第４２２堀：現代農耕技術には勝てなかったよ…… (Part2)
Yeah. It didn't seem like he was lying. At the very least, he wasn't saying anything false.
"I see. I'm glad you're willing to cooperate. In that case, there's no reason to linger here. We can save the explanation of Weed for later; first, I need you to get an accurate grasp of how this dungeon works, and then we can discuss the hostile gods."
I spoke flatly, outlining the tasks at hand, and tried to lead the farm idiot and the vegetable idiot away. However, both of them remained crouched down, practically glued to the ground.
"Is something wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
"Ah, no..."
"T-Boss..."
"Don't tell me you're going to say you want to eat pickles right now?"
When I said that, the two of them averted their eyes from me.
...*Sigh.*
"For now, I'll serve pickles as a snack with tea. We'll have a proper meal later."
"Work is best done quickly. Isn't that right, John?"
"Indeed. Farm work starts before the sun even rises, Faide."
With that, the two idiots stood up instantly.
How shamelessly motivated can you get?
To think, one is a God and the other is my subordinate. Can I cry now? No, I suppose this is better than everyone being on edge and stressed out, but it still feels... empty, somehow.
"Lilishe, why don't you join us?"
Unaware of my internal turmoil, a high-spirited Faide called out to Lilishe, but she simply kept her smile fixed in place.
"Are you an idiot? Ah, right, you were. Honestly, you've crossed the line into being a total creep."
She spat her venom without hesitation.
Despite the insults, they managed to restrain themselves with just the tea snacks, so I suppose it was fine.
*Crunch, crunch, snap, snap...*
Except for the fact that they were devouring the pickles with gusto, making quite a racket. Do you even know what a "tea snack" is? It's not something you wolf down like a main course, you know?
"I see. I understand the situation regarding this dungeon. However, that raises the question of whether those other guys actually know the details of how dungeons work."
"In the first place, there's a possibility that the systems of other dungeons are different from this one. We should take that into account."
"True. But even I can tell it's strange for them to be *this* different. Whether they did it intentionally or simply didn't know, we need to investigate."
"I'll leave that to you. As Weed, we cannot openly interfere with other nations, so this will strictly be you acting on your own, Lord Faide."
"I understand. I'll give them a vague report about this place and try to feel them out instead."
They continued to shovel pickles into their mouths without end, but since they were actually listening to the conversation, it was hard to scold them.
"But as it stands, I'm only looking into what I want to know. Is there anything your side wants to investigate or ask about? I have no intention of withholding cooperation. I'd lose my dignity as a god otherwise."
Well, I wasn't expecting much from the start. I wanted to say his "dignity" was already beyond salvation, but that would just throw cold water on the mood, so I kept my mouth shut.
"...Right. Within the limits of what you can find, could you look into the schemes they're plotting against us?"
"Schemes?"
"It's something we're already looking into, but they're carrying out various operations against Weed and the other Alliance members. They're all at a level that's difficult to prosecute, but they're too dangerous to leave alone. If we stop those small moves, they might give up, realizing they can't even lay a finger on us."
"I see. For my part, if the fighting stops, nothing would be better."
"Also, information on the enemy Dungeon Masters and their dungeons. Is there anything you know right now?"
"Nothing in particular. I'm essentially just a mediator; I'm not deeply involved in their countries. I only heard about the dungeons in passing."
"I see. Then please gather information related to the dungeons as well."
"Understood."
As we talked, I realized it was already time for dinner.
"Well, that should be enough for today. We'll hammer out the details tomorrow and beyond."
"Right. Ah, I haven't secured an inn. Is there somewhere I can stay?"
"Let's see... It wouldn't be a problem for us to give a recommendation, but since you're technically Lilishe's friend..."
I turned my gaze toward Lilishe, who was standing beside me.
"I suppose it can't be helped. Personally, I'd like to toss you into a stable, but since Faide says he'll cooperate, I'll introduce you to a suitable inn."
"Phew. That's a relief."
"So! Make sure you work hard, okay? You've been lounging around until now, after all!"
"Ugh. I know. I'll give it my all."
Man, I think I'm pretty amazing for not pointing out that Lilishe hasn't really changed much herself.
***
(Author's Note: No looking up the source of the title! Seriously, don't look it up. I mean it!! Anyway, I gave the warning, so I'm not at fault! Also, I might have a report in a few days. It's not about quitting anything, just another one of my usual reckless challenges.)