who were often unruly. Unlike established underworld organizations, the Kikyo Society had fewer entanglements, making them easier to work with at the upper levels.
A female-led arena would be unique and a valuable selling point for attracting visitors from other countries.
The Kikyo Society seemed to meet all the necessary conditions for this opportunity.
For the Kikyo Society, it was an intriguing and potentially lucrative proposition. A cut of the arena's profits, along with the opportunities to manage surrounding facilities like lodging and restaurants, would be highly profitable.
They could also build alliances by sharing some of the power with other organizations. Securing nearby land in advance would provide additional financial benefits.
However, to ensure a smooth operation, accurate information was essential. Even with the Kikyo Society's favorable reputation, any falsehoods could undermine the plan. Verifying the Kikyo Society's claims would take time, and not everything could be confirmed.
Thus, they decided to initiate direct negotiations with the Kikyo Society. This was a closely guarded secret known only to a select few in the city's upper echelons and arena-related circles, and it was natural that we were unaware of it.
However, there were those who did not approve. The recent incident was an attempt to sabotage these negotiations. By capturing me, they aimed to tarnish the Kikyo Society's reputation and uncover our secrets through interrogation. There were rumors about our mysterious metal threads and ingots, and securing them could lead to additional significant power. Moreover, the Kikyo Society, being a group of attractive and capable women, had various potential uses. They could be used as bargaining chips or for personal enjoyment.
If Rosabel's existence were revealed, her forced cooperation could provide significant leverage over the Healer Guild.
Thus, a faction sought to actively involve and utilize the Kikyo Society, while another faction aimed to obstruct them.
The Gerdodus Marquis family, which controlled the dark underbelly of the former Royal Palace and the Royal Capital, allied with other power-holders in the Royal Capital and co-conspirators in Exembra to plan the Kikyo Society's elimination.
Among those in Exembra, some nobles and factions within the Commerce Guild who were hostile to the Kikyo Society, along with the unexpected involvement of the McDallian Family from the underworld and the Snake Head Society of the Five Great Families, made the situation particularly volatile.
"The Kikyo Society has gained many prominent members, including you, Yukari, and has grown in strength."
"Still, compared to the Five Great Families, our organizational power is lacking, though our combat strength is considerable."
There had been previous plans to build an arena in Exembra, and approaches were made to the Five Great Families, who had their own healers and combat power. However, disagreements over who would take charge led to the abandonment of these plans.
The proposed arena, with its massive seating capacity, would generate far more revenue than any of the smaller gambling venues run by the Five Great Families.
Everyone wanted it for themselves, and numerous organizations would do anything to secure it.
A bloody conflict was inevitable. Despite this, plans were repeatedly stalled due to internal disputes and hidden connections among the upper echelons.
However, if the arena were to be successfully established, it would bring significant benefits to the city. The influx of visitors to Exembra would promise vast wealth. Even if some of the profits were siphoned off, the tax revenue would be substantial.
For us in the Kikyo Society, taking on the practical operations would not change the risk of conflict with underworld organizations like the Five Great Families. If a conflict broke out, it would be a disaster for the arena.
However, the opportunity was worth pursuing.
The Kikyo Society, with its grand amusement park concept, needed more funds, expertise, and connections to realize its vision. This was a significant and profitable opportunity.
If issues arose, the Kikyo Society would handle them with full force. In extreme cases, I would take decisive action. No matter the opposition, whether it was the Five Great Families or anyone else, interfering would not be tolerated. If necessary, we would crush them. We also had plans to share some of the profits to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
For example, if we took charge of the arena, there would be multiple positions for management and administration, prestigious roles that would appeal to many. The Kikyo Society would ensure a seat, and we could push for one or two more. These positions would satisfy vanity and attract interest. The rewards for such roles would be substantial.
If we could reach a mutually beneficial agreement with the Five Great Families, unnecessary conflicts could be avoided. Some factions would still seek conflict, but they would have to be eliminated. A large-scale conflict was likely, but we had no choice but to proceed. We needed everyone involved to be prepared. If it had to be done, we would do it. As usual.
"Yukari was unfortunate to be directly involved in this situation without knowing the full details."
"Yes, but it's over now. I'll thoroughly crush anyone who tries something like this again, and we'll make sure to get our due."
"Be reasonable. The Royal Capital is essentially enemy territory, and sending reinforcements won't be easy."
Being targeted due to power and money was unfortunate. Retaliating against the Gerdodus Marquis family, who seemed to be behind this, was a natural conclusion. Thus, we were heading to the Royal Capital. We were going.
Initially, I was advised against personally leading the expedition to the Royal Capital, but there were reasons to do so.
I wanted to personally repay the debt of being captured and humiliated. Given the ongoing operations in Exembra, we couldn't send a large number of people, and my presence as the highest combat strength was strategically advantageous.
"Is the chosen team really sufficient? While the combat strength is adequate, I'm concerned about the unknown territory."
"It's new to me and Frederica, but others who know the area are going with us. We'll be fine."
In addition to myself, the team included Valeria and Gradena, the Vanguard Unit led by Ophelia, the third combat unit led by Albert and Mia, and support from the combat support unit. Josephine, the Intelligence Unit leader, and a few young members would also join. This team was more than enough for any situation.
We would also bring the Gerdodus Marquis family's second son and others with connections in the Royal Capital.
Siegrune would remain in Exembra as Deputy Leader and Acting President, with the rest of the combat units staying behind. The Vanguard Unit and combat support unit would not all be sent, ensuring that operations in Exembra continued smoothly even with our temporary absence.
Meanwhile, Charlotte's purification engraving development was making progress, and preparations for the expedition were proceeding smoothly.
"It's about time. Let's get some sleep. Frederica, you'll join me for morning training. I've noticed you've been slacking off."
"Ah, well, I've been busy..."
"I know you're busy, but you've been spending a lot of time on your hobbies. I'll get you back in shape before we go to the Royal Capital."
"Eh!"
"Be on time in the morning, or there will be consequences."
I dismissed the reluctant Frederica and quickly fell asleep. I not only wake up easily but also fall asleep quickly, much like a healthy person.