Chapter 191: Aurum Alley's Hustle and Bustle 『 Part Six 』
〜DanMachi World〜
"Th-this is just too…"
Inside the tavern, Bell unconsciously took half a step back, his cheeks burning slightly. Looking atSkott's socially dead appearance on the light screen, just imagining it for a moment made his toes curl up in awkwardness inside his boots.
"Serves him right! That's the fate people like him deserve!"
Hestia waved her small fist. Seeing Skottbarking like a dog was truly satisfying! Back when she saw him forcing Sushang to apologize, she had been hoping for this moment to come sooner. She just hadn't expected that when she actually heard Skott barking… her mind would go blank for a second.
"Bell-kun, for someone who only knows how to pull dirty tricks, this punishment is actually quite light."
Liliruca held her teacup, a shrewd light flickering in her eyes.
"If it were me, I'd probably find a way to report this to the IPC. After all, a guy like this isn't just making a fool of himself, he's losing face for the corporation too—if I could get the company to fire him, then I think the punishment would match his behavior."
"Isn't that a bit too harsh…"
"Heheh, Bell-kun, although Skott looks miserable right now, this kind of person is flexible and resilient. If you ask me… he absolutely cannot be left alone. If he holds a grudge and makes a comeback later, that would be the real trouble."
—
「 The debt crisis at the docks has paused for now, but the revival of Aurum Alley has only just begun.
Everyone planned to continue upgrading the docks, but this initiative was directly halted by the President. Unable to understand the President's approach, everyone went to the Merchant Guild headquarters together.
Coincidentally, Yukong was also there. In front of the Helm Master of the Sky-Faring Commission, Secretary Lianyan affirmed everyone's efforts on behalf of the President. However, he believed that continuing to upgrade the docks was no different from the IPC's methods and would only destroy the unique character of Aurum Alley.
The President intended to focus on antiques, old goods, and specialty snacks, opposing further logistics development. According to historical data, the more logistics are developed, the fewer tourists there are. This was completely unacceptable.
The President's words seemed to have some merit. Just as everyone was thinking and hesitating, Yukong took the lead in challenging the President.
"The Sky-Faring Commission has received a joint petition from many shops: [Reorganize the Merchant Guild]. In other words, the merchants hope you will resign from your position as President of the Merchant Guild."
A hard and weathered voice suddenly came from within the room: "The merchants of Aurum Alley… will they betray me one day too?"
"I will not give up on the vision I have built for Aurum Alley, let alone step down from my duties."
Yukong was not surprised by his answer, simply stating calmly, "I have no intention of interfering with the Merchant Guild's decisions, but as an old friend, I must remind you: Aurum Alley belongs to the present, not the past."
"…Madam Yukong, the present is always forged by the past, is it not?"
Yukong's idea was to have Mingxi temporarily take over the position of President and earn the full "bid security deposit" for the current stage. To achieve this goal, Yukong suggested that they visit nearby shops more often and strive to gain the support of more people. 」
「 .....」
〜JoJo's Bizarre Adventure World, Golden Wind Timeline〜
The afternoon sun of Naples heated the brick walls of the villa. Mista leaned lazily against the wall and let out a dissatisfied "Tsk."
"This President…"
Looking at the dim lights in the room, the President's voice always reminded Mista of those old gangsters who stubbornly guarded their old turf. They had experience, sure, but they were obstinate and stubborn.
Trish rested her chin in her hand, idly spinning a silver fork:
"But compared to the President, I still find the people from the IPC more annoying. The meaning behind their words shows they don't care about Aurum Alley's history or characteristics at all… It's like they're looking at a pile of goods waiting to be processed. It's so cold, it really pisses me off."
"Fortunately, Yukong bought some time for Stelle, Mingxi, and the others. Speaking of which… Stelle and her group's choice reminds me of Giorno."
Fugo suddenly shifted the topic, causing the blond boy sitting diagonally across from him, caught off guard, to look up blankly.
"Huh?"
"Neither willing to wallow in the past like the President, nor willing to bow their heads to a stronger power."
Fugo said faintly,
"Attempting to carve out a third path in the cracks… It's a very foolish, yet very brave approach."
"—Fugo."
Mista spoke with a slightly mocking tone,
"Haven't seen you in a few days, and your ass-kissing skills have improved."
"Heh, if not thanks to you, I would never have said it."
Fugo lowered his head, his face pale, and added softly,
"—This is what I wanted to say to you all back when I left."
—
「 Following Yukong's suggestion, Stelle and the others immediately visited the Artistry Hardware. They learned from the owner that the President's goal was to recreate the bustling prosperity of Aurum Alley from years ago.
Although his idea was also to revive Aurum Alley, times have changed. The prosperity of the past is completely unfeasible today. Not only could it not win against the IPC, but even many large shops didn't support him.
Stelle took a lot of effort to finally persuade the owner of the Artistry Hardware. With his support, the influence of Stelle and the others in Aurum Alley deepened further, finally ushering in the public Merchant Guild meeting arranged by the President.
This time, not only would they get to see this elusive President, but they could also debate him in person. Just thinking about it was exciting.
After confirming the materials, Stelle arrived at the meeting venue. But looking around, the President's figure was still nowhere to be seen. Sushang looked at Yukong in confusion: "We're all here, but where is the President?"
"I am right here."
Suddenly, an Aurumaton head on the opponent's chair began to speak.
"…You are the President?" Sushang and Stelle stared wide-eyed, unable to believe the scene before them.
"Correct." The President said helplessly, "This old man didn't want to show himself publicly either, but today concerns the future of Aurum Alley, so I had to attend." 」
「 .....」
〜Akame Ga Kill World〜
In the forest outside the Night Raid headquarters, upon seeing the bald head of the Aurumaton President, Tatsumi was so shocked he almost fell out of the tree.
Aurum Alley… is even the President an Aurumaton?!
"…No wonder the way he talks felt so incongruous to me."
This sense of dissonance immediately made Tatsumi draw a parallel to Svarog in Belobog.
"This Aurumaton seems to be more powerful than Svarog in terms of logical thinking and behavior."
Najenda carefully scrutinized the President, or rather, the remaining head.
"Svarog was artificially set with a goal, and then all his actions became conditions to achieve that goal. He is an almost perfect executor, closer to a weapon or a tool."
"But this Aurumaton President… although he certainly doesn't possess Svarog's combat power right now, he has more intelligent thoughts. Not only can he spontaneously generate various revitalization plans, but he can also generate something akin to a 'vision'… It's truly marvelous."
—