第３８０堀：王と魔術師と鼠 (Part2)
Inside the room, as planned, were the three magic tools I had pre-selected.
These were not items that would drastically alter the course of a war, but rather things that would bring joy to the common folk.
The first was a magic tool that produces water. Water is essential for human survival—an indispensable resource. I had modified it so that even those unable to use magic could supply water by channeling a small amount of their own mana into it.
The remaining two were similar; they were not for combat, but for practical use in daily life.
The reason I had prepared such items was to gauge the evaluation and reaction of the Principal and her companions.
While I had already come to recognize these two to a certain extent, my assessment of them would rise or fall based on whether they could grasp the advantage of these tools being usable by the common people.
Just as they were evaluating me, I was evaluating them. It was as simple as that.
"I leave the explanations to you."
"Understood. I shall provide the explanation. Now, starting with this magic tool..."
I intended to leave the explanation to my subordinates and observe the proceedings, but...
"Excuse me."
The door opened abruptly, and a Royal Guard entered.
"What is the meaning of this? I am currently hosting guests."
"My apologies. There is something I must bring to your attention..."
The information whispered into my ear was incredibly troublesome.
"...What? A commotion in the office?"
"Yes."
"I had locked the door... An intruder? Could it be..."
I didn't finish the sentence, instead glancing at Principal Popuri and her companions. Had one of the accompanying Dragon Knights made a move?
"That is unlikely. All of them were outside for lunch when this occurred. Furthermore, while it is not exactly an emergency, the Chancellor ordered me to report it to you regardless."
"Why is it not an emergency? The lock to my office was breached, was it not? What is the Chancellor thinking?"
"No, the lock was not broken. The soldiers guarding the office heard a noise inside and, fearing an intruder, tried to open the door. When it wouldn't budge, they summoned the Chancellor, who holds the key. When they opened it, they found only a mouse."
"What? A mouse?"
"Yes. However, the room was in a greater state of disarray than expected. While the items organized on the shelves were safe, the damage to the documents on the desk, in particular, was catastrophic..."
At that explanation, I reflexively covered my face with my hand.
I’ve done it now...
I really should have tidied up.
"So, as some items have been gnawed on by the mouse and others are covered in ink, they wish for you to restore them while the contents are still fresh in your memory... Of course, they understand that what you are doing now with His Majesty is important, so they only ask if you are available."
"...Understood. I shall return."
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, I decided to return temporarily.
"Has something happened?"
"Ah, it is a failure of my own making. A mouse, quite literally, ran wild in my office..."
When I said this with a spiritless expression, the two exchanged glances and gave a wry smile.
"Are the documents safe?"
"…I must take my leave to confirm that. I apologize profusely, as I was the one who offered to guide you."
"No, I understand that feeling well. It is for the sake of your country, so please, do return."
"My apologies. You lot, ensure you show no discourtesy to Principal Popuri and her companions."
" " "Yes, sir!!" " "
"Then, we return to the castle immediately!! Also, put all your efforts into finding the mouse's path and exterminating it!!"
" " "Yes, sir!!" " "
Ah, my head aches.
***
Side: Popuri
I couldn't help but sympathize with Noble as he hurried back.
The others who remained behind retreated to the adjacent room to discuss who would take over Noble's role in explaining things to us.
With that in mind, I decided to contact the mastermind behind this plan.
"Hello, you villain."
『That’s a harsh way to start.』
The mastermind sounded as if he found the accusation offensive.
"To think you'd actually have a mouse destroy documents—I'm terrified enough to cry."
The nightmare of having to redo paperwork from scratch.
I can't believe he can pull something like that off with such composure.
『The mouse did it, not me. I have nothing to do with it. But this will certainly leave them with less breathing room, won't it?』
"That goes without saying."
If there is anyone who can remain calm after their workspace has been literally trashed, I’d like to meet them.
No, even a god would be flustered, so this is truly malicious.
Our leader is...
Well, hello there.
I’m sure you’ve all experienced it, right?
Like a sudden browser crash that wipes out all your work.
Well, Noble-san’s tragedy this time is just like that.
Shall I put it in simpler terms?
I’m sure many of you reading this novel are familiar with the "Cat Error" (the infamous "Cat" connection error).
Right before a boss fight. Or not being able to log in at all. The nightmare returns.
It’s a common occurrence on the first day of an event.
Actually, as someone who started at the Sasebo Naval District, it happened all the time when I first arrived.
I hate you, Cat Error!!
Oh, my starter ship was "Murakumo."
Well, that’s neither here nor there.
Last time, my physical condition took a nosedive.
Immediately after finishing the writing and posting it, I developed a fever that spiked to 39°C. Thinking, "This is bad," I took some medicine and went to sleep.
I did sleep, but I woke up around midnight, and the joint pain had worsened to the point where I couldn't get back to sleep.
The effects lingered until the afternoon of the 22nd.
Today, the 23rd, I have fully recovered. I went to work as usual, wrote during my lunch break, and wrote some more after returning to make it in time.
That’s how it went. Sorry to those who were worried. And thank you.
It’s more of a hobby or a daily routine, so I feel restless if I don't post.
Well, since I managed to post, I suppose it wasn't that serious.
As for the future writing schedule, the 25th will likely be the continuation of the story.
However, the 27th will undoubtedly be a pitfall.
Because it will be "30 Years of Dragon Quest" and "Let's Become a Hero Once More."
Let us play the game that taught Japan what it means to be a "Hero"!!!
Was the Hero's name "AAAA"?
Could you pronounce "Moyomoto"!?
Did you add a Jester to your party? Did you prepare a Merchant as a sacrifice!?
Do you remember the tomboy princess or the merchant who was obsessed with solo activities!?
Too many spin-offs ignoring the handsome swordsman and the other party members!!
Give me back my seeds!!
I finally understood the meaning of Hustle Dance.
I was well taken care of by Masayuki’s Map.
For the record, I didn't touch the online game because it was too painful for me.
Well, those who understand the answers to the comments above will know they are a true Dragon Quest fan.
See you next time.