第２３１掘：編成発表 (Part1)
Dungeon 231: Formation Announcement
Formation Announcement
Side: Mino-chan
On the surface, things had passed without incident since then.
Well, as for Agil’s story, we held a meeting afterward to gather everyone’s opinions.
"What do you all think about this?"
An-chan gathered the key members in the banquet hall as usual to discuss it. It wasn't the kind of information we could just keep to ourselves.
"What do you mean, 'what do I think'...? For now, it’s something to keep in the back of our minds, but I don't think there’s any reason to be overly nervous," Seraria-neesan said.
"Indeed. I don't think Agil’s statement was a lie, but there’s no way to confirm if it’s the truth, either. Basing our actions on it would be a bit risky," Ratz-neesan said, her rabbit ears twitching.
"For now, since our objective in Enaria is Princess Miffy’s escort anyway, why don't we split off a few people to explore the cathedral? It would be easier if Agil came along with us, too," Eris-neesan suggested.
So, Eris-neesan thinks we should just verify the facts once we get to Enaria. That makes sense; we won't find the answer just by talking here.
"I think Eris is right. We can't start anything without investigating, and perhaps we should prioritize getting on good terms with Agil so she’ll cooperate? Though, even if this is the truth, our basic mission doesn't change—it just makes it easier to handle if a problem arises, right, Yuki-san?" Milly-neesan said, munching on a rice cracker.
Well, as Milly-neesan said, unless the other side makes a move, there’s nothing we can do. If they don't move, that’s actually a relief. It means less work for us.
"Just as Milly said, it just makes things easier to handle. But, as Seraria and Ratz said first, we must keep it in the back of our minds. If something happens, it means various countries are moving in the shadows. Remember that it’s dangerous to act without thinking. And as Eris said, the policy is to get along with Agil while investigating the ruins—the dungeon—beneath the cathedral. Even if other countries start moving because of the Holy Sword, don't forget that our goal is to investigate the movements of the previous Dungeon Master."
When An-chan said that, everyone nodded.
"But if the countries start moving because of the Holy Sword, won't security at the ruins—I mean, the dungeon—get busy? In the end, we’ll have to deal with various countries, won't we?" Riel-neesan said, flicking her tail as if to say it was a hassle.
"I wonder about that? That document Agil found might be the only one. If the Holy Sword could be found through documents, it would have been found already and used as a tool of war. Even if there were no users, they would have declared that the Holy Sword had been found," Shera-hime said. She’s as sharp as ever despite her small stature. Aslin-hime and Firia-hime nodded beside her.
"Yes, indeed. As Shera said, it’s unnatural that it isn't being used. Perhaps, as the document suggests, the countries took the Holy Sword and feared a rebellion by Holy Sword users for a while, but that’s such an old story now that it can't be overturned. There’s no reason to hide a convenient Holy Sword at this point. Either it’s been completely forgotten, or the Holy Sword users took it back and hid it somewhere..."
Hmm, Rurua-neesan used to be a Saint and a leader of a country; her words carry weight.
"Well, as Shera and Rurua said, there are many unnatural points, but in the end, it doesn't change the fact that we are the ones who have to act. Let’s make it a rule to stay in contact and decide what to do if a problem arises."
Everyone nodded at An-chan’s words.
For now, that’s all we can do.
Ah, I wish we could have just used the dungeon to take it easy like we did back in Weed. This New Continent has so many restrictions; it’s tough. Who would have thought I’d end up gathering information on foot?
"With that said, let’s get to the main topic. Selecting the members who will go to Enaria. It’s decided that I will go as the head of the mercenary group, but I need to leave behind people capable of commanding the base and the demi-human villages or towns. Especially since the wives have their daughters. ...I appreciate the sentiment of wanting to come with me, but I also love the wives who stay behind to protect our home."
When An-chan said that, the wives who were about to raise their hands stopped.
Yeah, if he didn't say that, this place would turn into a battlefield.
"Now, if we hold a meeting to decide who’s coming, it might take a while—not forever, but a fair amount of time. However, this time, there are many things we need to be careful about while investigating in the Enaria royal capital. So, I’d like to decide the assignments for the wives myself. Is that alright?"
"It’s easy to say 'no way,' but honestly, I don't think I’m cut out for investigating in Enaria. I’m fine with Yuki-san’s selection," Riel-neesan said, and the wives who were relatively bad at using their heads looked in the other direction.
So obvious!!
"That’s right. As you said, it’s mainly investigation, and you’ll be doing the usual 'sneaking around behind the scenes.' I’m not good at that kind of thing."
"Hmm. Now that you mention it, I’m not good at it either..."
The muscle-heads... no, Seraria-neesan and Deryu-neesan, who specialize in combat, reacted that way.
"Unfortunately, Seraria and Deryu, I need you to come."
"Eh?"
"Why is that?"
"If things go poorly, we’ll get entangled with Enaria’s nobility. Seraria and Deryu are best suited to handle that."
"...Can I cut them?"
"...Can I punch them?"
"Absolutely not!! Keep it peaceful! We’re basically going to be composed of humans, so there’s no need to bring in unnecessary sparks this time. So, absolutely keep it peaceful!"
" "Tch." "
...Did he pick the wrong people from the start?
As I glared at the two of them, the battle junkies turned toward me.
"Oh, Mino-chan, do you have something you want to say?"
"Indeed. Is that a look that says we are useless wives who can't listen to our husband?"
"N-no, I have no idea what you’re talking about..."
I desperately made excuses to escape the death staring at me.
However...
" "Training later." "
My wish was not granted.
Ah, I’m going to be sore tomorrow.
"Hmm, An-chan, in that case, are we wives who belong to the demi-humans staying behind?"
"No, Ratz and Eris, I need you to come. Use illusion magic to disguise yourselves as humans first. We honestly need the manpower for information gathering. I can't leave out Ratz and Eris, who are suited for it. I know you’re worried about the children, but I’m counting on you."
"What are you saying? Everyone will take care of the children, and I wouldn't say no to An-chan’s request."
"Yes, if it were something unreasonable, that would be one thing, but since there’s a solid reason like this, I wouldn't say no to Yuki-san. But only Rurua and Kirue will be able to breastfeed the children, right? What are you going to do about that?"
That’s right. Most of the wives who just gave birth are in this group.
The children are going to be pitiful.