第１０６９堀：問題だけど問題にできない (Part2)
"I don't see why we couldn't just use a Core. In Rogali, it seems every nation recovers Cores from dungeons to use as materials for magic tools, so surely using one wouldn't be a problem, would it?"
"I agree. I think that would be fine as well. The only issue is where we would procure enough magical energy to supply water..."
"No, both of you. We cannot use a Core for this. Every nation already knows that we, Weed, are expanding our influence by utilizing dungeons. If 'Weed uses a Core,' it will inevitably lead to suspicions that we might be establishing a new dungeon there. No matter how we try to explain it away, those doubts won't vanish. That is why we need to prepare a different method."
Placing a Core would certainly solve the water shortage, and it would be less labor-intensive. However, it is common knowledge that we, Weed, utilize dungeons. Placing a Core there would be no different from establishing a Weed base.
"I see. When you put it that way, you're certainly right."
"I suppose we'd hear complaints about it later. Still, just for supplying water..."
"In that case, I can offer a proposal," Comet interjected.
Ah, that’s right. While Comet is a Dungeon Master, she was a technician to begin with.
"I had a hard time when I helped the demi-humans escape to the White Forest. The location was in the north, locked away by snow. Fire was important, but even with all that snow, securing drinking water was a real struggle."
"Indeed. You can get water by melting snow, but it’s not that simple."
"Exactly. You need materials and fuel to start a fire. But you can't just go around cutting down trees in those snowy mountains for firewood. If you did that, the whole area would be a barren wasteland in no time."
As Comet said, the biggest challenge in snowy mountains—even before food—is securing drinking water. One might think you could just eat the snow, but that is a suicidal act that lowers your body temperature. To live in such a place, you cannot allow your water supply to freeze. In a sub-zero world, the primary challenge is how to keep water in a liquid state.
"Alright, Comet, I’ll leave it to you to think of a tool that can produce water."
"Understood. But, if I may, I’ll be expecting a reward?"
"If it’s something I can provide, sure."
Knowing Comet, she’d probably be happiest with a new game, so that shouldn't be a problem. Regardless, the issue of how to handle the water situation should be settled for now. Well, as a last resort, there’s always the brute-force method of using magic to conjure water. For the time being, if we build a dam to store water, we should be able to scrape by this year. After that, it will depend on the situation. If it doesn't rain for the entire year, the land itself is likely hopeless anyway.
"Alright, get the preparations underway. For now, we’re going to meet that princess. And Seraria, regarding this matter..."
"Yes. We can process it as a mere 'accident.' It’s not as if she actually stole anything; it ended in an attempt, and she herself claims she had no intention of stealing. If Weed makes a scene here, it won't just make the small nation look bad—it will reflect poorly on Aria-oneesama, who mediated the situation. I would much rather treat it as an accident."
"That’s purely personal bias."
"It’s fine. That’s what makes us human, isn't it? Besides, no one wants chaos. Overly rigid righteousness is nothing more than a poison."
"I suppose you're right. That is what it means to be human. I’m heading out."
What’s wrong with looking after your own? Above all, if it keeps the peace, there is nothing better. With that decided, we headed to the police station where the princess had been taken.
"Ah, Yuki-san. And Vice Chief Tori, Special Duty Riel, Deputy Representative Ratz, and Deputy Representative Eris."
As soon as we arrived at the police station, Chief Poni was there to greet us, waiting in the lobby for some reason.
"What’s going on?"
"Don't ask 'what's going on.' Even if it is a small nation, we have a princess here as a key witness. We’ve been on pins and needles waiting for you all to arrive."
"Ah, I suppose that’s true. So, where is she?"
"For now, we have her waiting in the reception room."
"The reception room, huh? I suppose that’s the only way to handle it."
"Of course. If we were to arrest her carelessly, it would become an international incident. Besides, she’s been apologizing non-stop, which makes it difficult for us to handle as well."
"So she understands she did something wrong, then. Fine, I’ll go see her."
Now then, how should I talk to that princess...? I pondered how to approach the conversation as I headed toward the reception room.
Handle it so as not to stir up trouble. If everyone can get by that way, there is nothing better. Being too "correct" can be a problem, after all. "Righteousness" does not save everything. You have to be able to swallow both the clear and the murky.