第１０１３堀：まだまだ見習い (Part2)
"Hmph, so even Mikos is on Yuki's side now!? You don't care about me at all, do you!"
"Eh..."
Faced with Hairen's utterly unreasonable accusation, even Mikos couldn't help but make a face that clearly asked, *Why me?*
It’s impressive in its own right that she managed to stop Mikos—who is always pushy and maintains her own pace regardless of the situation—but now I have to figure out what to do with the flustered Hairen-sama...
"Calm down, Hairen. No one has said a single word to that effect. Honestly, this is exactly why you aren't even told the range of the barrier."
"Ugh."
With that sharp remark from Dressa, Hairen-sama immediately quieted down.
More importantly, there was something said that I absolutely couldn't let slide. It seemed Kagura had heard it clearly as well.
"Dressa. That barrier... are you talking about the one Hairen-sama deployed at the risk of her own life to prevent the solidification of magical power?"
"Yes. We haven't mentioned it much due to the constant stream of trouble, but we received intelligence from the Zurable Great Empire regarding high-level monsters in the Great Mountain Range, and we've begun to see the movements of the Highn Empire. I called Hairen to yesterday's meeting to confirm the barrier's range and duration."
"And, did you get an answer?"
Vilia looked toward Hairen-sama with a wry smile, but the woman in question quickly averted her gaze and focused intently on eating her grilled meat.
"Hairen-onee has no idea at all."
"Wait, Hiiro!?"
No, I can tell just by looking at her. Actually, please don't get flustered just because Hiiro pointed it out.
"Yeah, Yuki-onii said it. Hairen-onee is the genius type. She does everything by instinct, so she doesn't know the fine details. That’s why Hairen-onee is amazing!"
"I-is that so? Yes, I am amazing. See, even Yuki understands that!"
...That was definitely a line prepared solely to appease Hairen-sama's mood. Yes, Yuki would absolutely do that.
"Now, may I return to the topic? Yesterday, we heard about the duration of the barrier Hairen deployed, and a report from Kirika that a dungeon has been discovered in the Highn Empire."
" " "Haa!?" " "
We all let out a loud exclamation at the gravity of the statement, but we immediately clamped our mouths shut. This is a public shop in Weed; it’s not the place to be casually discussing state secrets.
"Hold on, Dressa. Is that story true? And more importantly, is it okay to talk about that in a place like this?"
Kagura is right. The discovery of a dungeon within the Highn Empire's territory is a major issue for Weed as well. To discuss it in a place like this...
"What are you talking about? Talk of dungeons happens everywhere in Weed, doesn't it? After all, this is a dungeon nation."
"Er, that is true, but..."
"Solo-san, there is no need to worry. We only know that a dungeon was discovered somewhere; we don't know anything else. However, please refrain from reporting this to anyone else for now. Kirika-san is currently in the middle of gathering further information."
"Yeah. Kirika-onee will gather the info and come back, so Onii said not to tell anyone until then."
I see. Well, this is indeed the dungeon nation of Weed. People are talking about dungeons everywhere. Everyone is aware of the dangers of Dungeon Masters, so they actively search for dungeons and gather information. Milly once told me that the Adventurer's Guild receives reports of new dungeon discoveries every single day—though whether they are true or false is another matter.
Still, they don't want the information spreading... Well, since it involves the Zurable Great Empire, and considering we have members who are currently pregnant, it's only natural they want to keep it quiet until things are confirmed.
"Aw, man. If Yuki-sensei says it's a no-go, I can't write an article about it. So, about the barrier Hairen-sama made, how long does it actually last?"
"No, Mikos. That is even more classified."
"Actually, this is something we've been cleared to tell you all. After all, you are the very people being protected by the barrier."
"Eh!? But you wouldn't tell me!?"
Hairen-sama looked devastated, struck by the shock, and began drawing circles on the table with her finger.
"Luna-onesama said you should learn to think for yourself a little."
"And after that, if Hiiro and the others, or Onii, or Luna-onesama check and see that you've actually thought about it, then we can tell you. Hairen-onee, did you think about it?"
Ah, so that's how it is. Hairen-sama certainly does act too much on intuition. Everyone must have agreed that she needs to learn to "think." And as for her answer...
"W-well, yes. I-I thought about it."
No, this is hopeless. It seems the day Hairen-sama earns the title of "Apprentice" is still a long way off.
Wait... hmm, I wonder how I should convey this to the Archbishop and Mother?
The day Hairen becomes a full-fledged goddess... will likely bring chaos to the world.