第４４１堀：過去の姫君 (Part2)
"Well, in their case, there's 'Hypothesis No. 4'—the 'go with the flow' factor—which makes them particularly troublesome. And since that fourth hypothesis basically applies to everything, you can't really prevent or deal with it. But never mind that. I need to explain this clearly."
"Now, as for me, I believe Hypothesis No. 2 is the most likely."
"Why is that?"
"Tell us the reason."
"It’s simple. The fact that they were using Nonoa to supplement their DP with magical power proves they don't understand the fundamental characteristics of a dungeon. If it were Hypothesis No. 1, it would imply they have a Dungeon Master collaborator who is oblivious to those facts. More importantly, it’s strange that the Idiot Princess hasn't taken the same action after seeing Weed—a system where you can easily harvest DP just by having residents. Building a dungeon town separate from ours would be the most efficient way for her to regain her influence."
"I see. So, you're saying that if we assume Bits managed to seize control of a dungeon from a Dungeon Master without even hearing a detailed explanation, it would make sense?"
"It’s just a hypothesis, but it would explain why she hasn't built a dungeon near Nonoa. Either she doesn't know the fact that you can generate a dungeon if you have a core, or she doesn't understand that a proxy would suffice. Building a dungeon for a nearly equal allied nation is advantageous in many ways: smoother logistics, easier communication, mutual surveillance, and so on. The Idiot Princess is still royalty, after all; she should know at least that much about diplomatic maneuvering. She at least thought to use the 'Hero' title as a signboard."
"...That is a persuasive explanation."
"Mhm. I think Yuki's explanation hits the mark. So, Yuki, you think Bits is pulling the strings behind this?"
"Yeah. I'd bet nine times out of ten that's the case. That Idiot Princess probably held a grudge against Weed, too."
"Though it was a grudge born of her own spite."
"It's a classic case of reaping what she sowed, isn't it?"
As Deryu and Ratz said, it was entirely her own fault, but if she were the type to repent over something like that, she wouldn't have been a problem in the first place, and Taiki wouldn't have had to lead a rebellion.
"But it's strange, isn't it? If the Idiot Princess is pulling strings behind the scenes, wouldn't she target Taiki's Ranks before Weed?"
"Tori, that’s because the preparations weren't complete. She wouldn't be able to gain cooperation without prioritizing the gods who are sheltering her and providing her with magical power."
"Mhm. Exactly."
Samantha answered Tori's question, and Cleena backed her up. However, I also felt something snag in my mind at Tori's words.
"Hmm. That’s true. That’s the normal way of thinking, but I can't imagine that Idiot Princess holding back even at the expense of her own profit. It feels like she’d be secretly increasing her own share on the side..."
Wait, she’s that greedy Idiot Princess; of course she would do that... wouldn't she?!
"Ah, this is bad!!"
"W-what is it!?"
"What's wrong, Yuki?"
Ignoring everyone's surprise, I immediately used a Call to contact Taiki.
"Pick up!! Come on, pick up!!"
It felt like an eternity.
『Yes, this is Taiki. Yuki, what’s wrong? Has there been progress with Nonoa?』
"That's it!! Taiki, in the process of all this, Bits Ranks' name has come up as a Dungeon Master!!"
『Huh!? That damn Idiot Princess's name!?』
"Yeah. I'll explain the details later, but raise the alert level in the direction of the Sword Kingdom!! Also, check if any nearby villages have gone missing!! Include anything about movements or reports you've received!!"
『W-wait a minute. You don't mean...』
"Yeah, there's a high possibility the Idiot Princess is using them as fodder for her own dungeon. Since it was her former territory, it would be easy for her to move in secret."
『That damn Idiot Princess!! Understood. I'll have it investigated immediately!!』
Just as Tori said, she’s the type to do whatever she can herself. I just hope my bad premonition is wrong... but since we're already on the back foot, I can only pray the Idiot Princess isn't that foolish.
"Geez, it looks like we don't have time to leisurely listen to Nonoa's interrogation. Leave Nonoa to Taizo and the others; we're going to contact Mauve and the others, as well as Kirika, and start a full-scale investigation of the Sword Kingdom."
"Yes!!"
Still, we have very few personnel in the Sword Kingdom. I need to report the situation to Shera and raise the defensive alert level in Gartz as well. Even if it's not to the same extent as Ranks, we've certainly earned her grudge.