가우룽 그룹

The Kowloon Group (九龍グルプ) is the largest and most influential investment group in the East with close connections to the criminal syndicate Heiyue. The group is centered within the New Town section of Langport.

Background

Following the stabilization of relations with the Erebonian Empire after the Great War and the rise of Central Eastern and south sea markets, largely influenced by the Valis Investment Bank, the group would strategically strengthen its international presence, expanding its shares in the Central East as well as in Crossbell and Erebonia. This expansion would prove to be successful with the group emerging from its shell as simply ‘the largest Eastern investment group in the Republic’ to one of the most influential financial groups on the continent.

The Kowloon Group has deep ties with Heiyue, primarily through one of its executives, Fan Lu. Serving as Vice-President of the Kowloon Financial Bank, Fan Lu is also the heir to the Lu family’s Elder position within Heiyue. Companies linked to the Kowloon Group are reportedly expanding into Crossbell and other regions, a move likely referring to Heiyue Trading Ltd., which already has a branch in Crossbell. The company’s president, Cao Lee, is also an executive within the Kowloon Group, further solidifying this connection. Through the bank, the Kowloon Group not only helps secure the economic stability of Langport but also works to extend the group's sphere of influence—and by extension, Heiyue’s—beyond the borders of Calvard.

Through extensive remodeling projects, the group was key in the modernization and development of Langport’s New Town. This is most notably seen with the Langport Trade Center (ラングポート貿易センタ) also known as the ‘Great Spire’ (こうてんろう). The building would be constructed in S.1202 under the guidance of the Kowloon Group along with support from Professor Latoya Hamilton of the Basel Institute of Science. The structure is noted for its advanced design, surpassing even Crossbell's Orchis Tower. The complex has undergone major renovations to integrate the latest technological advancements as recently as S.1207. The Great Spire serves as both the main train station for the city of Langport as well as a general office building for the Kowloon Group and its affiliates.

Kowloon Financial Bank

The Kowloon Financial Bank (九龍銀行) stands as the central pillar of the Kowloon Group, having grown to become the second-largest financial institution in Calvard, trailing only the Bank of Edith. Recently, it achieved a significant milestone by surpassing the Ludos Development Bank of Elsaim, now ranking seventh continent-wide in terms of total assets. Known for substantial political influence and deep ties within immigrant communities, the bank wields considerable influence over numerous smaller financial institutions across the continent.

This growth of the Kowloon Financial Bank can be largely attributed to the visionary economic policies of President Roy Gramheart, who has championed the expansion of free trade within the Republic by challenging Calvardian protectionism and dismantling restrictions on immigrant rights. His policies have not only enhanced employment opportunities for immigrants within Calvard but have also invigorated international trade, leading to a surge in demand for Eastern products in Western Zemuria and vice-versa.

The Kowloon Group, and by extension, the Kowloon Financial Bank, has greatly benefited from these developments. Many Eastern immigrants, drawn by the promising employment landscape in the Republic, choose to settle in Langport; a city with deep Eastern roots exemplified by its Eastern Quarter. These immigrants frequently turn to the Kowloon Financial Bank for loans, further solidifying the bank’s growth. With Heiyue acting as the de facto government over Langport with control over trade routes coming through the city, all businesses looking to operate in the region must engage with them. This ensures that the Kowloon Group and Heiyue maintain a strategic grip and receive a share on everything entering or leaving Langport, thereby increasing the Kowloon Financial Bank's assets and amplifying the influence of both the Kowloon Group and Heiyue on the global trade market.

The bank's headquarters is located on the top floor of the Great Spire in Langport. Along with bank’s Vice-President Fan Lu, the only other named employee for the bank is Hongfa.

Kowloon Films

Kowloon Films (九龍映像), established around S.1188, is one of the original "Big Three" orbal film distributors, alongside Orion Films and United Star. Over the past 20 years, the studio has played a pivotal role in promoting Middle Eastern and Eastern culture across the continent. Their influence has not only heightened demand for Eastern and Middle Eastern products but also driven a sharp increase in the sales of Eastern weapons.

The studio's most recent film 'Wolves' Requiem' would garner critical acclaim, winning multiple awards at the Tharbad Film Festival. These would include the prestigious Lionnes d'Or - an award given to the year’s best director - for the film’s director Leslie Lam. The film’s leads - Nina Fenly and Lapharl Azvanour - would also receive awards for their performances, winning Best Actress and Outstanding Actor respectively. The main studio for Kowloon Films is mentioned to be somewhere in Langport.

Kowloon Department Store

The Kowloon Department Store (九龍百貨店) is situated in Langport’s New Town. The store specializes in rare and imported goods. Initially focused on Middle Eastern products, the store has expanded its offerings to include items from the Erebonian Empire due to improved diplomatic relations and development of new trade routes as far as Ordis. The store is also known to import goods from Ored. The store serves as an intermediary in trade between western and eastern Zemurian nations.

The shops within the store include Cyprus Food Imports, managed by Josephine; Ziyao Accessories, managed by Aimin; Baiji Workshop, managed by Wulai; and Liu-Ho’s Crafts and Souvenirs, managed by Liu-Ho.

Kowloon Hotel

The Kowloon Hotel (九龍ホテル) is a luxury hotel in Langport’s New Town. Executives of the Kowloon Group are mentioned to meet here. The hotel's sole known employee is its receptionist, Humin.