第７１掘：代表の忙しさ (Part1)
**Dungeon Excavation 71: The Representative’s Busy Schedule**
Side: Labyris
"……*Sigh*."
The sigh escapes my lips naturally.
It’s not that I’m tired. I’m just lonely.
Lately, the amount of time I get to spend clinging to Yuki has decreased.
Yes, it has decreased. For me, that’s a life-or-death issue.
Ever since that large-scale defensive operation, refugees from Litea have been arriving at the dungeon every single week, and things have been chaotic. Thanks to that, every day is a busy one. The only time I can be with Yuki—or rather, the only time I can cling to him—is after work is finished. Because of my job, I’m around Yuki and Seraria-sama, but given my position and the circumstances, I can’t just jump on him. I am the General Representative of the dungeon, after all.
Seriously, I am absolutely finishing my work on time today!!
"Hey, girlie. If you don't want to get hurt, hand over your money."
Some idiot has appeared. I ignore him, naturally, and hurry toward my next meeting location.
"Hey!! Are you listening to me?! A brat like you shouldn't be acting as a representative!!"
Another one of these. There are so many idiots like this flowing in from Litea. Most of them are just fools hoping to get a piece of the relief policy.
"…*Sigh*. If you have complaints, you should just run in the next representative election. I’m busy, so I’m leaving."
I say that and walk away from the fool. I don't have time to waste talking to someone like this. I want to meet Yuki and be healed by him as soon as possible.
It’s not like I should be walking around alone. Since I appear at every speech for the immigrants, there isn't a single resident who doesn't know my face. But whether they actually listen to the end of my speeches is another matter.
"I told you to wait!! Listen, hand over the money!! You’re a representative, so you must have some!!"
"…I’ll pretend I didn't hear that, so hurry up and go somewhere else."
"Huh!? Are you looking down on me, you brat!!"
The man raises his fist and lunges at me. But I don't particularly resist.
"Wha-?!"
Because, thanks to the designated protection, no harm can come to me. Yuki predicted from the start that we representatives would be targeted by violence like this due to our roles, genders, and appearances. That’s why the countermeasures are already decided.
First, I intentionally take the attack and issue a warning.
"Do you understand now? Also, that’s attempted extortion. The police are on patrol, so come with me."
"D-don't mess with me!!"
The second time, I recommend they turn themselves in. Well, usually… they just run away.
"Yes, yes. Understand who you’re picking a fight with, and understand where you are."
I say that and catch up to the fleeing man in an instant.
"Wha-?!"
"The same reaction is boring."
I don't even draw my sword; I strike him with the scabbard.
"Gyah?!"
The man fails to dodge my attack, takes it head-on, and rolls across the ground.
"Now then, you refused to listen to me and resisted until the end. After forced labor, I’ll be having you sign a slave contract that forbids you from ever entering this dungeon again. I’ve already notified all the countries, so be aware that you’ll be recognized as a criminal who committed an offense in the dungeon wherever you go."
"W-wait a minute!!"
"Hey, patrol, hurry up and arrest him. It’s an *in flagrante delicto* arrest."
"Yes, ma'am!!"
"Ooooooh!!!!"
Honestly, lately, they’ve started watching this whole routine like it’s some kind of play. I suppose it’s fine that the residents are enjoying it, but… it’s exhausting. Well, it’s not just me; it seems the other representatives are also being accosted and intercepting these idiots, though the frequency varies.
"Labyris-neesan!!"
"…Big sister. Are you okay?"
As I wave to the cheering crowd, Vilia and Hiiro emerge from the throng.
"Oh, you two. Is school… off today?"
"Yeah."
"Are you okay? You’re always being attacked by weirdos like that…"
Vilia looks at me with concern. I’m at school with them, but I have to leave at noon for work. These two are quite close, and they seem to be getting along well with Aslin and Firia, too.
……Especially this Vilia. My intuition is whispering to me. A woman’s intuition. I’m sure she’ll become a great ally.
"…I’m fine. But as the population increases, things like this are happening more often. Do you two get bothered by weirdos? Or, well, everyone at school?"
"Yes, Yuki-sensei warns us properly. When we move while carrying money, we make sure an escort comes with us."
"Come to think of it, the number of students has increased, and teachers have arrived, right? How are they?"
"They’re good people. Since they were chosen by Yuki-sensei and Seraria-sama, I think they’re very reliable."
"……Everyone is a good person."
Hiiro says that and smiles. This girl is similar to me in some way.
"I see. If Hiiro says so, then it must be fine. But if you ever have any trouble, contact me immediately."
"Y-yes!! I’ll use the Call without hesitation if that happens!!"
"You don't have to be so stiff. The Call is a simplified version, so just contact me as if you’re talking to an acquaintance."
Yes, as the number of immigrants increases, we’ve granted limited use of the Call skill to only the most trustworthy people in each department under designated protection. We decided this because we representatives aren't always nearby when problems arise. Furthermore, all military and police personnel are able to use it to prevent crime.
As the name "simplified version" implies, it only has communication and video recording functions. Using DP to manifest items is the role of us representatives.
"B-but. Vilia and I were granted designated protection because we gained the trust of Yuki-sensei and the others… so to use it so easily…"
Vilia hangs her head, mumbling. I heard from her and Yuki that she used to lead the children in the slums. She’s the type who thinks things through carefully and suppresses her own desires. That is precisely why Yuki, everyone else, and I trust Vilia.
Hmm, I just thought of something good.
"…Hello, Yuki? I have a small request…"
"?"
"Are you talking to Yuki-sensei?"
The two of them tilt their heads. Just wait a moment.
"Fwah?!"
"Nn?!"
Oh, he’s surprisingly fast. He’s always so soft on children.
Vilia and Hiiro look at the Call screen with surprised faces, then look back at me.