第１３６９堀：色々やっても最後は顔を合わせて (Part2)
"Ah, that’s right. In that case, it would be better to claim we arrived early and approached from the direction of the East Gate."
"Agreed. That’s the best course of action. If the vehicle were to suddenly materialize out of thin air, it would only invite unnecessary commotion."
"Indeed. It is still staggering that this vehicle possesses such capabilities. Oh, and I have one more question, if you don’t mind?"
"What is it?"
A voice rose as Schans posed her query.
"I have some concerns regarding communication. Are you familiar with carrier pigeons? They are akin to familiars, but they are a swifter and more reliable means of transport than a human messenger. Is there no possibility that word has already reached Saurus?"
Ah, that.
"It’s possible. However, carrier pigeons and familiars alone cannot finalize a treaty for reinforcements. At most, they are used for domestic movements, and since only the upper echelons are privy to the details, the risk of a messenger uncovering the truth remains low."
"That is certainly true, but if that is the case, might King Saurus already be aware that the Great Stampede has been suppressed? Could he be keeping us waiting for that very reason?"
"I cannot deny that possibility. He may be struggling to gauge our intentions, or perhaps he is uncertain whether we—or rather, Litea—truly managed to quell the Great Stampede. Such communication channels are easily forged, so the final confirmation is always reserved for the verbal report of a trusted envoy."
Indeed. While carrier pigeons, familiars, or the communication crystals of the Adventurer Guild are used, the former two are notoriously easy to tamper with.
Of course, we take measures to prevent such interference, but documents can always be lost. Furthermore, revealing our anti-tampering methods would only invite further risk.
While they are the fastest methods available—aside from Weed’s calls or radio—they lack credibility.
"I see. That makes perfect sense. My apologies; I had wondered if there were methods unique to the Logari Continent that I was unaware of."
"Unfortunately, reality isn't quite so convenient. Except for my husband, that is."
"I’m not exactly a convenience store, you know."
"Haha, what are you saying? The moment you started utilizing Earth’s technology, your reliability far surpassed anything we have here."
Menou was right. Unfortunately, when it comes to the accuracy of information, Earth’s standards are overwhelmingly superior.
"I understand. Then, as initially planned, we shall proceed with the meeting first."
"That seems to be the only way."
We had debated back and forth, but in the end, there was no other way to uncover the truth.
"Then, the most important thing is to ensure we aren't hindered before the meeting. We must head straight for the royal castle and present ourselves as official envoys. That is our only path."
"I concur. Is that acceptable to you, Lilishe?"
"It’s fine by me~. There’s no reason to dawdle, after all~. If anyone tries to get in our way, we’ll just blow them aside~. We are, after all, the legitimate envoys of Litea and the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance."
"True. Those who stand in our way should either be eliminated or ignored. That works for you, too, right?"
"Yeah. Just don't push yourselves too hard. Steve and the others are waiting in the rear; use the dungeon or take to the skies if you have to. If things go south, just run."
"Yes!"
The group answered my husband’s words with clear, resolute voices.
Envoys becoming corpses is a common enough occurrence, but for us, it would be a devastating loss. I need them to prioritize their survival above all else.
Now, what to do with the time remaining until we arrive?
I’m so restless I can barely focus on my work.
"Now, Your Majesty. Please return to your paperwork until the time comes."
With those heartless words, Quar led me away.
No matter how much information we gather, the final verification must come from our own people. Information can be a fickle thing, after all.
Still, we are undeniably short on hands.