第６７９堀：嫌な事実 (Part1)
Chapter 679: Unpleasant Facts
Side: Yuki
The meeting, which had been nearing a peaceful conclusion, was suddenly rocked by a bombshell.
"Inis! Very well. What happened?"
"Hah!! I report!! Regarding the warehouse where the mass-produced magic swords were stored, upon inspection, we discovered they had been swapped for ordinary swords!!"
" " "What!?" " "
Well, the situation was simple and clear. The flow of this "flag-retrieval" was almost too perfect.
First, King August hears about the Zilba Empire’s problems from me. Then, King August notes that the management of mass-produced magic swords requires caution. We chat a bit more, and just as we’re about to wrap things up... a soldier arrives, reporting that the mass-produced magic swords are nothing but ordinary blades.
The timing was so deliberate, including the pause to let the tension build, that it felt almost like a comedic skit—if it weren't so infuriating. Honestly, this might be a harder blow for us than it is for King August and his court. We’re the ones who have to send out notifications to every nation and start our own independent investigation.
"Explain in detail."
"Hah!! Today, per the Chancellor's orders, a confirmation of supplies was conducted, and our unit was tasked with verifying the mass-produced magic swords. When we opened the crates to check the contents, we noticed the shape of the swords did not match the illustrations, and we reported it immediately. We are still confirming how many have been replaced. Please await further reports."
"Is there any possibility that you simply mistook them for something else?"
"That is highly unlikely. The hilts of the swords lacked the embedded gemstones; they were merely ordinary steel."
That’s a difference impossible to mistake. To think they would pull off such a blatant swap...
"I see. Inis."
"Hah."
"Immediately, along with Master Feigel, seal the site and take over the handover of the verification process. See it with your own eyes, and bring me the evidence."
"As you command. Then, excuse me. Master."
"Hah. Cleena. Son-in-law. Principal. Everyone, I apologize that we could not finish our discussion, but please excuse me."
"Don't worry about it, Master."
"Indeed. Now, soldier, can you guide me?"
"Hah!! This way!!"
Given the gravity of the situation, Princess Inis and old man Feigel are taking command to investigate the scene. I should have someone infiltrate as well.
『Kirika, can you hear me?』
『Yes, I hear you. However, aren't you in the middle of a meeting?』
『A problem has occurred. The mass-produced magic swords have gone missing. Whether it's just one or a large quantity, Princess Inis and Feigel are on their way to check. Infiltrate and verify the situation yourself.』
『Understood.』
I had Kirika waiting at a safe house in the August castle town, but I’ve redirected her to investigate the magic swords. As I was handling that, Labyris leaned in and whispered to me.
"Hey. Isn't the area beneath August's castle already turned into a dungeon? Why isn't it being monitored?"
"In August's case, it's only the castle town. Because of the connections with Hifie and Ex, we left it at the minimum scope."
"Ah, that's right, I remember now."
"Besides, we already handed over the monitoring of the If Continent to Noble of Ex."
If we didn't, Steve and his crew would die of overwork.
"Hm? Did something happen with Ex?"
It seems my conversation with Labyris leaked over to King August.
"No. Even if they are transporting the magic swords somewhere, we should do everything in our power to prevent them from flowing into Zilba."
"That goes without saying."
"It could be perceived that August is supporting the small nations currently at war with Zilba."
"Ah, I see. So that's why you mentioned the Kingdom of Ex. You mean to seal the borders?"
"Yes. There is a possibility that the Duke's faction did something, and it would be bad if we didn't act after learning of this situation."
"You're right. I will contact the borders immediately..."
*Phew*, I managed to deflect that. I didn't say anything wrong, so it should be fine. With that, it was probably best for us to leave for now.
"King August. I apologize for the intrusion, but it would be inappropriate for us to remain here any longer, and we cannot continue our discussion. We shall take our leave for today."
"Ah, I see. Yes, that is for the best."
And so, we returned to our guest quarters.
"So, what now? The things we needed to discuss are mostly finished, right?"
Labyris asked while flopping onto the bed, but Aslin and the others answered before I could.
"But, Labyris-chan, they were talking about 'magic swords'?"
"It seems the mass-produced magic swords have been leaked."
"Good grief... everything is falling apart."
Exactly. A new problem has emerged. The issue of the mass-produced magic swords. Like Shera, I have a headache.
"Hey, Jessica. Can we consider our business in August finished for now?"
"Yes. As Ria said, the problems in August are, for the most part, resolved. Next is the issue of the magic swords. Originally, this is an internal problem for August, and we wouldn't necessarily need to share in the hardship, but..."
"It’s highly likely to become an obstacle to intercontinental exchange, and since the Zilba Empire is already in an uproar over these swords, it would be bad if we didn't handle it."
"...That said, we can't exactly track mass-produced magic swords within August, can we? What do you intend to do?"
Agil asked, looking at me.
"For now, we notify all relevant parties. Especially Noble, with more detail. But looking at how things have played out so far, is that Duke just a decoy?"
"A decoy?"
"Yes. Using that Duke as a decoy to secure the mass-produced magic swords, perhaps."
"Why go to such lengths?"
"Who knows? It's just a guess for now. But if you were looking to bolster your military strength, wouldn't it be better to secure the magic swords than to rely on Duke Fool?"
No matter how you look at it, letting Duke Fool hold full authority only leads to more damage, and it's impossible for a commander to manage everything himself. It's safe to assume that his subordinates in logistics are the ones moving. If this was done under Duke Fool's direct orders, he’d be a formidable man, but given his attitude toward us envoys, that's highly unlikely. Besides, he was defeated by us, and now the leak of the magic swords has been exposed. If this was his plan, his attempt to bolster his forces has already hit a dead end.
"Hmm. Well, I agree that securing the magic swords is more important than the Duke."
As Agil said that, the others nodded. It seems they all agree that the magic swords are a more valuable asset than that fool.
"Alright, I'm going to contact Noble now. Jessica, you and the others notify the other nations."
" " "Understood." " "
"Labyris, Kagura, keep a perimeter. It's unlikely anyone is eavesdropping, but if there are people trying, capture them."
" " "Yes." " "
I gave the orders and contacted the administrator of this place.
"Hello. This is Yuki."
『Yes, this is Noble.』
"Are you free right now?"
『Yes, no problem. I'm in the office. So, how is it in August? Did it go well?』