第１０１２堀：謎の答えを探す (Part2)
"Still, we aren't putting our full weight into it yet. Regardless, considering the dungeon, we need to be careful when the Zurable Great Empire invades the Haine Empire's sphere of influence."
"There is the possibility of an ambush, after all. If the Dungeon Master is an enemy, the damage would be catastrophic."
Hmm?
I only asked a little, but it feels like this is turning into a major ordeal.
"Yuki."
"Hm? Ah, my bad. For now, let's proceed in this direction. Kirika, as Steve said, start by gathering information on the dungeon. I will conduct an investigation through the Zurable Great Empire. Steve and the others, don't neglect your preparations, including the assumption of a dungeon attack."
"Understood!"
Perhaps my irritation finally got through to him, as he ended the conversation immediately.
Kirika, Steve, and the others, likely still having work to do, stood up and left the conference room right away.
The only ones remaining were Yuki, Dressa, Vilia, Hiiro, and myself.
"Did I even need to be here for the second half?"
"Of course. Thanks to Hairen being there, the meeting ended quickly."
"That’s not a compliment, you know. Honestly!"
"Well, it’s not all bad. You got to eat a parfait."
"Mm. That’s true, but still..."
As Dressa said, I did receive my reward, but I don't want to be dragged into such boring affairs again.
"So, if the meeting is over, I’m heading home."
I might as well leave now that my business is done. I know for a fact I’ll never win an argument with Yuki anyway.
"Ah, wait a second. I still have business with Hairen."
"What? I absolutely refuse to attend any more boring meetings!"
I stated my feelings plainly. I’m not going to deal with such troublesome things.
"No, no. We’re going to go see Luna."
"See Lady Luna?"
I couldn't help but ask, caught off guard by the unexpected request.
"I figured I could ask her about the duration limit of the barrier you set up, Hairen."
"Ah! Come to think of it, you did say you didn't know how long that barrier would last!"
Right, that had been glossed over so easily, but for Kagura and the others, it’s a huge problem!
"Exactly. I said we’d deal with it later, but we can't just leave it indefinitely, can we?"
"That's right! We have to investigate it quickly!"
"So, since you were the one who deployed that barrier—even if it was subconscious—I want you to be there when I talk to Luna."
"Ugh, well, if that’s the case, I suppose I have no choice. Come on, let’s go."
And so, we arrived at the apartment where Lady Luna lives, but...
*Ding-dong...*
The sound of the chime echoed hollowly through the night.
"She’s not coming out."
"She isn't."
"Nope. Maybe Lady Luna isn't home?"
Even though we rang the bell, for some reason, Lady Luna didn't appear.
In fact, Hiiro, Vilia, Dressa, and Yuki had already pressed the chime four times.
At this point, it was safe to assume she wasn't home.
"Alright. I’ll try contacting her."
"Oh. I’m counting on you."
Yuki had helped me set up the ability to use 'Call,' so I could reach Lady Luna at any time.
Wait? Didn't I become a goddess? And yet, having Yuki set up my communication tools makes it feel like he’s the one in charge... well, whatever.
Regardless, I need to get in touch with her.
I operated the call screen and summoned Lady Luna.
『...Hairen? What are you doing calling so late at night?』
"Ah."
Hearing that, I finally realized.
After eating dinner, attending the night meeting, and then listening to Yuki and the others drone on about difficult topics...
I checked the clock and realized, oh no, it was already past 10:00 PM, nearing 11:00.
『What is it? Is Yuki there too? Hah, work, I assume. Fine. I’m coming over.』
The call cut off as soon as Lady Luna replied. Then...
"Move aside. I’m opening the door."
Lady Luna stood there, holding a skewer of yakitori in one hand.
"Were you drinking?"
"Obviously. I was having a lovely time, and you’re so boorish for interrupting. So, you’ve come to rely on me after all this time—what is it you want?"
"I need information on the Dungeon Masters in the Zurable Great Empire and the Haine Empire, separated by the Great Mountain Range where Kagura and the others are. Also, tell them how much longer the barrier Hairen set up will last."
"Ah, come to think of it, you said you went outside the barrier Hairen created. I see, so you found something interesting. Fine. ...As for Hairen’s barrier, let me think about it."
"Eh!? Why are you hesitating!?"
Hey! Why am I being treated even more poorly than Yuki!?
Useless goddess when you need her!
She could at least provide the information.