第９４掘：緊急会議 (Part1)
**Dungeon Excavation 94: Emergency Meeting**
**Emergency Meeting**
**Side: Yuki**
Seraria is managing the conversation quite well. Now, if only they would agree to the construction of the dungeon…
“Build a dungeon? Here in Gartz?”
“Yes. We would install a ‘Gate’—a type of teleportation trap—within that dungeon to connect it directly to our own.”
“...You said earlier that Litea was already connected, didn't you?”
“Yes, our dungeon is already linked to Litea. A dungeon has been constructed beneath the Litea Cathedral.”
“Beneath the Cathedral!?”
“Well, there were some… threats involved, so we had it built there. If you prefer, we can build it in a similar location for you.”
She’s coordinating perfectly with Rurua to corner them. If they acknowledge that Litea has already permitted such a thing, the safety of the arrangement is proven. If they act cowardly now and insist on building it somewhere remote, they risk being looked down upon.
“I-is it true that the Adventurer’s Guild has issued a declaration of safety?”
“Yes. There is already an Adventurer’s Guild within the dungeon. The representatives are currently working on a policy to attract more people by creating multiple dungeons within the main one for them to conquer. The Grand Master has already finished his inspection and given his full endorsement.”
“E-even the Grand Master…”
With the support of Guild Master Rock, our position has become significantly stronger. But…
“This is a large-scale undertaking, so there is no need for an immediate decision. I intend to stay here for a while, so please take your time to consider it.”
Seraria says this with a gentle smile.
“I see. I am grateful. You are giving us time to deliberate.”
“Of course. If you agreed to build a dungeon beneath the Royal Capital so easily, I would have to question your sanity.”
Seraria stands up.
“Now, the rest of our main agenda depends on the construction of the dungeon, so we shall take our leave.”
“...There is more?”
“Yes. Trade and the opening of the dungeon are merely milestones for us. If you wish to hear what lies beyond that, it will have to wait until after the dungeon is built. Everyone, let’s return to our rooms. It seems they have an important meeting to attend to.”
Good grief. She’s so sharp when it comes to everything except combat.
At Seraria’s prompt, everyone stands up from their chairs.
“Oh, and feel free to discuss this dungeon matter thoroughly with your senior officials. The only things I ask you to keep silent about are the source of the reparations and the true reasons behind the conflict.”
“...Understood.”
King Rocksten nods heavily.
Even if I tell them to hold a meeting, they know full well that if they don’t suppress the opposition and reach a consensus, they will be at a disadvantage from here on out. They don’t really have a choice.
***
**Side: King Rocksten**
After Seraria and her group departed, we decided to hold an emergency meeting with everyone who had heard the proposal.
Honestly, as Seraria had suggested, this was the real issue. The source of the reparations, the truth behind the conflict. The future is far more important than the past. I see—that old man in Roschur has raised a fine successor.
However, why did she bring this to us? I don’t quite understand her motives. What does she gain? It would surely be more advantageous for Roschur to manage it alone.
“Now, let us begin the emergency meeting. First, regarding Seraria’s proposal…”
“I don’t see any inherent problem with it. She spoke as if it could be installed or removed at will.”
“The problem is that I cannot fathom Seraria’s true intentions at all.”
“Indeed. I’ve been thinking about it myself, but I cannot understand why she would go out of her way to negotiate with us as an individual.”
So Teague and Charl share the same concern.
“If she were seeking money or power for herself, she wouldn’t be offering reparations to the state or pushing for individual dungeon management.”
“Yes. If she wanted vast wealth, negotiating between nations would be overwhelmingly more profitable. Going out of her way to negotiate as an individual—someone with less leverage—would only invite others to look down on her.”
“...Is it possible she is in urgent need of private funds? ...No, that doesn’t seem likely.”
“Impossible. If that were the case, she could simply sell off the extraordinary supplies she brought with her and make a fortune.”
“We don’t know her goal. That is the dangerous part. If we misstep, I fear the nation itself could tilt.”
“I agree with my brother’s assessment. Given Seraria’s immense confidence, I believe acting rashly would be dangerous.”
They are right. Is that woman not planning something beyond our wildest imagination? That is the crux of the problem. Is she someone I can truly handle?
“...Dungeon gates… created at will? …Could it be… no, but… that’s absurd.”
In the midst of this, Higil, who is considered the sharpest mind in our country, is muttering to himself while looking at the notes he took, completely silent otherwise.
“Higil. Is something the matter? Even if it’s trivial, do you have any theories?”
“Indeed. Higil, this is where your intellect should shine, isn’t it?”
Teague and Charl notice Higil’s state and call out to him.
“N-no. I… I did have a thought, but… this is just too…”
It’s rare to see Higil hesitate to speak.
“What are you saying? Speak up. We won’t know anything if you don’t talk. My education is lacking, so I need you to tell me even the smallest details.”
“Sister…”
At Lowell’s words, Higil seems to calm down. Hmph, Lowell truly has talent as a general that stands above the rest. To calm Higil down so easily…
“I see. Very well. I will share my thoughts, but please understand that this is merely a hypothesis, so do not take it as absolute truth.”
Everyone nods at Higil’s words. Seeing this, Higil slowly opens his mouth.
“First, I will give you the answer as to what Seraria is thinking. She is trying to create a world without war… no, a world where war is as unlikely as possible. This dungeon negotiation is the foundation for that.”
Everyone is left speechless by Higil’s words. I am the same. A world without war—or rather, a world where war is nearly impossible? That is the ultimate ideal desired by everyone living on this continent. And yet, it is the very contradiction of a world that has shed so much blood in pursuit of peace.
“...Can you explain how you arrived at that conclusion?”
“Yes.”
Higil looks me straight in the eye and nods. This is no mere hunch.