Chapter 92 - Rise and Fall
We finally arrived at the former Brenark Kingdom's Royal Capital after much effort. It was once a thriving metropolis worthy of its name as a royal capital, albeit not a major kingdom by any means. It was more of a small country, but still, it was a royal capital, and I had heard it was a vibrant city befitting its name.
However, the scene before me now is far from what I expected of a civilized nation.
I’ve heard that many towns in the former Brenark Kingdom have made significant progress in reconstruction, and the Royal Capital was no exception. But from what I can see, the recovery is far from smooth.
We paid a hefty, exorbitant toll to the gatekeepers, who don’t seem to be doing any real work, and entered the Royal Capital. The sight of the devastated city is so shocking that I can’t even speak.
First, there’s a lot of rubble. Clearing this debris should have been the first priority, but it seems even that hasn’t been completed. There are piles of materials scattered here and there, hinting that reconstruction efforts have been underway, but the progress is minimal.
More concerning are the people. During the war, most of the population had evacuated, but many have returned. However, instead of the vibrant atmosphere expected in a city under reconstruction, the people look gloomy. Many are huddled in tattered clothing, their eyes vacant as they queue for food distribution. Many others are emaciated and lie listlessly on the ground, lacking the strength to stand.
This is the main street of the Royal Capital. I don’t even want to imagine what the backstreets look like.
"Yukari, what’s going on here? I thought the Royal Capital would be more lively."
Ophelia, riding her bike next to me, looks puzzled. Of course, there are people dressed normally, but the contrast with the destitute is too stark.
"This is different from what I expected. After raiding the Gerdodus Marquis family, I planned to greet Zenobia and Caroline and have some fun before heading back. But it doesn’t seem like a place for fun."
Zenobia, a mercenary, and Caroline, a former pimp, who were in the Girls' Re-education Camp a long time ago, should be in the Royal Capital. If we need help, we might need to lend a hand.
"Zenobia and Caroline, huh? It’s been a while. I’m looking forward to seeing them, but I wonder how they’re doing in this situation."
Not just Ophelia, but the usually upbeat Kikyo Society members also look serious.
Well, there’s no point in standing here. Let’s head to the Gerdodus Marquis family first.
Our flashy Delta and the convoy of vehicles attract attention, but the people of the Royal Capital, exhausted and worn out, only look at us with tired eyes and no further reaction.
Led by the second son of the Gerdodus Marquis family in the passenger seat of the Delta, we head straight to our primary goal, the Marquis family’s residence.
After a while, we arrive at what appears to be the Noble District, which seems to have been protected by barrier magic. It stands in stark contrast to the rubble-strewn, devastated areas. Just looking at it, you might think the reconstruction of the Royal Capital is on track.
We proceed further into the Noble District and arrive at a grand estate that clearly stands out from the surrounding residences. It’s a magnificent mansion befitting the Great Marquis family. From the exterior, it doesn’t look too bad, and the well-maintained gardens suggest a well-kept and peaceful atmosphere. The cleanliness and tranquility of the estate seem almost eerie compared to the devastated city.
I let the second son of the family out of the Delta to act as an intermediary. Knocking on the door as strangers and suspicious people would likely get us ignored.
"Do it quickly. We don’t have all day. If it takes too long, we might just ram through with this Delta. Think about it carefully before talking to the Marquis."
"Don’t worry. The gates will open soon. Just wait patiently."
The second son looks healthier and more confident since returning to his family.
We calmly watch him approach the gatekeepers and head toward the mansion. Let’s see how they respond.
We don’t have to wait long. A middle-aged man, who looks like a butler, appears. Will they turn us away or welcome us? We’re unannounced guests, and the Marquis family, being a prominent noble family, might not be pleased. They must know we’re here for retribution. Whether they want to continue the fight or talk things out will be clear soon.
"I apologize for the wait. Please, follow me. You can park your vehicles in the courtyard."
As he speaks, the large gates slowly open. They’re letting us in. We’ll go along with it. If it’s a trap, we’ll deal with it accordingly.
We park the Bloomstar Galaxy and the other vehicles in a corner of the large, stone-paved path near the main house.
"Please, follow me. The master of the house has instructed us to make you comfortable. This way."
We leave the captive nobles and maids in the vehicles and follow the courteous butler into the house. The interior is as elegant and grand as the exterior, with a refined and luxurious atmosphere. I’m not an expert, but I imagine everything is crafted by renowned artisans or luxury brands. The artwork placed around is tasteful and intriguing.
The room we’re shown to is also elegantly decorated, offering a sense of calm. Josephine seems impressed, so it’s not just my imagination.
"If you need anything, please let us know. Please, make yourselves comfortable."
We occupy one side of the spacious sofa, while the young members take seats at the table on the other side. The maids, waiting for our cue, promptly bring tea and pastries. It’s not bad. It almost feels like we’re not here for a raid anymore.
We, who are far from refined, guzzle down the tea and quickly finish the pastries. The maids, unfazed by our rudeness, promptly serve us more. They’re quite impressive. I might want to hire some of them.
Just as we’re feeling refreshed and satisfied, the awaited person arrives, as if on cue. A slightly rakish middle-aged man, dressed in expensive and stylish attire. He looks around the same age as the second son but is the Marquis, I assume. He’s not what I expected. I imagined an old, powerful patriarch, but this is different.
"...I apologize for the wait. Kikyo Society’s Yukarinowe-sama."
Unlike his second son, this man knows his manners. His gaze caught my attention for a moment, but his overall demeanor isn’t off-putting. However, I won’t be fooled by this. I’ll make sure to settle the score.
"So, you’re the Marquis? I’m Shinogami of the Kikyo Society. Let’s get one thing straight: we’re not nobles or anything. We don’t care about formalities, so don’t expect us to. Do you understand the matter at hand?"
I’m being incredibly rude, but this is our enemy. We owe them no courtesy. They nearly killed me, after all.
As expected, some of them react with indignation. The butler, being a professional, doesn’t show any change in expression, but others do, especially the bodyguard who entered with the rakish man. He openly tries to intimidate us.
This man is a formidable opponent. He’s openly using Physical Enhancement Magic to try to overwhelm us. Our young members are no match for him. Even Ophelia and Albert would struggle without magic potions. I can ignore the eager-to-fight vibes from our senior members.
We usually keep our Physical Enhancement Magic in check, so to him, we must seem weak. His confident, superior attitude is grating to me.
There’s no need to hide our strength now, and we won’t be underestimated. I give a quick glance to my senior members, and they get the message, activating their true Physical Enhancement Magic in unison.
"What?! Impossible!"
The bodyguard’s shocked voice is barely audible, but I hear it clearly. I have good ears.
His shock is understandable. Multiple women of his caliber appear before him. While it’s only in terms of Physical Enhancement Magic, the idea that they could match him must be unexpected. If he’s the Marquis family’s best fighter, our overwhelming superiority is clear.
Following our senior members, the young members also activate their true Physical Enhancement Magic. They can’t match the seniors, but they have enough strength to take down a formidable opponent like the bodyguard if they work together.
"What... Impossible, impossible!"
His voice is now clearly audible. While his shock is understandable, he’s being careless.
Let’s add a final blow. I activate my full Physical Enhancement Magic without restraint.
"...Unbelievable!"
The superior attitude from before is gone. The bodyguard looks pale and stunned.
Why do I lead the Kikyo Society? Many of my senior members aim to surpass me, but I never let them. I push myself every day, never letting up in training.
I am the strongest in the Kikyo Society, and my strength is overwhelming. This is why the strong members of the Kikyo Society follow me. They understand that strength is a significant part of the reason, although they know it’s not everything. In a world where injustice prevails, we, the Kikyo Society, aim to kick it to the curb. My strength is at the core of our organization. We won’t let anyone underestimate us, no matter who they are.
The rakish man, unlike the bodyguard, seems to recognize the situation. Seeing that his bodyguard is no match, he must realize that keeping him around is pointless. Perhaps he understands that a weak bodyguard is useless.
He calmly dismisses the bodyguard, instructing the butler to escort him away.
He seems to have regained his composure, sitting on the sofa opposite us with his companions. One is a slightly rakish, middle-aged man, and the other is a secretary-like figure, also middle-aged. They’re all men.
If things get out of hand, we’ll use force. With this option gone, the Marquis must be desperately thinking of a way to handle us. His calm demeanor, however, remains intact. Whether he has a trump card or is simply composed, he’s not someone to be taken lightly.
I planned to exact some retribution, get some gold and information, and then leave, but now I’m a bit curious. The state of the Royal Capital and the situation here are concerning, and they might know more.
This is just the prelude to a more serious conversation.
"Let’s start with proper introductions. Welcome to the House of Gerdodus, from afar. I am Keithling Gerdodus, the heir. These are my trusted advisors. Please remember them."
Heir, huh? So that’s how it is. What about the Marquis himself? But any reasonable representative will do.
He introduces his companions, and the slightly rakish man seems to handle the family’s dirty work. The heir uses a polite phrase, but he’s essentially the enforcer. Observing him closely, he’s a disturbing and ominous figure, hiding his true strength. He’s a far more dangerous opponent than the bodyguard. The bodyguard was probably just a decoy. This family is deeper than I thought.
The other secretary-like figure is just what he seems, a straightforward secretary. It’s refreshingly simple.
"I am Shinogami, the president of the Kikyo Society. There’s no need to explain the Kikyo Society, is there? These are our senior members, and the others are our young members. I assume you’ve grasped our strength from the bodyguard we had just now. And you, too?"
I look at the rakish, enigmatic man, but he just shrugs lightly. It’s hard to tell if it’s confidence or bravado, but it’s frustrating. Maybe I should just hit him to clear things up.
The heir interjects at the right moment to defuse the tension.
"The strength of the Kikyo Society is evident from the incident with my younger brother. It was just a misunderstanding, but we understand the gravity of the situation."
"Misunderstanding? You think we’ll just accept that?"
"I doubt it. Let’s be frank. Ghost, what do you think of the Kikyo Society’s strength?"
Ghost is the name of the rakish man. Clearly not his real name, more of a codename.
"Sure, I’ll be honest. ...It’s unbelievable. I’d say they’re top-notch, even by external standards. Especially the president, she’s in a league of her own. I couldn’t take her down."
"Hmm, for you to say that. What do you think would happen if we fought with all the available fighters in the mansion?"
His honesty is a bit too much, even for a frank conversation.
"If ordered, I’d fight, but I’d rather not. We’d lose, and we’d be wiped out. At best, we might take down half of the young members and a few of the senior members."
If he’s serious, his estimate is concerning. If he’s that strong, we can’t afford to underestimate them. It could be a bluff, but he’s not someone to be taken lightly. It’s a tricky situation.
But the Kikyo Society’s strength goes beyond just Physical Enhancement Magic. We’re well-trained in basic combat techniques and magic. We have several aces up our sleeves and are mentally tough. Women like Gradena and Ophelia wouldn’t back down from a challenge, and neither would any of our members.
"...I don’t get what you’re trying to say, but we didn’t come here to fight. I was willing to hear your excuses before taking action, but if you can only offer trivial talk, we’re done. You think you can take down half of us? Show me what you’ve got."
As I stand up to leave, the parlor door opens.
Great, just what we need. I’m already in the mood to end this quickly.