第１３２６堀：盗賊の背後には？ (Part2)
Indeed, if it were discovered that the lord had made use of a dark guild, his head would likely be on the chopping block. It is an organization so treacherous that even the bold hesitate to employ it. It feels like an absurdly high-risk gamble just to acquire a single village—especially when the land is far from fully developed. Even if declaring allegiance could potentially expand their territory, there are always those like Rushi who would oppose it. Am I the only one who thinks it would be far easier to simply develop the surrounding areas rather than suppress such turmoil to bring a village under one’s thumb?
"We don't know for certain if the lord is the one pulling the strings. It’s entirely possible that the village chief was manipulated, or that the discord itself is the intended objective."
"So... you’re suggesting this might be the work of the anti-Weed faction?"
"The possibility isn't zero, is it? In the end, Roschur and Gartz are pouring resources into the investigation, and Weed is doing the same. Besides, it’s a fact that your involvement with Rushi has, to some extent, slowed the momentum of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, hasn't it?"
"It’s easy to dismiss it as overthinking, but facts are facts. You mean to say they might have pushed Rushi onto us on purpose?"
"Perhaps. I doubt they were specifically targeting Rushi, but they were certainly targeting Asu. After all, it started with him as a trade partner for slave dealing, didn't it?"
"Buying illegal slaves through Asu to ruin his reputation. That’s plausible."
By tarnishing the reputation of Asu, a merchant favored by Weed, they could effectively drag Weed’s name through the mud as well. If they forced him to purchase illegal, broken slaves only for them to perish, the responsibility would fall squarely on Asu and his associates. It sounds preposterous, but all they would need is the cold fact that the slaves died after being 'protected.' In this world, rumors are won by whoever speaks first.
"If that’s the case, then Rushi ending up in that state is my fault."
"Don't be ridiculous. It’s just the way the times are shifting. It’s arrogant to think you can save everyone. You know that better than anyone, don't you?"
"I suppose. But I’m sure there are fools out there who would love to throw that in my face."
Seraria narrows her eyes, clearly understanding exactly what I mean.
"...Is it more dangerous for my reputation to keep Rushi under my wing?"
"Hard to say. If I leave her be and she commits suicide or is murdered, my reputation will suffer regardless. The fact remains that I once saved her."
"In that case, wouldn't your side be the safest place, rather than Hairen?"
"If we're talking about defensive capabilities, then yes. I have Ria and the guards, plus Fiora’s support team, around at all times. But there’s the matter of Rushi herself."
"Right, I forgot. First, she needs mental recovery. And in the meantime, we investigate the surroundings?"
"Exactly. We need to see if anyone tries to make contact with her."
I don't know if the anti-Weed faction is connected to the dark guild, but when you really think about it, Rushi’s presence has become a potential weak point for us. Though, I can't be sure if our enemies are thinking that far ahead.
"Since we’ve already pushed through the paperwork for an international investigation, it might be worth contacting Roschur and Gartz."
"True. Should I be happy that I’ve found a reason to get things moving, or worried that trouble has cropped up so suddenly?"
"You should be happy. Organizations that aren't active are just money pits, after all."
"Fair point. Anyway, leaving that aside, there’s one more thing. Have you heard anything from Liliana or Elju regarding the rare species?"
"Ah, that topic. I haven't heard a word about it, so I imagine it hasn't progressed that far yet."
"I see. Still, the student exchange program is starting soon, and I’d like to have a proclamation ready, so I think I’ll go ask them myself."
"Very well. Good luck."
"Don't you think you should be the one to go, Seraria?"
"If you’re willing to finish this mountain of paperwork in my stead, then by all means."
"Then how about you do my paperwork instead?"
"Not a chance."
Neither of our workloads is getting any lighter. If anything, they’re increasing.
"I want a break."
"Indeed. Let’s enjoy some time together once the student exchange program settles down."
"Sounds like a plan."
With that, I headed off to find Liliana. When you look closely enough, you start to notice things that don't add up. That’s how these things usually go. Like how there’s often no real reason for bandits to be rampant in border villages where income is already restricted.