第１１２９堀：調査というのは準備が大事 (Part1)
Chapter 1129: Preparation is the Key to Investigation
Preparation is the Key to Investigation
Side: Vilia
"Alright, everyone, follow me!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
Leading us with that declaration was none other than Eupia, Empress of the Zuraburu Great Empire.
"Um, excuse me, but why exactly is Empress Eupia coming along with us?"
I voiced my honest question. Following the conclusion of the meeting held by my older brother and the others, we were heading toward a suspicious "dead point" within the academy—a place where rumors claimed people had vanished—to confirm the site and set up surveillance equipment. Yet, for some reason, Empress Eupia was the one directing our investigation team.
"Hmm. Vilia, you may call me Eupia-chan here. We are friends, are we not? Isn't that right, Popuri?"
"That’s right. We’re friends. And friends can call each other whatever they like—there’s absolutely no problem with that."
"Indeed, indeed. To have someone like Popuri as the principal... this academy is truly blessed."
"That’s my line. Honestly, to think Eupia is an Empress—there couldn't be a happier nation than yours."
"Hahaha!"
...Ugh. For some reason, I felt a sharp, stinging pain in my stomach. It should be a good thing that they’re getting along, but...
I glanced toward Schans, who had come along, hoping she might be able to stop Eupia-chan. To my surprise, she was clutching her abdomen, her face twisted in a grimace, looking exactly like she had a stomachache.
"Good grief. Hm? Oh, Lady Vilia. Is something the matter?"
The moment she realized I was looking, she pulled her hand away from her stomach, straightened her posture, and replied with her usual beautiful smile.
"Oh, um, I don't really know how to explain it, but seeing Eupia-chan and Popuri-san getting along like that makes my stomach hurt..."
As I said that, Schans’s smile froze for a split second before she gently pulled me into an embrace.
"You mustn't push yourself."
"Oh, no, it was just a feeling..."
"Hmm. Well, you are still young, so perhaps you aren't accustomed to such things? But please, tell me immediately if your stomach hurts again. It is far too tragic to suffer from stress-induced gastritis at your age."
"Gastritis?"
"I shall have Lulua explain it to you later. For now, let us focus on our work."
With that, Schans gently set me down.
"Aww, Vili-onee is being unfair."
"Haha. Well then, Lady Hiiro, would you like a turn?"
"Yeah!"
Schans didn't show a hint of annoyance at Hiiro’s selfishness as she lifted her up.
"Schans-onee is fluffy too."
"Is that so? I am smaller than Lulua, though."
"To Hiiro, both of you are big, fluffy, and feel great~"
"Haha, I am delighted that you like it."
*Oh, Hiiro. What are you saying...* I thought, when suddenly:
"Hey, Schans. Stop trying to charm my friend and—argh, get to work!"
"I am working, Your Majesty. I am dutifully following our free-spirited Empress. Look, we have arrived at the rumored location. The commander should be the one giving the orders."
"Ngh... you really do have a sharp tongue."
"We are both guilty of that. Now, Lady Hiiro, it is time to work."
"Yeah. I'll do my best. Let's do our best too, Eupia-chan."
"Indeed. But if you get tired, just tell me. I can carry you as much as you like."
"Oh, yay! I'll ask you then."
"Leave it to me."
Um... given Eupia-chan’s height, I feel like that would be an incredibly awkward way to be carried...
"Don't worry about things like that. More importantly, let's start the work."
"Oh, right."
Prompted by Dressa, I used the radio Taizo-san had given me to make contact.
"This is Child Team. Radio transmission in progress. Headquarters, do you copy?"
As I spoke into the radio...
*This is Headquarters. Signal is clear. We hear you loud and clear. Proceed.*
"Yes. We have arrived at the destination safely. There are no problems here so far."
*I see. Taizo-san, any abnormalities in the radio waveforms?*
*No, none that I can see. The footage from the cameras each member is carrying is also stable.*
*Vilia, tell them to try the magical communication next.*
"Understood. Ending transmission."
I cut the connection. Next was...
"Dressa."
"I know. This is Child Team. Magical communication in progress. Headquarters, do you copy?"
Dressa began the magical communication, and that, too, was confirmed without any issues.
"Understood. We will continue the activity to identify the dead point. Eupia-chan, we’ve made contact with Headquarters. The operation continues."
"Very well. Then, let us begin installing the cameras as planned."
"Yes!"
We followed Eupia-chan’s orders and began setting up the cameras.
"Still, I have had photos and videos taken many times, but to think that such a small tool can record and store the scenery exactly as it is for such a long time..."
"Yes. It is astonishing. And just being able to hold this in our hands makes the trip here worth it."
"Indeed. I wonder if I should negotiate with Yuki-dono to let us have a few later."
"...I believe that would be difficult, but it is worth a try. However, I think we should first earn his favor by properly assisting with this investigation. It would be the ramblings of a fool to demand such things without even completing the task entrusted to us."
"That is true."
It seems Eupia-chan and the others were deeply impressed by the functionality of the cameras used for this investigation and were already considering how to bring them back.
To us, these tools for recording were commonplace, but from the perspective of other nations, they were clearly items of immense value.
I need to learn about these things properly, too, or I might be taken advantage of in future negotiations. That is something I must avoid, for my brother’s sake and for the sake of Weed.
As I was thinking this, Principal Popuri approached Eupia-chan.
"I see, I see. So Eupia is considering introducing cameras."
"Indeed. You don't seem surprised at all, Popuri. Did you know of this tool's existence before?"
"Yes. It’s convenient, isn't it? Don't you agree, Schans-dono?"
"Yes. It is impossibly convenient. With this, there will be no need to take detailed minutes of meetings. Well, there will still be a need to write things down as documents, of course."
"Yeah. It’s a big help to me, too."
"Hm? Wait a moment, Popuri. The way you put that... it sounds as if you already possess these cameras?"
"Yes, that’s right. After all, cameras are currently being produced on the If Continent."
"What!?"
"Could it be... the cameras Yuki-sama uses are from the If Continent!?"
"Ahaha, it’s true that we are producing them, but the original is Yuki-dono’s. He’s letting us on the If Continent take the credit. Well, it was quite a struggle just to set up the production system, though. Anyway, that’s why we can export them to your side, you know?"