第７９２堀：霧の華 (Part2)
"They frequently sneak into Weed, which always results in search requests being filed from Roday," I remarked.
"Well, I suppose we've grown used to it. King Blade’s antics have become a staple, a local attraction of sorts. But more importantly, it seems General Lake has arrived in Weed."
As we spoke, the General had safely passed through the gate and arrived in Weed. Following close behind, Yuki and his escorts also made their entrance.
"Yes, that’s right. I’ve confirmed that everyone has passed through the gate safely. As for immigration, I’ve sent our subordinates to handle it. Is that acceptable?"
"That would be for the best. Forcing them to deal with an immigration officer who clearly looks like a monster right off the bat would only invite trouble."
"Then everything is proceeding as planned. Still, even that General seems surprised by the reality of gate travel."
"That is to be expected. No matter how much he tries to maintain a calm facade, one cannot help but be shocked when experiencing unknown technology firsthand. If he weren't surprised, one would have to assume he already knew of the technology, much like you, Master."
With those words, I turned my back on the monitor and headed out of the room.
"I’ll be heading out as well."
"Understood. Please, be careful."
"I will. Thank you."
Now, given the nature of this opponent, I must take action myself. After all, this is a General from a nation that possesses pseudo-firearms. He is the individual Yuki has been most wary of to date.
...If the worst comes to pass, I will carry out my duty to neutralize him, even if it means defying Yuki’s orders. That is my job. Resolving myself, I...
"Welcome, we have been expecting you. I serve as the landlady of this inn. My name is Kirika."
With that greeting, I welcomed Yuki and General Lake.
"Indeed. I shall be in your care for a while."
"Well then, Landlady, please show us to our room."
"Certainly. Please, this way."
This inn is one of the high-end establishments I manage for the purpose of gathering intelligence. The basic rule in Weed is that visitors from a new country stay here first. Ostensibly, this is to help them acclimate to Weed’s culture and to determine whether they prefer Western or Japanese-style accommodations so we can guide them to a more suitable lodging later.
Behind the scenes, of course, this is also a place to carefully discern whether the guests are enemies of Weed. Guests judged to be of high risk are placed under increased surveillance. Though, simply speaking of future ambitions isn't enough to trigger heightened monitoring; everyone has their own aspirations, after all.
Often, when people live in an environment so drastically different from their own, even temporarily, they let their guard down and speak their true thoughts once they are in the privacy of their own rooms, away from prying eyes. General Lake and his escorts seem genuinely stunned by the level of technology in Weed. Well, considering the standards of Hayden or Findall in the New Continent, that is a natural reaction. There has never been a visitor who wasn't surprised.
Lost in these thoughts, we arrived at the room.
"This is the 'Bell Room,' which will be your quarters, General Lake... but..."
"Hm? Is something the matter?"
"No, it is just rare for guests to request that their escorts stay in the same room. I was merely checking if this was truly what you desired."
"Ah, I see. I suppose that is normal. However, Landlady, no special consideration is needed. This is my first visit to Weed, and there are many things that have left me quite startled. I feel more at ease with my subordinates nearby."
"Understood. Please do not hesitate to ask if you require separate rooms later. The room next door is currently vacant."
He is a man of significant caution. But that caution is meaningless in the face of Weed’s power.
"Indeed. I shall keep that in mind. Now, Yuki, regarding the tour of Weed..."
"Ah, let’s hold off on that until you’ve had a chance to rest in your room. My apologies, I have some preparations to attend to as well. Let’s say, in about an hour? If you need anything, please tell the landlady here, and she will relay the message to me."
"Understood. To be honest, I am a bit overwhelmed by everything I have experienced today. I appreciate the time."
"In that case, would you prefer to skip the tour today and simply relax here?"
"No, I am eager to see things and hear your explanations, so I would appreciate the tour today as well."
"I see. Then, let us allow some time. In two hours, when that clock..."
It seems General Lake has already grasped how to read the clock. The conversation concluded without issue, Yuki and the General parted ways, and I followed Yuki as he departed.
"Make sure you show no disrespect."
"Yes."
"And with that, we begin the surveillance."
"Understood."
And so, I entered the command room attached to the inn alongside Yuki. It has been a while since I felt like I was working as Yuki’s hands and feet, and it makes me very happy!
Kirika may not seem to have much screen time, but she actually appears in every chapter conducting intelligence activities. Like Steve and the others, she is a reliable character.
So, even if she is an SR in the game, please use her!!
But setting that aside, the extraordinary level of General Lake. What will be revealed from this point on?