第８４９堀：わすれているもの (Part2)
"Rurua, as Seraria says, we can't rule out that possibility. Originally, he was secretly operating behind the scenes, and he boasted such power in Haiden. Even if his initial goals were his sworn enemies, the Hyle Church, Haiden, and Findal, it's unlikely that was all."
Besides, that Aquenoki said something small like he would become the god ruling this New Continent.
It's not strange at all for him to be thinking about subsequent developments.
Well, as I've said many times, his ambition is far too small...
"Indeed, he secretly carried out so many widespread schemes, so it's not surprising he'd be thinking along those lines. If we hadn't been here, I wonder if anyone would have even noticed Aquenoki's ambition in the first place..."
As Rurua said, it's because we were here that things turned out this way, but without us, how far would Aquenoki have extended his influence?
It's doubtful if Kagura and the others would have survived the battle of Baide, and Haiden and Findal might have been plunged into a great war.
Or perhaps, surprisingly, Aquenoki might have easily taken over the world.
Well, that doesn't matter now.
There's no doubt that Aquenoki's ambition has already been crushed.
Meeting us was the end of his luck.
"...You're right. We defeated him so easily that we were caught off guard and became negligent, but his subordinate organizations still remain. There's a good chance he's joined up with them."
"That's right. There's also a possibility he's cooperating with the remnants of the Assembly of Wisdom we just discussed."
"Speaking of which, do we have any information on that? Kirika, have you heard anything?"
As Rurua asked into the void, Kirika swiftly appeared from the darkness.
"My apologies. Our movements as undead are severely restricted on the New Continent... However, with the cooperation of bird monsters, Haiden, Findal, and the Hyle Church, we have tracked his movements."
"Don't be coy. What is Aquenoki doing in the Great Mountain Range?"
At Seraria's words, Kirika immediately spoke.
"Unfortunately, the target has shown no particular movement for the past few months. It seems he's been relentlessly practicing swordsmanship, perhaps intending to re-train himself... but whether that counts as 'movement'..."
"Training, huh?"
"Is he surprisingly diligent?"
"That's a slow and steady approach, especially now. Or perhaps it's his way of showing that he won't easily contact his allies, as he said himself?"
If so, that's quite admirable.
Because he's making us waste so much time.
Truly, his ability to hinder me is first-rate.
"Well, we know there's no movement for now, but his past actions might be related to the current situation. Kirika, please investigate that, mainly concerning the Hyle Church's headquarters and the Assembly of Wisdom. We'll also try to get information from the King and the Archbishop."
"Understood. Leave it to me."
"Sorry to trouble you when you're busy."
"Not at all. This kind of work is our true calling."
With that, Kirika swiftly vanished back into the darkness.
...She's probably using skills to disappear, but she really is like a ninja.
As I was thinking that, Seraria slowly opened her mouth.
"So, the Great Mountain Range, the sea, and Aquenoki. Do you really think they're connected?"
"...I can't say for sure."
"Well, we'll find out soon enough. Even if they're not connected, we can still deal with those annoying people we'd forgotten about, so this works out."
"That's true. It's better than thinking we have two separate problems."
"Indeed. Let's solve these problems one by one. Steadily and surely, as always."
We nodded at Rurua's words.
That's right. It's all we can do.
To steadily gather information, one piece at a time, and deal with things surely.
"Well then, that means tomorrow we'll have to ask Kagura and the others about the Assembly of Wisdom."
"And we'll need an audience with the King of Haiden."
"We also need to hear from Archbishop Enol."
And so, the concrete course of action was laid out.
Aquenoki might be pulling the strings behind the scenes, huh?
Wait, was 'Aquenoki' a name Luna came up with?
What was his real name again...?
"Hey, Seraria, Rurua. Do you remember Aquenoki's real name?"
"Huh? Isn't it Aquenoki?"
"Um, um... wait a moment. I'll remember it now..."
Perhaps what we've truly forgotten is Aquenoki's name.
Has everyone remembered?
The enemy of Yuki and his allies on this continent!
His name is Aquenoki!! ...or rather, his remnants.
Um, what *was* Aquenoki's real name again?