第１３１８堀：反ウィード連合への対応 (Part2)
For the time being, I have left that work to Tori and the police. It is, after all, merely an investigation. Matters regarding suppression and the like are intended to be handled by the respective nations or our own military.
"To be honest, it hasn't progressed much. We have selected the personnel, but since it’s a department that doesn't usually see active duty, they are currently working in other divisions. As for how much they can actually do... it remains an unknown," Tori replies, looking apologetic.
However, what she says is only natural.
"It’s not as if international joint operations can be carried out so easily, after all. It’s only natural that there haven't been any opportunities for actual field work," Ratz chimes in, nodding in agreement.
"Indeed. We have allocated a budget for it, but there are voices within my own administration questioning the wisdom of funding a department that has no activity," Eris adds with a sigh.
Eris’s mention of "wasted money" is particularly painful to hear. It means the hard-earned tax money of the citizens is being squandered. I suppose I should be grateful that we are at least in a position to mobilize, but beyond that...
"Rurua, Shera, Jessica, Cleena, Samantha, Agil, Kagura, Enora, Stasia—what is the status of the formations in each of your countries?"
I must confirm how the other nations are moving.
"As for the Holy Nation of Litea, because of the previous troubles, an organization for joint investigations with other nations was already established. Alstaire-sama has stated that she intends to prepare a department as an extension of that," Rurua reports.
I see. Alstaire did mention that because of our past clashes, she would look into internal investigations and monitor the movement of people between nations. So, they are simply utilizing an organization that already existed.
"Gartz is the same. Such troubles are common among great powers, after all. I heard from Charl-oneesama that they are expanding that framework to provide personnel," Shera adds.
So Gartz is the same.
"Mm. Inis-neesama is the head of that organization. Because of the trouble with the magic swords, cooperation between nations is already in place. Right, Samantha, Agil, Jessica?"
"Yes. As Cleena-san says. We are still working together, treating it as a mysterious organization possessing magic swords," Samantha confirms.
"That’s why when Yuki brought up the joint investigation, we agreed without hesitation," Jessica adds.
"Indeed. It seems Marly-sama has taken the lead on this side, and she appears to be working on it with great enthusiasm. Hivia, however, looks like she’s about to faint from the workload," Agil notes.
So, the If Continent already has a cooperative system in place due to the magic sword mass-production incident caused by Noble.
"The Hayden Kingdom also has a deep history, so they have organizations for cross-border crimes. ...Though, the numbers have dwindled significantly due to the recent troubles."
"Haha, it seems the folks from the Gathering of Wisdom had their hands in that as well, so the Princess is having a hard time reorganizing," Kagura says, with a wry smile shared by Mikos.
Indeed, after such foolish maneuvers, it is only natural that they had their fingers in every pie. It seems the replenishment of personnel hasn't caught up yet.
"As for the Haire Church... it pains me to say it, but it is the same. Our intelligence department was being controlled by the followers of the Mad God, so, well..." Enora replies, looking as if she has a headache.
Well, the Haire Church did suffer the most direct damage from the Akuenoki.
"Because of that, Findal, which was relatively unscathed, is currently assisting the intelligence agencies of the two nations. We can't afford for them to collapse due to a lack of information. As for the level of reconstruction, I would say it is at best about forty percent," Stasia concludes.
I see. As far as the Hayden region is concerned, their intelligence agencies haven't even recovered to half their strength.
"I see. So, Weed is the only one lagging behind."
"…That is only natural, as Weed has not been operating openly until now. In other words, we just need to start moving from here on out. There are plenty of materials to investigate in each continent," Kaya suggests naturally, and my husband responds...
"That’s true. Shall we sound them out about cooperating in a joint investigation to deepen our future coordination? Rogari will investigate the monster stampedes. The If Continent will investigate the mass-produced R-magic swords. The Hayden region will investigate the followers of the Mad God. Since we are already deeply involved in these matters, the other parties shouldn't have any reason to refuse."
I see. So we will deepen our cooperation starting from there.
"And while we're at it, let's also investigate the movements of the Anti-Weed Alliance. Tori, contact the selected personnel and get the International Joint Investigation Department moving."
"Understood."
"And, Seraria, you’re fine with this, right?"
My husband asks me this, as if it were an afterthought. He knows I wouldn't refuse. Well...
"I am. Let’s proceed with that. When investigating the Anti-Weed Alliance, ensure you select personnel who will exercise the utmost caution."
"Understood."
"Prol. Keep in close contact with Tori and Poni. Also, I expect we will be calling upon your Kirika often—you don't mind, do you?"
"Of course not."
"Good. Then, begin the operation."
"Yes!"
And so, we began our move against the Anti-Weed Alliance. Truly, there is so much going on. I had anticipated this, so it is now a matter of how we handle the situation and whether we choose to let them play their hand. Even when contacting other nations, there are many nuances to consider. A single change in tone can alter everything.