Chapter 97 - Fists Speak Louder Than Words
It was already dark when we finally returned to the base.
We opened the unguarded entrance and went in. Many vehicles were parked, indicating that most had returned.
As I got out of the mid-sized jeep, everyone welcomed us.
"President, welcome back!"
"Yukari, Valeria, you're late. Oh?"
"Who's that? Zenobia, is that you?"
"It's been a while!"
"Zenobia, you haven't changed a bit, have you?"
The familiar executives surrounded Zenobia, warmly greeting her. She happily hugged and greeted everyone in return.
The younger members watched from a distance, but they already knew about Zenobia from the day before. They're all good people, so I'm sure they'll get along well by tonight. Zenobia also has a couple of days off, so there's plenty of time.
Mia's team must have done well, as large chunks of meat and pots were being prepared, filling the warehouse with a delicious aroma. Dinner tonight looks promising.
Another thing I noticed upon entering the warehouse was a large room partitioned off in the corner. It must be the bath. Is it already finished?
"Let's eat first! We got some good alcohol, so we'll drink tonight!"
"The pot should be ready by now. Zenobia, we don't have chairs or a table, but make yourself comfortable."
"Yeah, it's going to be a fun dinner!"
The dinner was more lively than usual, and we enjoyed light and casual conversations, completely avoiding work-related topics. This is our way, and it was my intention from the start.
During the meal, we caught up on Zenobia's recent life. It wasn't surprising, but it was indeed tough.
She had considered joining the Kikyo Society at my invitation but couldn't abandon her hometown, the Royal Capital, and her fellow mercenaries. From what I saw today, she was close to her limits.
The recovery potions and our arrival seemed to give her a sense of relief. I felt a bit embarrassed, but hearing that made me feel appreciated. There was even a moment when Albert, usually tough, started crying out of emotion.
After a pleasant dinner, it was time to drink. However, there were a few things I needed to confirm first.
Specifically, I needed to know about Caroline. Where is she, and why was Zenobia vague about it?
The younger members were drinking happily among themselves, but the executives knew to leave it to us. We sat in a circle with a barrel of alcohol and some snacks, ready to talk.
"Alright, let's talk while we drink. Zenobia, what's going on with Caroline? How is she?"
I started the conversation and served everyone. I poured a wine-like drink from somewhere into clean, transparent glasses and handed them out. I can't tell if it's high-quality or cheap, but it tastes good.
"Yeah, I thought Caroline would come with you."
"Looking at you, it doesn't seem like it's a dire or sad situation. Right?"
"Where is Caroline?"
Zenobia took a sip of the drink, moistening her lips, under everyone's gaze.
"I'm not trying to be mysterious. To put it simply, Caroline is safe, but I don't know where she is. I get occasional letters from her, but she doesn't mention where she is or why she disappeared. I think she's trying not to trouble me. She says she'll visit once things settle down, so I believe I'll see her again if I wait."
Her response made me think. A former brothel manager disappearing could mean she's in trouble. Given the rampant kidnappings in the Royal Capital and her line of work, it's possible she's been caught up in something. However, if she can send letters, she must have some freedom. She's not the type to be easily overpowered. I'm worried, but it doesn't seem to be a dire situation.
If we cause a stir in the Royal Capital, Caroline might hear about it and take action. Actively hiding, Caroline would be hard for even Josephine's team to find. After all, the Royal Capital is her territory, and she has many connections. Looking for her without proper leads would be futile.
We might unintentionally hinder Caroline if we try to help her.
"She's as unpredictable as you, but don't worry. She's not the type to be killed easily. Worrying is futile."
"I agree. We'll keep an eye on her, but it's futile to worry. I'll leave it at that."
"That's a good point. We'll keep an eye on her."
Josephine's words calmed the atmosphere.
"Alright! Let's enjoy ourselves!"
As Ophelia and the others joined the younger members, the mood quickly turned lively.
Zenobia, being teased and mingling, seemed to be enjoying herself. She's a beautiful woman, and she was soon surrounded by the younger members. It's good to see her fitting in.
No matter how drunk they get and how late they sleep, I always wake up early. It's one of my few virtues.
I woke up naturally, still early in the morning. I used magic to refresh my groggy head and looked at the bed littered with unconscious bodies.
They'll never learn. After waking up with hangovers, they'll just keep working. I won't give them hangover medicine, but I might sneak some to Valeria if she looks miserable.
As I thought about this and went outside for fresh air, Zenobia joined me.
Opening the large entrance, I breathed in the fresh morning air of early summer.
"Ah, it feels great. Zenobia, here, this will clear your head."
I prepared a refreshing recovery potion in a large crystal vial and handed it to her. She needed hydration too. I'm generous to early risers.
"Thank you, my throat was parched."
After drinking it, she was surprised by its effect, a reaction I hadn't seen in a while.
It was time for morning training with my former sparring partner.
I glanced at Zenobia, and she understood. She might have been thinking the same thing.
The bare-handed combat training we did at the Girls' Re-education Camp. It was a test of physical strength and skill without weapons.
"Let's begin."
I started with few words. Adding physical enhancement magic to our usual training, there was no need to confirm what to do.
Zenobia gradually increased the power of her magic and attacked me. As she hadn't done much bare-handed combat lately, her movements were a bit stiff.
I matched her increasing power. I blocked her punches, kicks, and attempts to grab me. She slowly regained her old form.
Her combat skills hadn't improved, as she admitted, but her overall strength was impressive. Enhanced by physical enhancement magic, her power and speed were at an astounding level. She had fought countless battles and was now a formidable warrior, even by Kikyo Society standards.
If she combined her physical enhancement magic with her greatsword and acceleration magic, she might be a match for our executives.
I smiled, impressed by her honed strength.
I had a good sense of Zenobia's current strength. She had some trump cards, and in a life-or-death situation, she might be even stronger, but I had a decent understanding.
Now, let her see my growth.
Zenobia's physical enhancement magic, which had been gradually increasing, stopped. This was probably her best and limit.
I had been matching her output, but I still had room to grow. My strength is one of the reasons I'm the president of the Kikyo Society. Watch this!
I tipped the balance of our physical enhancement magic.
My hands easily deflected and repelled Zenobia's attacks. I started moving with quick steps, dodging her attacks effortlessly.
I lightly touched her arms, legs, and back as I circled around her.
Finally, Zenobia raised her hands in surrender.
"...Phew, Yukari, you've become too strong."
"You'd be a different story with your greatsword. I'm not falling behind in bare-handed combat."
"That's true, but your magic power..."
We exchanged rare comments, and before we knew it, a crowd had gathered to watch us.
Of course, there were always people who couldn't just watch a fight.
Especially Gradena, who had been using physical enhancement magic at full power, mirroring our actions.
"Zenobia! You've really improved!"
"Yeah, I haven't been idle, either. You've improved more than I thought. I'm surprised."
Zenobia was impressed by Gradena's strength, which was on par with or even exceeded her own.
"That's to be expected. We've been trained by Yukari and others. How about a match? Not just with Yukari, but with me too."
"I'd like that. With Yukari around, a bit of injury doesn't matter."
"Got it, that's the spirit!"
"Not fair, Gradena! Zenobia, next time, it's my turn!"
"Of course, it's my turn too!"
Ophelia and Albert also volunteered, followed by Mia and Valeria as usual.
Then, the battle-crazy younger members also joined, and Zenobia faced them one by one. She seemed to be enjoying herself, and it was good to see her fitting in.
Zenobia was a potential Kikyo Society executive, and this was a good opportunity for her to bond with the younger members. I'll let her have her fun.