第１２８９堀：大森林調査予定会議 (Part2)
"We're basically planning on rotating members. Regarding the members, either I or Agil will lead the investigation, but we won't be operating together. While one of us completes an investigation and compiles reports, the other team, which has been providing rear support, will then deploy. Of course, we'll also make sure to schedule proper breaks, so there won't be any issues."
As I explained this, I uploaded the member roster.
"For this route's investigation, the planned members are myself, Hivia, Noriko, and Deryu. Agil's investigation team will consist of Nairua, Wazfi, and Ria."
"Huh? Ria? Why her again?"
Oh, even Yuki seemed surprised by my announcement.
Well, ordinarily, Ria is Yuki's direct guard, so pulling her away would be unthinkable, but...
"It's a matter of combat strength. My team has Deryu. In terms of combat power, she possesses nearly the highest strength within Weed. However, Agil's team doesn't have anyone comparable. That's simply not ideal. And, to be precise, Ria was the only one whose schedule seemed to align. My proposal was made with the thought that Yuki has Fiora and others with him recently. Of course, if Yuki objects, I'll consider an alternative."
"Does she agree?"
"Naturally, I've secured her consent. The rest depends on Yuki's decision."
"Who are you considering as a substitute if she can't go?"
"Honestly, there's no one. Kagura is a potential candidate for combat strength, but..."
"Kagura is even more indispensable; she's our link to Hyden."
"Right. Then there's Taizo, Enor, and Souta, but..."
"Ahaha, that might be a bit much for us old folks."
"More to the point, we have our duties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
"So everyone's hands are full..."
"Exactly."
While saying Ria 'has free hands' might be an overstatement, everyone else truly is swamped.
After all, the student exchange program recently launched, creating new departments.
The fact that we can even prepare two full teams is a testament to how seriously Yuki is approaching this.
As I thought earlier, it's truly a luxury compared to the old days.
Back then, I had to do everything myself...
Anyway, putting that aside, since Ria's job was solely to guard Yuki, I decided to include her as a candidate.
"So, it seems that's the situation, Ria, what do you want to do?"
And Ria herself was present at this meeting.
As Yuki's guard, of course.
"I don't have any urgent duties at the moment, and if I can be of help to Yuki, I'd like to assist. As for guarding, I've already trained Fiora and the others."
"I see. In that case, let's give it a try."
"Yes."
And so, it seems she agreed without any issues.
"Since Ria says she'll do her best, she'll join the Great Forest Investigation Team. Of course, if anything comes up, I'll pull her back, alright?"
"That's fine by me. More to the point, I understand that even if we conduct the Great Forest investigation properly, the student exchange program takes priority. Agil feels the same, doesn't she?"
"Indeed. Naturally, if Holy King Enaria VII calls, I can't just ignore it. That said, I've informed them that I'm conducting the Great Forest investigation, so I don't expect to be called upon so readily. Besides, since I'm already married to Yuki, it wouldn't look good for me to rely on him indefinitely."
"Um, I'm grateful to be accepted, but I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do. Is that alright?"
Indeed, Ria must be feeling anxious since she's unfamiliar with investigations...
"What, we are essentially guards. That means, should monsters appear during the investigation, we will fight and ensure everyone's safety. Am I not correct in this?"
Deryu puffed out her chest as she told Ria this, then looked at me for confirmation.
"Yes, I want to primarily entrust Ria and Deryu with combat. While Hivia, Nairua, and Wazfi have received some training, I'm not overconfident that they can handle every situation appropriately. Of course, I believe Agil and I could also handle it, but since we'll be operating as investigators, there's a chance we might not have enough hands free."
I don't harbor the overconfidence that I can handle everything by myself.
Members specialized in combat are also necessary.
"That being said, it's true that having some knowledge about the investigation would be helpful, so I'll make sure to give a thorough lecture before departure."
"Understood."
Ria nodded obediently.
Honestly, it's basically 'go study,' but Ria never seems to mind these things.
Is it all because it's 'for Yuki'?
Well, either way, I have to make sure it's done properly.
"Alright. From my perspective, there are no issues. Now, submit the investigation plan to Popuri, and once you get her approval, you can begin."
"Understood."
Well, I don't imagine Popuri will complain, but it's important to properly 'obtain permission,' after all.
It's also necessary to protect the academy's safety, so it's something that must be done.
Now, time to get to work.
When taking any action, it's crucial to plan thoroughly and discuss it.
There are usually details that get overlooked.