第１２６７堀：友の来襲 (Part2)
That said, Gartz’s combat strength would undoubtedly suffer, and this isn't something we can rush. Besides, if I don’t secure the surroundings properly, my husband won’t be pleased.
*Sigh.* It’s a bit crude to say I’m "selling off my husband," but I’d rather not see Lowell taken by just anyone.
"Hmm? What’s wrong?"
"Say, why don’t you seriously consider marriage?"
"Not until I find a man who can defeat me!"
Hmm, that’s a line I’ve heard somewhere before. Ignoring the stinging gaze from Quar—which I’ll pretend is just my imagination—I continue.
"So, did you come all this way just to talk about age limits?"
"No. Even I wouldn't barge into your office for a reason as trivial as that."
"True. If that were really all, I’d have you thrown out without a word next time."
"Besides, is the security here really okay, letting me walk right in like this?"
"Oh, I’m genuinely surprised you have that kind of situational awareness, Lowell. But jokes aside, I trust you that much, and so do my husbands."
Lowell never does anything troublesome of that sort. In fact, I don't keep any documents here that would be problematic if someone were to rummage through them. Well, there are a few sensitive things, but nothing that would reveal the involvement of my husbands.
"I appreciate that. In return for your trust, then..."
Lowell hands me a document. To my surprise, it isn't handwritten; it’s been properly drafted on a computer.
"Oh, you’ve learned how to use one?"
"Yeah. It’s easier than handwriting."
"Wow, that must have been difficult to learn."
I can’t imagine Lowell ever mastering a keyboard.
"Nah, it was surprisingly easy. Yuki taught me while we were playing games. You know, those ones where you shoot at each other."
"Ah, I see."
My husband really knows how to guide people. He mixed it in with something she loves. Well, that aside, I read through the document she handed me.
"As I thought, the countries not participating in the alliance likely have a Dungeon Master or are influenced by a god."
"Yeah. What we’ve investigated is still within the reach of Gartz and Rumel, though. How about on your end?"
"Rochur and Litea are the same. They seem dead set against joining our umbrella."
"Well, Weed has proven its worth. Some countries probably think they can become the suzerain themselves. A dungeon is certainly powerful enough to bolster national strength—if you can master it like Yuki does, that is."
"I highly doubt they’ve considered that part."
You see, Lowell’s true purpose in coming to my office was to discuss the investigation into hostile factions. Ever since Weed was founded, the great powers of the Rogari Continent have begun to cooperate, but there are still nations that refuse to align with this system. While things are finally starting to move in the If Continent and the New Continent, here in Rogari, Lowell’s Gartz and others have been gathering intelligence for some time.
Of course, Weed has its own independent investigations as well. My husband predicted from the start that enemies would emerge from other Dungeon Masters, and he knew from the beginning that as Weed grew and developed, it would invite jealousy. The fools in Rochur had even tried to interfere once. That is why we exchange information regularly—though, on the surface, we pretend Lowell just came by to chat about nonsense.
As I pondered that in the back of my mind, I continued reading.
"Doesn't look like there's been any significant movement yet..."
"Well, they lack the funds and the military strength to move even if they wanted to. Though, a Dungeon Master might try to mobilize monsters on a large scale to conquer a neighbor."
"What about the possibility of them expanding their influence through trade, like Weed?"
"If they did that, Gartz would know about it immediately as a country with a booming economy. Information would reach Rochur and other nations, too. Besides, you need buyers to conduct trade in the first place."
"True enough. Still, they might make a move soon."
"The Intercontinental Exchange Alliance is going to be moving on a large scale. They’ll see it as the perfect chance to trip us up. I’ll keep a close watch."
"Yes, please do. Aside from the investigation results, may I ask for your intuition, Lowell? Where do you think they’ll strike?"
I ask this to the back of Lowell, who has already turned to leave, her business for the day finished. After all, her instincts are nothing to sneeze at.
"Hmm. Let’s see. I’m concerned about the 'Dark Guild,' which hasn't shown any overt activity yet."
"The Dark Guild? I heard their headquarters in Rumel was destroyed."
"Seraria, you know they have plenty of branches, right? Well, there’s talk that the remaining branches everywhere are exclusively taking on jobs related to vested interests. I mean, murder isn't exactly rare outside of Weed, anyway."
"Vested interests. Merchants?"
"Probably. Countries have their own interests, of course, but with the headquarters destroyed, they can't move recklessly. If they’re going to operate as a subordinate organization..."
"Then they’re acting as merchants."
"Seems like it. Anyway, I’m going to go play with Sakura and the others before I head home."
I watch her figure disappear through the door.
"I’ll contact my husband."
"Understood. But, my lady, why does Lady Lowell not act like this more often?"
"It’s not that she doesn't, but she usually wears the role of the 'Princess of the Fortress Nation.' Though, it is true that she loves a good battle."
Lowell remains a dear friend to Seraria, even now. It’s a blessing to have someone like that.