Chapter 209: Backing
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 209: Backing
“Hmm...”
Justina rests her chin on her hand, scrutinizing Akane from up close.
“So, you’re saying I have to turn this tiny thing into the leader of that crude rabble?”
I appreciate the interest, but... could you not look at her like you’re inspecting a pedigree animal?
Justina’s hands move busily, prying Akane’s eyelids wide open or grabbing her chin to tilt her head this way and that, examining the shape of her skull.
Akane is being so remarkably patient with this rude handling that it’s almost touching.
“You do realize I went easy on you last time, right? It wasn’t that you dodged my magic; I let you dodge it.”
“Where didth you thee thath?”
Akane’s pronunciation is mangled because Justina has stuck a finger in her mouth to check her teeth.
By the way, is she still hung up on Akane dodging her magic when we caught that Fierce Beast Girl?
She’s surprisingly petty.
After finishing her thorough inspection, Justina clicks her tongue and brushes off her hands.
“Regrettably, I see no qualities of a sovereign in this lowly creature.”
If Akane had even half my personality, you’d be getting the beating of a lifetime right now.
But Justina isn’t wrong. Akane is diligent, but she’s got a screw loose and marches to the beat of her own drum. Leading a group would be difficult for her.
If I can see that after knowing her for a short time, the people in her organization must know it even better.
Is this really not going to work...?
“Therefore, rather than emphasizing the creature itself, we must emphasize her relationships and her surroundings.”
Relationships and surroundings?
Chika, do you understand what she’s talking about?
While Chika and I just stand there with question marks practically floating over our heads, Park Yu-jeong smirks.
“Heh—I thought you were just a flower grown in a greenhouse, but you’re quite adept at this, aren’t you?”
“How could a lowly human possibly understand the life of a noble elf? Our intellect far surpasses yours, so our level of intrigue is on an entirely different dimension.”
Don’t just commune with each other; explain it to us.
Chika, who came to help, looks like her head is about to explode.
Noticing my blank stare, Justina lets out a chuckle.
“This is why I can’t stand dealing with insignificant commoners.”
“Yes, yes. Would the noble lady care to enlighten this commoner?”
“Heh, what an insolent human. Very well. What exactly is a leader who heads a pack?”
I hate these kinds of Socratic riddles. Stop wasting time and just tell me.
Since I don’t have a specific answer prepared, I just scratch my head.
“Someone who protects the pack?”
“That is indeed one of a leader’s duties. To be more precise, a leader is someone who protects, guides, and brings prosperity to the group—someone who makes choices that benefit the members.”
If it’s that simple, why the riddles? I couldn’t answer properly because I thought it was some deep, philosophical question.
Justina walks behind the chair where Akane is sitting and places her hands on the girl’s shoulders.
“What benefits can this lowly creature provide to her pack?”
“Purging the incompetent leadership, injecting democracy, saving the clan?”
“Heh, nothing but words greased with oil. You’re surprisingly naive.”
Ugh—that mocking smile is annoying. She’s definitely beautiful because she’s an elf, but she really knows how to bruise an ego.
“What you’re talking about is merely the wrapping paper.”
“You mean the justification.”
“Exactly. It seems that dull brain of yours is finally starting to turn. Most living things are vulgar. Among elves, unless they possess a bloodline like mine, they aren’t noble.”
Justina’s hands massage Akane’s shoulders as she leans down, bringing her face close to Akane’s.
“Grand justifications don’t matter to vulgar creatures. Well, actually, they do matter. They need the wrapping paper to hide their own vulgarity. But what’s important is the content inside, isn’t it? You have to hand them a benefit that is clear, precise, and tangibly felt.”
“She’s saying the pigs and dogs need tasty fodder.”
Park Yu-jeong chimes in with a bright smile.
...Did I make a mistake bringing these two?
One calls people "lowly creatures," and the other calls them "pigs and dogs." No matter how I look at it, they remind me of politicians who get torn to shreds for a slip of the tongue during election season.
As if passing a baton, Park Yu-jeong starts circling around me.
“A campaign committee? Yeon-woo, what do you think voting is?”
“Can’t you just tell me? These riddles are getting irritating.”
“What? Treat me fairly too. I want to do this!”
“Sigh... Fine. Uh—is it exercising your right to support a policy or regime you believe in?”
As soon as she hears my answer, Park Yu-jeong bursts into giggles.
Yeah, I knew this would happen. That’s why I didn’t want to do it.
Park Yu-jeong mocks me with a different vibe than Justina, then leans her back against mine.
“I really love that 'stupid-cute' charm you show sometimes, Yeon-woo.”
“Forget it. Just explain.”
“Mmm~ Voting is a right exercised for someone who represents your interest group. The important thing is how well they represent my interests.”
It took a long way to get here, but I think I get the gist of what they’re saying.
Basically, we need to provide benefits to the members, right?
Since we can’t openly give out cash or special favors, we have to package the justification well.
“Akane, do you have a lot of money?”
At my question, Akane blinks, fumbles through her pockets, and holds out a few coins.
I’m impressed you even carry coins around in this day and age.
“Dummy. Akane has something much better.”
At Park Yu-jeong’s words, my eroge-trained brain momentarily misfired, but she probably doesn’t mean offering her body.
What does she have?
When I look at them in confusion, Park Yu-jeong and Justina exchange subtle smiles.
“...Me?”
“Bingo. Yeon-woo, you’re finally catching on.”
“I mean, I know I’m handsome, smart, and successful. But that organization hates me, doesn’t it?”
“It’s not about you; it’s about the relationships you possess. Because you support this creature, the power that supports you will also reach her.”
What are they saying? Bring Frey and wipe out the organization?
That would certainly be easy. It’s something I’ve done often. Though Akane would probably cry since it matches the future set by the game.
Seeing that I still don’t quite get it, Justina sighs.
“Individual power is weak. But a group is different. You already know the answer; you used this method instinctively before I even told you. Who am I?”
“A stuck-up kkanp.”
“...Well, I’ll save the education of this insolent creature for later. I am of the Ioannes family, the noblest among the elves.”
“And?”
“What if I, representing the Ioannes family, support this creature? Just as you represented Yggdrasil.”
“...”
So that’s what she meant by "surroundings."
The weight of Justina’s representation is on a completely different level than when I was forced to represent Yggdrasil.
“Furthermore, I will do things that benefit Shibarata. Why? Because I, representing the Ioannes family, support this creature.”
Taking the cue from Justina, Park Yu-jeong smirks.
“The SA Group will also support Akane and provide massive aid. Because Akane is there.”
“...”
“Because Akane is there, Shibarata will see immense profit. And Yeon-woo, it’s not just the two of us you can mobilize. There’s her, too.”
Park Yu-jeong points her finger at Chika.
Greyhound, the Graham family, the Fraser family, Yggdrasil, the Shrine Maiden Clan, Moai Technology.
Just the ones that come to mind right now possess staggering power.
Add to that the nursing hospital, the research lab, and the money I have, and Akane’s organization is of a scale that could vanish with a single puff of air.
What if all this power helps Shibarata?
They wouldn’t even need to go all out. Even if each provided just a little help, the sheer number and influence would bring about massive benefits.
And we have to emphasize that all these benefits are possible only because Akane is there.
Because Akane exists, and because I support Akane, the organization and its members enjoy these benefits.
If Akane is gone? No more benefits.
They explained it in a complicated way, but in the end, it’s no different from me hitting them with money. The only difference is that the money is transformed into various types of support, and we can also utilize the authority and reputation of these groups.
Hey, did you hear? Akane is incredible. The Graham family is investing just because of her.
Really? I heard Moai Technology is signing a contract with Akane.
Yggdrasil is maintaining a close relationship with Akane! Doesn't that mean we can get support from the Source without even fighting?
I can easily picture the reactions people will have.
To put it more bluntly, it’s about "backing."
I have the Chairman behind me. If I’m gone, the suppliers will cut us off. That company over there is run by my relative.
As I reached a perfect understanding, Park Yu-jeong looked at me and curled her lips upward.
“Now then, let’s go feed the pigs and dogs.”
* * *
Fable is in a foul mood because of what happened in the organization.
“Akane... how should we handle this traitor?”
“Would someone of Akane’s character really betray us? That obnoxious young man must have deceived the innocent girl.”
Though Akane has ended up at odds with the current leadership, her image within the organization has been so good that people are taking her side.
Though they call themselves an organization now, they started as a clan, so the members maintain much tighter bonds than a typical corporate structure.
The people in the organization have watched Akane grow up since she was a child, and she was the darling of the elders.
However, Fable, who has accumulated a massive grudge against Yeon-woo, finds even the people defending Akane irritating.
“Whether she was deceived or did it of her own will, the fact that she betrayed us doesn't change. A traitor must receive a fitting punishment.”
“But Akane is...”
“Akane is what? Are you saying you should push me out and set Akane up as the leader?”
“No, I didn’t mean it like that... My apologies.”
Within Shibarata, the power held by the leader is like that of a king.
While he respects the opinions of the elders, all final decisions are made by Fable, and all major affairs of the organization are determined by his will.
That’s why those who care for Akane are worried that Fable might exile her.
“The organization needs an example. As for Akane, we shall expel her—”
“My apologies for interrupting the meeting.”
Just as Fable is about to decide Akane’s fate, a man enters the conference room and bows deeply.
It means it’s an urgent matter worth interrupting the meeting for, and the man continues breathlessly.
“Representatives from the Diana Clan have arrived.”
“...The Shrine Maiden Clan? For what reason?”
“They have expressed a desire to support the organization.”
The Diana Clan is a group the organization cannot ignore.
Not only is their power formidable, but the items the clan produces are irreplaceable. Furthermore, they are responsible for the defense of City D, giving them close ties with the government.
However, they are a reclusive group that has never formed a relationship with anyone other than the government until now. The fact that they have suddenly stepped out is shocking in itself.
“Excluding the government, Shibarata will be the first to join hands with the Shrine Maiden Clan.”
“Oh! This will bring great honor to the organization.”
Fable, suspicious of the Diana Clan’s sudden visit, looks disdainfully at the others who are simply happy like fools.
Regardless, they were guests who could not be ignored. The meeting was suspended, and Fable led his subordinates outside.
A shrine maiden with orange hair, wearing a beautiful outfit that identified her as part of the Diana Clan, bowed her head in greeting upon seeing Fable.
“I am Lika, a shrine maiden visiting on behalf of the Diana Clan. It is an honor to meet the illustrious Fable, leader of the Shibarata clan.”
Fable is satisfied by a level of politeness that is worlds apart from the rude Yeon-woo who visited earlier.
After spending some time exchanging polite pleasantries he didn't care about, Fable got down to business.
“What brings the Diana Clan here?”
“Lady Teresa believes that Diana and Shibarata can form a wonderful relationship. As a token of friendship between our clans, we have brought silk from our Diana Clan. We would be honored if you would accept it.”
“Ho ho, a precious gift indeed. I have nothing prepared at the moment, but since I have received such a gift, I shall prepare something and visit the Diana Clan personally.”
Because the Diana Clan is so reclusive, it is difficult even to receive an invitation.
Above all, a man being recognized by Diana and invited to the shrine means he is considered the most outstanding or promising man of the time; the meaning is significant.
It wasn't just about honor; it could also stroke a man’s ego.
Lika replied with a smile to Fable’s words.
“Thank you for your gracious response. However, we would be grateful if the person sent to deliver the return gift could be Miss Akane.”
“...”
Fable’s expression hardened at the mention of Akane’s name.
It was surprising that her name came up, but more than anything, the Diana Clan had just rejected Fable.
It implied he was insufficient to enter the shrine, crushing his pride in front of all the organization’s members.
Despite seeing Fable’s stiff expression, Lika continued as if she hadn't noticed.
“Lady Teresa thinks very highly of Miss Akane and wishes to establish a good relationship with her. May we invite her to the shrine?”
“...Where did you hear about Akane?”
“I don’t believe there is any reason to disclose that to you, Lord Fable.”
Lika maintained a polite smile.
However, the content—that it was none of his business—was anything but polite.
Since she was a guest representing her clan, Fable couldn't easily lay a hand on her as he had with Yeon-woo, no matter how furious he was.
The Diana Clan’s power was that great, and if those responsible for guarding the Barrier moved, the government would move with them.
After sending Lika back with the word that he would consider sending Akane, Fable exploded in rage.
“That treacherous bastard had a connection with that clan of harlots! How dare he try to intimidate me?!”
“Please, calm down. They aren't saying they’ll fight us.”
“If this isn't a threat, what is?! They’re openly saying they’ll back Akane! I should immediately...”
“You mustn't. If we expel Akane, the Diana Clan will surely ask for the reason.”
“And if they ask? What then? Are they going to demand I take responsibility? Who do they think they are?!”
This was the moment the hatred and anger Yeon-woo had built up in Fable by acting like a nuisance truly began to shine.
The sight of Fable, who was supposed to lead the organization, being swayed by his emotions and raging, quickly spread through the ranks, and the members began to feel uneasy.
The decision to expel Akane was delayed because of the Diana Clan, and the next day, another guest arrived.
“I am Pablo, a director from the SA Group. Our SA Group once received help from Miss Akane in the past, and we wish to repay that debt.”
Akane had never left the clan’s lands except to get her license; when would she have had time to do a favor for the SA Group?
It made no sense, but the SA Group pledged to support the organization.
And the following day.
“Ah, h-hello. I’m... Angelica Graham. Yes, my mom—no, no, my mother is indeed Monica Graham. Is Akane here? Ah, I’m close friends with Akane. My mother likes her a lot too...”
The child of the Graham family, which holds immense influence in the world of mages, came looking for Akane.
That wasn't the end of it.
“Chika Fraser. Representing the Fraser family... uh... anyway, this is the organization Akane belongs to, right? I’m here to offer some support.”
And the day after that.
“We at Moai Technology wish to form an agreement with Miss Akane. However, since she belongs to Shibarata, we were told we must first obtain permission here.”
Every day, famous groups from various sectors knocked on Shibarata’s door.
Shibarata was busy every day as groups from magic, economy, academia, and the medical field visited.
They were all related to Akane, and they all said they would help Shibarata because of Akane.
With each passing day, more people within the organization mentioned Akane’s name, and more people received help thanks to her.