第１１６掘：各国の勇者への対応 (Part1)
**Dig 116: Dealing with the Heroes of Each Nation**
**Side: Yuki**
Well then, the break is over. It’s time to hear how each nation plans to deal with the Heroes.
Given the recent statements made by the Princess of Ranks, it seems the Demon race’s movements will likely be limited to mere reconnaissance for now; there’s no need to prepare for a full-scale assault. I’ve successfully shared information about the demons with the kings, so I can call this a resounding success.
Honestly, in a way, I have the Princess of Ranks to thank. Thanks to her, I was able to disclose information regarding the demons quite smoothly. If I had just introduced the topic out of nowhere, it would have been a struggle to avoid being executed on the spot or dismissed as having nothing worth listening to. But because of the Princess, a situation was created where they *had* to hear about the demons' movements.
To learn about the enemy’s actions—well, one should always be gathering intelligence regardless of the situation, but since this continent is fundamentally built on the premise that demons are evil, I had to create a situation where they would be willing to listen. I used the potential threat of the Demon Lord attacking with an army to force that hand.
If I had simply said, "We’ve captured demons and are putting them to work," those who don't think highly of Weed would have spread baseless rumors that we’re in league with the Demon Lord. I don't think such a thing would cause a rift that easily, but it would increase my personal level of danger. Assassinations, for instance. I don't mind if they stir up some idiot with a warped sense of justice to come kill me, but if they bare their fangs at my wives, I’ll be worried sick.
When I mentioned this to my wives during the break...
"We are worried sick about you," they said in unison.
"We must find a wife specialized in protection immediately."
They were seriously planning to go out and find another wife. When I suggested, "Why not just use a monster?", they replied:
"It has to be someone who cannot defy your orders."
Ah, I see. So, "protection" isn't just about assassination attempts; it covers other areas as well. I’d never thought about it before because I wasn't exactly popular, but if some strange woman were to seriously demand I take responsibility for her, it would be a major problem for my position. To prevent that, I need someone on 24-hour guard duty.
If it were a soldier, they couldn't defy my orders, but they could be easily dismissed if I claimed I needed privacy. However, if it were a wife, that’s a different story. There would be no issue with her being by my side at all times. This is something I should look into myself. Since she’d also be a bodyguard, she’d have to be someone reliable. This isn't a job for someone just because they have a crush on me.
Oriel, Qual, Kirue, Anna—I need someone with that level of loyalty, martial prowess, and intellect. ...Where would I even find someone like that? It’s not like I can’t pull those four, but they all have their own masters and jobs. Well, this isn't something that can be resolved immediately.
While I was pondering these things, everyone began taking their seats, so I sat down as well.
"Now then, the next agenda item is how each nation will handle the demons and Ranks. Let’s confirm this."
As Seraria said this, everyone nodded. The kings of each nation didn't seem to have any objections.
"Right. Father, Sister, may I hear from you first?"
"Indeed. Aria, how do you think we should judge this?"
"Yes. Regarding the demons, I believe we should heighten our vigilance. Reconnaissance might not be limited to Weed, and we cannot say for certain that they won't change their minds and attack our nations."
Hmm, Aria is right. The information is credible, but it’s not an absolute certainty. Strengthening surveillance near the borders is only natural.
"As for Ranks, honestly, we cannot easily intervene. I do not doubt Weed’s victory, but we cannot simply side with them from the start. The opponent is a Hero. If there is anything we can do, it would be, well... providing relief supplies to Ranks after everything is over. Though, I doubt the place will still be called Ranks by then."
As Roschur, there’s nothing more we can do. Unlike Gartz, which has been supporting them for a while, we can’t just go poking our noses into a country we haven't even protected.
"I see. Thank you, Sister."
"Not at all. It is the duty of those who govern. You’ve grown, Seraria."
"I now feel the weight of your hardships in my bones, Sister. But I have a wonderful husband and concubines, so there are no problems."
When Seraria said this to Aria, Aria’s face blossomed with a happy smile.
"Ahem. Next, shall we hear the response from Litea?"
Seraria, her face turning red, urged Alstaire to speak next.
"Yes. For Litea, there is no other countermeasure against the Demon Lord and the demons other than raising border vigilance. As for Ranks, we have already dispatched messengers to send personnel to the churches within Ranks, instructing them to save as many people as possible and provide support."
"Using the church to support the people... that’s a relief. Even if the Heroes intervene, their reach is limited."
This is the power of a religious nation led by Alstaire. There are countless churches on this continent under Lilishe’s influence. Since they govern love and compassion, churches exist in every nation for wedding ceremonies and the like, and they have priests stationed there.
"However, direct support, like Roschur, will have to wait until everything is over."
"Naturally. Alstaire, thank you for your cooperation."
"Not at all. In this matter, Ranks is clearly at fault. I will cooperate as much as I possibly can."
That’s about all Litea can do. They’re doing more than I expected. I hope this helps ease Taiki’s worries, even if just a little.
"And finally, Gartz."
"Regarding the demons, we can only raise our vigilance, just like the other two nations. However, regarding Ranks, due to the movement of our troops, we must issue a declaration to the people, and we will need to send monitors to the villages where they will be stationed to prevent looting. Once it’s over, we will likely have to support the Hero and cooperate in the pacification of Ranks."
"Indeed. It’s a headache. The question is where to pull the funds for that..."