第４０６堀：井戸端会議はすごい (Part2)
Well, I still need to keep a close eye on the situation.
"Right, the rumors I wanted to ask about are related to that. I’ve heard whispers that some people have been approaching the residents of Weed with strange talk. Have you heard anything like that?"
"Hmm, let me see... maybe?"
Nana pondered for a moment, then clapped her hands together.
"Oh, I remember now. I’ve heard that some odd person has been in the corner of the park, giving strange speeches. They go on about how this country will eventually collapse because there are no nobles, that the current system won't last, and that they should be the ones to rise up as the new nobility."
...Just as I thought.
But this alone doesn't prove foreign interference. It could just be some individual’s personal delusion, and it would be a waste of tax money to launch a full investigation over something this trivial.
"Are there any people actually buying into that talk?"
"Who knows? The lady who told me about it was laughing and saying how strange it was. I don't think anyone is taking it seriously. I mean, this place was built by Saintess Elju on the principle of equality, and Seraria-sama is governing it in her stead because Elju-sama is so busy. People who think like that wouldn't come to Weed in the first place, and I’m sure Seraria-sama would shut anyone talking about 'nobility' down in an instant."
As Nana said, the official story is that Elju founded this country on the platform of equality. Of course, I’m the one pulling the strings behind the scenes. As for Seraria’s actions... well, no comment. She’s definitely capable of doing exactly that.
The people who immigrated here came specifically because they hated that kind of aristocratic system. It’s highly unlikely they’d be swayed by a speech. Besides, since that principle is advertised from the very beginning, doing something like that could be seen as an overt act of hostility.
It’s more important to verify the source than to catch the person giving the speech. If I approach them clumsily, they’ll just play dumb and cut ties like a lizard shedding its tail.
"Um, was that the kind of information you were looking for?"
"Yeah, that’s perfect. It was very helpful. Do you happen to know what time they usually give those speeches?"
"I'm sorry, I only heard it as a rumor, so I don't know the details."
"No, no, don't apologize. Like you said, it’s just a rumor for now. The police can't really move on something like that, which is why we’re looking into it personally. Our wives have stepped down from their representative roles, after all."
"I see! Understood. I'll keep an eye out for any interesting rumors from now on."
"I'm counting on you. So, are there any other rumors that aren't related to this kind of thing?"
After hearing a few more trivial bits of gossip, I bought some drinks for dinner and to stay hydrated during our investigation in the sweltering heat, then parted ways with Nana.
"Well then, good luck with your work!"
"You too."
As Nana saw us off, she was approached by a housewife who had just arrived at the store. She gave us a slight nod before heading back inside.
"The shop manager has it tough, doesn't she?"
"I could never handle customer service like that."
"...I’m strictly a customer."
"Oh, by the way, Cleena-san, aren't you going to eat your ice cream? It’s going to melt."
At Samantha’s prompt, Cleena hurriedly took the ice cream out of the bag and started eating.
"...Cold, sweet, and delicious. So, Yuki, where to now?"
"We're eating ice cream, so let's skip the shops and head to the park where the rumors are. And remember, even if the guy is there giving a speech, just watch from a distance. If we try to talk to them or get too close, they’ll get suspicious or just dodge our questions. We’re staying low-key. We’ll have Kirika and the others handle the actual digging if we think it’s suspicious. Sadly, we’re a bit too famous for this."
"Understood! Then let's disguise this as a date on the surface!!"
Ria said that as she clung to my arm. Well, I suppose that works too. I tucked the cumbersome bags into my item box and offered my free hand...
"In that case, I shall take this side."
Before I could even declare it, Samantha had already latched onto my other arm. A flower in each hand, as they say.
"...I'll wait for my turn. I'm acting as a guard, after all, and it's too hot to be clinging to you."
"...Mm. It's hot, so I'm fine for now."
The remaining two decided against fighting over my arms, likely considering the risk of clinging to me in this temperature. That’s a relief; it’s already hot and noisy enough as it is.
Now then, I wonder if that rumored individual is actually at the park.
When I was a kid, this happened a lot. Things that my parents couldn't possibly have known would somehow be common knowledge by the time I got home. I’d be told that the neighbors had seen everything.
Man, the neighborhood information network is truly something else. You can never underestimate the power of the local gossip circle. There are eyes everywhere.
That aside, it’s been really "hot" lately. Not just warm—*hot*.