第３７５堀：第一印象 (Part1)
Chapter 375: First Impressions
First Impressions
Side: Eris
"……And that was about it."
"I see."
We had finished our meeting with King Noble and returned to our room to report to Yuki-san.
Earlier, since Amanda and Eoid were present, we left them to Taiki-san, but now, we were the ones reporting while Taiki-san looked after Amanda and Eoid.
"For now, there wasn't any overt hostility. He was quite friendly, actually."
"Indeed. There was no atmosphere suggesting he intended to lay a hand on us."
"I see. Well, sounds like a normal king, then."
"That’s right. Despite all the rumors of him working in the shadows, he seemed like a very upright person."
To be honest, given his title as the "Conqueror" and the talk of his clandestine activities, I had expected someone more cunning and elusive. Instead, he seemed like a genuinely good person—if anything, he reminded me of Hifi-san.
It didn't feel like he was acting out of pure self-interest; there seemed to be some other reason behind his actions.
Then again, the gods are all just independently searching for a solution to the mana depletion under Luna-san's instructions.
It’s just that we’ve adopted this current approach because direct contact could lead to unnecessary complications.
If we can resolve this through discussion, that would be ideal.
Well, it’s too early to say for sure.
"Well, you’ve only just met him. The real work starts tomorrow. Popuri has about two days left before her time limit is up. Comet will be arriving soon. Once she joins up, the other side will likely push their agenda all at once. Until then, you should gather information that will give you an advantage over Comet."
That’s right. The reason we rushed to the Royal Capital of Ex wasn't because of Popuri-san’s desire to arrive before Comet-san—well, that’s not quite right. It was more of a proposal.
Comet-san has a tendency to steer things in rather... eccentric directions, and the potential for collateral damage is high.
However, we don't know how that will actually play out, and since we need to take some form of action, Yuki-san told us to do as we please.
Comet-san drawing all the attention makes it easier for the other teams to move, after all.
Still, I understand Popuri-san’s feelings, so I intend to find a way to minimize the damage by taking the lead.
Yuki-san always says that multi-faceted information gathering is essential, so he didn't try to stop us.
If anything, he was only worried about Amanda and Eoid.
Since we were the ones who cast them into the roles of a Dragon Knight and his lover, he told us to ensure we could get them out safely if something were to happen.
"When you put it that way, it sounds like we're fighting among ourselves."
Honestly, that’s how it sounds to me, too.
"That’s just how the world works. It’s a competition. Comet’s policy and Popuri’s policy differ. When it comes to choosing one, we go with the one that’s more precise. You just need to work hard enough to convince me, the judge."
"You make it sound so easy."
"Popuri was the one who panicked and left because she thought Comet’s methods were wrong. Personally, I think it’s easier for me to operate if Comet is the one causing a stir."
It’s true. We’ve been conducting steady investigations, and we’ve already infiltrated the Royal Castle. Steve and his group have started investigating the ruins, and Kirika, Mauve-san, and the others have likely begun their own operations as well.
The chance of our movements being exposed isn't zero, so having a distraction is certainly helpful.
"I understand. I’m the one interfering, after all. But having known my master for a long time, I don't like the idea of her being the one to draw all the attention and gather information—it feels like something outrageous is bound to happen."
"I understand that feeling. Well, do your best to avoid that premonition."
"You say that like it's someone else's problem."
"It is someone else's problem. Either way, you won't learn anything if you don't move. You’re free to act as you please. Oh, but do report back before you make any major moves. I’ll be here to provide backup."
"Understood. Oh, and what about Eris-dono and Deryu-dono? If they stay strictly in the position of my attendants, I’m not sure how much ground they’ll be able to cover."
That’s true. We are currently acting as bodyguards for Popuri-san and Lara-san, but if the talks with King Noble become official or if we are invited into the deeper parts of the castle, we might not be able to follow.
"Ah, that. If you can't follow, just go sightseeing in the castle. You can assess their military strength, and you two are good at that sort of thing."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. As you might know, I manage the finances for Weed, so I can estimate quite a bit just by looking at their supplies..."
"And I can tell the proficiency of their soldiers. I’ve heard plenty about their weapons from Narjia, so it would be a good opportunity to check for the presence of magic swords. Kirika is investigating from the shadows, so we can handle the surface-level reconnaissance, correct?"
"Exactly. I was planning to leave that to Hifi and Comet, so it would be a relief if you two handled it. Also, see if you can probe Arne, who will likely be assigned as your guide. Just casually ask why she became a knight or something like that."
That makes sense. With Arne-san involved, it would be difficult to leave everything to Comet-san’s group.
"I see. Then let’s go with that plan from the start. We’ll have them step away from me, and during that time, they can probe the castle."
"If you two are fine with it, then it’s settled. What do you think?"
"I don't mind. I think it’s logical."
"I agree as well. I don't want to be under constant surveillance inside the castle. Besides, we need to keep people around for Amanda and Eoid. We can't exactly take those two into the inner sanctum."
Deryu is right.
Taking those two into the heart of the castle would mean dragging them completely into our mess.
They are already involved enough as it is; there’s no need to increase the danger.
"True. Let’s go with that policy. Besides, Amanda and Eoid still aren't great at dealing with high-ranking officials. If we leave them alone, they might accidentally say something they shouldn't."
Yes, I agree with Yuki-san.
We’ve coached Amanda and Eoid several times, but it’s not something one gets used to overnight.
In our case, we’ve already seen and heard enough of noble negligence, corruption, and the hardships of royalty that we stopped viewing them as beings above the clouds a long time ago.
Well, that’s all thanks to Yuki-san; without him, I doubt I would have been able to face such people normally either.
"That’s true. It’s still too early for those two. I might cause you some trouble, but I’m counting on you to look after them."
"Yes. Leave it to us."
"Leave it to me."
I wouldn't dream of abandoning children we’ve taken such care to raise.
"By the way, Yuki. How are the other members doing?"
"Hmm? Ah, right. I mentioned Comet and her group will be here in about two days. As for the members currently in the capital, we have Mauve and his group, and Kirika. Outside, Steve and his group are investigating the ruins. First, regarding the movements of the members in the capital..."
The report from Yuki-san was as follows:
**Mauve’s Group:**
Currently acting as instructors for the Rosetta Mercenary Corps and moving alongside Dressa’s doppelganger.
There are no signs of surveillance other than those watching Princess Dressa, and they are touring the city under the guise of sightseeing.
There are areas with poor public order, but the cityscape isn't much different from Zilba, August, Roday, or Enaria.
A note of caution: they had contact with a group called the Blood Battle Mercenary Corps, who are known for using goblins as shields.
It wasn't a direct confrontation; the contact was indirect, through the Rosetta Mercenary Corps, and they didn't seem to pay any mind to Mauve’s group.
They plan to focus their information gathering on the Blood Battle Mercenary Corps from now on.
Also, there’s talk of a knight recruitment drive.
**Kirika’s Group:**