第１２１６堀：ゴブリン村のあれこれ (Part2)
"Right, so we need to investigate both the monsters and the magical depletion phenomenon. That’s precisely why I’m bringing Aslin along as a monster specialist. Though, I suppose the little ones will end up tagging along too. Not that it’s a problem; they’re more than capable as a combat force."
"But honestly, Comet is just too difficult for me to handle. The girl is a research fanatic through and through."
"Haha... I can certainly see that."
"But Yuki-sensei, wouldn't Zargis be a better choice then?"
"Actually, Zargis is the one running the laboratory and managing those two. Well, Hifi-san does take care of Comet’s 'needs,' but when it comes to research, she’s completely clueless."
"I see. So, by process of elimination, Agil is the only option."
"Besides, Agil is also Yuki-sama’s wife, so we feel more at ease with her. Though, Zargis and Comet are practically family as well."
"Well, that’s about the size of it."
When it comes to which of those three I’d have to be least formal with, it’s definitely Agil. More importantly, aside from Dressa, who lacks a national background, Agil is the only one among the If Continent members who hasn't become pregnant yet. She’s likely feeling the pressure from her home country. In that sense, having the pretext of accompanying me to the Goblin Village should help quiet the complaints a bit.
"Oh, by the way, what about Wazfi and Nairua? Aren't they researchers too?"
"I’m still weighing that. Actually, Nairua definitely won't come, and that leaves Wazfi, the monster researcher. But given the situation with Hivia, it’s complicated. She has the role of a schoolmate while Kagura and the others are away, and she’s someone we can rely on regarding the Great Forest. It’s a question of whether we can afford to pull her away from that."
"Hmm. As for me, I don’t think Wazfi needs to participate this time. Like Yuki-sensei said, it’s better to have her focus her efforts on the Great Forest survey."
"I agree with Mikos on that. Besides, Wazfi and Nairua still lack knowledge regarding other countries anyway. We could force them to come along and learn, but..."
"I don't think there's any need to go out of our way to do that at this timing."
"Alright, then Wazfi will focus on the Great Forest. Well, I’m planning to secretly set up a gate near the Goblin Village anyway, so once we go once, it’ll be easier from then on. No need to overthink it. That settles the research and negotiation teams—now for the guards. Aside from the ones Princess Carrie is providing, I need to bring my own."
Now, who to choose? In truth, for some reason, many of my wives are of the martial persuasion. If I just put out a call for guards, everyone would raise their hands, and it could easily turn into a brawl. How to filter them...
"That, of course, is a job for us!"
"Indeed. If we aren't the ones guarding you, who would be?"
"Hmm. 'Yuki’s guard' means us."
"Yes, exactly."
As I was agonizing over what to do, the door swung open, and the four who had just given birth recently marched in with confidence. It’s true; these four are my personal, dedicated guards. They’d been replaced by others recently due to their pregnancies, but...
"What about the children?"
"Naturally, we’ll be rotating, with us four at the center. We understand your concern, Yuki-san. We aren't planning to go all at once; we’ll work in pairs. How does that sound?"
I see, so that’s their plan. A rotation is a brilliant idea. If someone feels unwell, they can rest, and if they can’t return to duty, we can implement other measures. It also means everyone is cooperating to look after the children as usual. And above all...
"You’ve been still for a while now, so you’re itching to move, aren't you? Ria and the others."
"Yes."
They answered my question without a hint of hesitation.
"In the first place, protecting you, Yuki-san, is the duty of this 'Hero'."
Ah, right. I remember that title now. Hm? Something feels like it’s on the tip of my tongue... Ah.
"Alright, Ria, you’re coming with me."
"Eh? No, I mean, it’s only natural that I’d come, but why?"
"Come to think of it, Hairen certified Princess Carrie as a 'Hero,' didn't she? And we haven't properly investigated that."
"Ah..."
Everyone seemed to remember at the same time. We need to thoroughly investigate how much Princess Carrie’s specs have increased due to that 'Hero Certification' and whether she’s struggling with anything. After all, 'Hero abilities' are notoriously temperamental—and they came from Hairen, at that.
What do we need to head to the Goblin Village? It certainly gives one plenty to think about.