第１０９１堀：お次の仕事はどこですか？ (Part1)
Chapter 1091: What’s the Next Job?
"So, I’m leaving the unit operations to Ria and the others, while simultaneously training the next generation to follow Steve’s lead. I’m the one who agreed to it, but do you think it’ll actually work out?"
"If it doesn't, we’ll just think of another way."
Back in Seraria’s office, I was explaining the situation regarding the task I’d assigned to Ria and the others: investigating the unidentified dungeons.
"Regardless, Ria and the others want to help out with this. I’d feel much more at ease having them focus on this rather than engaging in the kind of needlessly intense physical activity some people around here seem to favor."
"Oh? What could you possibly be referring to? I was only engaging in 'moderate, light exercise,' after all."
"Give me a break. You’re playing innocent. Anyway, putting that aside, while we call it 'unit operation' by Ria and the others, it inevitably requires a lot of on-site judgment. If they can produce good results there..."
"Then that will become the field assault team to replace Steve’s, right?"
Exactly. In truth, this investigation of the unidentified dungeons isn't just for Ria and the others; it’s also a selection process for the members who will take over for Steve’s team.
Since Ria and the others are pregnant, they lead structured lives, meaning the times we can contact them are limited, and there will likely be times when they become unreachable due to various circumstances.
That is precisely why the decision-making ability of the Goblins operating in the field is being put to the test.
So, while there is danger, they say there is no experience like actual combat, and well, it’s in that perfect sweet spot where safety is ensured to a certain degree.
There’s no reason not to take advantage of this situation.
"And what about the subordinates Steve is currently training?"
"They’re the reserve force. If the team members currently being tested move up, we’ll need to pull from below to fill the gaps. I’ve asked Steve to handle that selection."
He was shouting about it being a scam, but I didn't lie to him even a little bit.
It’s just that Steve had a sweet, sweet dream—which I’d call a delusion—about how to replenish his subordinates.
Reality isn't that simple. Man, even in a fantasy world, things are pretty cold-blooded, aren't they?
"So, assuming the unidentified dungeon investigation is covered, what about the Great Mountain Range? Any sign of Gaeen’s tracks?"
"That will have to wait until Agil finishes the mine survey in Dafayo. We can’t exactly conjure up new researchers out of thin air."
"That’s true. Besides, the various representatives here in Weed are still walking on eggshells."
"I suppose that’s to be expected. Well, just try to increase the number of times you all eat together or something to help break the ice."
"Don't you start saying the same things as Quar and Ratz."
"Hmm, it’s not like there’s an easy way to become friends, is it?"
"Oh? That phrasing makes it sound like there actually *is* a way. For example?"
"It’s something you know well, Seraria. Running through the battlefield together. In extreme conditions, you see each other’s true hearts, and it becomes easier to get along."
"Ah, I see. Then, perhaps I should go on a dungeon adventure myself?"
Oops. I meant that as a joke, but it didn't land with Seraria.
She’s been calmer lately, but then again, she was rolling up her sleeves during the mock battles in the Zurable Empire.
It seems this wife of mine’s battle-mania hasn't subsided just yet.
"Why are you looking at me with that exasperated face?"
"No one is going to allow the Queen herself to stand on the front lines."
That’s right. It might have been different back when she was the Second Princess and a General, but now, she is the one and only Queen of Weed.
No one would ever permit such a person to head into a dungeon where her life could be at risk.
"Oh, I don't really need permission. I can just go. Besides, who exactly is in a position to give orders or permission to a Queen?"
"No, whether there are orders or not, everyone would naturally try to stop you."
"It’s fine. If there is anything that blocks my path, I shall simply strike it down and advance."
"Hey, that doesn't sound cool. It doesn't sound cool at all. And seriously, don't you dare do it; the collateral damage would be massive."
"Oh, so you *are* telling me to do it?"
"No, no, no. Don't even think about it. For one thing, the dungeon’s life would be forfeit."
"That’s what you’re worried about!?"
"No, do you even realize what your own level is? Besides, would you even be able to keep pace with Non, Poni, and Tefa?"
"……I hadn't thought that far ahead."
"Exactly. So, it’s even more out of the question, as it would put the lives of Non and the others who followed you at risk, not just the dungeon."
If Seraria were to charge into a dungeon and she—or any of the representatives—came back as a corpse, it would be no laughing matter.
It would be a catastrophe that would bring the administration of Weed to a grinding halt.
"Jokes aside, how is the administration of Weed going? Do you need my help with anything?"
"Oh, I didn't intend for it to be a joke, but fine. As for the administration, since the Dafayo situation happened, I’ve told Ratz and the others that it’s time to let Non and the others stand on their own two feet."
"I see. I suppose it’s about time."
"You know better than anyone that we’re short-handed everywhere, don't you? We haven't even been able to start the investigation into the magic power depletion phenomenon across the continents."
"True. I was told about some suspicious areas on the If Continent and the New Continent, but the Zurable Empire situation happened before we could investigate."
Originally, I had planned to have already shown my face at the Goblin village on the New Continent by now.
Though it feels like a long time ago, between the wedding, the Seasypho issue, the Zurable Empire crisis, and the work Kagura, Mikos, Enora, and Stasia have been doing, things have been hectic.
"Speaking of which, what’s happening with Seasypho? It seems Menou is making various moves, but not a word of it has reached me."
"Yeah, nothing has reached me either. Just as we thought one problem with the Zurable Empire was solved, the Dafayo Kingdom issue popped up. Should we go ask Kagura and the others?"
"And besides, Menou is a reincarnate, right? A Japanese person? Shouldn't we have a proper seat at the table to discuss things?"
"Well, I suppose we’ll need a seat for that, too. *Sigh*, there’s just no end to the work, is there?"
Just by talking about future plans with Seraria like this, a mountain of things that need to be done keeps appearing.
"Man, it used to be so much easier when I only had to deal with single objectives, like organizing the town of Weed or conquering the Demon King’s castle."
"It can't be helped. We’ve shifted from defeating enemies to diplomacy, so this is bound to happen. But surely this is much better than shedding blood, isn't it?"
"I suppose so. The war between the Zurable Empire and the Haine Empire is over. And it seems there’s talk of Princess Palfil of the Gusdo Kingdom returning to her own country."
"Oh, isn't that too soon? I can't imagine that princess being able to lead a country."
"They say they’ll support her. And above all, it’s better for Princess Palfil to unite the former Gusdo Kingdom territories than for the Zurable Empire to do it."
"Well, that’s true. It’s certainly more stable if the original royal family governs. It means there’s no need to unnecessarily stir up resentment."
As for the Zurable Empire, they are steadily taking steps toward reconstruction even while we consider how to suppress the remaining unidentified dungeons.
Well, if they don't do that, the Zurable Empire’s ruling structure will be shaken.
"So, how do you intend to move from here? You said you’re leaving the Zurable Empire’s dungeon issues to Ria and the others, but is there something else you’re prioritizing?"
"Yeah, the If Continent, which I’ve been neglecting lately."