Chapter 56

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In Winter Valley, where Fidic Academy is located, there exists a "Representative Council" chaired by the principal, Glen. This council is a forum for exchanging opinions, consisting of the heads and assistants of various guilds within Winter Valley, as well as some councilors, and it serves as a place to convey requests to Glen.

However, equal exchanges of opinions are impossible in the Representative Council. This is the same in most countries with monarchies.

Although Glen did not intend it, there was a significant gap between the nobility and the common people in Winter Valley.

Ironically, the so-called "Winter Valley Council," a gathering of representatives from organizations that engage in illegal trade behind the scenes, was, in a sense, a more equal assembly than the Representative Council.

Depending on the current situation between organizations, anyone with power can have a say in the Winter Valley Council.

The main purpose is to eliminate unnecessary conflicts, making it, in a sense, a more democratic meeting.

However, the Winter Valley Council would change dramatically from a certain day onward.

The council, which used to meet every two or three months, would now be held every first week of each month, and the participants were designated as representatives or those in similar positions.

Previously, only the major organizations were involved, but now, medium-sized organizations and new, up-and-coming ones are also forcibly summoned.

On this day, the meeting was held on the third floor of the store run by the Neviss family.

The representatives of the various organizations, who had already participated once, quietly took their designated seats and waited silently for the meeting to begin. Among them, the representatives of the new, up-and-coming organizations, who were called for the first time, arrived with a few subordinates.

"Wow, this is impressive. Quite a distinguished gathering, huh?"

A bald man with a shaved head spoke boldly, and everyone's eyes naturally turned to him.

For a moment, the bald man's face tensed, but he quickly snorted and shrugged.

"Don't underestimate us just because we're a small organization. I'm Kanemaru of the Poison Dragon's Claw. We're going to become a force you can't ignore."

Kanemaru laughed, and his subordinates also laughed and looked around. Although they were laughing, their hands were on the swords at their waists, clearly ready for combat.

Despite the tension, there was a strange disparity in the room.

The reactions were lukewarm. In fact, some were even sneering at Kanemaru and his group.

Just as Kanemaru was about to complain, the sound of footsteps echoed.

The sound was light, without any heaviness. However, the atmosphere in the room suddenly became tense and heavy. Kanemaru and his group, sensing the oddity, turned to the source of the sound, behind them.

There stood a small woman with black hair in front of the open door.

Her eyes were cold and devoid of emotion. Kanemaru unconsciously took a step back upon seeing her.

After scanning the tense faces, the woman spoke.

"Everyone seems to be here. Please take your seats."

The last words were directed at Kanemaru. Upon hearing her unexpectedly beautiful voice, Kanemaru furrowed his brow.

"Who are you? I thought only the Neviss family had a woman as a representative."

Kanemaru spoke casually, trying to appear tough. From the back of the room, Karila, who was sitting in a chair, called out to him.

"Shut up and sit down. Unless you want to regret it."

Karila's threatening tone made Kanemaru instantly look displeased, but he noticed the cold stares from the others and reluctantly took a seat.

The black-haired woman, who had been quietly observing, confirmed that everyone was seated and then reached for the bag on her shoulder. She took out what seemed to be parchment and began distributing it to each person.

The parchment finally reached Kanemaru. He read it with a puzzled expression.

"Monthly financial report? Neviss family, White Ash, Blood-soaked Black Wolf...? Monthly abnormal reports, two inter-organizational conflicts, no illegal slave trading, no violence against citizens... What is this?"

He understood the content but couldn't grasp its meaning. Kanemaru tapped the parchment with one hand. The dry sound echoed, and the black-haired woman nodded lightly in response.

"Kanemaru of the Poison Dragon's Claw, I see. Since this is your first time attending the Winter Valley Council, I will explain. Those of you who are not registered with any guild or public organization in the country or the city are managed by this council. However, the management is not overly strict. First, the prohibition of illegal slave trading. Second, the prohibition of violence and fraud against the general population. Lastly, the prohibition of direct conflicts between organizations. Monthly reports are compiled based on reports from each organization. If any organization violates these rules, they will be fined or penalized. If anyone provides false reports, I will impose severe punishment. Additionally..."

"Wait, hold on!"

Kanemaru interrupted the woman's calm explanation, shouting in confusion.

"What is this? Is this woman a representative of the knight order, and is the council under the control of the country? Business should be free as long as we keep to our own territory! Why isn't anyone complaining? Don't you think this is strange!?"

Garonne of the White Ash looked at Kanemaru with a troubled expression.

"…This city is deeply involved in business with major guilds and chambers of commerce, not just the countries. This means there are huge profits to be made everywhere. Rather than fighting among ourselves, it's better to cooperate and secure stable profits..."

"Hey, hey, hey...! You've got to be kidding me! Cooperation? Stability? What are you going to do with such boring things!? Become the king of outlaws and make everyone bow down. Isn't that the spirit of taking everything for yourself!?"

Kanemaru shouted, more like pleading than angry. The others were exasperated, but the black-haired woman, Aoi, nodded expressionlessly and spoke.

"I understand your stance. However, opinions that threaten the city's security cannot be tolerated. If you continue to hold such views, I will have to issue a declaration."

"…What? Are you going to call for backup?"

Aoi sighed and replied to the menacing Kanemaru.

"If you want to push your stance, you'll have to defeat me first."

And so, the deep darkness of Winter Valley fell into the hands of a single woman.

The council members began to call her the "Witch of the Academy" in private.

Next time, the attack by a noble from another country!

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