第１４掘：協力者 (Part2)
"What?! W-wait a minute!! I haven't heard any such information!! P-please wait, I'll go talk to the Guild Master!!"
What's going on? Guilds can generally exchange information closely. I've heard there are communication crystals, though they're not quite like monitors. Is the Guild's headquarters in the Holy Nation of Litea?
For now, information from the Guild alone isn't reliable enough. I'll ask some fellow adventurers around here.
"Hey, got a moment? I'd like to ask you something."
"O-oh. It's an honor to speak with a Rank 8 adventurer like you. So, what do you want to know?"
"Well, it's about the recent war situation. As you know, I'm a Rank 8 adventurer, and I was exclusively working for a certain town. When I finally came out, there was a war, right? I don't have much information on this side. I'll pay handsomely for your trouble."
Saying that, he took out his wallet from his pocket. For adventurers, information is vital, so it's something you acquire even if you have to buy it with money.
"I see. For something like that, there's no need to take money. Apparently, a certain village in Gartz was being treated terribly. So, the Saintess here offered salvation to that village, and while she did save it, Gartz then claimed it was an act of aggression and that she was a fake Saintess. King Selva, who had done what was right, was enraged and started a war to liberate his people from Gartz."
Whoa, is that how the story goes over here? But the Princess is completely framed. No, I knew that, but she's no longer just a small-time villain.
"Mauve, the Guild Master is calling for you. Please come this way."
"Ah, sorry, please take this."
"No, it's fine."
"Don't worry about it. These things need to be handled properly."
"...Thanks. I'll become an adventurer like you."
"No, you really shouldn't become like me..."
After saying that, I met with the Guild Master.
"My apologies. I inquired with headquarters and found your testimony was correct, but a problem has arisen."
"What kind of problem?"
"I suppose I can tell you. You've heard of communication crystals, haven't you?"
"Yes, I've heard they're convenient tools for quick communication."
"That's right, but there's a problem there. Those communication crystals are something only guilds use. In other words, guilds can easily communicate with each other."
"Hmm, what's the problem with that?"
"Normally, it's not a problem, but in a war between nations like this one, it's very troublesome. Because communication is so quick, there's a possibility that the Guild could be suspected of being spies."
"That's true."
Now that he mentions it, it makes sense. If communication is easy, then reporting the enemy's movements in detail, like Yuki and I do, would make it easier to respond. Since they know the Guild has that, it's natural for them to be wary.
"That's why we're taking measures against that problem. Communication crystals are set up to only connect to the Guild's headquarters... that is, the Holy Nation of Litea. If a war breaks out, we disable communication for the Guild branches in the warring nations."
"I see. That's how you prove the Guild isn't involved in the war."
"Exactly. I'm glad you understand. And then there's you. Don't go asking around about this anymore. You'll be suspected of being a spy. Normally, adventurers from a warring nation would take quests in that nation and participate as mercenaries, but from the town you were in, it was closer to flee here."
"Yes, it was closer to flee here, so I did. Understood, I'll stop asking around."
"Please do. We'll inform them here that you escaped hardship and came to this place. Also, we won't call you for quests that involve participating in the war, as it would likely be difficult for you in many ways."
"Thank you, I'm indebted to you."
"Don't worry about it. Are your companions safe?"
"We're staying at an inn together in this royal capital."
"I see. That's at least some salvation. Just don't get reckless out of despair."
I've already passed that point, though...
And so, after gathering information like that, I rejoined Raiya and the others.