第１３０６堀：ウィードメイドたちの事情 (Part1)
**Chapter 1306: The Circumstances of the Weed Maids**
**Side: Kirue**
“The investigation of the Great Forest is proceeding smoothly. And next, we have the potential for Great Overflows in various nations...?”
I frowned slightly as I looked over the report brought to us by Lady Fiora and her team. Sasari, who was reading the document alongside me, let out a dry laugh.
“Ahaha. Even while we’re in the middle of preparing the student exchange program, he keeps digging up new problems, doesn’t he? Though, I suppose leaving them alone would be an even bigger problem in the long run.”
I could only offer a wry smile in return.
I truly wish for Master to take a proper rest, but the world around him simply refuses to allow it. The investigation of the Great Forest is partly to ensure no Great Overflows occur there, and it is only right to have the other nations look into their own territories as well.
Even so, the timing is...
“I suppose we should be grateful that the policy is to have each nation handle their own investigation into these potential overflows,” I noted.
“Honestly, it would just be a recipe for disaster if Master went out there himself. The real issue is that if they actually find signs of an impending Great Overflow, we might be forced to take countermeasures anyway.”
“...That is the very raison d'être of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, after all. It would be difficult to refuse.”
“Which is exactly why Master moved when he did, I’m sure. Still, I feel like worrying too much about it isn't good for the soul.”
“That is true, but once a concern has been identified, we must remain vigilant.”
Normally, since the notice has already been sent out, there would be no reason for Master to personally reiterate the warning. However, looming in the background is the student exchange program to be conducted through the Alliance. This is a project that must succeed.
Therefore, any seeds of unrest must be dealt with firmly. It is as simple as that, and yet...
“As long as Master isn't overextending himself, our role remains the same: to provide support. From my perspective, there don't seem to be any particular issues, but how does it look to you, Sasari?”
“Everything seems fine to me as well. I mean, he just went to play in the snowy mountains the other day, so he’s definitely getting his leisure time in. It’s almost mysterious~”
He certainly rests when he decides to rest, but I can’t help but feel that his accumulated fatigue far outweighs his recovery. I wonder why that is?
“We must be careful not to grow complacent just because Master is healthy and resilient. Now, regarding the internal state of Weed—how are things?”
Indeed, the reason Sasari and I hold these meetings is not merely for our duties as maids. It serves as a hub for internal information gathering and intelligence exchange.
“At the moment, there’s no frantic movement regarding the exchange program. No signs of any insurgent elements, either. Well, if anyone is going to make a move, it will likely be once the program actually starts and the additional housing units are occupied.”
“There’s no suspicious activity on my end regarding the program or Weed in general. Anxiety doesn't seem to be spreading. And you, Lady Kirika?”
『Understood. My units have detected no subversive movements within Weed. All is peaceful. However, in the Commercial District, there are concerns being raised about potential friction caused by the influx of new faces.』
As expected of Lady Kirika. As the head of Master’s personal intelligence unit, her reach is truly impressive to be gathering such grassroots information.
“Ah, I see. I think I’ve heard some of the part-timers mentioning that, but people coming and going is a daily occurrence here. I’d been letting it slide, but should we be more cautious?”
“It’s a difficult balance. It’s only natural for trouble to increase as the population grows. We’ve already accounted for that by discussing personnel increases with the police. However, whether new recruits can actually handle the nuances of the job is another matter...”
『It will be difficult. Maintaining public order requires proper communication with the residents, of course, but one must also avoid being swayed by personal ties and remain impartial when making judgments. I doubt they haven't considered this, but...』
“In the end, we won't know until we try. But as for whether that could lead to the subversion of Weed...”
“The possibility is likely very low,” Sasari chimed in.
『I concur. Even if it were to happen, there would likely be some form of external contact first. I will continue to gather information.』
“Please do. Well then, that concludes our regular reporting session. Is there anything else anyone wishes to communicate?” I asked, performing a final check.
“Hmm~ nothing from me. Lady Kirika?”
『No, I have conveyed everything necessary. Any broader matters can wait for the general reporting session with my Lord.』
“Very well. Thank you both for today.”
With that, our meeting was adjourned. Though, in reality, we were simply talking in my room at the inn. To an outsider, it would look like nothing more than maids having a private chat.
“Now then, I’ll head to my post after finishing my tea. Sasari, you’re looking after Lady Sakura and the others today, correct?”
“Yes. Though Lady Sakura and the older children are at school, so I’ll be looking after the younger ones like Lady Yumi.”
“What about Lady Cleena’s children—Lady Prol and the others?”
Lady Yumi is Lady Milly’s daughter. Age-wise, she has started going to the park along with Lady Tori’s daughter, Yuri; Lady Riel’s daughter, Riyuru; and Lady Kaya’s daughter, Kikka.
However, Lady Cleena’s Prol, Lady Samantha’s Manoama, Lady Jessica’s Ainon, and Lady Ria’s Makoto are still nursing infants. It isn't a task Sasari can handle alone.
“The Mistresses are handling them. Lady Cleena and the others are taking the lead, and Lady Rurua and Lady Riel are helping out since they mentioned their breasts were feeling heavy...”
“...It is wonderful that the mothers are looking after them, but don't the Mistresses have work to do?”
Technically, we maids are supposed to handle the care of the nursing infants as well, but at the Mistresses' request, we have been relegated to a supporting role. Because of this, the daily rotation of personnel changes constantly, making it a challenge to keep track of everyone. There is a schedule, of course, but sudden errands often crop up.
...Well, as a mother myself, I understand the desire to look after one's own child even if it causes a bit of a stir in the surrounding schedule.
“They’ve established rules for that, and Lady Aslin’s monsters are doing a fine job of looking after them as well. Lady Kirika’s subordinates are also on standby. But surely you already knew that, Senior?”