AGITATOR’S SCHEME (session 1)

"Can't you think of other things besides panties?" Akatsuki yelled at Naotsugu as she gives him a knee kick on the face.

"Oh, my dear Akatsuki. You're so cute even when you're angry." Henrietta's fetish adoration to Akatsuki.

"Please everyone, let's concentrate on the matter. We've been here for almost an hour and we haven't still come up with a good title for the upcoming festival.

How about something that is not too classy but not that shabby either?" Shiroe commented as he tries to kill the chaos in the room.

"Then how about this, "The Armory Festival"?" Marielle suggested.

"Armory? What kind of festival would that be, Ms Marielle?" Tetra asked.

"Well, you see. I just thought that in this world we are in, we should be celebrating something that is originated from here. Adventurers have their own weapons and armors. This world even has many classes of adventurers, so why not have them introduce with the people of the land. We can even plan for a show for this and not to forget, Log Horizon can use this festival as an advertisement for your new business." Marielle answered.

"That's actually a brilliant idea. How could we ignore such simplicity when it actually proves something promising? Ms Marielle, as the perpetrator of such idea, we coerce you to be the organizer of this event and in return, everyone from Akihabara's guilds is at your disposal. Anyone who opposes this resolution, please raise your hand?" Shiroe spoke with his usual gesture of moving his glasses.

There was no objection from the others but rather a menacing smile on each faces leaving Marielle the heaviest responsibility for the occasion. After the dismissal of the meeting, everyone left to spread the minutes of the meeting to the other guilds.

Log Horizon and crescent Moon Alliance guild halls were almost completely empty leaving 2 or 3 members behind for a reason. Most of the members were solicited to hunt for the Crescent Burger recipes while the rest were asked to patrol the streets. Luckily enough of being in a female avatar, I was left with the other ladies to help in the decorations on the streets but at the same time I feel awkward doing such tedious things. I am able to blend with the others that no such gossips were spreading about my identity here in Akihabara. It seems that joining the Log Horizon guild was a big mask for me to hide my identity considering our guild's reputation.

Together with Marielle, Tetra and Nazuna of West Wind Brigade, we patrol on the streets checking the flow of work going on.

"It is a relief to have the members of your guild, Ms Nazuna. We are really grateful of the West Wind Brigade. Without you, this event might not be possible at all." Marielle offers her gratitude to Nazuna.

"Well, it is natural to help each other. As long as master Soujirou wants it, everyone from our guild will help. By the way, who is she? " Nazuna shortly replied pointing at me.

"Oh, my bad I forgot to introduce each other. Ms Nazuna, this is Spade of Log Horizon. She is a new member of the guild. Spade, this is Ms Nazuna of West Wind Brigade." Marielle introduced.

"Nice to meet you. I am Spade of Log Horizon. It is a pleasure to be acquainted with you." I greeted extending my arms for a shake.

"I'm Nazuna of West Wind Brigade. The pleasure is mine." Nazuna replied as she accepted my gesture.

"Alright, let's continue our work. Spade is still new here in town so let us patrol the area while showing the place to her." Tetra joyfully exclaimed.

We scourged the place like a wild fire stopping at every place with delicious foods. I wouldn't actually call it patrolling with Ms Marielle on our side but we all enjoyed her enthusiasm over simple things. On the other hand, the other members of Log Horizon are busy hunting in the forest for meat and other recipes.

"Here's the last one. I think we hauled more than we were supposed to. What should we do? This last one has no place. All of our cages are full." Touya asked.

"We probably can bring that to our guild. Let's ask chief Nyanta to cook it for everyone." Naotsugu replied. "Let's deliver what we caught today at Marielle's place and tonight, let's have a feast on barbeque. Good work everybody. "

"Yeah!" everyone seconded.

Natotsugu's party met up with the rest of the hunting group and head straight to the Crescent Moon Alliance guild hall. With everyone's effort, there was enough meat that can supply the Crescent Burger for at most 3 days which will be the duration for the event. After disembarking all the cages, everyone from the other guilds went off and returned to their own guilds.

It is the opening day of the festival and the streets are already filled with crowds. Here you see some adventurers with their flashy outfits they display accompanied by little barbaric finesse. Nobles of the people of the land on the other hand catch the attention of people by their royal threads and silks dyed in rich colors. There have been no crowd like this since the records from the previous festivals. It is no surprise though because Nobles, adventurers and commoners from other cities and towns were invited to join. Cafes and restaurants near the streets are full while people go in and out from the guild house. I wonder if everything is going nice inside the auction room we had at the guild house.

From my standpoint, I can clearly see the people who enter and who go out from the guild house. I noticed that everyone who enter the guild house are adventurers who are acquainted to Log Horizon. There's been no other adventurer or noble people from the people of the land who entered the auction house. Neither even a people of the land or outsiders came to dare enter the building. Everytime I see someone pass by the building, they tend to stop in front but won't continue to enter the premise. This is what Shiroe planned in the first place, not draw too much attention from the crowd in order to prevent crowding in the auction room. However, the plan is not accommodating the minimum targeted population of customers desired to enter the building. It would seem that Shiroe had some kind of reputation that the people are afraid to see the auctioned items.

If it is about the plan of controlling the population, I agree to Shiroe's plan however, the circumstance proves otherwise. During the planning, we never considered about the guild's reputation from the outsider's perspective. Because of not knowing how approachable Log Horizon is, the idea of selling our auctioned items has a slim chance. I bet Shiroe is already thinking about this situation as he monitors the identity of every individual that enters the building.

As I stand at the highest point of the guild's building to oversee the situation outside, something conspicuous came out of my mind. It is a plan that will solve the depression of the business while keeping Shiroe's plan at hand. I don't want creating a scheme like the old times, however this time I have a great purpose and I know it won't go bad. Being the infamous "agitator" from the past, I manipulated too much people to the extent that I would be hated like a criminal but this time there would be no lies. I can't just stand here and watch my guild in this situation, so I decided to put my plan into action. As I go down, I met Akatsuki on the way.

"Hi there, Akatsuki. How are you doing?"

"I'm doing great, thank you." Akatsuki replied.

"Akatsuki? May I ask a favor from you? I'll buy you red bean bun in exchange. Would you take care of my post for a while? I just need to do something outside and it is really urgent." I asked

"Sure, I'll take care of it. I am relieved anyway from my guarding duty. When are you coming back with the red bean bun?" Akatsuki zoned with excitement.

"Maybe just a couple of hours. It won't take a day so don't worry, I'll get you some of your favorite. I'm going now." I winked as I ran away from the guild building.

Now that I am out, my first order of business is to spread rumors. Just like I planned, I need to find a reputable adventurer and a well known noble. Looking for these kind of individual might be difficult but once I do, the fun will begin but first I need to gather information about our guild's reputation.

The way to the tavern where adventurers gather is too crowded but thankfully I am able to slip past the crowd. Just as I enter the place, I am greeted with the boisterous laughter from the adventurers who seemed to be enjoying a conversation over a drink. At the other corner, there are others who prefer to be silent and alone. I scanned the area for a place but I was forced to sit near the counter by the prospect that I might get too much attention if I join a group. Beside my chair was an adventurer who looks descent than most of the others inside the tavern.

"Hello, would you mind me sitting beside you?" I asked with sincerity.

The man gave me a stern look and glared for a second. He gave a moment of little evaluation on me and then replied with tiny interest.

"I don't mind."

"Thank you. I'm really beat up from the crowd outside; I barely managed to enter this place. Festivals are surely that crowded especially when people from other cities and towns are invited to join." I said in commentary as the barman comes closer. "A glass of lime please."

"Are you from another town or city just like the rest? He asked.

"Well, I actually moved here from near the west border for almost a month now. How about you? What compelled you to come here in Akihabara? Don't tell me it's just because of the festival?" I replied.

"You just hit the bull's eye there. Frankly speaking, I'm not into festivals but I am interested in the theme. I might find something useful in here." He responded.

"I see. I think I can help you with that. I heard some place here in Akihabara that displays great items. I heard it is some place called Log Horizon where the Villain behind glasses stays."

"The villain behind glasses?" the man interrupted abruptly. "I heard he is the worst and that he stays on the shadows while manipulating everyone around him. I don't want to do anything that concerns with that person. He is trouble."

"But if you are really interested, you can do something about it. For instance, you can ask someone to go check the place instead of you. In addition, it is not just a display but it is an auction business. You know what I mean, right?" I asked

"What do you mean exactly? He sternly

"It is a 2 day display auction of precious items and if more people will know about this, you'll have more difficulty in taking the item you wanted because of the competition." I said.

"So you are saying I should keep this on my own?" he asked.

"Not exactly but you can ask someone you trust to see the place and bring the news to you. That way, you minimize the competition. What do you say?

"Why are you saying too much for someone you just met? He asked.

"I don't know. Maybe I'm in a similar position just like you or I'm just generous enough to render information free of charge." I responded.

"I see. You are an information broker, aren't you? And you are not sure about your information that is why you ask someone to check it for you. Am I right?" the man curiously replied with a naughty gaze.

"Well, let us see about that." I said with a smile as I stand and move away from the place. "It's up to you how you are going to deal with that information I gave you. And one more thing, they said that one of the auctioned items is a rare class item."

I got out of the tavern without any ruckus created and that felt reassuring. I never knew that Shiroe have become infamous with the adventurers outside the city of Akihabara. Approaching him was easy enough but provoking him to a minimal extent was a little bit hard for me. I was used of provoking players until they would go rogue and get suspended however, I managed today to control my urge of not going to much far.

One more and the plan will go smoothly as predicted. Now, I must look for a rich noble person who might be interested in weaponry or armoury. Nobles don't usually roam the streets for too long, instead they visit luxurious places to match their living preferences. Now that I have thought about it, I may as well look for a change of clothes so I can these nobles with ease.

Just west of the tavern where I came from was a boutique store that is being managed by few adventurers who had maxed out their sewing skills. I felt ashamed of entering the place but either way, they don't know my true identity so there is no reason for me to fear what the ladies inside will do. Inside the store, I noticed that all of the customers were ladies of Noble blood. The way they talk, the way they move and the way they fancy clothes tells me that they belong to the elite class of the people of the land. As I look on some clothes from the display rack, one lady came near and initiated a conversation.

"You don't seem to be a fellow noble. Are you perhaps an adventurer?"

"Yes you are right. I'm Spade and I'm an adventurer who just happened to pass by this beautiful shop. Are those ladies over there your friends?" I asked as I point out the ladies who seem to be enjoying checking the clothes.

"Yes they are. I'm Lizbeth, short for Elizabeth. We are actually having a contest with each other for the best outfit we can get from here. I already found the dress I like but I don't know if it is enough to compete with them. I don't have the sense of fashion compared to them."

"Well, it is really great meeting you under this circumstance, Ms Lizbeth. Do you know that there is something else you can pair up with a dress to make you more appear dashing? I think I can help you with that but of course it would cost you more than you might know." I recommended.

"And what might that be that will cost so much? How can I trust you with that offer?" Lizbeth asked.

"Do you know Princess Linnessia?"

"Yes. Everyone knows about her specially her bravery on asking the people of Akihabara for their help during the mass attack of goblins. What about it?" Curious Lizbeth asked.

"She is actually friends with the people I am acquainted here in Akihabara and one of them belongs to a guild named Log Horizon. At their guild house, they happen to have auctioned rare and beautiful items for two days, so that means until tomorrow. There you will find what I am saying." I elaborated.

"And what is this auctioned item you are talking about? Please tell me." Lizbeth demanded.

"You're one impatient lady, Ms Lizbeth. Alright, I'll give you a clue about this item. It is something you wear to signify royalty. If you are really interested about it, you can find the place 3 blocks north and 2 blocks east from here. I suggest you bring your parents too. They might actually find something they want over there." I replied.

"Is it really worth the effort to see it? Will it make a difference about my appearance?" Lizbeth doubtfully responded.

"If you really want it, won't you make an effort to make it happen, Ms Lizbeth?"

"I suppose. Alright, I'm going with my mother tomorrow." Lizbeth said with a bright smile.

"That's good to hear. I might be seeing you again tomorrow in that case but for now, I must tend on something important. I'm afraid I need take my leave now." I excused as I head towards the door.

"But aren't you going to buy some dress?" Lizbeth immediately asked.

"Maybe next time. I need to go somewhere else right now." I ended as I wave goodbye.

When I am already out of sight from the shop I came from that I slowed down my pace. I never thought I could meet someone that meets the criteria for my target and it went smoothly than anticipated. If Lizbeth will be taking home something from the auction, it would be a very good advertisement for the auction business. Royals and nobles might take notice and might be interested to participate in the next auction sale. It is a gamble though but I believe the chances of it being successful are higher than the odds.

It is the morning of the next day and the last day of the festival. Everyone in the guild is antsy because of the float parade that is just about to begin. Every guild from Akihabara are compelled to join the parade and as Ms. Marielle thought, guild leaders and some of their members should ride their own floats and display their best armours and weapons. As I watch everyone equipping their weapons and armours, Minori who is done fixing hers approached me.

"Sister Spade, what's wrong? Aren't you coming with us?" Minori asked.

"I would love to, but I prefer not for some reasons. I'll stay and watch over our place." I replied.

"That won't do, sister. Everyone should go. We have much space on our float for everyone." Touya argued.

"Touya's right. You are one of us now so we should do this together. Don't you want to shine like an idol?" Tetra joyfully exclaimed.

"Well, that is what I am afraid of. Only few knows my identity and if I will go out with you today, I might cause a commotion. Don't worry, I'll be watching from our guild house's roof so I will see everything. I talked about this with Shiroe last night with Naotsugu and Nyanta so everything is fine." I persisted.

"Don't worry everyone. Once we return from the parade, let's bring some foods from every stall we can encounter and have a feast with your sister Spade here at our guild." Naotsugu comforted.

"That sounds good for me but right now, you must go. It will be only a few minutes before the parade starts. I'll look forward in our feast." I commented.

As everybody head straight to the float everyone had poured their efforts with, I stood by the door waving their lucks. I closed the door afterwards and went up stairs to the roof.

The floats are already in their positions and I can see that every guild has put a lot of effort in making them. Every float on the street has their own unique designs emphasizing each guild's characteristics. The horns were blown, the bell tolls and the shouts from the people echoed all throughout the place as the start signal was given.

First in line is the Crescent moon alliance's float covered with bright flowers and colorful cloths suspended on top of it creating a fairyland motif. In front of the members riding it is Ms. Marielle, the guild leader wearing her cleric robe adorned with some jewels and in her right hand is a Magic class wand with a blue gem on top of it. Behind her is Henrietta, the guild's bard playing a flute with a melody that goes with the float's motif together with Shoryu and Serara. The rest of the guild members are behind the float marching and waving to the spectators.

Next in line is the Black sword knight's float. Hardcore and dark are two words to best describe the design of theirs. On top of it is Isaac standing with a gallant pose like a well built statue wearing his black armour and his infamous sword of pain. Behind the float are the rest of the members walking in unison like a military corps.

Third came the guild of Crusty, DDD knights with a palace-like float being carried by the members. Though DDD's guild master is missing, the guild members don't seem to be much distressed. Perhaps it is the second in command of the guild is good in doing her job.