第１３６６堀：相手の狙いは？ (Part1)
Chapter 1366: What is the Enemy’s Objective?
Side: Tori
I was genuinely astonished when I heard the news that a Great Outbreak had occurred in the Principality of Suls.
If I recall correctly, there shouldn't have been any dungeons in that region.
I had been wondering if I should be the one to break the news, but I felt a sense of relief when I realized Lilishe had already handled it. Still, we haven't been able to provide much support this time around.
I understand the reasons why.
Between the affairs of other nations and the fact that the International Exchange School, launched by the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, is currently being held in Weed, we simply cannot spare the manpower.
Furthermore, my role—along with Riel and Kaya—is that of a police officer tasked with maintaining order here in Weed.
Even though we have entrusted a certain degree of responsibility to Poni and the other juniors, we are the designated supervisors for the school’s security. That is why we remain here, separated from everyone else who accompanied the diplomats to Suls.
Being apart from the others due to work is nothing new.
Our workplaces are different, so it’s only natural.
And I know that fulfilling our duties here provides peace of mind to those currently stationed in Suls.
But when I know they are out there risking their lives, sitting here like this feels... unsettled.
That is why...
"Everyone. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, we're fine, Tori. Both I and the others are doing great."
"Now, now, Agil. Please don't lump us into an 'others' category. Tori, please don't worry. We are all doing well."
"...Mm. Just as Jessica says, we're fine. How are things on your end, Tori? Is Weed the same as always?"
"It’s been a peaceful day, just like any other. After all, you have me here."
"As expected of Riel-san. That puts our minds at ease as well."
"And you, the silent one over there, say something."
"Claudia. Is that White Fox over there getting in your way?"
"Not at all."
"Wh-what was that!?"
"Ah, you're noisy. Keep quiet, Kaya. My apologies. By the way, I don't see Dressa and the others?"
"Ah, about that..."
When I explained that the students, including Dressa, had collapsed due to Alfin’s excessive hospitality, everyone turned their faces away.
"Shall I send some over?"
"No, thank you!"
The response to Yuki-san’s offer was immediate and unanimous.
I can’t blame them.
What she provided wasn't just a simple "care package."
"Um, couldn't you just have them send over an amount you can actually finish?"
"That’s true. If they send a reasonable portion, we would be happy to have it."
"..."
We all stared in shock at that suggestion.
That’s right.
Why didn't we think of just having them send a reasonable amount?
Until now, we’ve been under this strange, compulsive obsession that we had to eat everything sent to us.
"Well, I get that. It’s not like Alfin is standing right there, watching you with a big smile, forcing you to eat it."
Ah, I see.
We always felt like we had to eat it because Alfin was right there in front of us, beaming with that smile.
"In that case, by all means, send it over. But how would you get it to us?"
"I'll send it to the fortress via Gate, then have Steve’s subordinates carry it the rest of the way. They can fly, so it won’t take much time. You guys are traveling by land to avoid provoking Suls, after all."
I see. In that case, it should arrive fairly quickly.
Listening to their usual banter, I finally felt at ease.
"I'm glad. Everyone is safe."
"We aren't that fragile. But thank you for worrying about us. When we get back, I'll let you touch my ears and tail."
"Yeah, that sounds good."
Agil often asks to touch our beastman ears and tail.
He says they’re fluffy and feel great.
He really is a rare individual in the If Continent.
"Well, I’d love to keep chatting, but we need to talk business. It’s an extension of what we were just discussing, but Ratz and the others want to hear your take on the situation in Suls. You might have noticed things we didn't, so could you share your thoughts?"
"We don't mind, but what exactly should we talk about...? Ratz, is there anything specific you want to ask?"
"Hmm, let's see. Stasia, how was the atmosphere on the battlefield?"
"The atmosphere on the battlefield...? To be honest, it was a total annihilation via artillery, so there was no role for us to play. We didn't even conduct an on-site inspection, so I can’t say much. However, inside the fortress, the atmosphere was certainly that of a proper military."
As Stasia answered, Jessica, Difes, and Schau all nodded, so it seems they are holding their own.
Then, a question came from the other side.
"By the way, how are things on your end, Tori-chan? Have there been any strange movements since we left for Suls?"
It’s rare for Lilishe to ask a question like that, but it made me realize just how worried she is about Weed...
"There are no particular problems. The number of incidents is within the average range, and the school side is quiet as well."
"That’s right. Weed is peaceful. But it’s only been a few days since you all left."
"...It depends on the enemy’s speed of communication, but there is a possibility that the situation hasn't been relayed yet."
"Ah, that’s true, isn't it? In that case, I have a request..."
It’s rare for Lilishe to make a request of us.
"Yes, what is it?"
"I want you to keep an eye on the Church, just in case. And please, warn Alstaire-chan in Litea as well."
We exchanged glances at those words.
"So, Lilishe thinks there is something going on in Litea."
Yuki-san seemed to understand what she meant and replied to Lilishe.
But we were still confused...
"Well, yes. If you think about it, if they wanted to do something to Weed, they would have acted directly, right? But the ones who initiated the move this time were..."
"True, it went through Suls, but it was Litea. So you’re saying Litea might be the target?"
Ah, I see.
Ultimately, Weed deployed through the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance based on Alstaire’s judgment, but under normal circumstances, a Great Outbreak of that scale is something Litea could handle on its own.
Well, I suppose the extent of the damage is hard to predict.
"That said, while only parts of Litea, like the royal capital, are under the influence of dungeons, I don't think there’s much danger, right? What are your thoughts on that?"
"Hmm, that’s true, but... it still bothers me. Still, I can't exactly issue orders to Alstaire-chan over something like this..."
"Well, that’s to be expected. It’s difficult to tell them to raise their alert levels within Litea when the problem is occurring in the Principality of Suls. And for the whole region? Who’s going to pay for that budget?"