第６３３堀：先の話し合い (Part2)
"Yes. It is highly probable. The conflict with the Kingdom of Lila is currently perceived merely as a diplomatic dispute. The reports of monsters appearing are top-secret; even if such rumors were heard, they wouldn't be taken seriously by the public."
"So, there's a high chance of things getting messy?"
"Indeed. That is precisely why my master and King Heiden wish to hold the multi-national conference at the Heiden Academy of Magic as soon as possible. They want to avoid chaos—or perhaps, flush out the enemy. Fortunately, the misunderstanding between our country and Heiden has been resolved at the leadership level. If anything happens, our two nations will stand together to respond."
"Well, that’s the only good news I’ve heard so far."
"Indeed. Though, with Weed under your command, Lord Yuki, I doubt we would lose even if it came to war. However, relying on you too heavily might lead to... frightening consequences later on."
"Make sure you tell them that. I don't work for free."
"I am well aware. Regardless, if we do not strike at the headquarters of the Haile Church—the ones pulling the strings from the shadows—our future prospects will be grim."
"I know."
It was certain that the Middle-tier God Faction was involved. If I didn't crush them here and they managed to escape, tracking them down later would be a nightmare. While their location was clearly identified, I had to strike the source. After that, only the roots would remain, and I hoped that even if something happened, it wouldn't escalate into a major disaster.
...Honestly. No matter where I went, issues regarding "Paper" always seemed to follow me. And this time, the enemy was the largest religious organization in the region. I suppose I’ve been cursed from the very beginning. After all, I have the "blessing" of a useless, fallen goddess—which is basically a curse in itself.
"But is the Middle-tier God Faction truly hiding within the Haile Church's headquarters?"
"Who knows? Steve and his team are investigating that right now. However, if they’re using the Haile faith as a cover for their worship and operations, there’s no better place than the headquarters. The probability is high."
"True. If one intends to exploit the Haile Church, they would need to hold a position of significant status at the center of the organization."
"Of course, there's a chance we're wrong. That’s why I want to borrow your insight, George."
"In what way?"
"I need to know where else the enemy might be lurking besides the headquarters. There must be other famous cathedrals, right? Based on that, we might figure out how they’re moving against other countries."
"I see. Do you have a map?"
"Will this work?"
At his request, I spread out a map that Luna had previously captured from a satellite orbit.
"Yes, this is perfect. Now then..."
From there, based on George's testimony, we marked the locations of influential churches that could serve as potential hideouts or escape routes, preparing for future complications.
As we worked, I noticed something. Looking at the progression of past incidents, I realized there was a commonality between the current situation and the events of five hundred years ago.
"Come to think of it, George... the other two major powers besides Findar and Heiden are the ones facing the western sea, right?"
"Yes. Only one directly borders it, but the other has a vassal state on the coast, so for all intents and purposes, they both have access to the sea."
"Right. I just realized that both now and in the past, the incidents always start in the East. Can we really call that a coincidence?"
"Well, one might say it's a coincidence, or perhaps they are following prece... dent..."
George's eyes sharpened as he realized what I was implying.
"Five hundred years ago, the Demon Lord—or rather, the Dungeon Master—appeared in the East, and the gods of the Middle-tier Faction who opposed him were in the West. And now, they are tracing that same path. Are you suggesting their true objective lies in the western nations?"
"It’s a hypothesis. Tell me, what’s the state of the country where Souta and his companions defeated Lord Paper?"
"...That land is celebrated as the place where the Goddess Haile was born and manifested. Today, it houses a Grand Cathedral second only to the headquarters."
"I’ve always wondered why that place didn't become the headquarters in the first place."
"It was a fierce battlefield, for one. And it was deemed to be located too far to the west."
"I see. In that case, it wouldn't be strange for something to be happening there. It’s a perfect location for funneling information to the western factions."
"...Indeed. But could it really be that simple?"
"I don't think it's simple either, but we can't afford not to check, can we?"
"True. I will gather information regarding that area—the Cupel Grand Cathedral."
"Please do."
Well, either way, striking the headquarters should yield some kind of information. The rest depended on Steve and his team's efforts.
"Ah, I need to let them know the princesses are coming along."
They’re going to hate that.
But it’s part of the job. Good luck, guys.
As Yuki prepared to receive the princesses and discussed the future of the new continent with George, he reaffirmed that the situation was even more dire than he had thought.
Now, how would Yuki resolve this crisis?