第８８７堀：冒険者たちへの依頼 (Part2)
"I see. To the nations, our mere existence is a threat."
"It’s a logical conclusion. Especially with the mana depletion phenomenon and the start of intercontinental exchange."
"They want to eliminate potential threats as much as possible—that much is understandable. And that’s why they’re looking at Yuki, isn't it?"
It seems the consensus among the nations of the Rogari Continent is that they don't want any disturbances during this critical period, and they want to either negotiate or crush the problem before it starts.
I can certainly understand their sentiment.
The fact that the second intercontinental exchange conference is being held in Weed is a testament to the trust placed in us. However, if we fail there, the Rogari Continent could be branded as a collection of incompetent nations.
Even if the opponent is a natural disaster in the form of a dragon.
"But still, is it really right to send us to hunt a dragon? Wouldn't it be faster if you just went yourself?"
"I’d like to, but my wives won't let me."
"That’s right. Yuki-san has a wedding to prepare for, so he doesn't have time to be fighting dragons, Mauve-san."
"Exactly. Besides, this mission also serves as an investigation..."
"So, there’s almost no chance of this ending quickly, then?"
"...Correct. And our other comrades are swamped with preparations for the intercontinental conference and the wedding."
"So that’s why you’re sending us, the ones experienced in adventuring?"
I understood perfectly well why they were sending us specifically.
I understood, but...
"Honestly, I’m uneasy."
"Yeah, just us and Tori-chan’s group..."
"When it comes to dragons, it’s just..."
"Come on, you guys. You’d have no problem fighting a dragon under normal circumstances, right? You’ve fought plenty of them in the dungeon."
"That’s because it was a dungeon. We had perfect backup, there was no risk of death, and we wouldn't cause collateral damage to the surroundings."
"But it won't be the same at Dragon Mountain."
"Exactly. It’s a dragon, after all. It might take to the skies and retreat, and if that happens, we’ll have a major problem on our hands."
If it were just a matter of fighting, there wouldn't be any issues.
After all, we have the outrageous equipment provided by Narjia-san.
In the worst-case scenario, we could even use modern weaponry from Yuki’s world to deal with any approaching enemy.
But as Curse said, we alone can't stop an opponent that decides to flee.
"Ah, so that’s the issue. But tell me, do you really think a dragon that flees would go out of its way to pick a fight with us?"
"You can't say for sure that they won't. Besides, there’s a possibility it could flee to some other country and go on a rampage there. There are idiots everywhere, after all."
"That’s true. They call them 'Dragonkin,' and I know from the many dragons we see in Weed that they have all sorts of personalities. Well, ours are all subordinates of Aslin."
Though, I feel like Aslin-jouchan’s monsters are a bit different from the norm.
Powerful monsters have their own sense of self, after all.
That’s exactly why they’re troublesome and why it takes so much effort to defeat them.
If one were to escape, it would be a genuine disaster.
And since we’re dealing with a dragon this time, if something like that happened, we wouldn't be able to take responsibility.
"Well, I understand the situation. But even if we do nothing, it’s the same result if the dragon flies away from the mountain. That’s why you need to go and negotiate."
"No, wouldn't it be better to bolster our forces first? It’d be better to have enough strength to properly suppress the situation if something goes wrong, right?"
"I agree with Mauve. This isn't a job for such a small force."
"Yes. I agree with Mauve-san as well. I understand that it’ll be too late once it flies away, but with our current strength, there’s a high possibility we won't be able to handle it if something happens."
"Well, your points are valid, but on the other hand, bringing too many people might make the other side wary."
"Ah... that’s true."
I see. That makes sense.
"Anyway, since a dragon escaping is a headache, I’ll send Steve and his group to back you up. That should cover the gap, and if they act separately, it shouldn't raise any alarms."
"Ah, you mean the ones in loincloths?"
"Yeah, they look more like wild goblins that way."
"I see."
Sorry for dragging you into this, Steve.
But if the situation can be managed this way, I suppose there’s no helping it.
"Alright, I understand. Raiya, Curse. We’re taking the job."
"If Mauve says so, I have no objections."
"Understood."
And with that, we began our preparations for the adventure.
"By the way, is ignoring me the latest trend?"
"No, it’s just that we don't see the investigator as combat personnel, right? What’s wrong? If you want to fight, I won't stop you. You’re capable enough, aren't you?"
"I’d prefer not to be an investigator *and* combat personnel, thank you very much. I’ll go prepare, then. *Sigh*..."
Now then, the adventure begins.
Mauve and his group are back in the spotlight!
What kind of adventure will they show us?