kscans

Chapter 224 - A Witch Who is Not a Calamity

The date for the briefing was set, and with time on my hands, I mostly spent it going out with Arc and Kaede-chan or just lounging around at home. Nanapon, Yoshino-san, and Lydia-chan would sometimes come over, but I'd say it was a peaceful three weeks.

And so, three weeks passed, and Friday arrived.

At my house, not only was Kaede-chan there, but Nanapon, Arc, Lydia-chan, and Yoshino-san had also gathered.

"Are you all ready?"

In my Eleanor-san form, I checked with the three little ones.

"Ready to go."

"Me too."

"I am also prepared."

The three of them, for some reason, replied happily, as if this was all great fun. Nanapon was in her usual disguise of an all-black suit and sunglasses, and while Arc and Lydia-chan weren't wearing sunglasses, they were also dressed in matching all-black suits.

"Well, I suppose the uniformity is nice, but it really doesn't suit you guys..."

Yoshino-san, who was sitting at the table with Kaede-chan, looked at the three kids with an exasperated expression.

"Hmm, Lydia-chan, come over here. I'll tie up your hair for you."

Kaede-chan stood up and beckoned to Lydia-chan. It was true, her wavy golden hair, which was about the same length as Eleanor-san's, would be better tied up.

"Then, if you would please."

Lydia-chan sat down in the chair Kaede-chan had just vacated, and Kaede-chan began to tie up Lydia-chan's long hair.

"Eleanor, we just need to teleport to the front of the gate, right?" Arc asked as I watched Lydia-chan, thinking I'd like Kaede-chan to tie my hair too.

"That's right. We'll teleport there, go to Satsuki-san's room, and then bring the director and Satsuki-san back to the gate. From there, we'll go to the Emeraldas Mountains. Is the King ready?"

"He's fine. He said he'll connect the designated gate to the Emeraldas Mountains at the promised time."

Good, good. As expected of the King. He's a good person. To think he'd agree in exchange for the dirty magazines I couldn't give to Arc.

"Excellent. Now, for one last check. Nanaka-san, you're to use your Clairvoyance to confirm that the guests are not carrying any concealed weapons."

"Yes."

Nanapon was used to this, so she should be fine.

"Arc, you are to teleport away anyone I point out."

"I just have to send them back to the gate they came from, right? Leave it to me."

Such a useful child.

"Lydia-chan, you are to check skills. Please let me know if you find any unique skill holders, or anyone who seems dangerous."

"Yes. You may leave it to me."

Yes, yes. Such an obedient child. When she's like this, she's quite cute.

"Eleanor, be careful," Yoshino-san cautioned me after I finished my final checks.

"Yes, I know. I'll drink a buff potion just in case, and if things get dicey, I'll escape with Arc's teleportation."

No matter what damage I take, as long as I can escape, I have Level 3 Healing Potions, so I'll manage.

"Alright! Done!"

It seemed Kaede-chan had finished tying Lydia-chan's hair.

"Kaede-sama, thank you very much. Eleanor-sama, I apologize for the wait."

Lydia-chan stood up, her hair tied back.

"Well then, shall we go... Kaede-chan, Yoshino-san, please look after the house."

"Yes, Senpai, please be careful too."

"Take care."

Kaede-chan and Yoshino-san nodded.

"Alright, Arc, teleport us please."

"Okay-dokay."

With all preparations complete, we headed to the Ikebukuro Guild via Arc's teleportation.

◆◇◆

Upon arriving in Japan for the first time in a while, I headed straight for the Ikebukuro Guild. I had my subordinates and guards wait outside, and I met with the Ikebukuro branch manager inside the Guild.

"Sakurai, it has been a long time. You look well."

I sat on the sofa and spoke to Sakurai, who was sitting across from me looking weary.

"You too. It's been about two years, since I was appointed branch manager, right?"

"About that long. However, since when have you been able to speak English?"

"Since this morning."

A Translation Potion... So Sakurai's connection to the witch is confirmed.

"She uses precious Translation Potions so casually..."

"They're probably not precious to her. Eleanor traded a Translation Potion for a pistol."

That witch has no concept of an item's value.

"Claire, I presume. It seems she is making quite a fortune."

She has been selling items procured from the witch to the wealthy in America and around the world.

"It seems you were skillfully talked into it."

"Can anything be done? At this rate, America will take everything."

"It should be fine. America is not foolish enough to pick a fight with the Guild."

"But they are, in fact, trading item bags and healing potions without going through the Guild. It is not illegal, but there is a limit."

When hundreds of healing potions are traded, it puts us in a difficult position.

"Eleanor is willing to sell to the Guild as well. In fact, we've had her sell to us."

"Only Level 1, surely."

"That's all there's a demand for here. You're procuring Level 2 through the headquarters chief, aren't you?"

"Well, yes. That man is quite competent. As he was once one of ours, he considers the Guild's interests while also considering Japan's. I wish he would trade places with the headquarters chief of a certain country."

That greedy country is the worst.

"My condolences."

"Is a direct transaction not possible?"

"If you're willing to buy Level 2, I'll procure it from Eleanor myself."

This one is competent too, but she immediately tries to act as a middleman. Well, every branch manager is the same...

"That will be fine. At this rate, the Guild's reputation will be ruined. Damnable witch...!"

Ever since that abnormal witch appeared, the Guild has been in constant turmoil.

"Well, we are profiting from that witch, so is it not fine?"

"I know... That is why I can say nothing. There is also talk that she can close the Gates. We cannot make a move on her."

If left alone, she provides benefits. If we try to do something, we face extreme disadvantages. There is nothing to be done.

"She will probably lie low for a while after this auction. She herself is delighted with all the gold."

As are you.

"I hope so... So? Is the witch not here yet?"

"It's almost five minutes until the scheduled time, so she should be here soon. I doubt she would be late."

People from Frontier are particular about time...

As I was thinking this, a knock echoed in the room.

She is here...