第６８１堀：君に決めた！！ あれ？ 前も言ったか？ (Part1)
**Chapter 681: I Choose You!! Wait? Did I Say That Before?**
**Side: Yuki**
Even after a holiday ends, the work is never finished.
It’s a matter of course, but it’s incredibly troublesome.
"Is it Zilba today?"
"Yes, that’s right. Well, it’s not that we have specific business with King Fionha, but it’s not something we can just ignore and proceed with, either."
Ria and Jessica were the ones speaking beside me.
As they said, we were about to pay a visit to Zilba. It was regarding the matter of the R-Magic Swords.
We intended to conduct our own independent investigation, but we needed to obtain permission to do so.
What a pain.
But more than that...
"Samantha, Agil, did you contact the countries?"
"Yes, yesterday. Chancellor Ronri replied personally, saying they would confirm it immediately."
"We finished that yesterday as well. Prism was free, so we sent a reply saying she would be the one in charge of the investigation."
"In that case, will the confirmation be finished by tomorrow or the day after?"
"I would think so."
"No, it might actually take longer than that. They’ll likely investigate thoroughly with a limited number of people. It would be a huge problem if any were lost during the investigation."
That’s possible. I couldn't deny what Agil was saying.
Since R-Magic Swords had gone missing in August, it wouldn't be strange at all for them to set up a strict system to verify their inventory.
"Speaking of which, what about Zilba, who is at the center of this, Jessica?"
"We’ve sent word. King Fionha said he would conduct the confirmation work personally."
"That sounds a bit over-the-top, doesn't it?"
"They’ve been victims of the R-Magic Sword incident, after all. If they check and find that the R-Magic Swords managed by their own country are missing, it would mean an even greater crisis. So, it’s likely a 'King doing it himself' kind of situation. Well, putting that aside, what about White Forest? Who is handling that side?"
"Ah, another diplomat has already confirmed that."
The official story was that the Holy Sword User Kaya had gone to make contact.
In reality, the entire White Forest region was under the management of the Dungeon, so the surveillance of the R-Magic Swords was flawless. Thus, it was immediately clear that there were no leaks or losses.
Well, it’s not like there are many people who could traverse that dungeon—which Comet had improved, or rather, remodeled—without prior information.
"Alright, then let’s head to Zilba immediately."
"Yes. Time to start work."
"Good luck~"
Dressa and the others stood up as they said that, but—too bad!
"Dressa-chan, today we’re helping out at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
"That’s right. We received a request for reinforcements from Kagura and the others yesterday."
"Well, we haven't worked for six days, so it’s only natural."
"We’ve left it all to them, and Yuki-san also asked us to check on the progress."
"So, Dressa, I’ll leave supporting Kagura and checking the situation to you all."
"Mu... I understand."
"Understood. Please leave it to us."
"Okay."
And so, those heading to Zilba were Ria, Jessica, Cleena, Samantha, Deryu, and, in a surprising turn, Steve.
That guy is popular in Zilba.
"I’m not a mascot to draw in customers, you know."
"Rather than a mascot, wouldn't you say you're a reliable asset?"
"The meaning doesn't really change, boss."
"Well, besides, Steve is easier to bring into the Royal Castle than I am."
Steve’s fame, at least within the Zilba Royal Castle, was higher than mine or my wives'.
Well, he is a very recognizable goblin, after all.
So, when we brought Steve along...
"General Steve! Please, come right in!!"
It was an instant pass.
However, for us...
"Um, I apologize, General Steve, but who are the people behind you...?"
"Ah, uh, they’re Yuki from Weed and the diplomats accompanying him."
"Eh!? Such young people!? I, I am terribly sorry. Please, go right ahead!!"
As you can see, it’s quite common for new soldiers not to know who we are.
That’s exactly why I brought Steve along to avoid unnecessary trouble.
"Come to think of it, Steve."
"What is it?"
"How much do you know about this situation?"
"Ah, you mean the case where a large number of R-Magic Swords in August went missing, right? Is that why we’re here?"
"Yeah. If you know, that’s fine. For now, I intend to convey the results of our visits to the various countries, and then head to Zilba’s combat zone to investigate."
"The combat zone? You mean the conflict between Zilba and the group of small nations?"
"Exactly. I want to show my face there and check the current situation."
"And what will you do after checking?"
"August aside, if the war in Zilba intensifies, it will only delay the intercontinental exchanges and the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If it looked like it would be resolved quickly, I could have ignored it, but with this current incident..."
"Ah, so you're saying that with the leak of the R-Magic Swords, it’s going to drag on?"
"Exactly. For Weed, intervening in this If Continent issue is a great way to earn some favors."
With this, Weed and the Rogari Continent Alliance would be able to hold a massive debt over the If Continent Alliance.
We wouldn't work for free, would we? They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch.
As for August, we performed the grand feat of preventing a coup d'état.
In future negotiations and trade, it should be easier to get our opinions through.
Well, I’ll still conduct things fairly, as it’s obvious that simply stripping the opponent bare would lead to friction between nations later on.
While we were talking about such things, we entered Steve’s office in the Zilba Royal Castle, and...
"You’ve come."
For some reason, King Fionha was there.
No, the Chancellor and the Magic Sword User Air were all present as well.
"Why are you here?"
"Noble sent word. I heard that you were coming today, including regarding that matter, so I ordered them to send a messenger from the gate. Well, I didn't expect you to arrive at this room before us."
King Fionha shrugged his shoulders with a sigh.
"Coming here so quickly... do you view that matter as quite serious?"
"Yes, I do. Ever since that report arrived, I have been conducting the confirmation personally."
"And? Was the result unfavorable?"
"It’s the worst. It turns out the nobles I had been tightening the screws on were the ones leaking them. Five hundred of them. I can’t even laugh at August anymore."
"Why didn't you notice?"
"It’s simple. They were skimming them off the top before the tribute from the small nations could even be stored in the warehouse."
Ah, if that’s the case, then warehouse security wouldn't have helped at all.
"So, what will you do now? I’d like to ask that, but first, let us convey the results of our visits to the various countries."
"Indeed. That is also important. Were you able to secure the safety of the rear?"
"Here."
I handed over the non-aggression pact signed by the kings of the Five Great Powers.
"There is no mistake. I thank you. With this, I can attack to my heart's content. Marly, Mist! Send out the sisters! Suppress those arrogant fools who wield such crafty magic swords!!"
" " "Yes, sir!!" " "
It seemed they had already been prepared to sortie at any moment, and the King issued his orders.