第８６７堀：任務終了と (Part1)
The mission was over.
Side: Dressa
"…And so, we've come to an agreement with the Sea Siphon side."
We, the Sea Siphon Sea Area Exploration Fleet, had been informed of the results of Yuki's discussions with the Sea Siphon higher-ups. In short, the current job was finished for now. There were no particular problems, and I had successfully completed this mission.
"Fuu."
I let out a sigh of relief. I had been trusted by Yuki and had safely accomplished the mission assigned to me. However, no unforeseen circumstances had occurred, and I still felt I had much to learn from this experience. I was keenly aware that this mission had been accomplished without a hitch solely due to Yuki's thorough planning and the excellent subordinates he had.
"The remaining tasks are to continue recovering supplies, such as personal effects from the sunken ship, and deliver them to Sea Siphon, and to conduct detailed surveys of the sea area."
"Understood."
It seemed the salvage work on the sunken ship would continue from now on. Well, since Shira-chan and the Sahagins would be the main ones doing the recovery, my job would primarily be in the command room, creating documents. It was a bit disheartening, but there was no helping it.
As I was thinking this, Viria asked a question.
"Onii-sama. The hostile monsters in this sea area have been eliminated, but what about the issue of monsters from the outer ocean flowing into the Blue Hole area due to the barrier created by Hiren-sama when it was turned into a dungeon?"
"That is still classified. However, there are no monsters that specifically attack people, so there's no need to discuss it. The Sea Siphon side has just resolved the monster attacks, so I've decided there's no need to stir up trouble."
"I understand."
I see. So, Yuki's policy was to ignore the monsters that had entered the Blue Hole sea area by crossing Hiren's barrier, as they posed no actual threat. Well, as Yuki said, there was no point in being wary of monsters that didn't attack us.
"Besides, the barrier is close to the original shipping lanes, so transport ships likely encountered monsters even before. Even if the encounter range changes by a few kilometers now, it's within the margin of error."
Indeed, on the sea, a boundary without a clear landmark would be difficult to discern, and a few kilometers would be within the range of error.
"In relation to that, in the dungeon built in the Blue Hole, Comet and Egil have begun various investigations, and many unknown monsters have been discovered. Currently, their levels are generally low, and their status is not problematic, but we don't yet know what abilities they possess. Therefore, exercise caution when approaching them for surveys or research. Shira-chan and the others will likely be the ones approaching them the most."
Caution was necessary there. Unknown monsters were extremely troublesome, so I should make sure to gather and update information on them. I recalled that Comet and Egil's report today also contained information on new monster species.
"I wonder if those strange fish are delicious?"
"Hiiro. Make sure Comet and the others examine them before you eat them."
"Yes, Onii-sama, leave it to me. Hiiro won't eat anything without proper examination. Hiiro only eats delicious things."
"Haha, is that so? If you find any delicious fish, let me know."
"Yes. I'll let you eat the most delicious fish in this sea, Onii-sama."
"Thank you."
…Hiiro was talking about something strange, but in reality, Hiiro was very curious and would try to eat the fish she sent as specimens. And, regrettably, they were surprisingly delicious.
"Well, like Hiiro, if you can investigate which ones are edible, it will be helpful for future fishing. If you have time, please also research how to prepare them."
"Understood."
"Understood! I'll make a dish that will make Onii-sama happy!"
Viria seemed to have completely forgotten her current position in response to Yuki's words. Sigh…
"Viria, your priority is the escort mission for the Sea Siphon fleet. Don't spend too much time on cooking."
"Well, take it easy. Speaking of the Sea Siphon fleet, I was reminded of it. While it's not a long voyage, how are the Sea Siphon marines doing? The results were surprisingly anticlimactic, are there any problems?"
Yuki, reminded of Viria and Hiiro's duties by my words, asked them, but…
"No, there are no particular problems. Everyone is kind to us, and they are working diligently."
"Yes. Hiiro's side is the same. That's why Hiiro works hard to help, but everyone else works even harder!"
"Is that so? That's good. Well, we showed them our strength beforehand, so there were no issues in that regard."
That's right, this Sea Siphon fleet was the same one we had a… no, a mock battle with before, the Third Fleet. Because of that, they didn't doubt our strength, so there were no particular problems. Although, in reality, they were so bored that they kept challenging Viria and Hiiro to combat training and were repeatedly defeated.
"So, never mind us, what are you guys going to do now? Are you going to the Gushudo Kingdom to pursue the Magic Gear?"
"No, Sea Siphon is not yet stable. There are also procedures for joining the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, so we'll be busy with that for a while. In the meantime, we'll also conduct internal investigations of the Magic Gear."
"I see."
Indeed, since coming here, various things had happened, and it hadn't been calm at all. If Sea Siphon was to join the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, the appropriate procedures would be necessary. That's why it was a temporary suspension.
"And, since the first objective has been completed, we'll take a break, a holiday. Everyone, rest well for all your hard work. Oh, and we're having a celebration for the successful mission today, so gather at my home at 8 o'clock."
"““Yes!””"
"Well then, let's finish up the small details now so we can enjoy today's celebration and holiday."
We replied to Yuki's words. Finally, I could return to Weed. I had spent nearly a month at sea, so I really missed Weed. After that, we discussed some minor details about the fleet's replenishment, and the meeting concluded.
"““……””"
After watching Yuki and the others leave the conference room, the three of us…
"““Hooray!!””"
We cheered and rejoiced together.
"We did it! Yuki said the mission was complete!"
"Yes. He said we worked hard!"
"I was able to help Onii-sama!!"
That's right. For the first time, I had completed a task assigned to me by Yuki in a formal capacity. Until now, it had been like helping out, such as cleaning the guild, temporary guarding, or working as a temporary employee in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But this time, for the first time, I operated an aircraft carrier as captain, functioned as the core of the overall operation, and succeeded in the operation. This was what made me happiest. Although I had received extensive preparations, even so… I finally felt that I had become someone who could support Yuki.