第１０４３堀：協力要請 (Part1)

第１０４３堀：協力要請 (Part1)

Chapter 1043: Request for Cooperation

Side: Yuki

"Eh?"

"Hmm? Didn't you come here to listen to what I have to say? I am truly at my wit's end. I would like to ask for Weed's assistance."

Oh, this is a rather rare situation.

Kirika is frozen in shock, and General Wave is actually asking for advice from someone who might be his enemy.

And the most mysterious part is: why not use the radio?

We attached a transmitter to the radio, so we would know if it had been destroyed or discarded.

As it stands, that radio is still in the same room as General Wave, in perfect working order.

If he wanted to talk, he could have used it before Kirika even appeared.

As I thought this to myself, Kirika finally regained her composure and asked the core question.

"Haa. I don't mind listening to your request, but... why haven't you used the radio until now? You should have received several messages from Yuki-sama, shouldn't you?"

Exactly. I had been trying to make contact multiple times, carefully timing it to match their situation, and he could have easily spoken to me through the radio then.

In other words, since the radio was there, he could have consulted me at any time.

The fact that he’s asking for help only now feels incredibly suspicious.

"Yes. I did receive them, but... to be honest, I have never been able to get used to such things."

"Not used to them?"

"Yes. It is wonderful that distant sounds and voices can reach one instantly. However, I do not believe it is suitable for counter-intelligence or secret discussions. After all, one cannot confirm who is on the other side at all."

"I see. That is certainly true."

Yeah. It seems Kirika felt the same, and I can understand that sentiment well.

While a radio is convenient, you cannot verify the other party or the situation.

After all, only the voice is transmitted.

You don't even know what or who is behind them.

In that sense, General Wave's judgment is certainly sound.

If one wants to ensure perfect counter-intelligence, meeting in person is the best method.

That said, the audio is currently being relayed to me through Kirika, and since he has a transmitter on him, his movements are being monitored anyway.

Considering that, General Wave's concerns are indeed valid.

But, setting that aside, let's continue the conversation.

"Then, even though I am hiding my presence, may I assume it is acceptable to speak with you?"

"Yes. You have snuck into this castle and are speaking to me like this without revealing your form. If that is the case, you are likely not one of those who seek to cast me down."

"Cast you down? You, General Wave?"

Oh, the situation is starting to look ominous.

Well, he did say he wanted help from the start.

"Yes. Well, I do not know the identity or the methods of my opponents, but since returning to this Imperial Capital, I have yet to have an audience with His Majesty the Emperor."

"An audience? Then, you have not informed the Emperor that you have made contact with our nation?"

"To my shame, that is correct. Well, I have informed the ministers and the like... but normally, such an important matter would be decided directly by the Emperor, yet there has been no response. I understand that it is a difficult decision, but even so, His Majesty should be demanding a detailed explanation of how I made contact with Weed, yet there is nothing. It is reasonable to assume that someone is obstructing me."

So that's how it is.

He tried to report the existence of an unknown nation called Weed, but the Emperor won't even listen.

General Wave himself feels that something is fundamentally wrong with that.

He's right. If he handles this poorly, he could turn not only the Zurable Empire but also Weed into enemies.

And that's despite the information that we possess formidable military power on the maritime routes. The fact that they won't listen to a word of it is far too strange.

That's why he's concluded that someone is obstructing him and preventing his audience with the Emperor.

"......I understand the situation. So, what kind of help are you asking of me—or rather, of Weed? You said you wanted to borrow our strength, didn't you?"

"Yes. You... ah, how should I address you?"

"You may just call me 'you.' I am merely a conversation partner for this time and place."

"Indeed, that is for the best for both of us. Then, I shall speak plainly. I would like you to go and check on the Emperor's condition."

"The Emperor's?"

"Yes. For now, I am in the position of someone waiting for an audience with His Majesty. If I were to force my way in, it would cause problems."

Well, that is certainly true.

Trying to see the top leader without permission isn't just rude; it could get him branded as a dangerous individual and dealt with.

Above all, he is currently being watched by those around him because he came to report on us—a country called Weed that no one has ever heard of.

That is why...

"I will head to the gate of the Imperial Castle and intentionally engage in idle chatter. I want you to use that time to check on the Emperor's condition. That way, it can be proven that you have no connection to me, and you can safely confirm the state of the Emperor of the Hain Empire."

"What do you mean by 'safely'? Even if the General heads to the gate, it won't serve as a diversion for the guards."

"Ah. No, I do not mean that I will be the diversion. However, if you are willing to cooperate, I will tell you where His Majesty is."

I see. He's offering to teach us the geography of the castle to save us the trouble.

It is true that our mapping is currently limited to what we can see from drones outside.

That is because the Imperial Capital might be the base of an enemy Dungeon Master, and it's unclear if we can place it under our own dungeon control.

In reality, the possibility that there is no enemy Dungeon Master is quite high at the moment, but it is not yet zero.

Under these circumstances, if we fail to turn this Imperial Capital into a dungeon, it could become incredibly troublesome, so we are currently focusing on gathering information.

Actually, we sought contact with General Wave to gather that very information.

I was hoping to get information on the Emperor as well, if possible.

It feels like that chance—that connection—has been provided by General Wave.

"......Master. What do you think?"

"I'm listening. It could be a trap, but I'm tempted to take the bait. What do you think, Kirika?"

"As it stands, I cannot say. May I ask a little more?"

"Go ahead."

If Kirika isn't convinced, there's no point in forcing her.

Dissatisfaction can lead to a lack of focus, so I leave those kinds of judgments to her.

"How is it? Will you go along with my plan?"

"No, not as it stands. May I ask a few questions?"

"Yes. Please."

"You want me to check on the Emperor. That is fine. But after hearing the results, what does General Wave intend to do? If you simply want to know the Emperor's condition, I don't think it's worth taking such a risk."