第１２５８堀：洞窟会議 (Part1)
Dungeon 1258: Cave Meeting
Cave Meeting
Side: Deryu
"Hmm..."
Yuki told me to, and since I called Reye anyway, I joined the meeting, but this is quite something.
"Brother-in-law. What exactly is the definition of this 'anti-Weed faction'?"
"Indeed, that's right. Without defining that, we can't do anything."
It was understandable that my younger brother, Reye, and Arwin, the Dungeon Master of the Ranks region and beyond, would ask this in return.
"Well, that's precisely the problem. Excluding some princess who foolishly stormed in, these are matters we've largely ignored until now. And if people simply resent Weed, they're bound to exist. So, it's difficult to determine what constitutes 'anti-Weed' and how to judge it."
Yuki twisted his neck, a wry smile on his face, in response to the question.
That was certainly true. Even if we were told to define the 'anti-Weed faction,' what would we do? Simply complaining was certainly not enough. Such a thing would be merely an individual's opinion, and furthermore, nothing would have been executed.
"So, Brother-in-law. Why this timing today?"
"Indeed. Was there some catalyst?"
"That is... do you know that a student exchange program is now underway as part of intercontinental exchange?"
"Yes. I've heard from my sister."
"I've also heard from Taiki and Taizo. Is it related to that?"
"Ah. If anything happens to the exchange students under Weed's care, Weed's credibility will plummet."
"Ah."
At that single statement, everyone, including myself, nodded in agreement.
"I see, so this is the target if someone wants to cause trouble."
"Indeed. Important figures would have escorts, but it would be easier to target the numerous exchange students who cannot be assigned guards."
"Furthermore, while they may be talented, they are still young and not yet accustomed to our customs. Such individuals would be easy to deceive. Therefore, Yuki believes there's a possibility that those with malicious intent towards Weed might make a move."
"Precisely. For now, I'm working with Elju and Liliana on dialogues with rare races, and it reminded me of the question of how to handle 'malice from other nations' during those interactions. I want to hear your opinions on whether we should continue as before, or if we should take some measures. I've also requested surveillance."
I see.
Yuki's "surveillance" likely meant in the capacity of a Dungeon Master.
Each nation is expected to suppress internal dissent on their own, and it's covert...
"Kirika, show yourself and join this discussion."
"Yes, sir."
Indeed, if it were merely information gathering, Kirika and her team would suffice. This meant he wanted to hear the unique opinions of those who were Dungeon Masters.
"So, what do you think? First, should we strengthen our countermeasures against spies and fools like that?"
"In that case, I believe we should strengthen them. While deliberately inviting an opening might be an option, wouldn't it still be necessary to make an appeal to each nation?"
"I also agree with Reye's opinion. A review and strengthening of countermeasures are necessary, and the nations sending exchange students would be reassured by that. Well, even so, there will probably still be those who try something. And first, I'd like to ask, are there any countries we should already be wary of, such as those that might interfere with the exchange students?"
"Kirika, what about it?"
"For now, there's nothing of that sort. While there are certainly people who harbor dissatisfaction towards Weed, if they were to lay a hand on an exchange student, they could potentially endanger their own nation."
Kirika was certainly right. Laying a hand on an exchange student would mean making an enemy of their home country as well.
"Besides, the student exchange program itself hasn't even been finalized yet."
"That's certainly true. If the detailed contents haven't been decided, the other side can't even formulate a plan."
"Then, Brother-in-law, wouldn't it be better to consider what would trouble us if it were done to us? What we would do in such a situation?"
"What Reye says is true, but isn't that separate from what we Dungeon Masters should be wary of in the first place? Shouldn't the planning of such countermeasures be discussed by all nations together?"
Arwin was right. Such a thing would be pointless to discuss with this group. No, if it meant thinking of a draft, it wouldn't be impossible, but ultimately, there would be no need for us to be Dungeon Masters for that.
"Ah, you're right. Talking about the student exchange program just complicated things. Let's keep it simple. What I want to know is, are there any entities under your management that are making suspicious moves against Weed?"
"I see. That's what you're asking."
"Ah, that's much clearer and helpful. So, anything that starts moving by utilizing the student exchange program is likely an enemy we've already detected and confirmed?"
"Yes. So, regardless of the student exchange program, are there any 'enemies' you're currently aware of?"
I see, that's what it was about. Indeed, if there were individuals already being watched by these two Dungeon Masters at this stage, they would be highly suspicious.
"So, what's the situation?"
"Hmm. In the areas I'm entrusted with, not particularly... In that case, wouldn't the areas Arwin is in charge of be more suspicious? Many of the places Arwin manages are regions not participating in the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance."
"That's true. There are a few countries we're keeping an eye on, but they're all still at the level of simply trying to secure a Dungeon Master for their own nation. Well, if they don't take the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance from Weed, they'll just wither away."
"If it's at that level, there are some in my managed area too, but even if they wanted to tarnish Weed's reputation, the major nations outwardly control trade. So, there's no particular movement within the Logari Continent. What about the If Continent?"
"Over there, it's about time..."
Just as Yuki was about to say more, the conference room door opened.
"Hey, sorry to keep you waiting."
Sakuri said as he entered.
He was one of the three Dungeon Masters currently existing on the If Continent. Of course, one of them was my husband, Yuki. And the former Dungeon Master, Comet. The last was Sakuri.
Incidentally, this man had suffered severe injuries, losing parts of his body in the past battle against the Demon Lord Peace Guardworld. Although Yuki and the others' treatment had completely healed the wounds themselves, the missing parts remained as they were. Thus, his appearance with prosthetic limbs was somewhat painful to behold. Well, that was also by his own will. It was that kind of thing, where scars were a source of pride.
"Wait, Sakuri, are you alone?"
"Ahaha. You don't need to worry so much. Thanks to Yuki and the others, these prosthetic limbs are stronger and easier to move than clumsy flesh and blood. I'm truly grateful to Narjia."
"..."
All of us fell silent before the laughing Sakuri.