第１２１３堀：私たちが側にいる意味 (Part2)
"Ahaha, I suppose that’s why. Hovis and the others have been so focused on diplomatic studies and making the rounds for greetings, so I imagine they wanted to ensure we were properly taught this time. Micos-chan, your predictions are always spot on."
"What are you saying? It’s the only logical conclusion, isn't it? We’ll be working on the If Continent, where Principal Popuri and the others are, so how could we not explain the situation there? The If Continent is where the mana depletion phenomenon is most pronounced."
As Kagura-sama said, I learned for the first time during Narjia-sama’s lecture that the If Continent is suffering from severe mana depletion. It seems the monsters there are dwindling, and the land itself has become incredibly hostile to the use of magic.
From my perspective—having only seen the Lancer Magic Academy—it felt impossible, but the data Narjia-sama projected onto the whiteboard during today’s lecture proved it to be an undeniable fact.
"Orelia and the rest of you, remember this well. One of the reasons Yuki is traveling directly to each country is to investigate this very phenomenon. As mentioned earlier, understanding this could potentially reveal the conditions behind the Great Outbreak and the mechanics of magic usage. Plus, it’s vital for the survival of the Spirit Maidens, like Enora, whose birth rates are so low."
...Um, aren't we getting dragged into something incredibly massive?
What could we possibly have to do with that terrifying Great Outbreak, or the conditions for using magic—especially when we aren't even mages ourselves?
"Kagura, don't scare them so much. Come now, Yayui and the others, look over here."
As we turned our gaze toward Micos-sama, she offered a gentle smile.
"What I need you all to do is handle interactions with the general public and gather information that might relate to the mana depletion phenomenon. The information Yuki-sensei and we receive officially always comes from the upper echelons of these nations, after all."
"...Does that mean the information is being filtered or distorted?"
"Exactly right, Orelia. Generally, the more information is passed along, the more simplified it becomes. We want the trivial details that only the common folk would know."
I see. So that’s the significance of our role.
"Normally, Kirika gathers that kind of information, but lately, she seems to be stretched too thin."
"Indeed. Just hearing the number of countries Yuki-sama is dealing with, a small squad simply wouldn't be enough. Is that why you’ve established a liaison office with Orelia-dono and the others?"
I certainly know Kirika-sama is always incredibly busy. Even when she’s by our side or Yuki-sama’s, she’s constantly buried in paperwork.
"Changing the subject slightly, why are you and your group attending this lecture, Kagura-dono? Based on Narjia-dono’s words, it sounded as if this lecture had already concluded?"
Oh, that’s right. Why were Kagura-sama and the others listening to a lecture they had already finished?
"Yes. We are here to support Orelia and the others. Yuki told us that once the investigation report on the Great Forest is finished today, we’ll be moving on to greetings on our own continents, so we’re here for the preliminary briefing."
"Besides, there was talk about visiting a goblin village in connection to the mana depletion, and we thought if Micos-chan and the others listened to the lecture again, they might notice something new."
"True. We listened to the explanation again, though it’s a shame nothing particularly new came to light."
"Well, the mysteries of mana depletion aren't solved so easily. What matters is that Orelia and the others have gained a better understanding of what we are doing."
I see. Kagura-sama and the others are preparing for the next round of greetings... wait, greetings?
"K-Kagura-sama. When you say 'next'..."
"Orelia, Yuki’s associations aren't limited to Rogari and the If Continent. There’s the continent where Shau-dono is from, and of course, our own home continent. Naturally, we need liaison offices for those as well. Above all, the Princess has specifically asked for us to introduce you, so do your best."
"Micos-chan will help you out, so let’s give it our all!"
"My territory involves the Haire Church, so the etiquette is a bit of a headache. Sorry about that."
"And our continent is heavily patriarchal. If you aren't firm, you’ll be looked down upon. You are acting as Yuki-sama’s proxies, so I will be strict with you."
Ugh, what do I do? I, a mere former slave, am somehow expected to mingle with the elites of so many nations.
...I hope my head is still attached to my shoulders tomorrow.
Orelia and her group are, quite unexpectedly, a tremendous help to Yuki. Provided, of course, that they function as intended...