第８８６堀：その前にやるべきこと (Part2)
"Let's see. If we're talking about people capable of conducting an investigation, that would be Comet, Agil, Taizo, or Zargis..."
Seraria said this while casting her gaze toward us, the technical staff...
"No, I'm afraid that's impossible for me. I have meeting preparations to handle, not to mention the wedding preparations," I quickly interjected, making it clear that I couldn't do it.
There is absolutely no way I can take on any more work. The wedding, which is practically the centerpiece of this conference, is just around the corner. It is completely unthinkable for me to be absent on the day of the event due to work.
"You're right, Agil is out of the question. Naturally, the members participating in the wedding at this Intercontinental Exchange Conference, as well as the diplomats, are all unavailable. That leaves..."
As Seraria said this, her eyes landed on someone.
"To start with, how about Zargis as the lead investigator?"
"Me!?"
"Why are you so surprised? By process of elimination, it has to be you. Agil is tied up with the wedding, Comet is monitoring the seas of Sea-Cypher, and Taizo-san is busy with the affairs of the Hifie Holy Kingdom. As for Narjia-san..."
"Wait, did you just say something wrong at the end?"
"Don't be silly. Narjia-san is completely absorbed in doll-making."
Ah, that's right. There was that project to create dolls as special products for each nation. She's been buried in that, hasn't she?
"So, Zargis is officially on the team. Give it up. Besides, think of it as a bit of long-overdue exercise—be happy about it."
"Going to Dragon Mountain, where dragons are flying about as if it were nothing... you can't possibly call that 'just exercise'..."
Zargis said, his shoulders slumping. I understand how he feels, but I need him to hang in there. It’s for the sake of our happy wedding.
"Now, as for the combat support members..."
Well, this is the real problem. Zargis is available, so that's settled, but the combat personnel...
"In that case, we'll go! I've already left the police force in Poni's hands, so I can go without any issues."
"I can go as well. Poni has a capable deputy, after all."
"...Yes, I can go too."
Riel, Tori, and Kaya stepped forward to volunteer. While these three aren't exactly "free," they are certainly in a position to move. The police station already has successors capable of handling things.
"Is there anyone else?"
"..."
Yuki asked, but as expected, no one else volunteered. Everyone else is genuinely busy, after all.
"Then, I'll..."
"Absolutely not."
Yuki's suggestion was shot down instantly. That was only natural. Yuki is the linchpin of this Intercontinental Exchange Conference; we can't have him doing something so dangerous.
"Come on, if Riel and the others are going to do something dangerous, how can I just leave them to it and do nothing?"
"Don't be foolish. We’ll obviously provide them with all the support they need. We're even authorizing the use of Narjia's equipment this time. In the worst-case scenario, we're keeping the option of erasing Dragon Mountain entirely on the table."
"That's a bit extreme, isn't it?"
"It's better than having the Intercontinental Exchange Conference and the wedding ruined. Well, I’d prefer to keep things as peaceful as possible since we need information on the magical depletion phenomenon. Or what? Are you saying you don't care if Riel and the others perish?"
"That's not it at all. Riel and the others are precious to me. That's exactly why I'm saying I should go with them! Besides, thinking about having Zargis as the only one guarding my wives... that just feels wrong, doesn't it?"
"Yeah, you've got a point."
"Wait a minute!! I'm the one doing the investigation, I'm the one who needs protecting!?"
Zargis shouted, but I have to agree with Yuki. I'm worried about Riel and the others. As fellow wives, they are very dear friends. I don't want them to get hurt at all. But finding someone suitable for such a task...
"Oh, in that case, what about Mauve-san and his group?"
"Ratz, that's a brilliant idea. Mauve-san and his team are top-tier adventurers; I think that's a great choice. Don't you agree, Eris?"
"Indeed. If it's Mauve-san's group, we can leave it to them with peace of mind. They were saying just recently that they were bored with only having to police and monitor the demi-human villages."
Ah, them. Indeed, they would certainly get the job done. The profession of "Adventurer" exists on the Rogari continent. While their work is closer to mercenaries or handymen, the one thing that sets them apart here is their extensive experience in combat against monsters. Mauve and his team are veteran adventurers who were once called heroes—no, they are still called heroes even now—and they are a rare type of collaborator who knows Yuki's true objectives. Plus, the fact that they are currently free is perfect.
As for Yuki's reaction to the proposal...
"Hmm. Well, I can trust Mauve and his team. Alright, let's have them head to Dragon Mountain as well."
And so, the team was assembled.
"Could you at least listen to me for a second? I'd at least like some help with equipment preparation or an assistant..."
Well, Zargis. Good luck.
And thus, the response to the threat looming over Dragon Mountain—the one that might interfere with the Intercontinental Exchange Conference—begins. The confrontation with the hidden boss has commenced.