第１３２８堀：魔族としての立場 (Part1)
Chapter 1328: A Demon’s Perspective
Side: Yuki
I am currently visiting the royal castle of the Last Kingdom, the former Demon King’s castle, to relay the details regarding Lyushi. Although the investigation is still ongoing, I find it hard to believe that this issue is contained solely within Weed. Naturally, I have already contacted Roschur and Gartz, and they have begun their own inquiries. An international investigative task force is now in motion.
However, I have also shared this information with nations not directly involved in the incident. There is a possibility that some fools are acting in the shadows. Well, it seems there is an organization known as the Anti-Weed Alliance, though the specifics of their connections remain unclear.
When Liliana and Leia heard the report, their reactions were…
“...Are they truly capable of such underhanded tactics?”
They furrowed their brows, their expressions clouded with clear discomfort as they pondered the implications. I had provided them with documents to explain the situation, including the photograph of Lyushi, alongside records of other victims who had suffered through similar torture.
“Hmm. If it were someone like Dekira, I could see it. That guy was always fond of these kinds of dirty tricks.”
Leia, too, scowled at the photos, confirming that such a scenario was entirely plausible. Back when the Last Kingdom was occupied by Dekira, the demons living in the slums had been subjected to truly wretched treatment. Though, the heroes of Rumel and their associates had eventually managed to rectify that.
“That piece of trash certainly did similar things. But... to go so far just to erode Weed’s influence?”
“No, that hasn't been confirmed yet. It’s possible they are simply looking to expand their territory.”
“Ah, and the dark guilds receive the coin in exchange for those results.”
“Exactly. Even if the bandits were colluding with village chiefs to move their ‘merchandise’—the slaves—I don’t see the necessity for them to go to such extremes.”
“Well, they wouldn't sell, would they? Which begs the question: how were the bandits even scraping by?”
“Precisely. And, Liliana aside, you’re quite well-versed in the customs of other nations, Leia.”
“I’ve spent plenty of time investigating them. I’ve been keeping a close watch on the movements of every country. I am one of the Four Heavenly Kings, after all.”
She puffed out her chest with pride. It was a sight to behold—even more impressive than Rurua’s—but I couldn't help but think: *Isn't that heavy?* No, that’s not the point.
This Leia holds the title of the Four Heavenly Kings, known by the moniker "True Black." It sounds like a bad joke, but it’s the truth. In the Demon King’s castle, the Four Heavenly Kings are the most powerful figures after the Demon King himself, and Zargis, who is with us, is one of them.
As such, in her capacity as one of the Four Heavenly Kings, she had been investigating the nations surrounding the Demon Kingdom: Roschur, Gartz, Rumel, and Litea. I have my own organizational complaints about why one of the Four Heavenly Kings would be doing the legwork herself, but I decided it was best to keep those thoughts to myself.
“The situation suggests that there is a large organization behind these bandits, and that the bandits are merely acting as subcontractors. What about the other damages?”
“That’s the thing—it’s a complete dead end. As for the hideouts where the bandits were lurking, they’re all in such remote, desolate places that travelers rarely pass through them. If they were just after valuables, there would be far better places to strike.”
“So, the more we investigate, the more suspicious it becomes. What about putting pressure on the lords and village chiefs on the Gartz side?”
“That would be an overreach of authority, and both nations still insist on treating this as mere banditry. That is precisely why the international task force was formed.”
“I see. Until now, activities near the borders were frowned upon as acts of war. Those areas have become blank zones, but this incident has revealed that someone is plotting something sinister in those empty spaces.”
“And to make matters worse, there might be collusion with the local lords... It’s an absolute headache. Wait, come to think of it, the original plan was to sell the slaves to the merchants you frequent, Yuki. Considering that, it’s even harder to dismiss this as a mere coincidence. And if that was the plan, are the slaves we rescued actually safe?”
Oh, she caught on to that. Yes, the real problem now is the illegal slaves we’ve taken into protective custody. Lyushi is included among them.
“Indeed, if the plan was to force us to purchase those slaves, the Anti-Weed Alliance might have planted something within them, might they not?”
As Liliana pointed out, if they intentionally intended for us to take in these illegal slaves, we should be wary of the slaves themselves. The Anti-Weed Alliance could have used hypnosis or simple indoctrination to brainwash them. All they would need to do is tell them through the bandits that we, Weed, were the ones who created their plight. They could nurture that hatred, waiting for it to be unleashed upon us.
However...
“I’ve been worried about exactly what Liliana and Leia are suggesting. But, starting with Lyushi, none of the illegal slaves we rescued have shown any hostility toward us, even though they’ve expressed their gratitude. It’s been a month since then.”
“A month is still a short period of time.”
“They would wait for the perfect moment to strike. I don’t think they’re unaware of that.”
“Ah, well, I understand what you two are saying, but that only applies if they were professionals.”
““Ah.””
They seemed to realize what I was getting at, their expressions shifting to one of sudden clarity.
“Holding onto hatred and waiting for the right moment requires a level of discipline that only a clan or a trained group could maintain. Besides, even if they were told that Weed was the cause of their suffering, it’s hard to hold onto that grudge when they’ve been rescued, treated, and provided with homes. More than anything, before they’d hate Weed, they’d find the village chiefs suspicious, wouldn’t they?”
“That is certainly true. Even for trained soldiers, it is difficult to maintain hostility toward those who have saved them.”
“And these are just villagers. They know they were sold out by their own village chiefs. There’s no room for them to believe anything else.”
“Right? Well, we still need to be vigilant, but there haven't been any such movements so far.”
I took a breath, sipped my tea to moisten my throat, and continued...
“Anyway, that’s what we’re facing for now. It seems the Last Kingdom hasn't suffered any such damages.”
“Yes. In fact, bandits are few and far between here—or rather, they don’t exist at all.”
“Well, if you’re just wandering around in the forest, you’ll get eaten by monsters.”
The Last Kingdom is a natural fortress city, surrounded by mountains and forests where powerful monsters roam. More importantly, because there are no diplomatic relations, there are no targets for bandits to attack. There is simply no reason for bandits to thrive here, but...