第７７８堀：現状報告 (Part2)
"Well, I understand the logic, but don't tell Mikos. She’d be absolutely devastated."
"No, I understand that much. Naturally, the strategy was formulated with Mikos's feelings in mind."
There is a benefit to us, of course, but it’s also about ensuring Mikos can live with peace of mind as she continues to associate with us in Weed. It’s impossible for someone to continue working as a diplomat when their family home has been completely wiped out.
Furthermore, it’s convenient for us if she continues her diplomatic duties, so we’re grateful for that. While I say it’s for Mikos’s sake, in the end, it’s for Weed’s benefit as well.
"Anyway, I’ve digressed. The gate construction is complete, and as Comet suggested, we are currently on standby so that we can move immediately in the event of an emergency..."
"That is the current situation I can report. Beyond that, our next moves will depend on the actions of the Seasypho Kingdom and the results of the analysis on this 'pseudo-gun'."
John took over and finished the report. Once he exited the room, it was time for the technicians to have their fun.
"Well, I still have work to do, so may I leave the investigation to you?"
"Yeah, I’ll contact you as soon as we find out anything."
Only Taizo-san gave me that reply, while the others...
"Hmm. This is interesting... wait!? Whoa!"
"Why on earth would they make it look like a gun?"
"It’s quite a crude tool for firing magic. Regardless, we have permission to take it apart, so let’s start by dismantling it and grasping the internal structure."
Zargis had been pushed aside, while Narjia-san and Comet were completely absorbed in their new toy. It was a foregone conclusion, but Zargis, you really are a director in name only.
Still, since he was helped up by Taizo-san and immediately went back to helping with the analysis, Zargis is a respectable technician—or rather, a researcher. He’s the type who is endlessly curious about the unknown.
"Whoa..."
"Haha, the ladies are quite energetic."
Taiki-kun looked taken aback at the sight, while Souta-san smiled with the composure of an adult.
"Alright, Taiki-kun, Souta-san, let’s leave this to the researchers and go plan our future countermeasures."
"Agreed."
"That would be for the best."
With that, we decided to head back to the command room. There was no point in us staying there; the researchers would analyze the pseudo-gun on their own, and it would be more efficient for us to focus on our own strategies.
As we walked, Taiki-kun spoke up.
"So, what are we going to do in the end? Just wait and see?"
"That’s the plan. Even if they possess real guns, we can’t recognize any hostile intent yet. You can’t treat someone as a criminal just because they’re carrying a self-defense weapon."
"That’s the most troublesome part. Well, the fortunate thing is that it’s just a gun that fires magic."
As Souta-san said, it was a relief that it only fired magic. A single shot like that wouldn't be fatal. For now, the threat level is low.
"For the time being, Kagura and the others can rest easy."
"You’re kind, aren't you? You went out of your way not to let them participate in the briefing earlier."
"Indeed. As a relative, I am grateful."
"It’s not like there was anything they could do even if they heard it. Especially Mikos; she turned pale just hearing that a gun might have been brought in. I heard her family home is nearby. If I put any more burden on her, she’ll collapse."
"Are you concerned about Kagura collapsing?"
"Of course. As someone older and in a position of authority, that would have been a complete failure on my part."
I won't make the same mistake twice.
"John. Ensure the protection of the Jama household is solid."
As I said that, John appeared from around the corner of the hallway.
"I’m already on it. I can respond immediately if anything happens."
"Good. Then, let’s inform everyone waiting for the report—especially Mikos and the others—to put their minds at ease."
"Understood."
Though, that only applies to "now." Enemies who pretend to be allies are the truly troublesome ones. No matter how you look at it, sending 10,000 troops just for the sake of reconstruction aid to another country is abnormal. They must have an agenda. If we don't uncover it as soon as possible, things will get messy.
"Taiki-kun, Souta-san, I’m counting on you as well."
"Yes, I don't mind, but... is this really okay? Aren't you taking this a bit too seriously?"
"I don't know what kind of situation might arise. I want to secure Mikos’s family home. That’s my own calculation. Would you call that kindness?"
"Ah... I see."
Taiki-kun closed his mouth, seemingly satisfied with my answer. It’s a calculation. That wouldn't be called kindness. But even knowing my true intentions, Souta-san...
"It is kindness. There are plenty of ways to act without worrying so much about Mikos-kun. Taking actions that consider the feelings of Mikos-kun and the others—that looks like kindness to me. But if you say otherwise, Yuki-dono, then I suppose that’s how it is. The human heart is a difficult thing, isn't it?"
He followed along with a gentle smile.
...Tch, I really don't like that old man.
Yes, this is just to make our future activities on the new continent easier. It’s so we don't end up making enemies...
The Weed technical team is springing into action!!
Will the mad scientists uncover the secrets of the gun!!
And how will Weed move based on the information John brought back?
What about Mikos’s family home?
Well, someone please spare a thought for Zargis?