kscans

Chapter 176 - Respective Motives (USA)

"President, excuse me."

Just as a knock echoed in the room, I heard the voice of someone I knew.

"Norman. Come in."

"Sir! Excuse me."

The door opened and an elderly man with glasses entered. He straightened his back and gave a salute that belied his age.

"It has been a while."

"Sir! It is good to see you again!"

"Well, sit down and make yourself comfortable."

I gestured for him to sit on the visitor's sofa, and then took a seat on the sofa myself.

"Sir!"

Once I sat, Norman sat as well.

"This room is non-smoking, but I'll make a special exception for you."

"I have quit smoking."

Huh? Is a hurricane coming tomorrow?

"You're lying."

"Something came up in my checkup. My wife and son told me to quit."

So it's true... And this is the man who said he'd rather die than quit smoking.

"Your wife wants you to live a long life."

"You think so?"

Believe it. I believe the same.

"Well, no matter. What brings you here?"

"A report from Claire."

"Claire... that means it's about the witch."

Come to think of it, Norman was Claire and Harry's former commanding officer.

"Yes. The witch in question made contact with the people of Frontier and has returned."

"I see..."

Of course she has.

"From this, it seems the likelihood of that witch being from Frontier is low."

"Heh heh heh. Let me tell you something good."

I chuckled meaningfully.

"Something good?"

"We just received a response to our inquiry from the Frontier side."

"What? Already? Isn't that a bit too fast?"

"Fast is good. The problem is the content of the response."

What to make of it?

"What did they say?"

"They were unable to prove that Eleanor Ocean is a person of Frontier. Therefore, they will not demand her extradition. However, she is without a doubt an entity of unknown origin, and there is a high probability that she is a genuine witch, so it would be wise to exercise caution."

"Th-that is..."

Even the unflappable Norman is unsettled.

"If we are to take this at face value, it means that witch is a witch whom even Frontier cannot comprehend."

"She is a dangerous existence, after all."

"Indeed. That said, we can do nothing. Japan's report states she may have the ability to close the Gates."

What a joke.

"Claire's report says that is not the case."

"And you want me to blindly believe that?"

"I cannot."

It is not that I do not trust Claire. This is simply a matter of risk versus reward.

There is no reward for killing the witch. But the risk in trying to do something to her is far too great. If the Gates were truly closed, it would destabilize the nation.

"Maintaining the status quo is our best option. Fortunately, Claire and Harry are managing things well."

"Yes, sir. Claire has secured ten 100-kilogram Item Bags."

Ten 100-kilogram Item Bags. They are expensive, but Item Bags are worth more than their price.

"Tell them to continue building the relationship and conducting trade."

"Yes. You need not worry on that front. Claire has reportedly signed an agent contract."

An agent contract?

"What is that?"

"In essence, Claire will act as an agent for that witch's business."

"Excellent! That is a major achievement!"

It means we have secured a route to obtain those numerous items.

"Yes. Even now, they are apparently proceeding with the sale of Healing Potions and something called Hair Growth Potions."

"Hair Growth Potion? What is that?"

"Literally, a potion that makes hair grow. Though apparently, it is just a Level 1 Healing Potion mixed with hair growth tonic."

What a waste...

"Hm? Is it effective?"

"It seems to be. According to the report, hair grew back in a single day."

Hmm.

"That is of no consequence."

"I agree."

Both Norman and I are getting on in years, but we both have full heads of hair. I am thankful for my wonderful genes.

"Well, they can do as they please with that. But do not forget to sell the Item Bags and Healing Potions to the military."

"Understood. Also, there is apparently a Christmas present for you, Mr. President."

Christmas? There are still two weeks left.

"That is early. Besides, why should I be receiving a Christmas present from Claire?"

I do not need one. Give it to your family or your boyfriend.

"The gift is from that witch."

"...Don't tell me."

"Yes. She has been entrusted with a Level 3 Healing Potion and a 2000-kilogram Item Bag."

2000 kilograms... two tons.

"So it was real..."

"It seems so. And there is a message."

"A message?"

"Yes. It says, 'Santa will come again next year if you're a good boy.'"

That sounds like nothing but a threat...

"So it means we are not to interfere?"

"That is the only way to interpret it. We might get a 3000-kilogram one next year."

It is possible...

"Keep those other countries thoroughly in check. And increase the number of agents in Japan. Protect the witch at all costs. I do not care if she is an unknown entity or a person from Frontier. We cannot afford to lose the Golden Witch."

She may be a real witch, but the benefits to be gained are simply too great. We have no choice but to accept it.

"Sir! I will issue the orders at once!"

Now, I suppose I should call the Prime Minister of Japan... And the Guild as well.

It's not even Christmas yet, and things are already getting busy...