第７９９堀：頑張る時 (Part2)
"Yes. That goes without saying. Dressa shouldn't be foolish enough to devise a reckless strategy, so it’s only natural to dismiss such concerns in times like these."
...As expected, that wasn't enough to earn their full approval. Still, I had been recognized as the person in charge. From here on out, I just needed to do my best.
"That is how it is. You all need to calm down as well. I didn't make this personnel selection without careful thought. If you intend to exclude her, then you would also have to be excluded for being just as green as she is."
"Understood!"
"Now then, we will continue our research on the monsters. We need every bit of information we can get. Would you mind staying with us a little longer?"
With that, despite some minor friction with General Lake's subordinates, we managed to avoid any real trouble and continued our research until nearly evening, though we didn't yield any promising results.
"I suppose land monsters and sea monsters are indeed different. I apologize for not being of much help."
"Not at all. It is more than enough that we were able to understand the ecology of some fish-type monsters that bear a slight resemblance."
General Lake said this as he showed me the printed-out monster encyclopedia. The species looked like a carnivorous fish, similar to a piranha. It was the kind of creature that existed even without being a "monster." However, these were strictly river or lake monsters, and they seemed different from those in the sea. The subtle lack of enthusiasm in General Lake's expression was proof enough.
"The monsters we are dealing with have a bit more bulk. These seem small in comparison."
"Well, the environments are different, after all."
"It is a difficult matter. However, looking at the descriptions in this encyclopedia, there are some similarities in their behavior, so having this information is certainly better than having none at all. I am grateful. Originally, I had only hoped to reach Haiden and request cooperation."
General Lake was kind to say so, but I still felt like I was forgetting something. I was convinced that if I could just look into *that*, I could find a way forward, but for the life of me, I couldn't remember what "that" was. I wondered if I should just call it a day and hope it came to me by tomorrow, but something kept nagging at me. I had a feeling that the answer was right here. As I was feeling restless, the conversation between Hiiro and the others drifted into my ears.
"Hey, Vilia-onee-san. I want to eat sushi today."
"What’s brought this on all of a sudden?"
"Well, it's because I saw the fish encyclopedia!"
"Tuna, flounder... they looked so delicious!!"
"I see. Shall we go out for dinner tonight?"
"That sounds good. Everyone is busy today, so eating out would be..."
"Ah, that's it!!"
"Eek!?"
The fish encyclopedia!! That was it!!
"What is it, Dressa? You suddenly raised your voice. Did you notice something?"
"Yes. Hiiro's conversation gave me an idea. If it's not in the monster encyclopedia, then it must be in the fish encyclopedia! Monsters are generally classified into two types, aren't they? One type is when ordinary creatures accumulate a certain amount of magical power and transform into monsters."
This has even been confirmed in people—the Demon race. Yuki understood immediately when I said just that...
"And the other type is said to occur naturally from pools of magical power. If that's the case, based on what General Lake told us..."
"Exactly. Since they don't seem to deviate too far from fish, I'm sure they are the type that transformed from fish into monsters. Therefore..."
"I see. I understand what you are getting at, Lady Dressa. You mean that if we look at a fish encyclopedia, we might find the prototype for these monsters."
"That's right, General Lake. So, Hiiro, lend me that fish encyclopedia!"
"Aww... but the sushi..."
"Sushi comes later!"
I saw a glimmer of light! With that, we were ready to...
"No, I understand your enthusiasm, but let's have a meal first. I'm looking forward to Weed's food."
"Indeed. Let's take a break for now. I understand your drive, Dressa, but it's also important to manage the physical condition of those around you. Of course, there are times when you have to push through without resting, but right now, we can afford a break."
"Understood. In that case, everyone, let's go for sushi!"
"Yay!!"
We'll eat well, and then get back to work!
Can Dressa really pull this off? It was meant as a joke, but since Dressa's position is convenient, Yuki decided to promote her to the person in charge, trusting in her motivation! Though, of course, there's always an ulterior motive.
And immediately, she produces results. If it's not in the monster encyclopedia, why not just look at a fish encyclopedia?!
***
By the way, I've received a few questions in the comments asking, "Why can the people of the New Continent understand the language and writing of Weed?"
It's a bit late, but I'll answer that here. In "Chapter 479: The Start of the Visit, the Language Barrier, and...", we provided translation skill rings to the VIPs. The same goes for the New Continent members. You all forgot about that, didn't you? They aren't actually speaking the same language; they have translation tools.
Well then, until next time.