第７７８堀：現状報告 (Part1)
### Chapter 778: Status Report
**Side: Yuki**
*Clatter.*
With that sound, a gun was placed onto the table.
"...It looks like a normal gun at first glance," Taiki-kun said, being the first to speak after seeing the item.
"Even so, while it is a gun, it’s a musket. A very old type, at that," Sota-san and Taizo-san added.
"Indeed. It doesn't appear to be a matchlock, though."
"Wow!! You can really feel the history of firearms in this! You can tell just by the shape that it went through a lot of trial and error."
"Yes, truly. It’s a magnificent piece that lets you feel the progression leading up to modern firearms!"
"...You two. This isn't a real gun, you know? Please, calm down. Seriously."
The ones getting excited were Comet the Lich, Narjia-san who is obsessed with ice, and Zargis, who was just along for the ride.
"Hey now, who are you calling 'along for the ride'? You’re the one who called the Weed technical team, Yuki. I am, for the record, the director of the Weed Technical Research Institute."
"If you're going to call yourself the director, then keep those two in check. Well, Director?"
"What are you asking of me, a researcher at heart? If you need someone to manage subordinates, please appoint a different director."
Impossible. Those two are craftsmen who surpass even Zargis.
One is Comet, a leading expert in magical research and a former Dungeon Master. The other is Narjia-san, the representative of Weed’s Blacksmith District and a specialist in smithing and engraving. Telling these two to stay quiet when shown something rare is synonymous with telling them to stop breathing.
However, since the conversation wouldn't progress this way, I decided to hear the details from John, who had brought the item.
"So, John. Give us a detailed report."
"Understood. Well, I’m sure the documents have already been circulated, but first and foremost, the ones possessing these weapons are the reconstruction support army of the Seasypho Kingdom that appeared at the Haiden border. Is that clear?"
John carefully started with the explanation we already knew, and as everyone nodded...
"Wait a moment. I have a question, John-san."
"Yes? What is it, Narjia-san?"
"How many of the troops are equipped with this weapon?"
"Ah, that’s on the next page, but about one-third of the total force possesses them. Including spares, that would be nearly 4,000."
"Hmm, I see. Then it seems they have succeeded in mass production."
"Yes. That is the most reasonable conclusion."
*Tch.* As I thought, it wasn't just a prototype. If the total number is 4,000, they must have even more in their home country.
"I see. Thank you. Please, continue with the explanation."
"Skipping ahead, the total number of troops that appeared for support is about 10,000. Most are infantry, with cavalry reserved for commanders. Their cargo consists mostly of food and lumber. They are equipped as if they truly intend to support the reconstruction, and they seem to have prepared about 2,000 shovels."
"Hmm. It doesn't look like they have any hostile intent," Taiki-kun concluded after hearing about the army's composition and equipment from John.
The others seemed to agree, nodding along. Well, if the supplies are as described in the documents, that’s the only way to view it.
"Is there a possibility they possess skills like Item Boxes?"
"It’s not impossible, but even if they brought supplies that way, it’s not as if they can be deployed immediately."
"Indeed, as General John says, even if they had other supplies inside an Item Box, it doesn't mean they can be deployed instantly... right?"
I understood Sota-san’s concern, but as John and Taizo-san pointed out, while it’s convenient for personal use, it’s difficult to use for deploying weapons and the like because the deployment speed is slow. As for Item Bags, they can only hold items that fit through the opening, so they aren't suitable for carrying large supplies.
Well, if they had an absurd Item Box on my level, that would be a different story. But if that were the case, rumors would have spread to other countries, and no such talk has reached Haiden. Besides, they don't have enough people to occupy the territory, so the chance of them being hostile is low. After all, they wouldn't be able to maintain control after an occupation.
"And regarding this staff disguised as a gun, in terms of power, it can fire about 30 Fireballs."
"Hmm. With 30 shots, the fact that a soldier who isn't a mage can be treated as one just by holding this is a huge advantage. However, why go through the trouble of using magic in the shape of a gun?"
Taizo-san’s question hit the mark. I don't understand the reason for deliberately making it look like a gun. Well, that’s exactly why I called Comet and Narjia-san here—to investigate such mysteries.
"That’s why I called Narjia-san and the others—to perform a detailed analysis."
"I see. Then, may I join in on that analysis?"
Taizo-san and the others were satisfied with my explanation. Or rather, Taizo-san included himself in that group. I couldn't exactly tell him he didn't need to investigate.
"John. Continue."
"Yes. As I said, based on their equipment and the supplies they brought, unless they are hiding something, we have judged that they have come for reconstruction support. Well, General Steve is keeping a close watch, so if anything abnormal occurs, our current forces can handle it. Also, we have finished setting up a Gate—though we will have to report it to the parents of Diplomat Micos, whose home is located alongside the border territory where the Seasypho reconstruction army is stationed—so the Weed monster army can deploy at any time if necessary."
"So you’ve already blocked off the rear and prepared to support the border count in case something happens. As always, you don't leave any room for carelessness."
"If we were careless, Micos's parents' lives would be at stake. I don't care what happens to the border count, but we won't abandon someone who has cooperated with us."
If the border count happens to be wiped out, and Micos's parents—the Jarma family—get promoted and take over that entire region, it will be easier for us to operate in the future. We’ve already sold them a favor, and we have Micos as a mediator. It’s the best location to launch something against the Seasypho Kingdom.
Actually, land bordering other countries is easy to manipulate. If something happens, we can just use the excuse of "it was the neighboring country." Currently, our established bases in the New Continent—Kagura’s family home in Haiden, the Haiden royal capital, the trading city of Baide, the Findar imperial capital, and the Haire Church headquarters—are all in the heart of their respective countries.
Initially, I thought Baide would be convenient since it faces the border and a lake, but since the other side of the border is Findar, it’s not very meaningful. And for the small countries across the lake, we have to use ships, which makes movement difficult. If we could use Weed’s technology freely, it wouldn't be a problem, but I don't intend to be that conspicuous.
For working in the shadows, the geography of Micos's parents' land is very convenient.
I said that with a clean, noble-sounding justification, but Comet seemed to believe it.
"My, what a lady-killer. If you protect her like that, Micos must be happy."
She said something so completely off the mark that...
"Hah. If the Seasypho Kingdom attacks, the border count will be destroyed, Micos's parents will be promoted for their efforts, and our sphere of influence will expand. That’s the plan."
"Ugh. That’s devious."
"It’s not devious. It’s just common sense. It saves us the time of negotiating with the border count. There’s nothing more convenient than this."