第１３７５堀：意外なところから情報が届く (Part2)
"Following the trail of the dark guild from the incident at the border village, we’ve confirmed they are funneling supplies into nations within the Rogari Continent that have not joined the alliance. There is a strong possibility these goods are being routed to the Kinauf and Irinau Kingdoms under the Ritea umbrella... wait, this is—!?"
I looked up, meeting Seraria’s gaze. Quar, who had been working at the adjacent table, was now focused on her as well.
"This brings the hidden machinations into the light. The dark guild is involved in the Suurus disturbance. Furthermore, the report notes that they’ve been utilizing ordinary merchants to bolster their logistics, which is why our detection was delayed."
"Then, the matter regarding Lyushi is also..."
"A means of raising funds, or perhaps they were simply trampling through the garden of our Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. It was likely a probe to gauge our reaction, too."
"Does that mean the situation in Suurus is also aimed at Ritea and the alliance?"
"I’m not so sure about that. We’ve already tracked the movements of the Kinauf and Irinau Kingdoms. They aren't exactly hiding their intentions, are they? Though, without Lowell’s investigation, we wouldn't have known the dark guild was involved."
"So, you're saying the dark guild is unrelated to this specific incident?"
"I wouldn't go so far as to say 'unrelated,' but you’ve heard the reports from my husband and Lilishe, haven't you? Their movements are sluggish, and they’ve shown no direct aggression toward us. It feels as though the Kinauf and Irinau Kingdoms are acting on their own initiative. They may have sounded out some reinforcements, but that’s likely the extent of it."
"Does that imply... the dark guild has joined forces with a Dungeon Master?"
I found that theory plausible, but it only pointed toward a far more catastrophic outcome. The mere thought of a dark guild aligning with a Dungeon Master conjured images of devastation on an unimaginable scale.
"Do you really think those two nations would coordinate with a Dungeon Master to launch an assault like that? Even if it isn't the dark guild, it’s certain that it isn't just those two kingdoms alone."
"That... I suppose you're right."
I wanted to deny it, but I lacked the evidence to do so. If those two nations had truly allied with a Dungeon Master, they would have surely deployed far greater military strength and a massive horde of monsters to secure the occupation.
As I pondered this, Quar raised a hand slightly.
"Betting on a slim possibility, could they have allied with a Dungeon Master to feign assistance, intending to force the cession of Suurus under the guise of protection?"
Hmm. If that were the case, it would certainly be a simpler problem to solve...
"It’s not zero, but... considering the flow of the dark guild’s activities, it seems unlikely. Regardless, I will immediately contact Lilishe and Yuki, who are currently granting an audience to the envoys from those two nations."
She was right. This critical information had to reach Yuki and the others at once.
"Also, we must contact Roschur and Ritea. Quar, verify the status of their investigation into the group that attacked the border village. Do not let them know that Lowell was the one who provided this intelligence."
"Understood."
Indeed. I couldn't help but wonder if Roschur and Ritea had uncovered what Lowell had, though the lack of communication from their end made that seem like a faint hope.
"Shera, contact Ratz, Eris, and Milly. As for Labyris and the student group, wait until tonight. If we tell them now, they’ll only be restless and unable to sit still."
"Yes."
And so, the gears within Weed began to turn in a frantic rhythm.
A Dungeon Master and the dark guild. Are they truly bound by a pact? Lowell is a brilliant strategist when her sister and personal matters aren't clouding her judgment. Lately, she seems to have shifted away from large-scale military maneuvers, preferring to operate in small, elite units. I hear the people of Gartz are tearing their hair out over it. How troublesome.