第１３５０堀：事態は蚊帳の外で (Part2)
It would hardly be a surprise if such a thing were to occur in this world.
No, given the current lack of mutual understanding between nations, it is all the more likely.
"So, you’re saying the details haven't been confirmed yet?"
"Correct. Since it concerns a nation with which we have no alliance, I cannot say for certain. However, the term 'Great Stampede' has been used. If that is the case, it is not a matter for a small nation; it would require the mobilization of a major power. Which means..."
"The Holy Kingdom of Litea will have to move. Or perhaps the Rogari Union."
"I believe so. And they will undoubtedly utilize the gates, which facilitate rapid movement. It is highly probable that we will receive some form of communication through Rurua or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
"Likely. Still, this is a difficult situation to intervene in, isn't it? Though, for my part, I’d certainly like to get involved."
"Oh? Is that because of the Great Stampede itself? Or the Dungeon Master who might be lurking in the shadows?"
"Both. In the If Continent, we face the threat of a Great Stampede in the Great Forest. In the Haiden region, there is the danger looming once the Hylen barrier eventually fails. And in the Zurabl region, we have the threat of a Stampede that could erupt at any moment. To be able to observe these in real-time—it’s an invaluable source of data."
It might sound callous, but being able to gather information in advance is a significant advantage.
Besides, it’s fortunate that it isn't happening to our allies.
Since they aren't in our alliance, we aren't obligated to handle it directly.
One could say we’ve positioned ourselves to ensure that even if damage occurs, it remains as minimal as possible.
"True, you have a point. We haven't had a Great Stampede recently; the last one was back when Mauve was still active. That was over ten years ago, wasn't it?"
"Before I even arrived here, then."
Indeed, while the Great Stampede is spoken of as a disaster, the most recent one recorded in history began with the lich Mauve and his cohorts. Everything else is so far in the past that the details have faded into obscurity.
We have been gathering what information we can through the Adventurer Guilds and various nations, but now that it’s actually happening, there’s no reason not to investigate it thoroughly.
"Still, it’s impressive that Kirika managed to get this information before the nations themselves did."
"It is thanks to those I have placed within the Holy Kingdom of Litea. It was fortunate that I was already gathering intelligence on the Duchy of Suls in advance."
"Right, you were preparing for my visit, weren't you?"
"Precisely. We will continue to monitor the situation, so I suggest you and Seraria enjoy the rest of your day off. However, please keep this in the back of your minds. There is a possibility of contact."
"Understood."
"Understood. Oh, should we tell Rurua?"
"If we tell Rurua, she will feel compelled to act. It would likely ruin her day off."
"True enough."
Rurua is a former saint of the Holy Kingdom of Litea.
Even though she has married into our fold, she cannot simply ignore such news.
She would undoubtedly move to investigate the situation immediately.
And if that happened, it would inevitably lead to a chain reaction of the other wives getting involved as well.
"Then let’s keep this between us for now. We can deal with the rest tomorrow."
"Agreed. Kirika, keep monitoring the situation as it develops."
"As you command."
With those words, Kirika vanished.
Seraria and I exchanged glances...
"In the meantime, let’s head to the baths so as not to arouse any suspicion."
"Indeed. Let’s enjoy ourselves."
And so, before our shooting match, I enjoyed a relaxing bath with Seraria.
For the record, the victors of today’s shooting games were us once, Seraria’s team once, and quite unexpectedly, the team of Deryu, Stasia, Fior, and Prof once, with the surprisingly formidable Aslin team taking the final victory to end the day.
Four matches in total.
Since each match lasted about one to two hours, we had been at it for a maximum of eight hours—we certainly enjoyed ourselves.
Shooting games, that is.
Trouble is bound to happen, and sometimes it occurs quite far away.
But it’s never entirely unrelated, is it? It’s always a bit ambiguous.
Like a friend you’ve grown distant from suddenly being hospitalized—why are they contacting you now?
Still, ignoring them feels wrong... that kind of level, I suppose?
Or perhaps an invitation to a drinking party from a friend you haven't seen in ages?