第５０６堀：未知の大陸の危険性 (Part2)
"However, in our continent, monsters are a common occurrence. Do you understand why there's such a difference, despite being in the same world?"
"How would I know that? I'm not a scholar."
"Well, that's a fair enough reaction. But on our continent, where monsters exist, we research why they appear for the sake of survival. You follow me so far, right?"
"I understand that much."
"That is only natural."
"Indeed. It is necessary to gather information to survive."
"I'm glad we're on the same page. Regarding the reason for their emergence—aside from natural breeding, there is the theory that they manifest from 'mana pools'."
"Mana pools?"
"Exactly. Monsters appear abruptly from places where mana has accumulated."
"There's no way that's true."
"Unfortunately, this theory is quite compelling. To put it simply... let's see, don't you have golems created through magic over here?"
"Oh, I see. You're saying those are essentially pseudo-monsters made using mana."
"Precisely. However, despite this continent having mana, there are no monsters. Or so I thought, but based on what we just discussed, it seems there are ways to summon them."
"So what? That was a summoning, wasn't it?"
"It's too early to say for sure, but on our continent, there is a phenomenon where once mana accumulates beyond a certain threshold, monsters overflow from that location. It's called a 'Great Outbreak.' It's a horde of monsters—though calling it an army is inaccurate since they lack a chain of command, so perhaps 'mob' is more appropriate. If a monster with high intelligence is among them, it becomes a threat to the nation's very existence."
Hearing that made me shudder.
"You aren't suggesting that a Great Outbreak might happen here, are you?"
"That possibility isn't zero. Well, as you can see, Bide has its defenses in order, so we can handle it, but I wonder what would happen to the other countries. It sounds too absurd; even if the Empire knew, they wouldn't be able to implement countermeasures, would they?"
"...Given the current situation, that would be difficult indeed. There is simply too little evidence to make anyone believe it."
"Exactly. So, from our perspective, the absence of monsters here is highly irregular. Now that we're involved with Bide, Weed needs to investigate this for the sake of safety, given that we understand the risks."
"Yuki-sama, to go that far for Bide..."
"I do want to meet Catherine-dono's expectations, but honestly, a Great Outbreak caused by mana accumulation—something that has become the stuff of fairy tales—would be beyond imagination. In the worst-case scenario, we might have to consider abandoning Bide. I don't want to do that, and if a Great Outbreak of that scale occurs, it could affect the continent where Weed is located. If possible, I want to stop it at all costs."
"...To conduct that investigation, we must start with the Kingdom of Haiden."
"That's the gist of it. Kagura, do your best. It's believed that the cause of mana accumulation is related to things like mass death."
"W-wait a minute!? If a war breaks out between Haiden and Findall now..."
"That's exactly what I'm saying. If you don't want to be trampled by monsters, do your best to stop the war."
"W-why are you saying that so casually, Yuki—!!"
Why, indeed?
Before I knew it, a story about saving a country might turn into a story about saving the world!? What is even happening!?
While I was panicking, Yuki was nonchalantly rotating his neck...
"Ah, that's enough of the long talk. The details can wait until tomorrow. So, shall we go sightseeing in Weed now?"
"My, that sounds wonderful."
"Ho-ho. I am looking forward to it."
"Why are you two like this!? We just had an incredibly serious conversation!? Why are you both so eager to go sightseeing!?"
When I pressed them, the three of them looked at me with cold eyes...
"Besides, even if you worked hard today, it wouldn't change the situation. I just explained the circumstances."
"That's right. What we just discussed is merely speculation. What we need to do now is get to know Weed. Kagura, think about the order of things. You won't accomplish anything by rushing ahead."
"Indeed. First, we must understand Weed, and if Kamishiro-dono can successfully bridge the gap between Haiden and the Kamishiro Ducal House, nothing will progress. To that end, sightseeing is essential to explain Weed. You must solidify your foundation first."
When they tell me things like that...
"Grrr!!"
What else can I say?