第１１０１堀：協力者 (Part2)
"That was the plan, but when I came to discuss it, I found Wazfi getting scolded. And as for what she did this time... I assume it’s the usual research?"
"Exactly. My suspension was finally lifted, so I went to the Great Forest to study the monsters, and this is where it landed me."
"Ah, that’s something I was curious about as well. Popuri, is Wazfi conducting research on monsters?"
"She is. Though, on the If Continent, knowledge of monster ecology is only really useful within the confines of the Great Forest. It’s hardly what you’d call a mainstream field."
It’s true; I’ve heard that the If Continent suffers from a severe depletion of magical energy, to the point where even seeing a goblin or an orc is a rarity. The Great Forest, which sprawls right next to the Lancer Magic Academy, is the only exception—a place teeming with monsters. That’s why Yuki came to investigate it, though he’s ended up tangled in this bizarre trouble before even getting started.
"What are you saying, Principal! The fact remains that monsters exist here, just as they do in any other nation. We haven't seen a mass outbreak yet, but there’s no guarantee that won’t change at any moment. That is exactly why ecological surveys are essential!"
"Wazfi’s logic is sound, but there isn't a single soul willing to fund monster research right now. On top of that, intercontinental exchange has begun, and all our resources are tied up in that."
Actually, I’m the one who asked Yuki not to interfere, because I don't want the environment of the Great Forest to change. Though, it is also true that the country is stingy with its coin.
"Why don't you just pay for it yourself, Principal?"
"I don't have an infinite supply of gold. Resources are finite. More importantly, because magic has advanced so much further on the Rogari and New Continents, more people are starting to question the very purpose of our academy. I suspect those people are just looking for an excuse to weaken our influence. Then again, you managed to climb to second place using only standard magic, didn't you? You know exactly how the wind blows."
"Well, I suppose. But without state support, I’m stuck doing these tiny, piecemeal surveys. Still, Principal, you know the threat the Great Forest poses! If the monsters there start moving, it won't just be this continent in danger—it’ll threaten the others, too! Oh, that’s it! The other continents must be more sensitive to the threat of monsters, right? Can’t we get funding from them? Hey, what about this Lord Yuki here?"
"That is beyond rude! Besides, the reason I’ve brought Lord Yuki here is to survey that very forest. I’ve asked him to maintain the status quo, so don’t go doing anything unnecessary!"
*Thwack!*
A blow even more intense than the last landed squarely on Wazfi’s head. I see—so this girl is aware of the threat lurking in the Great Forest.
"Ouch!! Wait, what? Lord Yuki is going to survey the Great Forest?"
"Yeah, that’s why I came. And as for Kagura and the others, their job is to draft a report on the academy’s significance to help ensure its continued existence. That’s the division of labor."
"Huh. Oh, is that why Nairua is helping out?"
"Ah, yeah. I imagine that’s how it will play out. And I’ll be able to be taken to Weed... right?"
"That’s the plan. I intend to draw up a contract now. How about you, Wazfi?"
"Eh? Me?"
Oh? Is Yuki interested in Wazfi? Does he find that kind of woman... no, that’s not it. That look on his face...
"Yeah. Based on what I heard from Popuri, you’ve been researching monsters, right?"
"That’s right. I can say with absolute certainty that there is no one at the Lancer Magic Academy more knowledgeable about monster ecology than I am."
"Then that works out perfectly for us. As Popuri mentioned, I’m heading to the Great Forest to survey it. I was just thinking I could use the cooperation of someone familiar with the local situation."
She’s right. What we need most right now is talent. The monster research this girl Wazfi is doing might be completely ignored here on the If Continent, but for us in Weed, she is a valuable asset.
"What! In that case, absolutely!"
"Lord Yuki!?"
"Would there be any issues with your standing if you cooperated?"
"Oh, no. That wouldn't be a problem, but... are you sure about this?"
"Yeah. If we were to involve you in a full-capacity role, we’d need confidentiality agreements and the like, but for the Great Forest survey, we’ll start with a trial run."
"A trial run?"
"If it turns out your monster research skills are useful to us, I’d be happy to invite you to Weed, just like Nairua. If that happens, you’ll be able to study the monsters there to your heart’s content."
"Yes! I’m definitely going!"
"...No, Wazfi, nothing has been decided yet."
"I’ll prove it to you starting right now! Nairua, you better put your back into helping Lord Yuki, too. I don’t want you dragging me down!"
Now then, I wonder if these girls are good talent? I think I’ll check with Samantha and Cleena for their input.
So, this is how the shut-in managed to gather information. She had friends like this—researchers who love fieldwork. And now, a monster specialist who wasn't in Weed.
Wait a minute... isn't she even more useful than Nairua?