第１２１２堀：調査隊帰還 (Part1)
**Chapter 1212: The Survey Team Returns**
**Side: Yuki**
"Yoo-hoo! I'm home!"
Agil shouted with a radiant smile, leaping toward me with such momentum that I caught her in a firm embrace.
"Hey, welcome back. And I’m glad to see Comet, Narjia, and Wazfi are all safe and sound."
I was currently in the academy courtyard, welcoming the four of them back from their successful exploration of the Great Forest. Yes, the first phase of the survey had been completed without a hitch. While their clothes were understandably a bit grimy, there wasn't a scratch on them, so the expedition could be considered a resounding success. As for the scientific evaluation of their findings, that would have to wait for the upcoming analysis.
Just as I was celebrating their return, Rurua tapped me on the shoulder from behind.
"Yes. Master, I am relieved that Agil is safe, but before we do anything else, she needs to undergo a proper medical examination."
"Ah, you're right. Agil, go get checked out properly."
"I’m reluctant to leave you, but it would be bad if I brought back some strange pathogen, wouldn't it? Oh, and Yuki, you should get yourself disinfected too!"
"Right. Comet, you guys start there, too. Reports can wait until after that’s done."
"Understood."
"Roger that!"
"…I’m going to take a bath."
Comet and Wazfi seemed fine, but Narjia looked completely exhausted. Well, she spends her daily life holed up in her room with research and development, so it’s only natural she’d be worn out.
Oh, I should make sure to clarify one thing.
"I said 'reports,' but that’s only after you’ve had a proper rest."
" " "Eh?" " "
Just as I expected, Agil, Comet, and Wazfi reacted with genuine surprise, as if my instruction were madness.
"No, it’s only natural. You’re all drained. Rest properly first, then compile your reports and submit them another day. Besides, if I don't 'force' you to take a break, you’ll just keep researching and surveying forever, won't you?"
"Ahaha, well, that’s just how it is, isn't it?"
"Exactly. Besides, we need to compile the reports early so we don't forget anything."
"That’s right! I agree with them!"
"Even if you insist, it’s a no-go. Sometimes you see things more clearly when you take a break."
The three of them grumbled and complained, but I couldn't allow them to push themselves. After all, a lack of rest is the fastest way to plummet labor efficiency. That said…
"Well, 'how you rest' is up to each of you. I won't interfere with what you choose to do during that time."
Yes, what constitutes rest is subjective. If they choose to spend their downtime organizing their research, I can't exactly forbid it.
"Ah, I see what you mean."
Agil caught my drift immediately, responding with a bright smile.
"Oh, I get it. In that case, no problem! We’ll just put together a rough summary and then get some solid rest."
"Yes. I’ll finish that up and then rest immediately."
"…I’m just going to rest."
Comet and the others seemed to understand my intent as well, nodding in agreement. With members who love research this much, trying to bind them is futile; you just have to find a reasonable middle ground. Though, in Narjia’s case, she looked so physically drained that "sleep" was likely her only option.
While we were exchanging these words, Rurua finished the check-up on the four of them and turned back to me.
"My examination shows no issues, but how about your check, Yuki-san?"
"My appraisal confirms they’re fine, too. Still, there’s a chance something might be clinging to their clothes, so have them take them off and set them aside."
"Understood."
"You’re being very thorough, aren't you?"
"Um, I don't quite get it, but okay."
"…Do as you like."
The four of them responded in their own ways before heading to the changing room and then back into the academy.
"They went in person this time. It might be a hassle when they return to Weed, but please be thorough with the quarantine."
"Yes, leave that to me. For the sake of the children born anew, and for Jessica and the others who worked so hard to bring them into this world, I will absolutely prevent any illness from taking hold."
My, Rurua is more motivated than usual. Come to think of it, she’s been working hard as a midwife, and today she’s been busy with the check-ups for Comet and the others—she’s been under a much heavier workload than me these past few days…
"And you, Rurua? Are you pushing yourself too hard?"
"Of course not. I’m taking my breaks properly. I’m fine."
Seeing her strike a cute pose, it seemed she was indeed alright. My appraisal showed no status abnormalities or fluctuations in her vitals. Since she didn't seem to be hiding anything, I felt a sense of relief. After all, if Rurua were to collapse, it would be a health crisis for the entire household.
"Alright, I’m heading back to work."
"Yes, leave things here to me."
Hearing Rurua’s reply, I returned to the monitoring room. Inside, Taizo-san and Zargis were already examining the video records and data that Comet and the others had brought back.
"I'm back."
They finally turned around at my voice. Researchers really are something else—I don't know if it’s their focus or their sheer obsession, but it’s on another level.
"Ah, Yuki-kun. How was it? How are Comet and the others?"
"They seem fine. Narjia was a bit exhausted, though."
"Well, they spent six days running through the forest without stopping. It’s only natural for them to be mentally and physically drained. If anything, the other three are the ones who are abnormal."
"I’m in total agreement with Zargis-dono, though let’s make sure not to tell them that to their faces."
"Of course. Though, those three would probably take it as a compliment…"
"Hmm, given their usual behavior, I cannot deny that."
"As someone who is married to one of them, I can’t deny it either."
Zargis’s sarcasm would definitely fly right over their heads. Well, for the sake of their "dignity as women," they’d probably put on a show of being angry… right?
"Anyway, setting that aside, how is the data? As far as I’m aware, there wasn't anything noteworthy in the outer perimeter data, was there?"
Exactly. During this run around the outer perimeter of the Great Forest, they hadn't encountered any monsters, nor had they discovered anything of note. I knew that from the daily reports. While the report for today would be submitted later, I had been tracking the situation from this monitoring room, so I already knew nothing had happened.
"That’s right. We’ve confirmed that there really is nothing there."
"Yes. This confirms that the outer perimeter course is not a site of magical accumulation. Therefore, the destination must be the center of the Great Forest, which will be the deepest point."
"Ah, so that’s it."
The fact that there was "nothing there" was the answer to this phase of the survey.
"What was once just a prediction has now been confirmed. Plus, we’ve placed fixed observation equipment, so we can take measurements from there moving forward."
"However, was it really necessary to have them go and install those personally? Couldn't we have sent drones or a squad of monsters to do it?"