第８８７堀：冒険者たちへの依頼 (Part1)
Chapter 887: A Request for the Adventurers
Side: Mauve
"So, today marks the end of our time off, huh..."
I muttered those words to myself as I headed toward the Weed government building's conference room.
The reason was simple.
"Well, when Yuki calls, it’s never for anything simple."
"Indeed. If it were a trivial matter, he would have just sent a memo or contacted us via call."
That’s right—a summons from Yuki.
While I’m truly grateful that he breathed new life into us when we were rotting away, I have to be honest: this old man can’t keep up with the whirlwind of daily life lately.
"What did I do to deserve being an adventurer who ends up managing villages?"
I let out a complaint. It’s too heavy a burden for a regular adventurer. Honestly, I just want to retire and live a quiet life at home.
"It’s probably because it’d be bad if the Beastman villages started a rebellion."
"We have to crush any risks that might pour cold water on the intercontinental exchange that’s finally begun. It’s only natural for Yuki to have us stationed there."
My feelings didn't reach Raiya or Curse, who responded with typical seriousness. Well, it’s true that we’re being treated quite well, so I can’t exactly argue against working for it, but...
"Don't you think the demands are getting progressively more intense? At first, it was just helping Seraria and Elju escape the Royal Capital—that was actual adventurer work. But after that? Subjugating and managing Beastman villages on the If Continent, infiltrating the Ex Kingdom as mercenaries, and then dealing with Dressa and the Rosetta Mercenary Corps?"
I’m terrified of what might come next.
"I understand how you feel, but him using us means he doesn't have the manpower to spare, or he believes we’re the only ones who can handle it."
"Exactly. As Raiya says. Besides, he wouldn't ask us to do something we couldn't handle. You know that, don't you, Mauve?"
"I suppose."
Curse is right. I know he wouldn't ask for something impossible, but...
"The things he asks for are always so off-the-wall. It’s just exhausting. If it were just monster hunting, I’d take the job with a smile..."
"Well, that’s true. But handling jobs that regular adventurers can’t solve is the main duty of high-ranking adventurers."
"Should I ask Rock or Milly if there’s a way to lower our rank?"
"That’s impossible..."
While we were chatting about such nonsense, we arrived in front of the conference room.
"Maybe I should just... go home."
"No, don't go home. Come on in."
Before I could hear their replies, Yuki opened the door and welcomed us.
*Tch*, my judgment was too slow.
As I stepped inside, I saw a mix of people: Seraria, Tori, Riel, Kaya, Zargis, Yuki, and Ria.
"That’s a delicate combination of people."
"Hmm? Oh, now that you mention it, you're right. It’s rare to see Tori’s group and Zargis together."
"I don't understand the complicated stuff anyway!"
"Now, now, Riel, don't say that."
Riel is as straightforward as ever. Tori looks as overworked as always. As for Kaya...
"...I’m involved because of the crops."
"That makes sense."
"But lately, the discussions with Faide have been the priority, so Zargis hasn't been very useful."
"Wait a minute. I’ve been developing farming machinery, haven't I!?" Zargis retorted immediately.
"Oh, good to see you’re the same as always, Zargis."
"No, we drink together about once a week, don't we?"
"Huh? Is that so?" Yuki asked with a puzzled look.
"Yeah. I ask Zargis for the tools needed to develop the Beastman villages."
"I see."
"When I ask Zargis, he handles the accounting and logistics. It saves me from having to submit paperwork to Eris and Ratz, which is a huge help."
"Hey, is that all you care about?"
"That’s exactly what I care about. Besides, an old guy like me can’t handle computer operations or detailed accounting."
"But you have Raiya and Curse, don't you?"
"Wait, wait. We’re also working as teachers at the school. It’s tough enough helping with that."
"Yes. We’re even making teaching materials for Mauve’s share of the work."
That’s right, Raiya and Curse have their hands full, too.
"Don't act so proud. Still, computers are..."
Even Yuki seemed to acknowledge that he has his own strengths and weaknesses with tech and accounting, giving me a "well, you can't help it" look.
"Wait a second. The conversation is moving along, but are you all just going to ignore how hard I’m working!?"
"Well, everything is running smoothly, so isn't that fine? Also, Zargis, I say this every time, but don't work yourself to death."
"I don't want to hear that from you, Yuki. By the way, could you please supervise Comet, who refuses to do any paperwork, and your wife, Agil? That alone would be a huge help to me."
*Wife, Agil?*
Ah, that’s right. Yuki decided to marry Agil, didn't he?
"I see. Did you call us here for something wedding-related?"
"Yeah, are you asking us to keep a close eye on the Beastman villages during the ceremony?"
"Did you see some kind of movement?"
As we guessed the nature of the job, Yuki and Zargis stared at us blankly.
"Ah, I suppose that’s a logical conclusion based on the flow of the conversation."
"Words are truly mysterious things. However, what I want to ask of you is something else. Others will be stepping in to cover the Beastman villages, so that’s not an issue."
"Hmm? It’s not? Then what is it?"
When I asked, Yuki spoke as casually as if he were asking us to run a simple errand.
"I want you all to head to Dragon Mountain and investigate."
"““...Huh!?””"
The three of us let out a cry of surprise at the outrageous request.
"W-wait a second. Dragon Mountain? That’s the mountain crawling with dragons, right?"
"Yeah. I figured you guys knew."
"It’s not about knowing! Only people with a death wish go there. It’s not like the dragons there are all 'evil dragons.' If we provoke them and they go on a rampage, the damage will spread to every country."
"Exactly, Mauve. That’s why every nation, and even the Adventurer’s Guild, has strictly forbidden any exploration of Dragon Mountain."
"Then why are you sending us there? What happened to make this a topic of discussion? We can't accept a job like this without hearing the details."
As Curse said, this isn't a job we can just agree to on the spot. We needed the full story.
"Ah, well, I suppose that’s fair. Then..."
And so, Yuki began to explain the circumstances behind why a quest to conquer Dragon Mountain had come up.