第８４８堀：影の情報収集 (Part1)
Chapter 848: Shadow Information Gathering
Shadow Information Gathering
Side: Kirika
*Rustle.*
The sound of paper rubbing echoed in the room.
Outside, the setting sun was already being swallowed by the horizon.
As it had grown quite dim, I stopped reviewing the documents and went to turn on a light.
How careless of me. With my night vision, I tend to assume it's normal to see clearly even in the dark.
Now, as I reread the report...
"...Hmm. Is this all we have for now?"
Such words slipped out unintentionally.
"My apologies."
"No, I phrased that poorly. You've done well to gather this much information in such a short time. I will report this to Master. You, as always, will manage the mansion."
"Understood."
I have entrusted the subordinate who brought the report with the management of what is currently the Weed Embassy in Seasifo.
Well, since it hasn't been officially recognized as an embassy, it would be better to call it simply a rented house.
"How careless of me. It seems I get a little flustered when Master comes to hear a report."
I muttered this, gazing at the door my subordinate had exited through.
The report itself is well-done.
It's commendable for the short amount of time given.
However, it's still not enough information for what Master desires.
I feel dissatisfied that it's not perfect enough to fully satisfy Master.
Well, Master wouldn't expect such unreasonable things from us.
How careless of me. I'm going in circles. I should change my mindset.
Thinking this, I looked out the window and saw that the sun had already set, and darkness had fallen.
"...But the sun has already set. They should know it's quite dangerous to return on a night road... Or perhaps Seasifo intends to keep them at the castle?"
Currently, Master has returned from the aircraft carrier Lilishe and is reporting the progress to Queen Emerald.
Well, given the nature of the content, I didn't expect it to end quickly, but I'm very worried about Master and the others being in that barbaric castle for so long.
Considering the national power, they should have bowed their heads and come to our mansion to hear the discussion, but Master deliberately went there.
...Haa, he's too soft in these situations. Well, it is Master's hobby to act humble like this and then relentlessly pick apart their flaws later.
And from a diplomatic standpoint, it's certainly not wrong. It can lead to favorable outcomes later and suppress the opponent's resentment.
The problem with this method is that if they're underestimated, they'll be taken advantage of completely, but that has been dispelled by demonstrating the difference in power at the beginning, so there shouldn't be an issue, but I'm still worried.
"Master often takes on too many troublesome burdens."
He often says it's to gain smooth cooperation, but I believe there are many unnecessary things involved.
Even this time, Master didn't need to go himself; Comet or Agil could have explained... No, if Zargis had gone to explain, it would have been sufficient.
There's also the matter of accompanying those troublesome brats, Kagura and the others, but that's something Kagura and the others should handle themselves.
Those troublesome brats always think Master will help them. They just take advantage of Master's kindness and act spoiled.
If they could at least be of intimate service to Master, it would still be fine, but they even hesitate to do that.
In the first place, they kidnapped Aslin and Sakura...
*CRACK!!*
"Ah, how careless of me. I must calm down. That kidnapping incident has been resolved. I cannot hinder Master."
If I were to question Kagura's responsibility, I should have taken precautions to avoid such a summoning in the first place.
...In other words, at that time, I couldn't prevent the kidnapping that was Kagura's summoning. It's merely out of frustration and regret over that failure that I call Kagura and the others "troublesome brats."
...Calm down. I am Master's eyes and ears.
Kagura and the others are necessary for Master's future actions, and by extension, for us Weed to move forward.
Even if Master isn't inclined, we need him to tame that troublesome woman.
Well, it's not as if Master wouldn't cherish them after using them.
Anyway, putting that aside, I need to contact my subordinate who has infiltrated the castle.
On the call map, they still appear to be in the Queen's office.
"...Can you hear me? How is Master...?"
"Yes, the report has just concluded, and they are about to return."
"I see. Was the report delivered without incident?"
"Yes. The Queen occasionally tilted her head at General Lake's report, but it was fortunate that Master, Comet, and Agil accompanied him to explain. The report would have been much more difficult with General Lake alone."
"That's to be expected. There's nothing more incomprehensible for the listener than someone who doesn't understand explaining something they don't understand. Master's decision to report directly instead of just using the radio was not mistaken."
"...Yes, I think that was good. By the way, was it really alright to lend them a radio? The moment they saw that device, which allows immediate contact with distant people, the eyes of the Seasifo people changed color."
"If they don't even realize its importance, then this country isn't worth saving. As you say, there is a risk that they will be wary of the technology, but at this point, what does it matter? If they choose to be hostile to us over something like this, then so be it. In the first place, we provide these as hotlines to all allied nations."
Indeed, radios are currently lent out to all allied nations.
Of course, we are allowed to eavesdrop.
"Understood. If the Chief says so, then it must be so. It was an unnecessary worry on my part."
"No, please don't forget that cautiousness. Now, if Master is returning, please tell them I will prepare dinner."
"Understood. I will continue to guard Master."
Now, I must prepare the report and dinner.
Well, it's actually a meal for the doppelgangers, but I can't cut corners.
"I'm back, everyone."
"Yes. Welcome home."
I said this and bowed to Master, who had returned from Seasifo's royal castle.
"Kirika, you should have come back to Weed with us to eat dinner."
"Aslin, I have work to do. Please understand that."
Aslin pouting is very cute.
And if I were allowed, I would also like to spend time with my sisters, but that's not possible.
"Aslin. Don't be so selfish. Kirika has a lot to do here too."
"That's right. Unlike us, Kirika isn't here as a doppelganger."
Labyris and Shera pacified Aslin with wry smiles.
"Mmm, work, huh? Hey, Big Brother, can't Kirika and the others get some time off?"
"That's right. Then we could eat together."
How kind they are!!
As expected of my sisters!
"Indeed. Kirika could use some time to relax. How about we take a break soon?"
"Understood. Thank you very much."
Master is also kind, as expected, and encourages me to take a break.
I'm looking forward to my next day off.