第３５１堀：誰か知りませんか？ (Part2)
"Now, now, Difes. It’s a lively atmosphere, isn't it? It’s awkward to talk with such a sour face. There’s no need to be impatient. I don't mind it at all."
"But..."
"The rest of the members haven't gathered yet, either. We can afford to talk at a leisurely pace, can't we?"
"...And yet, even though I sent word, those idiots..."
"No, no, Claudia and Kaya were called back while visiting their hometowns, and I’m the one who sent Neferi and Fio out to buy tea snacks. In that sense, it’s my fault."
"...If you say so, then. But are you sure about this? Didn't Fio just become an undead?"
Ahaha, you really are stiff, aren't you?
Well, it’s only natural to be worried about Fio, who has become an undead.
Fio, who is out shopping right now, is Neferi’s younger sister. She was one of the four who lost their lives fighting Peace during the Demon King conflict of that era. The other three were buried, and their remains are lost to time, but Fio had been kept in cryostasis by her sister, Neferi.
Once we had the proper facilities here in Weed, we managed to—well, perhaps "resurrect" isn't the right word—but we turned her into an undead.
Fortunately, the pendant Neferi possessed was of a type that accumulates magical power, and it seems Fio’s soul had anchored itself there. Once she became an undead, her soul returned to her body almost immediately, and she regained her sense of self.
"It’s no problem. We have experts here in Weed, and if anything happens, we’ll be notified immediately."
"I suppose so. And so, Master. Since you went out of your way to gather us—the members from that time—does this have something to do with that era?"
"Ah. That’s right, Popuri. Well, I’ll explain the details once the other four return..."
Just as I started to say that, the door opened.
"Oh, Neferi. Did you get fruit tarts?"
"Hmm. I just bought whatever. How was it, Fio?"
"I found one. Just one."
"In that case, I’ll have it."
"Ah, hey!? Dia, I was here first..."
"I only asked. That makes it my prior claim."
They’re a lively bunch.
It’s not a bad atmosphere to have.
I’ve thought this many times since I was guided to Weed, but seeing the happy smiles of those close to you is something special; it makes me happy, too.
"Oh, oh, oh..."
Whoops... this is...
"You lot, sit down already!!"
Ah, I think I understand now.
To the Holy Sword Users, Difes holds a position similar to what Hifie or Peace is to me.
She’s not just a superior; she’s more like a mother.
And so, with that motherly reprimand, the meeting resumed as they quickly began to enjoy their tea and sweets.
"Now, Comet-sama. Please, explain."
"Right. Well, listen while you enjoy your tea and snacks. I’ve written down the explanation, but I’ll give you a brief summary myself. This document is a roster of Dungeon Masters who were once said to be in the New Continent."
"A, a roster of Dungeon Masters!?"
Most of them were left gaping, unable to react, but Popuri managed to squeeze out a response.
"Yes. A roster. As you all know, Yuki-kun was called here because we lost contact with the Dungeon Masters, myself included. However, a problem related to this roster has recently emerged. As Claudia and Kaya likely know, there is a possibility that a Dungeon Master, or an existence equivalent to one, is present in the Kingdom of Ex, which appears to be forging magic swords separately from us."
"...I see. If Hifie-sama and Luna-sama have confirmed that they were not newly summoned, then it is possible that someone on this list has survived just as you have, Comet-sama."
"As expected of you, Difes. It helps that you’re quick on the uptake. That’s the situation. Neither I nor Yuki-kun know the enemy’s true identity or anything else. But I thought that you all, who were active on the front lines back then, might know something. Well, it’s all from so long ago that I don’t expect much information to surface. There’s no need to feel pressured."
It really is from too long ago, and there were quite a few people back then, too.
We’re talking about a few dozen names out of many.
I don't really expect them to know these names.
Still, it’s better than not asking at all.
So, I intended to just look over the roster while half-listening and enjoying my tea and snacks, but...
"Comet-sama. Perhaps it is a twist of fate. There is a name here that I recognize."
"Huh? Seriously? Difes?"
"I am being quite serious. You know that I was a knight at that time, don't you?"
"...Ah. I remember saving you when you were on the verge of death?"
"Yes. Neferi and Fio were my attendants at the time, and they were saved along with me."
"...Is that so? That means... do both of you know it too?"
When I looked at Neferi and Fio...
"Yes, there is a name I remember."
"This name, Sacri-Fice. It is the house that Difes-sama served at the time."
"Hmm? So, a feudal lord?"
"Yes. But by the time I was saved, they had already been destroyed by the current Kingdom of Ex."
"Hmm? If that’s the case, does it sound like they’re dead?"
"That remains to be seen. There is a story that Yuki-dono’s wife, the Demon King Deryu-san’s younger brother, was granted the ability of a Dungeon Master at the exact moment his country was destroyed. And we are talking about the Kingdom of Ex. I don't know if we can just dismiss this as a coincidence."
"Ah, I see. Then we’ll keep this lead. Well, for now, we’ll just verify it. Something else might come up."
"Yes!"
Now then, I wonder if more information will come out?
Actually, if too much comes out, that’ll be a problem in its own right.
...Shoot, I’m starting to want to go back to the lab.
Well, I’ve brought up the name, so I’m sure this guy is involved.
However!!
I’m just writing this as I go, so nothing is set in stone!!