第９７５堀：予想外の (Part2)
"Now, now, Lady Hairen. I am with you, so there is nothing to worry about. Besides, if there is anywhere you would like to go sightseeing, let us go together once the meeting is over."
Man, Archbishop Enoru, honestly, I feel like we should have just taken Hairen back home as she was. Look at Enora, Kagura, and Mikos—their faces twitch at the mere mention of going out. They are absolutely convinced that this can only lead to trouble.
"I will definitely be tagging along when that happens. I really can't handle any more problems. Now, as for the matter of the monsters..."
That’s right. We didn't go out of our way to visit the Zurable Imperial Capital just to provide supplies or discuss the Haine Empire situation. The issue of the monster outbreak that Aslin and the others brought to our attention—this is the most important piece of the puzzle in investigating the magical power depletion phenomenon.
"On the way here, I asked Kirika and the others to gather information, but it seems there are very few reports of monster groups or swarms appearing in this area. I'm sending the data now."
At his words, everyone opens their call screens to look over Kirika’s intel.
"Truly, the monster subjugations are almost all solo encounters. There are a few group subjugations, I suppose, but..."
"At most, they’re small groups of goblins, orcs, and wolves. It’s like the perfect place for rookie adventurers in the Rogari Continent, isn't it?"
Eris and I say this, but we both feel a bit uneasy about the information. Can these really be called "monster swarms"? It’s all very suspicious.
"Right? I mean, isn't this strange?"
Riel chimes in with a self-deprecating remark. It really is strange. After all...
"Yeah. According to Zargis, the air in this region should be rich in magical power... so it’s a mystery why there are so few monsters."
"As Tori says, I also find it unnatural. However, I heard from General Vol that the Zurable-controlled territories have strict public order maintained by Emperor Eupia, and that road maintenance units are deployed to eliminate monsters. Considering that influence, it’s hard to tell what the reality is."
"Hmm. We are still lacking information. In that case, are we going to ask the Zurable Empire to disclose their monster data?"
"That’s how it will go. Well, the pretext will be wanting to know if the roads are safe and what kind of dangerous monsters are out there."
"Huh? Aren't you going to ask about the magical power depletion phenomenon, Brother?"
If I recall, while we weren't exactly blunt about it, we did mention to Show-san that we were investigating the magical power depletion phenomenon, didn't we?
"Ah, I think it’s too early to bring that up in this meeting. Well, if they ask us about it, I don't mind talking, but..."
"I see. We aren't going to ask them; we’re waiting for them to offer the information."
That’s the basic principle of business. And, it’s also the basic principle of political maneuvering.
"So, what are we going to do while we wait for the meeting? Are we just going to sit still for now?"
There are about two days left until the meeting. Since we are currently recognized as honored guests, we aren't staying at a regular inn in the Imperial Capital; we’ve been given rooms in the castle. In other words, even going outside isn't easy. Even though we are friendly nations, it would be awkward for us to wander around as we please, and they are also doing it to protect us, after all.
"No, I’m thinking of going to the Adventurer’s Guild to investigate the monster situation I mentioned earlier. There’s likely information there that differs from what the military has. They should be able to put in a good word for us, too."
Ah, I see. So that’s why he’s pushing the "monster investigation" angle. That makes it perfectly natural for us to visit the Adventurer’s Guild. Just as I’m thinking that...
"Wow, Brother! If that’s the case, I want to go too. There might be monsters I’ve never seen before!"
"That is correct. We shall investigate the new information."
"That’s true. Gathering information is important, after all."
"...Investigate, monsters."
Aslin and the others all chime in at once, saying they want to come along. Well, when it comes to researching books and records, we always rely on sheer manpower.
"Alright. That’s fine. We’ve got nothing to do until the meeting starts anyway. We can look around at various things while we’re on our way to the Adventurer’s Guild."
"Yay!"
And so, our plans for how to spend our time in the Imperial Capital were decided.
"Hey, I’m allowed to tag along too, right?"
"Huh? I’d like to tell you not to follow us, but I suppose it can't be helped this time. Just make sure you never leave my side."
"I know, I know."
Well, I hope we find something at the Adventurer’s Guild. Come to think of it, it’s been a while since I’ve been to an Adventurer’s Guild. I wonder if there’s anything there that could turn into a business opportunity?
The terror of having a useless goddess tagging along! And for now, the subjugation data is just too sparse. Well, if it’s come to this, we have no choice but to investigate at the Adventurer’s Guild.