第４１４堀：冒険者ギルドの思惑 (Part2)
"So, that's the official story. The real objective, as you know, is information gathering. You're aware of the strange rumors circulating in Weed lately, aren't you? They're still just rumors, but we can't just ignore them, which is why this job was created. We're posing as the Guild's own cleaning crew to avoid suspicion from Weed's government officials. It's also to improve the overall perception of adventurers and to make a good impression on the residents. Lastly, it's to help the student adventurers from Weed's school integrate better. Of course, we'll need to change the perception of adventurers from outside as well, but once you start showing up, things will naturally improve."
"…I think I understand."
"…I don't really get it."
"Haa, I'll explain it properly later."
Heh heh, is it too difficult for Hiiro?
"It's not that complicated. We just want you to do cleaning work and look for suspicious people or rumors. It's because if we adult adventurers clean, people get suspicious, and the same goes for Weed's staff."
"That's right. What Kina said is correct."
"Understood."
Alright, now to hand over these bags, work gloves, and trash grabbers…
"With this, our preparations are perfect."
"Today's cleaning area is around this main street. The alleys can get quite littered."
As Rock-san began explaining the cleaning area, Dressa and Hiiro tilted their heads.
"Isn't that just a pretense?"
"It feels like… we're seriously going to clean…"
"Of course. Even if it's a pretense, it's a job. Cleaning without collecting trash is meaningless. And honestly, we really do want the cleaning done properly. Weed's common sense hasn't fully spread to the adventurer district yet. There's a lot of trash, and it's unhygienic."
"Heh heh heh. There are still a lot of idiots who relieve themselves in the alleys, you know."
"Wh-what?! Are we cleaning that too!?"
"Yes. Well, we'll pay extra for that. Also, you have permission to apprehend anyone caught in the act."
"Ugh…"
I'm sorry, Hiiro.
I know this quest is a bit much, but leaving those messes as they are is also quite bad.
Since coming to Weed, I've really come to understand the importance of sanitation.
I can't believe I used to walk through a city that smelled like that.
"Understood. We'll be going now."
Vilia, perhaps taking it for granted, replied without any particular displeasure and was about to head out immediately, but the other two were surprised by her response and actions.
"Huh!? Vilia, you're okay with this!?"
"…It's dirty."
"I'm not okay with it, and I hate dirt. However, I hate it even more when people defile Weed, the place where my older brothers and we live. More importantly, I can't let down my older brothers and Labyris-san, who entrusted us with this important information-gathering task. If you two won't do it, I'll do it alone."
"Mmmph. Fine."
"…I'll try my best."
Perhaps convinced by Vilia's answer, the other two also headed towards the door.
"Contact us if anything comes up."
"Yes."
"I'll beat them to a pulp."
"I'll defeat the bad guys."
Vilia aside, I'm still worried about Dressa and Hiiro.
But with Vilia there, maybe it'll be alright? As I watched the three of them leave the room, I turned back to Rock-san.
"More importantly, why are you having us clean the main target area so suddenly?"
That's right, the person we've been keeping an eye on is likely in the area designated for cleaning.
I wonder if it's really okay to send the three of them there so abruptly.
"It's the opposite. If rumors spread about cleaning activities, they might move. That would make pursuing them troublesome. But what would people think if they saw children doing the cleaning?"
"Ah. Like they're just earning pocket money?"
"Exactly. Well, I can't say they won't move, but they're an idiot who's been spotted in such an obvious place. This person…"
Saying that, Rock-san showed me a photograph.
"This person is a diplomat from Roschur, right?"
"Yes. They're coming here from the designated VIP accommodation. It's quite obvious, isn't it?"
"What about Their Majesties Seraria and Roschur?"
"Do you think I would tell them? It's still a suspicion. We haven't found any evidence. If I told Seraria, she'd likely resort to force, and naturally, there would be some backlash from Roschur."
"But they're obviously doing something. Besides, Seraria-sama's father is His Majesty Roschur, isn't he? Can't you just eliminate them without issue?"
"The world of politics isn't that simple. In Roschur, there are those who resent Seraria's overwhelming success. If he were to protect her just because she's his daughter, it could cause internal division."
"In that case, is it okay for us to be cooperating with Weed?"
"This request itself is funded by the Weed Police. The police, in other countries, would be equivalent to the knights, and normally they'd be rivals. However, they're not so rigid here. Therefore, with the funders, the clients, and the cooperation, we can expect an improvement in public safety, so there's no problem. If the politicians complain, we can just say it's a request."
Oh, this is so troublesome.
"…Haa. Won't you send me back to the reception desk?"
"No. Milly isn't here either. You'll have to work hard."
Ugh… My chances of getting married are getting further away…
Well then, it seems the Adventurer's Guild has already caught a lead.
Now, can Vilia and the others get the evidence?
And based on that evidence, how will Yuki move!?
Well, putting that aside, it's already the end of August.
Is there anything you've forgotten to do in the summer event for the pitfall?
Is there something you'd like to see in this story?
Ah, the fireworks festival is happening again, so that's a pass. Anything else?