第９８１堀：情報交換と今後の方針 (Part2)
"Even so, Yuki-dono, you must not let your guard down. It has not been decided that the Hein Empire will not launch another assault on Aurelia Port."
"Indeed. That is something that will require caution."
Well, that goes without saying.
Personally, I would love for those idiots to attack Aurelia Port again so that Weed would be forced to join the fray, but that is likely too much to hope for. No, if that were to happen, I wouldn't want to end up squabbling with Weed over land concessions based on the battle's outcome anyway. Perhaps this current situation is, in fact, beneficial for us as well.
"Then, I shall leave the matter of the Hein Empire to you. However, let us keep our lines of communication tight."
"Understood. I ask the same of you. To be honest, I cannot read the Hein Empire's movements at all. There is a possibility that they are acting based on the radio equipment Yuki-dono provided to General Wave. Oh, and if there is anything you do not understand regarding the Hein Empire based on my earlier explanation, it would be best to ask Shou."
"Understood. Wait, is Shou-dono still at Aurelia Port?"
"He has yet to send the support supplies, and above all, he is our envoy to Weed. There will be no major battles for a while. If it is not a problem for you, Yuki-dono, I would like to leave the support of Aurelia in Shou's hands for the time being."
"That is a welcome proposal for us. We have grown quite fond of Shou-dono."
"Indeed. For our part, there is much to be gained by maintaining a relationship with Yuki-sama and his people."
Hmm. Shou has been performing his duties well; it would be unthinkable to reassign him now. More than anything, it is a secret that I am grateful to keep the meddlesome Shou far away from here.
"Your Majesty?"
"Ah, yes. Shou, strive even harder to build a good relationship with the people of Weed, including Yuki-dono."
"Yes, sir!"
Tch, his intuition is truly sharp at times like these. I should steer the conversation elsewhere.
"Now then, that concludes our information exchange regarding the Hein Empire. Yuki-dono, I heard you visited the Adventurer's Guild while here in the Imperial Capital?"
"Yes. There was something I wished to discuss regarding that matter. Also, if you would permit it, there is something I would like to ask everyone here. Would that be acceptable?"
"Indeed. I do not mind. If it is something Yuki-dono wishes to ask in a setting like this, we are interested as well."
As I said that, everyone nodded. Good. My senior retainers hold Yuki-dono in high regard. Even in my absence, they should not mishandle the situation.
"And what is this matter?"
"It concerns the Great Stampede of monsters."
"The Great Stampede?"
When I repeated the unfamiliar term, Yuki-dono wore a stern expression, which is rare for him.
"So, such a phenomenon has not occurred here, then."
"My apologies. I do not understand what you mean, Yuki-dono. I am familiar with monsters, but what does 'Great Stampede' mean? Are you referring to a river overflowing during a flood?"
I asked that as a bit of a joke, expecting some other topic to come up.
"Yes. It refers to a situation where monsters spontaneously appear in massive numbers, reaching the scale of a military legion."
" " "A-a legion scale!" " "
However, the answer I received was far beyond my expectations—and not at all a laughing matter.
"Well, even at a legion scale, they usually lack a proper command structure. Occasionally, creatures with intelligence, like those of the Lich variety, will lead them, causing greater damage, but fundamentally, it is just a massive wave of monsters surging forward."
"That alone is an absurd story. Yet, there is not even a whisper of such a thing occurring in this land, not even in fairy tales. Where did you hear of such a thing?"
"It is simple. In our country, in our lands, it is a common occurrence. Especially when many lives are lost in wars, the corpses turn into undead, or magical energy accumulates and monsters spawn."
"Good heavens..."
Perhaps I have discovered the secret to Weed's strength. For a nation's ruler, the sudden emergence of a legion-scale monster force is nothing but a nightmare.
"Just as Your Majesty and everyone else were surprised and felt fear, this was not a topic I could simply ask about openly, which is why I took the liberty of bringing it up in this setting."
"Indeed. If you were to speak of such things carelessly, it would only cause public unrest. It would be a matter that would force me to punish you as an operative of the former Imperial faction. Tell me, why are you and your people investigating this Great Stampede?"
"As Your Majesty can surely understand, the sudden appearance of a Great Stampede is a massive headache for anyone entrusted with the care of a country or territory."
"Ah, I see. That is it, then. You came to this land, currently embroiled in war, and acquired Aurelia Port. You were investigating it to ensure its maintenance."
"It helps that you are quick to understand. Monsters are the most troublesome factor in protecting a territory."
Good grief, not only the Hein Empire, but now even more troublesome information has surfaced. It is painful that I cannot deny the possibility of such things happening here. First, I must gather information.
A conflict between the Hein Empire and Weed seems unlikely for the time being. Well, there are still mysterious aspects, but those will come to light in due time. What is more important before that is the matter of the Great Stampede.