Chapter 210: Etiquette
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 210: Etiquette
The stream of guests looking to win over Shibarata was endless.
Initially, the support and agreements that benefited the Organization didn't receive a warm welcome. There was no way Akane, who had only recently entered society, could have connections with such heavy hitters. Everyone knew that the guests claiming to come for Akane were actually part of Yeon-woo’s personal network.
Because his intentions were so transparent, people initially felt resentment toward Yeon-woo for trying to manipulate Akane. However, since it ultimately benefited the Organization, they chose to look the other way.
But the daily parade of guests showed no signs of stopping.
How could one person have such an extensive network?
The support and agreements they offered involved the injection of astronomical amounts of capital.
The endless rush of guests and the staggering scale of their support exceeded all imagination. Even those who had initially dismissed the situation began to feel flustered as the benefits piled higher and higher in their laps.
When it was just one or two favors, they remained indifferent—or rather, they were angry at Yeon-woo for trying to control the Organization. But when it became three, then four... and eventually so many that they couldn't even hold them all with both arms, they began to lose their bearings.
At this point, it wasn't so much gratitude for receiving so much; rather, Yeon-woo’s presence had become so massive that they felt a sense of awe, or even fear.
Perhaps his claim of being the representative of Yggdrasil wasn't just nonsense after all.
The Shrine Maiden Clan, Moai Technology, the Elves, the Graham Family, the Fraser Family, Greyhound...
Not one of them was smaller than Shibarata.
The endless procession of guests was so surreal that some even began to mistakenly believe that all these organizations were subordinate to Yeon-woo.
If even those who knew the details were this confused and deluded, what about the rank-and-file members?
Every time they received help, they etched Akane’s name into their hearts, praising her for bringing such benefits to the Organization and themselves.
Perhaps it was because so many groups were moving at once, but this affair wasn't just a big deal within the Organization.
“So, who exactly is this Akane?”
Randall Rodrigo of the Security Bureau 4th Division scowled as he looked at Akane’s name in a newspaper article.
He had already received reports about the numerous groups moving in and out of Shibarata. Although the Government hadn't made a move yet, they were keeping a close watch, and Randall scanned the Shibarata-related articles that came up daily.
Yeon-woo would never let Fable just take the support and run. To ensure everyone in Shibarata knew what was happening, Yeon-woo had used the media to promote it extensively, naturally drawing the interest of outsiders.
“She’s a transfer student at Yggdrasil. Recently, she’s been close with Seo Yeon-woo and—”
“You think I don't know that? I’m asking why he’s suddenly pushing her into the spotlight.”
The subordinate who had been explaining fell silent at Randall’s words. They couldn't fathom Yeon-woo’s intention behind supporting Akane.
Randall glanced at the monitor displaying Akane’s photo and thought to himself.
‘Until this incident broke, no one knew that little white-haired girl was part of the Shibarata Clan...’
Looking into her background or past revealed nothing; it was as if she had dropped out of thin air, with only a year of activity after taking the Black License exam. Then, as if she had been waiting for the moment, she entered Yggdrasil. There was nothing particularly noteworthy in her career, and she had passed the Yggdrasil entrance exam with barely passing grades.
“...”
Since the 4th Division’s job was to catch those hiding within society, Randall could easily deduce her identity.
A spy.
He didn't know why Shibarata was keeping tabs on Yggdrasil. However, Akane was clearly a spy or a hidden blade, and her objective lay within Yggdrasil.
‘Yggdrasil? The students? Or her career?’
There could be many things, but if the goal was Yggdrasil, it was ten to one that it involved the Source. Everyone coveted it because of its immense power.
Randall narrowed his eyes in displeasure as he looked at Yeon-woo, who was pictured alongside Akane.
“Things are never quiet around you, are they?”
“I-I’m sorry! I’ll type more quietly!”
Ignoring the subordinate who had apologized out of a misunderstanding, Randall continued to stare at Yeon-woo’s face before standing up.
Why bother agonizing over it alone? He could just go and see for himself.
* * *
“It’s been a while, Director.”
“Haha. Yes, it has, Chairman.”
I told him to stop calling me Chairman, but this man keeps doing it.
The Director of the Francesca Magic Damage Specialty Hospital beamed at me. Even if I am the one holding the purse strings, it feels a bit awkward to have a famous elder in the medical field grinning and flattering me like this.
The Director briefed me on the agreements and meetings held with the Organization today. It was decided that Francesca Hospital would take charge of all youths under the age of 20 whose souls had been weakened by being bound to the earth. If hospitalization was required, they would be admitted free of charge; if not yet at that stage, they would receive health checkups and care.
Was it called Mana Tunneling? They were providing support under the guise of researching the phenomenon currently affecting the clan’s children.
And, of course, we added the beautiful narrative that Akane had personally visited and persuaded the Hospital Director to care for the children under the pretext of research.
By the way, I didn't expect to use the hospital like this.
Initially, I bought it simply to save people in similar situations to Yukina after rescuing her from the Geukryu Society. Yukina had grown up well and even infiltrated Yggdrasil, but would a criminal organization have raised kids properly? Because they used all sorts of dangerous methods to force growth, many kids died, and many others had their appearances altered so much that social life was impossible.
After wiping out the Geukryu Society, I made a deal with the Government through Erin and purchased Francesca Hospital to treat those who were in the same boat as Yukina. It wasn't a large hospital, but it was known for its skill, and in the six months since I’ve owned it, it has grown by sucking up my money like crazy.
To be honest, back then, I had nowhere else to spend the money, so I provided ample support... but now that I’m in a period where every penny counts, the monthly drain for the hospital is painful.
Perhaps it shows, because while the Director doesn't say it directly, he’s doing everything he can to stay on my good side, practically twisting his whole body in a plea not to cut the funding. He doesn't need to worry; I won't cut it even if he doesn't do that.
Most of the people I’ve rescued who need treatment or recuperation, not just Yukina’s former comrades, are at the hospital. Even Yukina, who cares for nothing but training and Haruna, visits the hospital twice a month. How could I cut the funding?
At any rate, the Organization is reacting to the continuous rush of support. Mentions of Akane’s name are increasing, and some people are expressing their gratitude to her directly.
Especially when the hospital announced it would care for the sick children, so many parents came to offer their thanks that even Akane looked flustered. Still, seeing her clan members grateful and hopeful seemed to put her in a good mood.
Just keep your mouth open, because there’s plenty more coming.
After finishing my talk with the Director, I leave the hospital and head home.
It’s about time to use Akane as a figurehead to start a full-scale confrontation and create factions among the members. Given everything they’ve received so far, they won't be able to kick Akane out. Just let them try—if Akane leaves, all that support leaves with her. A rebellion might even break out at that moment.
“...”
I stop in my tracks when two brutes suddenly block my path. Don't you guys wear suits even though you're an "Organization"?
“What do you want?”
“Come with us, Seo Yeon-woo. Lord Fable has something to say to you.”
“Do I have to go just because that old geezer calls? Why is he ordering people around? If he has something to say, tell him to come himself.”
“...”
“Just kidding, just kidding~ Where should I go?”
I pat the shoulders of the brutes, who are radiating murderous intent, and smile brightly. Their expressions as they suppress their rage are so delightful that I almost want to take a selfie with them, but I’ll let it slide.
I head to the destination comfortably in their car. I expected them to come looking for me, flustered by the overwhelming number of guests, but they’re later than I thought.
Fable must be having a massive headache right about now. He probably thought I was just some brat attending Yggdrasil, but now that he knows I have such enormous backing, he must be intimidated. Did he really think I was that insignificant? If he had known, he would have adamantly denied any intention of seizing the Source when I asked.
But wait, Akane should have been investigating me and sending back reports this whole time. Did these guys not even read them? Well—I suppose Akane’s reports were filled with useless data like what my favorite color is, what position I sleep in, or whether I like mint chocolate.
I’ve never been a spy, but shouldn't those in the field send everything back regardless? The judgment is supposed to be made by those at the top. Maybe that’s just how it works in movies.
Since I’ve never received that kind of training even after coming to this world, I arrive at the destination while lost in thought.
“Whoa—hey, it must have been hard to find a place like this. Do you guys off people here often?”
“...Lord Fable is waiting, so go inside without making a scene.”
A dilapidated warehouse in the middle of nowhere—it’s the perfect place for a mob brawl straight out of a movie. I wonder if Fable will be sitting alone in a chair with men in black suits lined up behind him? Thinking it’s like a movie scene makes me feel a bit expectant.
“Get in.”
“You want me to open this huge iron door myself? That’s so uncool. Open it for me. I need to make a grand entrance.”
The brute who brought me glares as if he’s about to hit me, then grinds his teeth and slides the iron door open. The rusted door lets out an unpleasant screech, revealing an interior filled with darkness.
Damn—it’s so pitch black I can't see a thing. Except for the area touched by the light coming through the open door, nothing is visible.
“Turn on some lights, you edge-lords. Does this place not even have electri—urk!”
With a massive impact on my back, I am sucked into the warehouse as if being swallowed. Judging by the fact that my mana barrier took almost no damage, it was a spell focused purely on pushing.
However, I am a man who has been put through rigorous training by Frey. I regain my posture in mid-air and immediately pull out the Etiquette Infuser.
Just as I land perfectly, ready to swing the Etiquette Infuser at any moment, a clank-clank sound echoes as the ceiling lights flicker on row by row.
“...Haa—are you guys seriously insane?”
I suspected it, but I didn't think they’d actually try to off me.
One, two... there are so many of them. The warehouse is filled with dozens of men radiating a fierce aura, looking ready to pounce on me at any second.
“You must pay the price for mocking our Shibarata.”
“Cut the dramatic bullshit, you idiots. You guys are seriously dim-witted.”
I relax my stance, rest the Etiquette Infuser on my shoulder, and sigh. How can they be this stupid?
“Hey, kids. Have you even counted how many organizations and families I’ve sent to your Organization so far?”
“Did you think we’d just stand by and watch your dirty tricks to swallow Shibarata from underneath?”
“Why would I swallow such a tiny organization, you morons? You guys aren't world-class. You’re scrubs. Total scrubs who don't even meet my standards.”
In terms of scale, they are scrubs, but since they can go toe-to-toe with Yggdrasil, they aren't exactly negligible. But there’s such a thing as name value, you know?
Do you really think you can compare yourselves to Greyhound or the Grahams? You’re the type of guys who’d get cleaned up by Moai alone.
“Does this bastard dare to insult us?!”
“No, why are even your lines so cliché? You stupid shits, think about it. All the guests who went to your Organization are incredible people.”
“...”
“What do you think they’ll do if word gets out that you attacked me?”
They try not to show any emotion, but I can see them wavering. They don't look that old. From their 20s to... probably not even their 30s. They’re all around their 20s.
That bastard Fable sent only the young ones even in this situation? This really is an organization where everyone at the top needs to be wiped out. It’s not that these kids are stupid; it’s that the ones above them have brainwashed them to hell and back.
‘Need help?’
I hear Turk’s voice through the micro-wireless earphone in my ear.
Did you think I’d come here without a plan? I didn't think they’d actually try to off me, but I’ve prepared for everything. I don't know how they followed the car without being detected, but a dozen Greyhound agents are already on standby outside the warehouse.
But there are no windows here; how does he know the situation? Does he have some kind of X-ray magic?
Assuming Turk is watching, I shake my head and speak to the crowd.
“Now, look. The name of this weapon is the Etiquette Infuser.”
When I speak while holding up the beautiful black Etiquette Infuser, the people look at me with strange eyes. I slowly lower the bat and point the end toward them, smiling.
“Today, I’m going to kindly infuse some etiquette into each and every one of you.”
I’ve been too quiet lately because I was busy playing politics, haven't I? So quiet that they saw me as a total nobody and sent only these kids.
From now on, I’m going to beat all that brainwashing out of your heads and snap you back to reality.