Chapter 267: Chloes interpretation

Chloes statement sent ripples through the meeting. Beltrame stared at her with ferocious intensity.

What do you mean by that? If that statement is false, exiling you out from the inner wall will not be enough, you know?

As someone from the Lion Steel company, crime done using the name of its highest authority was severe. Those who did not believe her words already looked at her with hostile eyes.

However, Chloe did not waver at all, instead, she smiled and explained.

I believe that its already pretty clear. It is exactly as I said. I am just doing my best to obey representative Alices order. As such, I dont see any need to explain my actions.

Chloes straightforward declaration, stating that she was completely innocent, caused them to be confused. Beltrams gaze changed from a hostile one to a questioning one.

I see. In that case, instead of an excuse, we demand an explanation. Why do you think it is the will of representative Alice? I bet you did not receive such an order straight from her, right?

Of course, that is indeed the case. After all, I am in no position to receive such a thing. I simply received the same order as everyone here has received. As a matter of fact, I dont understand why no one here has taken any action regarding said order. Well, I guess its because of my lack of competence. I do not understand everyones stance.

What do you mean?

If that question is nothing more than your main question and not a leading question, for the sake of the Lion Steels future, I recommend you relinquish your seat, Branch Manager.

The mood in the room suddenly turned cold. It was obvious, rude intimidation from Chloe to someone of a higher position. The other officers started to doubt her sanity. Otherwise, she might have really done everything under Alices order, which would explain her courage.

The silence continued. Chloe and Beltram were looking straight at each other without looking away. The mood started to get tense. As the other officers started to get anxious, Beltram suddenly loosened up and said.

Very well. In that case, as the representative of everyone here, I shall ask for your guidance. After all, thats just how important representative Alices will is. If theres a chance that the situation is due to our ignorance, even if slim, theres still a need to completely eliminate such a possibility. As such, I ask for you to explain it in detail, for someone as clueless as me I wont let you wiggle your way out of this one.

Beltram said the last part, dead-serious. As the others were waiting anxiously, Chloe smiled and replied.

Of course!

Chloe then told the partic.i.p.ants of the meeting her thoughts. As the meeting progressed, the partic.i.p.ants had troubled and shocked expressions on their faces. It seems like half of them believed her while the other half did not. In other words, Chloes explanation did make sense. It was something they could not laugh off. One of the officers then interjected.

Isnt this nothing more than your personal wish? You have made so many blunders. It wouldnt be an exaggeration to state that due to your desire, youre currently trying to find a way to make up for your mistakes.

I dont deny that some of it are my subjective interpretation. After all, I do want to find enough leverage to raise my rank in this company. But thats the same for all of us. Either way, you are denying my explanation by stating it to be out of my personal interest. You have no other reason nor evidence to state that my opinion is incorrect, right?

W-well, but still

If I might add something else, Im sure that everyone already knows that representative Alice told us to take care of this matter until she arrives.

Chloe then continued to explain her interpretation of Alices order. The officers who heard her interpretation started to get agitated.

After that, I managed to contact Olivia-sama. Im sure that everyone has been well informed about this. And at that time, Olivia-sama said that there wont be a next time.

From there, Chloe explained how she interpreted that warning. This time, it caused confusion between the officers. Thus, one of them questioned Chloe with a stern expression.

I understand your reasoning. But in the end, its nothing more than your interpretation, no? You cant just say that it is the representative Alices will.

Chloe looked pitifully and slightly mockingly at the officer.

Even if you say so, in the end, I am not representative Alice. So, I cant really say that its indeed her will. But if you need confirmation no matter what, you might as well ask the branch manager for help to contact representative Alice. It is impossible to ask for an audience with representative Alice with my position. But it might be possible if its with the branch managers authority.

Everyone turned toward Beltram. After that, Chloe continued.

Well, even if I could, I still wont do it though. After all, I dont want representative Alice to think that Im incompetent. Asking her for such a simple thing.

Hesitation and confusion caused the officers to lose words. They frowned with a stern expression without saying anything.

Alice was going to come to Kugamayama city soon to deal with the matter regarding Olivia. Because of that, this meeting, which was originally meant to question Chloes action, was now in an uproar. It had already lost sight of its original goal and leaned toward whether to believe Chloes words or not.

Whether it was to go against Alices will or to obey it. This affected not only the fate of the Lion Steel Eastern District Third Ward Branch, but it might also affect the other branches as well. For the better or for the worse. Whether to proceed carefully or boldly. Either way, they would have to make a decision, one that they would never be able to take back.

Beltram eventually made the decision.

I will end this meeting here today. Lets resume this tomorrow. I will contact the rest of you later.

With that closing remark, everyone seemed to calm down. They were delaying making the conclusive decision. It was true that they did not have all the necessary information to make such a crucial decision. It was obvious that everyone would do their best to gather as much information as they could after this. Therefore, delaying it was preferred for the rest of the officers.

Beltrams gaze then s.h.i.+fted to Udajima.

Udajima-san, was it?

Udajima flinched back from that gaze, one cast by someone of a high position from a large corporation.

Y-yes!

Im sorry that you didnt get to say anything during this meeting. Although youve managed to join in for a while. But if I may, I hope you will also join the next meeting. If its about how you treat her, Im thinking of leaving that to you for the time being. Its not like Im doing this to compensate for your efforts. I will give you my contact number and contact line. If theres anything you want to report to me, you can do so straight through that line. You will not need to go through her.

After Beltram said so, the other officers also proceeded to give their contact to Udajima. It was their covert way of hinting Udajima to send them information without going through Chloe. Nonetheless, it did not change the fact that it gave Udajima a direct connection to Lion Steels officers, which would strengthen his position as a city officer.

Now then, please let me excuse myself.

Beltram turned off the connection and disappeared from the meeting. The other officers also followed suit, leaving Chloe and Udajima alone.

Chloe smiled at Udajima and said.

Once we leave, City Management would take notice that the meeting has ended. At that time, I bet there will be men stationed outside the room waiting to get in. So, lets talk for a bit first. With this, I hope that you will believe me when I declared I would help you if you help me.

Alright, Ill believe you for now. So then, what do you want?

Well, there are a lot of things that I want. But first of all, I want to be able to contact Latis and my other servants. I actually tried to make tea by myself, but it just wont come out right. Im just not used to it.

Seeing her smile, as if it was a joke, Udajima replied with a stern expression.

Very well.

Thank you very much. Now then, do you need anything from me? Lets discuss about everything we need to keep confidential while were still here.

You have a point Well, first thing first

Chloe and Udajima continued their meeting inside that virtual s.p.a.ce for some time after that.

Outside the room, where Chloe was detained, those from the city public safety department were waiting for the meeting to end. They were preparing themselves. The moment they received the notice that it had ended, they would first send another warning. If Udajima continues to not comply, they would arrest him.

The door opened and Udajima stepped out. He then lightly smiled at the surprised city public safety department and said to them.

Well, sorry to make you wait. The meeting took longer than I expected.

One of the shocked men replied.

Well, that is completely fine. Udajima-sama, we hope you will cooperate and let us take you to Inabe-sama. We apologize but were allowed to arrest you if necessary.

Yeah, I know. Dont worry, I wont run away. I will come with you. Or if you prefer, you can arrest me, just to be safe.

Udajima smiled and offered both of his arms, but the guy just shook his head and said.

N-no, that wont be necessary if you obediently come with us.

I see. Lets go then.

Udajima then went with them while showing no remorse. Although those from the public safety department were confused, they still followed through with their duty.

***

After listening to the explanation about his monster designation from Kibayas.h.i.+, Akira pouted and said.

What do you mean? Infighting within City Management has disallowed the decision to be revoked?

Unlike Akira, who was even showing slight exasperation, Kibayas.h.i.+ laughed and replied.

Its not like City Management is ruled by a single person after all. There are times when a conflict of interest prevents them from taking quick action. Though, I bet its a huge inconvenience for you.

Kugamayama city itself had no wish to be hostile to him. Moreover, Inabe was something akin to his ally. However, from that point of view, it is not completely unthinkable that the anti-Inabe faction would retaliate. They would preserve the decision in order to sabotage Inabe.

Furthermore, considering the power relations.h.i.+p between Kugamayama city and the Lion Steel company, it was not easy for the Hunter Office to revoke an application it had already approved. At the very least, that was what Kibayas.h.i.+ had guessed.

Somewhere away from him, where he had nothing to do with, there was trouble brewing. Trouble, which directly impedes him. However, Akira understood that he could not do anything about it. Thus, he could only sigh as he said.

Either way, I cant return back to the city for the time being and things will get even more troublesome if I force my way in, right?

Yep, exactly. I bet youre displeased about this, But lets just leave that matter for now. Now, we should get to the main topic. Lets start talking about how you can fight against the Lion Steel company with the best firepower that you can get.

Since it was an important subject for Akira, he changed gears and became solemn. However, seeing how Kibayas.h.i.+ was grinning like a Ches.h.i.+re cat, he could not help but frown.

Even if I say the best firepower, in the end, it depends on whether you would do this alone or in a team. Either way, its important to increase your own firepower. Thats why I recommend you hold back from attacking Lion Steel for the time being. Wait for the equipment from Sakas.h.i.+ta Heavy Industry.

Is that route still viable? I have become a bounty target, you know?

Akira was already half-certain that was out of the question. Thus, he did not expect to still receive his equipment. However, Kibayas.h.i.+ replied with such firmness that it completely eliminated his worries.

Of course. Theres no way Sakas.h.i.+ta Heavy Industry would retract their reward. Not just because the Hunter had received a monster designation in one particular place. Furthermore, that bounty designation only came from the Lion Steel companys branch. If they did that, it would affect their reputation. In the worst-case scenario, some of the Hunters who are contracted with Sakas.h.i.+ta Heavy Industry might even cancel their contract. They might instead form a contract with the other 5 biggest companies. This would endanger Sakas.h.i.+ta Heavy Industrys position as one of the big 5.

I-I see.

Thats just how powerful the binding power of a contract is. Well, although, it wouldnt go that well had you picked a fight against the Corporate Government. Just because you got into a fight against a company because of a single relic, that wont make Sakas.h.i.+ta waver. Thats why theres nothing for you to worry about. Especially if it is related to Sakas.h.i.+ta.

But if Im not mistaken, they still dont know when that powerful equipment will arrive, right?

You dont need to worry about that as well. Although its just my prediction, at most, it will take about a month. If youre really lucky, theyll be here in about a week. In the worst-case scenario, 3 months.

Akira raised his eyebrows in shock.

Im pretty sure you said that it might even come next year though? Are you sure they can even arrive in a week?

The reason for the delayed transport was because of the limited transport routes that Sakas.h.i.+ta had decided on. Recently, theyve been lifting up most of those limitations. Without those limitations, I can give you a good approximation as to when they would arrive. And as expected, even I dont have enough information about Sakas.h.i.+ta Heavy Industrys transportation routes to be able to make a more precise prediction. So, my guess is between 1 week to 3 months. If they are already somewhere nearby, itll only take about a week to transfer owners.h.i.+p to you. If they have to withdraw enroute before trying another route, at most, it will take 3 months to get here.

Akira lightly nodded to his explanation, so Kibayas.h.i.+ smiled and leaned forward.

Thats why just wait and dont do anything stupid. Chloe is inside Kugamayama at the moment. So, I recommend you force your way into the city once you have your front-line equipment. You just need to wait for a bit before receiving equipment far better than what you had before. So, until then, although it sounds awful, I hope you can just keep avoiding trouble for now.

Kibayas.h.i.+ then leaned further. He was so close that Akira pulled himself away from him.

Well, its you that were talking about here. I bet you dont like the idea of just running away, but deal with it for now. If you can hold back, you can vent your rage later. Using your new front-line equipment, you can blow open a hole into the inner wall, and get even the middle and the upper district involved in your quest for vengeance. At that point, you would be able to make those who look down on you regret their actions. Thats why, for now, just wait patiently, okay? You understand, right?

O-okay.

Kibayas.h.i.+, who kept leaning forward while whispering his devilish plan to Akira, made the latter feel weirded out by it. Therefore, Akira tried to change the subject.

By the way, Kibayas.h.i.+, you are a Kugamayama city officer, no? Is it really okay for someone in your position to suggest a bounty target use front-line weapon to blow the citys wall open?

Kibayas.h.i.+, who already had both of his hands on the table, supporting most of his weight while he leaned toward Akira, returned back to his seat and calmed down for a bit.

Well, if you ask me whether its okay or not, I bet its not. Its something that a city officer definitely cant do. I bet the punishment would be more than just a written formal warning.

Seeing Akira looking at him with confused eyes, Kibayas.h.i.+ then pointed at the Hunter Office mark on his vehicle.

But right now, I am here as a Hunter Offices staff member. Thats why it wont be trouble at all.

Although Kibayas.h.i.+ was a Kugamayama city officer, at the same time, he was also a Hunter Office staff member. He was well accustomed to part.i.tioning his two positions, as well as using them when necessary. Thanks to that, he was able to avoid having to face repercussions, which might have led to his bad reputation.

I know you are a bounty target, but there are many types of people who become bounty targets. If its just a 1 million bounty, the Hunter Office would not even bother to deal with it. But if its for 50 billion Aurum, not to mention it also includes monster designation from a medium-sized corporation the Hunter Office would have to at least do something to prevent damage from spreading. Things like trying to calm the situation and get both sides to peacefully find a solution to whatever the problem they have between them. At the moment, Im actually using that as an excuse to meet up with you. Thats why youre safe while youre in the middle of a conversation with me. Well, at least, those who want your bounty would not attack you in this situation. Even if there is someone nearby waiting to kill you, they can only observe from a distance right now. They will not dare snipe you. So, theres no need to worry about that.

Akira was a bit surprised by Kibayas.h.i.+s explanation.

Is that so? Are you sure? Its 50 billion Aurum, you know?

It has nothing to do with the amount. Trying to attack someone who is in the middle of negotiations with the Hunter Office is the same as picking a fight with the Hunter Office. This also means picking a fight with the Corporate Government too. Even if they manage to kill you, they wont be able to claim the bounty. To top it off, their Hunter data will get expunged. Their account would be frozen and the whole eastern district will recognize them as monsters.

Akira lightly nodded again, Kibayas.h.i.+ then continued.

Attacking someone in the middle of negotiating means antagonizing everyone included in that negotiation. The reason why Kibayas.h.i.+ told Akira to just think of Goutol and the others as escorts while they were surrounding him was because it signified Akira being in the middle of negotiations with Kugamayama city. To be more precise, they were recognised to be negotiating regarding Akira, who had been designated as a monster, to not approach Kugamayama city.

Naturally, there was no guarantee that no one would attack them considering that the bounty was 50 billion Aurum. Furthermore, they could gain a connection with the Lion Steel company. That was why Goutol and his men were vigilantly watching the surroundings.

Kibayas.h.i.+ told Akira to think of Goutol and his men as his bodyguards since, in reality, they were indeed protecting him.

The city defence squads duty was to protect the city, not to hunt a bounty target. So, as long as Akira kept away from the city, even if he was a bounty target recognized as a monster, they would not attack him. Moreover, Kibayas.h.i.+ had already informed Goutol, using his position as staff from the Hunter Office.

Akira was closely listening to Kibayas.h.i.+s explanation, full of interest. However, he also started to worry about the time as he said.

Now then, lets get back to the main subject. Its not like I can keep this up for long as well. I guess Ill convey the things that I need to convey to you here. Although you will be just running around until your new equipment arrives, if possible, dont go too far from Kugamayama city. We will hand over your equipment once they arrive in Kugamayama city. However, there will certainly be information leaks somewhere. Thats why, if its possible, I want to give them to you as soon as possible once they arrive. It would be easier and faster if you were nearby. Its also safer since itll reduce the chance of you getting attacked on your way back to collect it.

Even if you say so, Im sure there will be more people coming after me if I roam around Kugamayama city. As long as I cant get into Kugamayama city, I would have to find another city to get my food and ammo

If youre staying somewhere close, I will help you with that as well.

Hah? Are you sure youre okay doing that?

Toward Akira, who was obviously surprised by his offer, Kibayas.h.i.+s smile widened as he explained.

Well, about that, I can put up an excuse. I can state having no other choice but to supply you with food and ammo. Otherwise, you would be cornered and have no other choice but to raid the city. So, I will be doing that per my duty as a city officer. After all, as a staff member from the Hunter Office, it might be best for me to take a neutral stance.

It was a good excuse for Kibayas.h.i.+. Even if it meant making Akira stronger in exchange for buying more time for peaceful negotiations. Even if negotiations fail and Akira ends up attacking the city with his greater firepower, Kibayas.h.i.+ could simply claim that he did all he could. Though, in reality, Kibayas.h.i.+ was hoping that would happen. Akira understood that very well as he looked at Kibayas.h.i.+s wide unsettling smile.

Afterwards, Kibayas.h.i.+ told Akira all kinds of things until their time was up. He then returned back to his vehicle and lightly warned Akira, who was already back on his bike.

The moment I turn on this vehicle, you will lose safety insurance from the Hunter Office. Well, you are a bounty target with 50 billion Aurum on your head. There will no doubt be Hunters who will come after you. They will do so with proper preparation first. So, I bet no one will attack you for the time being. But still, be careful out there.

Sure. Ill be counting on you for the ammo.

Yeah. Dont worry about that. You can count on me. Do tell me if something happens. I will contact you if something comes up. Make sure to answer calls coming from the secret line that I just told you about. Well then, until next time, Akira. Good luck!

Kibayas.h.i.+ smiled as he said so and headed back to Kugamayama city.

Meanwhile, Akira accelerated his bike in the opposite direction. It was his first day being a bounty target, one who could not return back to his home in Kugamayama city.

***

Inside a personal room located in the inner wall of Kugamayama city, Reina seemed calm. Though, she hardly appeared to be friendly. In front of her was a large display with Beltram in it.

That image of Beltram heaved a sigh.

Thats not how you address a branch head, you know?

But Reina still offered her apology after she was told.

My apology. Ive been living outside the wall for so long that it seems like Ive forgotten some of my manners without realizing it. For that, I am really sorry.

Beltrams gaze s.h.i.+fted toward Kanae and s.h.i.+ori, who were standing behind her. Reina was at least showing a respectful att.i.tude toward him, someone who held a higher position. However, s.h.i.+ori was not even trying to hide her stern gaze and Kanae was even displaying hostility in her smile.

Those maids too. Thats not how you address an officer from the same company, you know? Where is your loyalty toward the company you belong to?

My master is Milady after all. Milady is already showing her loyalty to the company. Of course, that includes Miladys att.i.tude toward you, you know?

Beltram-sama is taking a neutral stance as the head manager of Lion Steel Eastern District Third Ward Branch, regarding the infighting between the factions. Moreover, Beltram-sama is also taking a neutral stance regarding the attack on Milady, which might also be interpreted as abandoning Milady. As such, the barest of respect would be enough.

After Beltram confirmed the maids stance, his gaze returned back to Reina. There was a slight change in his expression. It was indicating how impressed he was with Reina. Not only was she able to hold onto s.h.i.+oris loyalty, but she could also tame a problematic maid like Kanae.

[So, both Reina and Chloe changed this much outside the wall, huh? I once heard the reason why they drive out family members deemed incompetent outside the wall. It is because the conditions out there are much harsher than inside the wall. It was done in hopes of fostering their growth. I guess thats not all nonsense]

Although they were driven outside the wall for different reasons, both Chloe and Reina were the source of the ongoing incident. Beltram could not help but feel impressed as well as cautious toward these two, who were both, from his point of view, still lacking.

Im glad to see that both you and Lady Chloe had grown so much outside the wall.

Beltram then looked at s.h.i.+ori.

By the way, it seems like you are blaming me. Despite the fact that you have received an order directly from the representative. It does not change the fact that your actions have aided or even caused this incident to spread. I dont see your handling as something wise for a maid affiliated with the Lion Steel company.

Representative Alices order was for those at the scene to handle the situation until she arrives. And the one who manages those people should be you, no?

s.h.i.+ori replied with obvious sarcasm. It was clear that she was indicating that the source of this incident, including Reina and Chloes actions, was all due to the incompetent control the head of the Lion Steel Eastern District Third Ward branch had over his people. s.h.i.+ori understood that it was a rude remark toward Beltram, who was her superior. However, Beltrams decision to not punish Chloe, even after robbing that card from Reina, could be interpreted as approval of her actions. Therefore, s.h.i.+ori could not possibly hide her anger.

As s.h.i.+ori prepared herself, expecting reproach from Beltram, he replied with something unexpected. Beltram made a troubled expression as he mumbled.

As I thought, thats what it means, huh?

Reina and the others frowned. They did not understand the meaning behind those words. However, the fact that Beltram did not reproach s.h.i.+ori, caused Reina to feel like something bad was going on. Thus, her expression turned stern as she asked.

Branch manager. I believe that you are busy as well, so can we please get onto the main subject?

Youre right, lets get into the main subject. But before that, let me inform you of this. As the branch manager, Im taking a neutral stance regarding the factions. With that in mind, there might be times when it seems like Im siding with a certain faction. However, I will only do so for the sake of the company in mind. I am not doing so because Im siding with any particular faction. Thats why its not like Im abandoning your side or siding on Lady Chloes side. Im just dealing with matters with my position and ability in mind.

Are you saying that the fact Chloe took Olivia-samas card from me by force is all for the sake of the company? And you, as the branch manager, dont see any problem with it?

This time it was not from s.h.i.+ori but from Reina. After all, it was safer for her to speak up instead of a maid from the company. She did not want s.h.i.+ori to worsen her standing. Furthermore, it was her covert way of hinting s.h.i.+ori to keep her mouth shut.

s.h.i.+ori, who understood Reinas intentions, relaxed her stern expression. In turn, Kanae, who noticed, smiled bitterly.

Although Reina noticed the twos reaction behind her, she was being careful so as to not smile. Up until now, Reina had been leaving the negotiations to s.h.i.+ori. However, from now on, she made her resolve to act as s.h.i.+oris master and waited for Beltrams reply.

However, Beltram once again reacted with something that they did not expect. He knitted his eyebrows, which made him look like someone with a lot of power and responsibility. Someone fitting for his position as the branch manager.

That is exactly the crucial part. We, officers from the third ward branch, are debating whether to see Lady Chloes action as problematic or not.

What do you mean?

Actually, we originally saw Lady Chloes action as problematic. We had a meeting just now to discuss how to deal with the aftermath. Although I cant really say what went on during the meeting, I will at least inform you of Lady Chloes current situation.

Chloe attacked Akira and failed. She then placed a 50 billion bounty on his head. Furthermore, she had Kugamayama city designate Akira as a monster. And for the crime of endangering the city, she got detained. After hearing all of that, Reina could not hold back her surprise as to how the situation had greatly escalated in just one day.

Lady Chloes action had caused tremendous problems. As officers of the third ward branch, we cant ignore her actions. We only have two options: approve or reproach her action. However, we dont have enough information to decide at the moment. Because of that, I would hope you will share your side of the story with us, including the matter of Olivia-samas card as well. This is an order from the branch manager of Lion Steel Eastern District Third Ward branch. You will tell me everything in detail.

When Beltram said so, he was exuding an extraordinary amount of pressure. This allowed Reina and the others to grasp just how important this matter was.