第４４０堀：最終兵器幼女とかの勇者の因縁 (Part2)
I spent quite a bit of time explaining how the conflicts between nations, which could have been obstacles, were already being quelled through the use of dungeon gates. I also touched upon how the three great powers and Weed had faced interference born of jealousy from those who built this system, and how the Magic Kingdom was one of the culprits behind that sabotage.
With myself and Faide-dono providing follow-up explanations, and Jessica, Riel, and Popuri busy spreading out reference materials, it was quite a hectic process. But in the end...
"Wonderful!! This perspective from another world!! This new form of statecraft!! The discovery of talent!! A system designed to foster new ideas!! With this, even if the people fall into hardship, other nations will come to their aid!!"
As expected of Nonoa, who is called a god in the field of magic. Her comprehension was incredibly fast, but...
"The Magic Kingdom will annul its alliance with the Kingdom of Swords and join the Three Great Powers Alliance!! Or rather, let us bring the hammer of justice down upon those complete idiots immediately!!"
Perhaps because she had been deceived, she was unusually fired up.
"W-well, please calm down. We are grateful that you wish to join the alliance, but for now, we must suppress the hostile forces. To that end, I would like to ask for the cooperation of Nonoa-dono, who has connections with Nogosh of the Kingdom of Swords."
"I am at your command."
"No, since we are allies, I am asking for your favor."
"My apologies. I shall spare no effort in cooperating."
...I suppose she is hopeless at anything other than research. She is far too straightforward. Perhaps that is why her nation has remained a small one.
"Then, for the time being, could you continue your alliance with the Kingdom of Swords? I would like to obtain information on the enemy."
"I see. You wish to carefully assess the situation before taking action? Just as you did with us."
"Exactly. If unnecessary conflict can be avoided, it should be."
"Understood. Personally, I believe that muscle-brained fool should be eradicated immediately, but you are right that innocent people must not be caught in the crossfire. We should move cautiously."
I see. It seems the fact that Nogosh and Nonoa were not on good terms is precisely why she was willing to accept our envoy.
"To start, could you tell us what you currently know about the Kingdom of Swords and the Dungeon Master?"
That’s right. We need to gather as much information as possible right now so we can send reinforcements to the Kingdom of Swords. If the Magic Kingdom was a dead end, we have to assume the Dungeon Master is with the Kingdom of Swords, with whom Nonoa is allied.
"I am ashamed to admit it, but since the Kingdom of Swords does not border us, our communication has been limited to letters. I have not seen the recent state of affairs with my own eyes."
"I see..."
That cannot be helped. After all, we were the ones who orchestrated things so that nations not in the alliance would become isolated.
"However, they sent us tools that allow for communication by imbuing them with magic, and dungeon cores for storing DP. In return, we received some material aid."
...Why are they using magic tools to communicate? Ah, is the 'Call' function unique to Yuki-san? Also, if they were receiving material aid in exchange for DP, that would increase the credibility of what the other side was saying. Perhaps that is why she believed them.
As I was thinking this, Nonoa seemed to remember something and hesitated.
"Is something wrong?"
"No, it’s just... I have a personal trouble..."
"We are allies, and you are a good collaborator in this matter. Now that the misunderstandings have been cleared up, if it is within our power, we will lend you a hand."
"R-really? T-then... could you sell me the shampoo and rinse sold in Weed? The regulations have been strict lately, and I haven't been able to get my hands on them..."
"..."
Taizo-san froze. He had a look on his face that said, *What is this woman talking about?* I agreed with him to some extent, but I could understand her feelings, so I felt I should follow up.
"Nonoa-dono’s hair is beautiful, after all. Maintaining and caring for it must be difficult. I understand your feelings well, and I will provide you with some myself."
"R-really!! Thank you, Eris-dono!! So, those really are produced in Weed!!"
"N-no. We import them from Yuki’s hometown in exchange for DP. In that regard, they were weaving in some truths, which is likely why Nonoa-dono was deceived."
I urged her to return to the topic, putting the shampoo discussion aside for now, but then Nonoa said something unexpected.
"I see. However, such elaborate schemes are beyond the muscle-brained Nogosh. In that case, should I assume that the Dungeon Master, Bitz Ranks, gave the orders?"
"W-wait a moment!"
The two of us who had clashed with Ranks—myself and Riel—interrupted in a panic.
"Is something the matter, you two?"
"You just said the name of the Dungeon Master, didn't you!?"
"Yes. You did. Could you please say the name again?"
"Oh, I suppose I hadn't mentioned it. The Dungeon Master believed to be with Nogosh is named Bitz Ranks. Apparently, she is a poor princess whose kingdom was usurped by a hero summoned from another world?"
...Huh? Who is a poor princess?
"Eek!? I-is there a problem!?"
Ah, it seems it showed on my face. But I can't help it. After all, she caused quite a rampage in Weed.
"No, it’s just that she is someone we have a history with."
"Yeah. That’s right. That princess went on a rampage in Weed."
"I see, so that was the case. Whenever I gather information about Bitz Ranks, I often hear stories that are the complete opposite."
That damn princess. We need to contact Yuki-san immediately.