第９１９堀：異国の港へ (Part2)
"I appreciate your consideration. However, I would prefer to avoid such a situation."
"Indeed. If it came to that, Sea-Cypho would be forced to harbor an enemy, which is something we must absolutely avoid."
That’s for sure.
The fact that the aircraft carrier needs to get close to the port for this reconnaissance mission implies a situation where combat support might be necessary.
If that happens, we’ll be going in with full force to crush them.
After all, this aircraft carrier is arguably Weed’s greatest military asset.
Well, we do have the dungeon as a separate defensive network, but in terms of raw firepower, the carrier is superior.
...Well, let's try not to think about that for now.
"I understand the situation. Alright, we’re going to start our preparations now. General Lake, if you would come this way."
"I leave it in your capable hands."
With that, we immediately began our operational preparations.
"Are we to wear these?"
"That's right. We’ll be heading up to about 1,000 meters, so it’s going to be cold."
"Is the sky cold?"
"It’s quite chilly. Well, it’s not too bad until you hit about 1,000 meters, but above the clouds, it gets cold enough for ice to form."
"I see. I had never heard that before."
"It’s the same reason why snow piles up on high mountains—because it’s cold up there."
"Ah, I see."
While we chatted, General Lake and I began putting on our cold-weather gear. The surrounding unit members were also steadily getting their equipment in order.
"Still, it is difficult to move when bundled up like this."
"Well, it is a bit bulky. That said, if you don't wear this, you won't be able to move at all."
I understand how General Lake feels, but even with this gear, there are times when it’s not enough.
Anyway, setting that aside, I decided to ask the General a question.
"So, General Lake, what do you think happened?"
"As a military officer, I must avoid letting my personal views bias the reconnaissance, so I cannot say..."
Oh, as expected of a General.
He’s very professional about these things.
That said, the ones holding the reins for this operation are General Lake and the diplomat Rurua.
"No, no, I was ordered to follow General Lake’s instructions, so I think your personal opinion is important."
"Hmm."
"Well, if you’re worried about speculating without any information, we can talk after we’ve finished checking the ships and the crew. We were also told to check the town, after all. Actually, General Lake, have you ever been to the port owned by the Gusdo Kingdom? Uh..."
"Aurelia."
"Right, have you ever been to the port of Aurelia?"
"Yes. I actually led a fleet there when we first began trade relations."
"That’s impressive. So, what was the town like back then, and how did the Gusdo Kingdom respond?"
"It was a long time ago, so I don’t think it will be of much use, but they were naturally wary at first. However, we took the time to gain their understanding and were eventually recognized as trading partners."
That sounds like a perfectly normal story.
Perhaps he sensed that from my expression, as he made a troubled face...
"In the end, I only know how things were in the past. My country’s instructions were to treat the Gusdo Kingdom as a distant trading partner, so I know nothing of the specifics."
"Ah, I see."
So he really doesn't know.
Well, poking around carelessly and getting in too deep would only be a hassle, so his response as a military man was correct.
"Then, this time, we’ll be gathering information, including those details."
"Indeed. From here on out, Weed’s eyes will likely turn toward the lands beyond the Great Mountain Range, with the port of Aurelia as the focal point. Was it 'mana depletion,' you said?"
"That’s right. I hope we find some clues regarding the mana depletion. There."
*Clank.*
The final preparations were complete.
Now, all that remained was to wait for the departure time.
"We’re just waiting now, but there won't be any time for bathroom breaks during the operation, so I recommend taking care of that now."
"I see. Then, I shall attend to my needs."
And so, we were left waiting for the operation to commence.
While General Lake was away, one of my subordinates spoke up.
"What do you think is going on?"
"Who knows? Not much to go on right now. Hopefully, we can be back by morning."
"No, that’s impossible, isn't it?"
"You think so too?"
"Yeah, yeah."
My subordinates were in unanimous agreement that this would be a troublesome affair.
...*Sigh*, an all-nighter, huh?
Alright, Weed’s versatile unit, move out!
What will Steve and the others see in the port town of Aurelia?
Will a battle between Oshi... and Eru... break out?
Maybe the Three-Stripes will deploy?
Or perhaps, the one with the ribbon?