第３６９堀：司祭と研究者の旅路 (Part2)
……I suppose I’m overthinking it. While Taizo-san and Taiki-kun are distant relatives, they were summoned here, so that’s an undeniable fact.
However, this Yuki-kun is, how should I put it, different from Taizo-san or Taiki-kun.
Taizo-san is in the same research field as I am, and Taiki-kun is a Hero.
But if you asked me what Yuki-kun is? I’d be at a complete loss.
Between the fake name incident earlier and everything else, he’s just… too capable at everything.
Well, one could argue that he’s capable because he *is* capable, but still…
Honestly, I get the feeling he’s a step above even Taizo-san or Taiki-kun.
And he hasn’t even done anything particularly flashy.
…No, wait. He *has* done significant things.
As a Dungeon Master, he fulfilled his quotas in just a few years and is a promising newcomer entrusted with the New Continent by Luna-san.
Hmm. Is he a commander? A leader? But he leaves the actual work to his wives and subordinates.
If Yuki-kun did it himself, I feel like it would be over in the blink of an eye…
Ah, he did say the world itself needs to grow, but still…
Ugh, I can’t wrap my head around it. It’s just a sense of discomfort regarding the simple fact of his existence.
『…And the reason I mobilized Steve and the others is because we obtained testimony from former Princess Dressa of the Nassa Kingdom—whom Mauve and his group took in as a slave—that people are being gathered at the ruins. Do you know anything about this Nassa Kingdom?』
Oops, I shouldn’t get distracted.
I’ll ponder the mystery of Yuki-kun another time.
Right now, it’s about the Ex Kingdom.
Though, I don’t think I’ll be much help.
"Unfortunately, I’m completely in the dark. I’ve only recently gained the freedom to gather information myself."
"…My apologies. As for the Nassa Kingdom, I’ve only heard bits and pieces. This is the first I’ve heard that it had even fallen."
『I see. Then, what about the rumors that the Ex Kingdom was gathering labor in exchange for support?』
"I have heard of that. It was well-regarded because it was framed as labor in exchange for support, not slavery. Moreover, the labor wasn't just the eldest sons, but second and third sons—people who wanted to work but had no place to do so. I heard it was a godsend for both the country and the families. Ex provided the security, food, clothing, and shelter; all they had to do was provide the labor…"
From what I’m hearing, the terms were almost suspiciously good.
A country might worry about a drop in tax revenue, but these were people who had no work to begin with—potential sources of civil unrest. And they weren't being rounded up from a single town, but from across the country.
It really sounds like they were just sending off "surplus" human resources.
Well, hearing the story here, it seems there was a catch.
Still, just being in the ruins or a dungeon, they probably aren't being treated *that* horribly.
『I see. In that case, Dressa’s hope might be a difficult one to fulfill.』
"What hope?"
『Ah, a friend of Dressa’s volunteered for that labor and never came back.』
"Isn't that just because the dungeon is comfortable to live in?"
The only way to keep people satisfied in a dungeon is to ensure they have food, clothing, and shelter.
Besides, they probably wouldn't want them leaving and leaking information anyway.
『There’s more. While investigating that, we reached the ruins, but we were turned away. When we returned, we found the royal capital had been destroyed by a sudden swarm of monsters, and the rule had shifted to the King of Ex.』
"…That is…"
"Doesn't that sound like the work of that guy, Noble? Forget the past—in this era where mana depletion is so severe, would a swarm of monsters appear anywhere other than the Academy?"
『That’s what I thought, too. Given that, regarding Dressa’s friend, who is apparently named Arne…』
"Yeah. If we’re being realistic, they’d likely dispose of her before she can cause a scene."
"No, surely Noble wouldn't do something like that…"
『We have to be prepared for the worst. Well, I hope she’s safe.』
"That sounds optimistic, but fine. We’ll look into Arne and the people of the Nassa Kingdom on our end."
『Right, I’m counting on you. Oh, sorry. I’m getting a call from Popuri.』
"Oh, should we stop talking?"
『No, the long part is already finished, and it’s probably something simple. Stay as you are.』
"Understood."
As I waited, another monitor appeared, showing Popuri’s face.
『Yuki-den. I have something to report urgently… oh, Master.』
"Hello. Being the principal seems like hard work."
Mostly because of the mountain of documents piled on the desk.
『Would you mind helping me, Master? Or rather, why don't you work here as a teacher? I can arrange a special lecturer position for you immediately.』
"If you can provide better facilities and more holidays than Weed, I’ll consider it."
『That’s impossible. Anyway, that’s not important. We received a letter from the King of Ex as well.』
"Huh?"
"What did you say!?"
『Ah, so it reached you too, huh?』
Even though we were shocked, Yuki-kun didn't look flustered at all.
…There really is something different about him.
Well, as long as he’s not an enemy, I suppose it’s fine.
That "would-be" Overlord named Noble is going to have a rough time, though.
Since it’s a direct sales event today, I thought I’d post this early, fearing I’d be late otherwise.
With that, military strength is gathering in Ex one after another.
What kind of heated battles will unfold from here on out!!
Why did Noble stand up just like Hifie did!!
Will there be a one-on-one between Yuki and Noble!?
No, I don't think so, though.