第５３４堀：仕事仕事仕事 (Part1)
### Chapter 534: Work, Work, Work
**Side: Yuki**
After a chance encounter and conversation with Luna during lunch, my business in Weed was concluded, and I headed back toward Baide.
"…Though, Weed is technically my home."
Is it even right to think of returning to Baide as "returning to work"? Regardless, for the time being, my wives have moved their primary residences to Baide along with me. Those who still have duties in Weed perform the tedious routine of traveling from Baide to their Weed homes, then switching over to a Doppelganger.
Under normal circumstances, returning to the heavily fortified Weed would be the logical choice, but with wives like Milly currently pregnant, I’m hesitant to use the Gate for constant travel.
However, that will be over soon enough. Milly’s due date is this month, and Tori, Riel, and Kaya are due next month. It’s only been about half a month since the summoning incident. It feels like we’ve been here for ages, but in reality, it hasn't been that long. If it had been longer, Milly and the others would have already given birth.
"I really want to clear out all this work so I can be there for my wives' deliveries without any distractions this time."
"Mm. I will be there when Milly and the others give birth. We will finish the work."
"Indeed. I feel the same way."
Despite saying that, reality isn't so accommodating. The reason I went through the trouble of returning to Baide from Weed is that the work has piled up. Once the lunch hour ends, the workplace stirs back to life, and economic activity resumes. The same goes for the lord who governs Baide.
In particular, the administration of Baide, a trading city, is exceptionally busy. From tax collection and sales permits for the myriad merchants to approving new shop openings and resolving disputes, Catherine’s talent as a lord—having handled all this flawlessly to win the merchants' trust—is nothing short of extraordinary.
Well, since we don't know the intricacies of that trust or the established systems, our interference would only cause confusion, so we’ve left all of that to Catherine.
So, what exactly is my job?
"Lord George, thank you for waiting."
"Not at all. I have only just arrived myself."
"I apologize for having you handle the interrogations here in Baide as well."
"Think nothing of it. This is a matter of mutual interest, after all."
Indeed, George has been interrogating and investigating the members of the "Wisdom Gathering"—the masterminds behind the attack the day before yesterday. Since the Lira Kingdom’s shadow looms over this incident, I’ve had George, who represents the Empire and was a direct party to the conflict, take the lead on the investigation. Taiki and his group are currently waiting at Duke Kamishiro’s estate.
"So, what were the results of the interrogation?"
"Not very promising. Well, as expected, they seem to be mere disposable pawns. They know nothing of the core details."
"Then, would it be better to let them swim for a while?"
"I believe so. Fortunately, we successfully defended against the attack on Duke Kamishiro, and when I told these fellows that we would release the sword of a man named Clay and have them judged in the royal capital, they turned pale. It seems they realized that since they failed to cover it up, they have no excuses left."
"How sloppy, in a way."
"Well, from what I heard from Princess Carrie, this is the work of the militant faction that doesn't think through the details. They likely thought they could handle it by simply crushing the opposition. Whether it was the kidnapping of the Princess and Kagura-dono in Baide, or the assassination of the Duke in the Duchy, they figured that if either succeeded, they could manage the rest. They probably assumed the testimony of those with low status wouldn't be taken seriously."
Well, that’s a common story. If they had succeeded in kidnapping the Princess of Baide and Kagura, they could have immediately proceeded with the deployment of monsters. If they had eliminated the Duke, they could have brought the Duke’s house over to their side.
"By sending that man named Clay—Kagura-dono’s fiancé—to the Duke, they clearly intended to finish the job. Someone who can speak directly to the King is nothing but an obstacle. Since that failed, they were visibly shaken. If we let them escape now, they will surely flee to their true masters."
I suppose that makes sense. This has the potential to completely redraw the power balance within the Hyden royal palace. There is no way they won't report this to the top of the Wisdom Gathering.
"Alright, let’s loosen the security starting tonight."
"Agreed."
We shared a sigh of relief. We both took a moment to relax over coffee. Just as I thought things had finally settled down, George opened his mouth again, as if he hadn't finished.
"By the way, how are the preparations for the conference to be held in Baide coming along?"
"I’ve left that to Catherine, so I was just about to check on the situation. After all, they’ll be arriving in two or three days."
Since this is an important discussion for the Empire, it’s only natural that George would be concerned.
"I see. Tell me, Yuki-sama, would you leave it to me to inform the Empire about the attacks on Baide and Duke Kamishiro? To be honest, I am not certain if Prince George and Princess Stasia could remain calm if they were told about the Lira Kingdom’s involvement."
Ah, I see. If they found out that the people who killed their sister were involved, it could trigger a war between Findar and Hyden. That would make my workload skyrocket, and I’d rather avoid that. Trying to mediate or crush both nations would be a hassle, and the Wisdom Gathering would likely take advantage of the chaos, which would be an absolute nightmare.
"I want to avoid any trouble, so I’ll leave that to you, George."
"Ha! Thank you. And, I have one more request..."
"What is it?"
"If we are to discuss the Lira Kingdom matter, I believe it would make for a more composed discussion if Princess Carrie were also included."
"She was a party to the incident, and you mentioned they seem to have a good relationship, so why not?"
I saw no particular issues, so I granted permission. It’s not like it’s much trouble; I can just use the Gate to pull her from Duke Kamishiro’s mansion.
"I am grateful for your prompt consent. And, after the Baide conference concludes, would you be willing to guide us to Weed, including the ministers I brought from the Empire? Without that, it will be difficult for anyone to truly trust in Weed."
"Ah, I see."
It’s true—the only ones who know that Weed holds the real power are Prince George and George, who crossed blades with us on the front lines, and Carrie and Kagura, who were on our side. To those who don't know, we must look like a very strange group.
"I understand your desire to avoid unnecessary suspicion toward Weed. However, even Princess Carrie, who was on the scene, seemed half-doubting of Weed’s power despite Kagura’s explanations. She even came to me early yesterday morning to ask about it."
I figured as much. If I just went around saying, "I’m way more powerful than you!", no one would believe me. They need proof to back up those words.
"Well, the idea that we can travel back and forth instantly using a Gate probably doesn't even cross their minds."
"Indeed. So, I won't ask for this to be a regular occurrence. But if you judge that there would be no issues, could you guide Prince George, Princess Stasia, Princess Carrie, Duke Kamishiro, and my Empire’s ministers to Weed just this once?"
"I suppose that would be for the best for Weed as well."