第１９９掘：とりあえず会談 (Part1)
**Dungeon 199: A Preliminary Meeting**
**Side: Yuki**
To accomplish anything in this city, I have no choice but to gather information. I need a place to assess the situation, including whether the locals are willing to cooperate. With that in mind, I am currently entering the city under the guidance of Lord Horst.
My wives are gathered around me, with the wives who rode in the Marauders following behind. The main defensive force of 2,500 soldiers is still a long way off, so the soldiers who arrived ahead of us are walking alongside me, bowing their heads repeatedly.
"I am truly sorry. I did explain the situation, but no one would believe me about you and your party, Yuki-dono..."
By the way, these soldiers who arrived early are the elite troops directly under the command of Marly, whom we captured. They know who we are. They know the outcome of that battle and that we are the primary source of their supply replenishment, so there’s no trouble between us.
However, the main body of soldiers led by Hivia remains skeptical of our true strength. They don't look kindly upon mercenaries wandering through their camp as if they own the place, nor do they like seeing us talk to Marly and her group. One of them, a beastman, once tried to pick a fight with the soft-spoken Tori, but it wasn't even a contest. Since then, they’ve learned our capabilities and have been somewhat more obedient. But because we have to credit the breakthrough of the fortress to the Three Princesses, to the average soldier, it looks like we didn't do anything at all. So, aside from Tori, it’s a fact that most of these soldiers still hold a grudge against us mercenaries who haven't shown our true power.
Given that even within our own camp things are like this, if someone were to tell outsiders, "The mercenaries are the leaders of the occupying force!", they’d likely just laugh it off as a joke.
"Don't worry about it. I expected as much. Sorry for the trouble you've had to go through. I’ll bring you some supplies later. Would instant noodles be alright?"
"Oh, thank you very much!! Ever since I tasted those, regular food just feels so bland."
I suppose that’s to be expected.
"Now, while we're on the subject of trouble, how is this city?"
"How is it, you ask?"
"Overall. I want to hear your impressions. Public order, defensive capabilities, the mood of the people—everything."
"Ah, I see. Well, although I am technically an enemy soldier who helped occupy this place, the townspeople don't seem particularly afraid of us. As for the defenses, I only know what’s visible; there’s a wall surrounding the city. Regarding public order, despite the occupation declaration, there haven't been many riots or thefts. People were supposed to be gathering here for defense until just recently, after all."
"Huh. You’d think the hot-blooded types coming from the side would be running wild, but that doesn't seem to be the case. How is it really, Lord Horst?"
I turn the question to the Lord, who has been listening to our conversation while guiding us, rather than speaking up. The fact that he’s quietly observing our character like this proves he’s a capable leader.
"It is the opposite. Precisely because such hot-blooded individuals gather here, we have been keeping things under strict control."
"I see."
"Well, after you scattered the pincer army, for a few days, the soldiers and mercenaries who fled back here assumed the city would be razed to the ground. They thought that if that were the case, they could do whatever they wanted, and they tried to run wild."
"And you managed to suppress that? Impressive."
"I am honored by your praise. Though, there were still many incidents that occurred before we could process them."
"Well, you can't exactly arrest defeated soldiers who haven't caused any trouble yet. How are you handling the compensation for damages? Is it up to the individuals to figure it out?"
"No, most of the incidents were property damage, so I compensated for them on their behalf. I did, however, strip the perpetrators of everything they owned."
"That’s only natural."
"However, there were a small number of cases involving assault and... other more severe crimes. Fortunately, both were either minor injuries, attempted, or resulted in nothing more than torn clothing."
"You must have been busy these past few days."
"Indeed. I tripled the number of guards and increased the patrol routes by three, as well as the frequency. I feel terrible for my men, as they have had almost no rest."
So, his ability to respond to the situation is sufficient. If we interfere with the city's affairs clumsily, we’re likely to invite resentment. The Lord himself might be fine, but the townspeople wouldn't be happy.
"Still, for us having just arrived, the townspeople are walking around quite normally."
"We were only a small group. I believe they were just wondering what was happening with the soldiers gathering."
"Ah, I see. Well, it’s not like we’re bringing in a massive army. Just let them know that the garrison will arrive in two or three days."
"Understood. Just as in the letter I received from Mist-sama. It is truly impressive that you have managed to avoid any delays in your march."
"Hm? By the sound of that, you have military experience?"
"Yes. Well, lords generally possess their own soldiers to some extent. I served in the capital of the Holy Kingdom of Enaria until about 15 years ago."
"In a military position?"
"Yes. Though, it was nothing particularly noteworthy. This land was granted to my great-grandfather for his achievements, and I haven't done anything special myself. I have simply been doing my best to protect it."
"Lord Horst, someone who puts those words into practice is plenty respectable."
"Haha, I never thought I’d be praised by someone from an enemy nation, especially after being called a shut-in by my own country."
"That’s just how the world works."
"Indeed."
While chatting like this, we arrive at a large mansion in the center of the city.
"This is the mansion where I and the generations of lords before me have lived. You will be staying here. It may be inconvenient, but I ask for your understanding. I will resolve any issues that can be resolved, so if you have any requests, please tell the servants and maids I have assigned to you."
With that, he opens the doors to the mansion.
"We have been waiting for you!!"
A line of maids stands inside, bowing their heads.
Ah, I suppose a mansion of this scale would normally have this many maids. Is my inn the one that’s strange?