第１１０掘：お祭りと住人達 その２ (Part1)
Dungeon 110: The Festival and the Residents, Part 2
Side: Ratz
"Welcome. The registers are over here. If you aren't sure how to use them, please ask the staff, or refer to the supermarket guide included in your pamphlet."
"Yes, and the instructions for this product are..."
"Please do not open any items that have not been purchased yet..."
Amidst that frantic pace, I am working on something with the security team.
"W-why... my body..."
"That is what happens when you attempt to take items out without paying, just as the pamphlet states."
"Indeed. It’s theft, plain and simple. Tori, can I leave the rest to you?"
"Yes, you go back to working at the store, Ratz."
"Understood. I know you’re busy too, Tori, so good luck."
After that exchange, Tori’s subordinates haul the fool away.
The day of the festival.
So, this is what happens once we start accepting the general public.
Ever since we founded the nation yesterday and opened our doors to outsiders, it’s been far too busy.
The only saving grace is that the residential district is mostly occupied by residents, so there haven't been any major issues there yet.
The problems are concentrated in the adventurer district and the shops located in the commercial district.
The commercial district is on the same floor as the adventurer district, and being right next to the adventurers means there are a lot of idiots around.
Even though we provided thorough explanations and handed out pamphlets, it hasn't been enough.
We’ve officially contracted the Adventurer’s Guild to hire personnel for maintaining public order.
Most of the adventurers who were already in Weed have taken on this request to guard the commercial and adventurer districts.
Since this is our first festival and a grand event for all of Weed—with influential figures in attendance—we’ve kept the communication lines open, allowing everyone to hear the broadcast unless specified otherwise.
That way, if one person is tied up, others can provide support.
"Tch, why on earth am I carrying a spear?"
As a representative, I have a duty to protect the shops.
However, carrying weapons—which signify a willingness to protect through brute force—is generally frowned upon in Weed.
In fact, we don't even allow the carrying of weapons as a rule.
But for this first time, with a massive influx of the general public, we’ve instructed adventurers to carry their weapons in specific bags marked with paralysis seals.
Even so, in the last two days, there have been 25 cases of idiots drawing weapons during fights or threats, only to end up paralyzed and groveling on the ground.
There have been 72 cases of shoplifting, 54 incidents at food stalls, and 5 cases involving nobility.
As for the details... well, it’s better to look at the reports from Tori and the police.
As you can see from the numbers, there are many troubles related to the shops I represent.
Because of that, I have been granted personal authority to carry a spear.
Not that I couldn't handle things with my bare hands, but since we’ve agreed to keep our true strength hidden, I carry the spear on my back.
*“Theft incident at Super Ratz Store No. 4 in the commercial district. Ratz, if you’re available, please come over.”*
Again? I just got back to the office...
And it seems Riel has arrived just as Tori was leaving.
"Yes, I’m on my way."
I answer while grabbing my spear and heading out of the office.
"Representative, I could go alone, but..."
"If I’m around, I should be the one to go. If there were multiple incidents at once, I’d leave this to Carly, but since that’s not the case, I have to show up myself, or my standing as a representative will be questioned."
"I see... you’re right. I’m sorry. You’ve been working non-stop since yesterday... no, even before the festival started..."
The human walking with me, Carly, is one of the original 300 immigrants from Roschur.
She’s about the same age as me.
We work together, chat, and are friends.
Since we were both slaves, we can empathize with each other, and we support the shops together.
That’s why she’s worried about me working myself to the bone.
"No, I appreciate the sentiment, but this is the time to give it our all."
"I know. But please, don’t push yourself too hard. You’ve only been married for about two months, right?"
"Haha, well, we haven't officially submitted the paperwork to the government office yet."
That’s right. According to Weed’s laws, I’m not officially married to Yuki-san yet.
Things have been so busy.
Thanks to Luna-san, my nights have been quite satisfying, but it’s not as simple as just dropping off a piece of paper and saying we’re married.
Since I and the others are all representatives, we need to hold a grand wedding ceremony and announce it to all the residents.
"But Yuki-san doesn't care about that. He cherishes you and everyone else. Please take care of your health. It wouldn't be strange if you were already carrying Yuki-san’s child, you know? If something were to happen, everyone would be devastated."
"...You’re right. I will protect my belly at all costs."
I stroke my stomach.
It hasn't started to show yet, so I don't know for sure.
But if his child is in there, I will protect it with everything I have.
Though, with the designated protection in place, I wouldn't be harmed within Weed anyway.
"I’ll never forget the happy smile you had that day, Representative Ratz. You’re usually so composed at work, but that day, you were just glowing."
"We had an agreement not to talk about that anymore."
Right. The day after I first spent the night with Yuki-san, I tried to act normal at work, but I was clearly on cloud nine, and everyone congratulated me on having a "good time."
It was completely obvious that I had been getting intimate with Yuki-san.
"We always heard about your progress with Yuki-san at the after-work drinking parties. Honestly, after you left that day, we all held a celebration for you."
"Wait, are you serious!?"
"I am. You were always asking us for advice on how to win Yuki-san’s heart at those parties. And you were so serious about it. For those of us who were always listening, your happiness is something worth cheering for."
"That is, well... thank you."
"Yes, so please tell us immediately if you feel unwell. It would be a shame for Yuki-san, and we would be heartbroken too."
"Understood. I’ll be sure to rely on you."
"Yes, please do."
We continue talking as we reach the front of the store.
"Ah, you’re finally here. I’m busy too, you know."
"I’m sorry. So, where is the culprit?"
"Over here."
I follow Riel to an alleyway where several police officers are standing.
"How is it?"