第１２２９堀：魔石と魔物の関係 (Part2)
"That is certainly true. I’ve only encountered wild monsters since coming to Weed, but—and I hope this doesn't sound disrespectful—they are quite different from the image of monsters that Labyris and the others described. If anything, aren't they more like a gathering of people protecting their village and their territory?"
We all exchanged glances at Kagura-san’s remarkably unconventional observation.
To be fair, our collective image of a "wild monster" is defined entirely by the phrase "attacks humans." But that is almost always a consequence of encroaching upon their territory—their domain...
"Hmm. You mentioned that as well. And the existence of monster nests is a confirmed fact. But are you suggesting that negotiation is actually possible?"
"It’s not far off the mark. I’ve observed the monsters of Rogari and If many times. It’s clear they possess an instinct to 'exclude anything other than their own kind.' But even among such groups, there are those who lead them, and it is a fact that some respond to Aslin’s taming."
"Ah, I see. You mean that monsters possess intelligence and have those who govern them. But that’s been known for a long time, hasn't it? Goblin Lords, Shamans, Orc Kings—and during the Great Outbreak, leaders like Liches have been confirmed throughout history. But aiming to negotiate with them is a tall order. You usually have to trample through all the small-fry subordinates just to reach them."
Seraria-san is right.
While it’s true that we might avoid conflict if we could negotiate with the ruling monster, the underlings are usually wiped out long before we ever get the chance.
"No, that’s the very point I’m questioning. If only the higher-ups possessed intelligence and the lower ranks didn't, then Steve and his lot shouldn't have been able to communicate with me at all. Besides, there are plenty of people who tame wild, low-ranking goblins. How do you explain that?"
"I think I’m starting to see what you’re getting at, Yuki. Are you suggesting that the 'Magic Stone' is what robs them of their will and intelligence, effectively placing them under a constraint?"
When Agil-san said that, the Boss nodded in agreement.
"I think that’s highly probable. And to tame a monster, you usually have to weaken it to a certain degree, or focus your efforts on a single individual. That’s partly to protect the tamer, but it might also be to weaken the binding force of the Magic Stone. After all, taming is a form of magic—it’s essentially overwriting their commands."
"..."
The Boss’s reasoning is likely very close to the truth of the situation.
"In other words, are you saying that the goblins in the goblin village gained their own free will because the loss of their Magic Stones lifted the commands—or rather, the shackles—of their superiors?"
"That’s my theory. And the fact that they lacked female members, which led to the loss of their ability to reproduce with other species, was a problem that necessitated an evolution. Well, that’s just speculation, but evolution often happens due to the most unexpected things."
I understand what the Boss is saying, but that would mean there’s a chance I could wake up as a girl one day, wouldn't it?
Man, that’s terrifying.
"Regardless, I intend to listen carefully and gather more information moving forward. In the meantime—and this might be a bit sudden—Seraria and the others should start thinking about the 'conditions for study abroad.'"
"Understood. Hearing things like this, it’s clear that implementing a study abroad system would make it easier to establish connections with other nations."
"Yeah, having to debate the feasibility of driving a car into their territory every single time is surprisingly tedious."
"Fufu. It was unthinkable in the past, but it’s become quite commonplace now, hasn't it?"
It’s true. Back in the day, the very idea of cars was absolutely out of the question.
Nowadays, while cars are still rare in the great powers, they are no longer viewed with such suspicion.
"Oh, and Steve. Take responsibility for that 'statement' you made. And make sure you tell Alfin yourself. Understood?"
"...Y-yes, ma'am."
I used Alfin as a shield to refuse the goblin women they were trying to force on me in the village, but it seems "it was just a joke" isn't going to cut it.
Well, it’s not like I dislike her, but...
*Sigh.* It’s complicated, but I suppose the time has come to bite the bullet and have that talk.
"Um, Boss? Could you be present when I do?"
"Of course. You’re my subordinate, after all. And a parent, too."
"Steve, I’ll help you out!"
"I shall assist as well!"
"Indeed. I’ll be there as part of Steve’s family."
"Yes. Let’s prepare so that things go well for Steve."
"That sounds good. Oh, but should I be on the 'Holy Sword User' side?"
"That sounds fun, too."
"Now, now, this is about marriage—you shouldn't call it 'fun.'"
...And just like that, the "hell" awaiting me upon my return home was set in stone.
Hmm, I don't know whether to feel happy or miserable.
We often discuss monsters here at the Victory Dungeon, but there is so much to consider.
In my setting, I think of them as being categorized as "wild animals."
It’s just that they possess "Magic Stones" and have a high tendency to attack humans.
How do you all define monsters?