[Blue Archive] I am the Trinity Checkpoint Chief – Chapter 156

“Did you think that’d work? Do I look like someone who’d fall for a cheap trick?”

Though Styria Arms, once ruling the city, collapsed, its more capable executives sought ways to save the crumbling house. They split off subsidiaries and sold useless firearm patents, desperately trying to keep the embers alive.

When a French defense firm proposed a buyout, the executives scoffed.

The media blamed them for ending the city’s belle époque and erasing Tokyo’s stronghold. But isn’t the worsening situation due to the structural flaws of failing companies, not our responsibility?

Even if we’ve hit rock bottom, the authority of a defense industry legend lingers. At least we can fend off mid-sized firms that don’t reach the industry’s elite.

“Where’s your guarantee of securing capital? Can’t you act more convincingly?”

A recent report described a man who built a company with meager funds. Some might respect that, but as former competitors, it’s only irritating. You think you can swallow the industry’s Cinderella with that scale?

“My goal is to merge with a suitable company, not sell ours out of desperation. A fool ruined the company, but we’ve still got some pride.”

“So you committed accounting fraud, corruption, and went bankrupt? Tone it down.”

The power dynamic is clear. In the business world, the boss is the one with the cash—plain and simple.

I heard the old man who built Tokyo Group was hospitalized, shocked by losing all but one subsidiary. Sadly, this company’s owner is even less capable. Keeping the company alive isn’t the goal.

The French firm’s president likely knows this vaguely. How will you handle it?

“You know if I step back, you’ve got nowhere to sell. Rather than getting pennies at a public auction, isn’t it better to sell shares at a fair price now?”

—Thus, attempting to sell Styria Arms’ shares independently is deemed worthless.

The Styria president’s face turned pale. That the old man raised such a point meant he had confidence from a secret source, as it was strictly confidential, discussed only in Styria’s recent executive meeting.

It’s hard to hide panic. The French president, certain of the white-haired girl’s information, grew confident as the buyout talks tipped in his favor.

“I won’t talk shares. Hand over all assets, including the 500 billion yen debt.”

“…I’ll ask again, can you handle it?”

“I’ve got the funds. You haven’t even disclosed your market cap. I’ll take management rights and all.”

Yet doubts linger. Acquiring a company this size requires trust in sustained investment for growth. Simply put, they don’t trust this old man, so bring a credible witness.

It was an insulting demand in some ways, but the French president, unfazed, ordered a VIP summoned. Who was it? I only heard “white-haired girl.”

“I don’t know who, but they better be trustworthy, President…”

Styria, trying to muster confidence for a retort, faltered. The girl bursting through the reception room door was completely unexpected. The French old man flashed a deep smile.

“How’s the negotiation going? Sorry for coming unannounced. It’s… tied to my alma mater.”

The old man, determined to seize Styria after ousting its former president, could only groan in shock. He’d been listening to the situation from the start and presented a witness certificate.

Dozens of minutes later.

The French president left the reception room with a deeply relieved expression.

“Director Hikari, thank you. Thanks to you, it went well.”

“What did I do? And I promised you a fair reward, didn’t I?”

What’s negative about a company producing checkpoint howitzers growing? Plus, you’ve been key to Trinity’s influence expansion—don’t we need to treat you well?

“My gift, so accept it freely. Stay safe until we meet again.”

“Indeed, haha.”

A firmer hand than the President’s. Yet I felt human warmth.

***

Two days after returning to an unfamiliar workplace, my signed administrative order officially dissolved the Arius Military Administration.

The return to old times is progressing, so it’s no longer needed. Its necessity faded after the Regency Council’s establishment, and I delegated most powers to the Senior Administrator.

It was a quick cut, but it’s time to let our “daughter” stand on her own.

In a month at most, a coronation will be held, and Atsuko-san will ascend as queen. Days later, a national restructuring will clear Trinity-Arius relations. The bad blood between the academies will end, remaining as history to be remembered.

It must symbolize the failure of Beatrice’s era. Crossing the curtain of one age, the next generation of girls won’t be swayed by radical ideologies.

It’s no coincidence that “Resurrection from Ruins” headlined today’s front page.

Downtown recovery is nearing completion. Trinity General Academy’s assigned zones are fully done, while Kaiser Construction has minor infrastructure work left.

I’m finally free from document hell. How long has it been? I’ll sleep first at Checkpoint HQ.

“I’m halting duties and returning. Enjoy the freedom you wanted.”

No dissolution ceremony was planned. Legally, the Regency Council replaces the Military Administration, and with Sakurako-sama preparing the Ecumenical Council, I didn’t want to add political burden.

Still, some administrators, like the Senior Administrator, thanked me for their hard work. I nearly cried from the relief.

Then, dear Director Shiga Mitsuki sent a pile of cake boxes, startling me. I thought she was finally coming for my neck, but seeing cold whipped-cream cakes instead of yen stacks reassured me. That jerk.

Kaiser Corporation promised financial support for firms under insolvency deferral agreements. It’s seen as an attempt to prevent the Black Market Stock Exchange (BMSE) collapse, but many doubt its effectiveness.

Despite stepping down as Military Administrator, Nagisa-sama asked me to stay in Arius for a few days. Unexpected, but I’ll shift focus from Trinity politics to the Black Market.

We’ve secured significant shares through our maneuvers. I can’t say for sure, but Trinity General Academy likely holds 12-13% of the Black Market’s market cap. Sayuri-san cheered, free from budget woes.

I learned a lot this time. I know a bit about economics now, and Sayuri-san’s a true elite.

Still, I did… maybe 70% of a person’s share?

Think about it. I planned with Nagisa-sama—she’s great at economics—visited key firms to negotiate, and secured Kaiser’s acquiescence.

That’s enough for a fool like me! So, at the Black Market’s upcoming general meeting, once Trinity’s market cap is confirmed, I’ll resign as Proxy and everything, brewing cocoa at Checkpoint HQ.

I’ve run too long. I want to rest. Just “Checkpoint Director Hikari” is enough. I’m a bit tired.

Once it’s all done and I resign, Nagisa-sama will understand.