第１７４掘：魔剣の秘密序章
Dungeon 174: The Secret of the Magic Sword - Prologue
Side: Tori
Today, I was summoned by Yuki-san and the others.
Since we were told to gather in Weed’s special conference room, I assume it must be something of great importance.
It has been about a week since we captured the magic sword-wielding sisters, so I suppose they have finally gathered enough critical information.
For the record, this "special conference room" is a place with security far stricter than the room where we held talks with the various kings.
The only people allowed inside are Yuki-san’s wives and those he has personally brought along.
Only those who know Yuki-san’s true nature are permitted to step foot in here—those who know what he was entrusted with by the gods and what he intends to achieve.
That is why even the kings of other nations are not suited for this place. After all, we are dealing with a world-scale issue: the depletion of magical power.
Jessica-san is participating in this meeting as she is a vital source of information and a collaborator regarding the New Continent.
Well, she is under designated protection, so there shouldn't be any issues. She performs her duties diligently, which earns her my favor.
She treats us, who are classified as demi-humans, quite normally, even in the New Continent.
Actually, to be honest, even among us wives who are beastmen, we aren't very fond of the demi-humans there.
As Yuki-san says, there is likely a history of accumulated resentment, but the moment they realize we are strong, they start proposing marriage, talking about taking down people, or—in the end—insulting our precious husband, Yuki-san. I’ve had to blow them away several times because of that.
Not all demi-humans are like that, but since the ones who approach us are usually of that sort, it’s exhausting.
Riel and Kaya are also feeling quite irritated by various things.
I’ve consulted with Seraria about it, and she says that even if we were to establish a nation, it wouldn't be sustainable unless Yuki-san’s own will leans in that direction, so she doesn't recommend it.
Indeed, if we were to create a nation with demi-humans as citizens right now, the internal lack of unity would make things incredibly difficult for those of us handling the administration and for Yuki-san.
On the other hand, if we were to take over another country, we would still have to defend this location where the dungeon is. While the defense itself is fine, it would result in us abandoning the demi-humans we’ve already helped.
Yeah, as Yuki-san said, it would have been easier to move around if we had just abandoned them from the start.
Despite the situation, Yuki-san says that because we have successfully repelled the Zilba Empire multiple times in a row, the backlash from the demi-humans has been decreasing lately.
……I don't really feel it, though. I mean, I just keep getting marriage proposals.
Yuki-san tells me, "It’s because Tori is beautiful," which makes me happy, but I don't feel any joy when random men show me that kind of affection. If Yuki-san were to push me into the bushes and take me, I’d welcome it any number of times.
And so, that’s how I’m spending my time talking with the "pregnancy waiting group" until the meeting begins.
"Sigh~. It’s tough for you too, Tori. I suppose I’ll be treated the same way, being a Rabbit Beastman."
Ratz sways her rabbit ears, giving a bitter smile as she imagines herself in the same situation.
Since it’s been about three months since she was declared three months pregnant, Ratz’s belly is visibly growing.
"Oh, and please don't even joke about coming to the New Continent. If they find out you’re carrying Yuki-san’s child, they’ll tell you to get rid of it."
"Huh? I’ll kill them."
"Yeah. I’d kill them too, but Tori is just saying you shouldn't go to a place that seems like it would have a bad influence on the child."
"Ah, I see. Understood. I won't go to the New Continent until things have calmed down to some extent."
"That’s true. I wanted to go see how things were, but it sounds like it’s best to avoid it in that state," Seraria, who was listening nearby, says while shaking her head.
The others—Rurua, Deryu, Eris, and Kirue—also seem disappointed but have decided to stay put.
"Oh, by the way, Kirue, why did you get pregnant before Shera? You even declined the wedding ceremony due to your position."
"That is..."
As Kirue starts to explain while rubbing her belly...
"That is something I requested."
"Shera?"
"Yes. I am here as Yuki-san’s concubine, so it would not be appropriate for me to become pregnant before the primary wife, Seraria."
"Eh, but, on the surface, Seraria is the Queen, so doesn't that not matter?"
"Even so, Gartz might demand concessions based on the fact that I conceived Yuki-san’s child first, or they might scheme to increase my influence within Weed. At worst, they would whisper unnecessary things into my child’s ears once they are born."
Hmm, politics is such a complicated thing.
"That’s right. It doesn't matter to Yuki or us whether one is a primary wife or a concubine, but on the surface, I am the primary wife, Rurua and Shera are concubines, and the others are lovers... well, it’s something like that."
"……And, due to the relationship between our countries, Shera-sama’s pregnancy will come after Seraria-sama gives birth. Therefore, Shera-sama asked me to at least bear a child as my love dictates."
I see. Yes, "as love dictates" is wonderful. It’s a bit pitiful for Shera, who has to hold back. Once things settle down, we should make children with Yuki-san too. We’ll do it plenty.
"It is a relief that you all who went to the New Continent are safe. Now, has Yuki, who called us to this conference room, not arrived yet?"
As Deryu says this and looks around, the conference room door opens and Yuki-san enters.
Ria is carrying documents, and Zargis is transporting equipment.
"Yo, sorry to keep you waiting. Everyone, please sit. Oh, you’re already sitting. Ria, Jessica, hand out the documents. Zargis, we’ll prepare this part together."
" "Understood." "
"Yes."
Jessica has also become quite accustomed to assisting Yuki-san lately.
Well, she was Marly-san’s aide, so she’s likely used to it.
As I think about that, the documents are passed to me.
This is normal lately, but in the past, I had never seen paper of such high quality, nor did I ever imagine we would use it so casually for documents.
Well, enough reminiscing; let’s look through the documents.
Work is important. Since I am Yuki-san’s wife, I must not neglect my husband’s hard work.
The title reads: "The Structure of the Magic Sword."
"A magic sword? That’s the one that princess who was Jessica’s boss had, right?"
"No, don't say that, Seraria, you’re a princess too."
"I am a Queen now."
"Right, my mistake. And yes, it’s the same one that princess had, but these documents are about a different magic sword."
"Ah, come to think of it, I heard some people from the Zilba Empire who were blinded by greed attacked. Was it then?"
"Exactly. We secured another magic sword at that time, so we made sure to investigate it thoroughly this time."
"Since you gathered us here, I assume you found some significant information?"
"Significant enough. Well, whether it’s the root cause is still to be determined, but for now, take a look at the documents."
Prompted by this, everyone looks through the documents again.
Basically, it’s an inferior product that doesn't reach the level of the enchanted swords Narjia-san makes, but there is one point where it surpasses them.
"Eh?"
"Yuki, is this true?"
Everyone’s eyes stop at one point, and Deryu voices the question.
That one point is……
"The magic sword’s power supply is the magic stone in the center…… the Dungeon Core."
Yes, the means by which a Dungeon Master receives DP from Luna-san, which is necessary to operate a dungeon.
"The magic storage using a Dungeon Core—the total amount of magical power—is far superior to the swords Narjia-san makes. After all, even this Weed Dungeon Core’s storage capacity is still increasing."
What on earth does this mean?
Using a Dungeon Core as a material? Who, and for what purpose?
It is confirmed that a Dungeon Core is being used.
And next, the details of the experiment.
In other words, the story of the sisters.