第１３６５堀：残っているみんな (Part2)
"There are certainly other nations that would be more prudent to suppress first. Great powers, for instance. Well, I suppose this is just an experiment, isn't it?"
"That may be part of it, but in the end, we can't say for sure until we verify it ourselves. Even the appraisal of the footage from the drones and familiars shows no signs of monsters being mixed in."
My husband then produced a chart of the appraisal results. Indeed, the names, occupations, and levels listed were all within the average range for the Rogari Continent.
"Then, for the time being, does that mean they are safe?"
"Likely. Though, there’s always the possibility that they’re feeding us jamming signals or misinformation..."
"Considering the enemy's movements, that seems unnatural. To initiate such a large-scale operation and then hold an audience in the royal capital without applying any pressure—it’s simply impossible."
"That’s exactly the point."
My husband tilted his head at my observation.
"I can't grasp the purpose of this Great Outbreak. I mean, the simplistic idea of attacking people to secure supplies makes sense. We’ve confirmed through footage that the group we annihilated was transporting supplies likely looted from the western town, and Steve’s on-site investigation has turned up evidence of such things. But logically, shouldn't they have attacked the royal capital first?"
"If their goal was to bring down the Suurus Principality, then yes. But the possibility of it being a natural occurrence hasn't been ruled out, has it?"
"As Labyris says. That’s a possibility, but it means we must remain vigilant, right?"
"Yes. We won't let our guard down. That’s a fundamental rule."
"You are investigating the suspected points of origin, aren't you?"
"I am. That said, we only have a rough idea of the locations, and the area is vast. With dense forests and overgrown plains, it’s not easy to find anything. Actually, that’s the strange part, too. We’re operating under the assumption that it originated in a country without dungeons, where wild monsters are virtually non-existent. If that’s the case, we should consider it artificial, but..."
"For it to be artificial, the lack of any other coordinated movement makes it far too unnatural."
"I see. So, based on the preliminary information, it points to human interference, yet the actions themselves lack a clear purpose."
"Exactly. Well, perhaps the investigation will shed some light on that. For now, Labyris, I’ll leave the internal affairs of Weed to you."
"Understood."
Labyris seemed satisfied, heading back to the room with Aslin and the others, who were looking a bit green from overindulging in cake. Well, when one eats too much, there’s little to do but take some medicine and lie down.
Just as I was thinking that, Ratz and Eris arrived.
"Hello there. Big brother, let us talk with you, too."
"Yes. We would like to hear the situation as well."
Like Labyris and the others, they were on the side waiting to protect Weed. It’s only natural that they would be concerned about the developments.
"Ah, us too."
"Yes. We’re curious."
"...Suurus, how is everyone doing there?"
Riel, Tori, and Kaya gathered around as well.
"I see. I suppose you’ll feel more at ease hearing it directly from me."
When my husband said this, everyone nodded. They had been receiving reports on the situation just like Labyris and the others, but hearing it from my husband was undoubtedly the most reassuring.
"Alright, let’s talk while we eat. There might be something that becomes apparent from the perspectives of Ratz and the others."
Indeed, I was interested in hearing their opinions as well. And so, we decided to discuss the situation in Suurus once more over dinner.
"Oh, while we're at it, let’s have everyone traveling by car join the discussion. Seraria is talking with her father, so I’ll just send a message."
It seems this is going to be a family-wide conference. Those left waiting have plenty of concerns, after all.
For now, the Suurus royal capital remains peaceful.
It’s all very strange.