第１３８１堀：あの王女について (Part1)
Chapter 1381: Regarding That Princess
Side: Kaya
"Honestly, I really thought we were going to be left behind."
"I would never do such a thing. We, and Yuki, are kind."
Kaya—who shares a name similar to mine—says this as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"Have you forgotten what you did to me?"
"Have you forgotten what you did to me? Shall we watch it again?"
"N-no, thank you!"
When I messed with Kaya, she threw me into a world of bio-hazards. That was truly terrifying. To be rendered a powerless, ordinary person... if that handsome police officer hadn't been there, I would have died. Well, actually, I did die several times.
"Anyway, how did things go on your end, Kaya?"
"…We’ve been busy with the assassination guilds and tracing the flow of funds. Right, Tori?"
"That’s right. Ratz and Eris investigate the general flow and tell us where it’s heading, but it’s the police’s role to conduct the detailed investigation."
"But, you know, they end up going abroad, so we can't follow them. I'm still debating whether to escalate this to an international investigation."
"Why? If it’s a place Riel and the others can’t follow, don’t you have to ask for help?"
I tilted my head, not quite understanding Riel’s hesitation, when Difes returned with a mountain of food on her plate.
"It’s likely because information can’t be leaked so easily. I’m not sure if it’s through the assassination guilds or if the anti-Weed faction is the main culprit, but looking at the Suurus incident, they seem to have their hands in quite a lot."
"Difes is right. The organization is vast, and we don't know how far their reach extends. If we leak it carelessly, the evidence will be erased."
Ah, I see. When we were operating in the shadows on the If Continent, we would immediately erase any traces if we realized a strange connection had been exposed.
"For now, I’ve spoken with Yuki and Seraria. It seems General Lowel is conducting her own investigation as well, so the consensus is to hold a joint meeting once the Suurus situation settles down."
"That’s the safest route. Even if we move independently now, we have too few pawns to play with. Since General Lowel was the one who originally pinpointed the assassination guild’s movements, it’s important to hear what she has to say."
"Exactly. It’s hard for us to crush everything on our own. In that sense, it was a relief that you, Kaya, came to crush them directly."
"Hmph. I thought we could handle it."
"Indeed. The lure was that it was a small mercenary group, but in this instance, we have the backing of not just Weed, but the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. They won't be able to strike so carelessly now."
Claudia didn't offer much comfort, focusing instead on the difference in the situation. She’s right, of course. When we attacked Yuki and the others on the If Continent, we assumed the enemy was insignificant. But this time, we are facing the greatest power imaginable—there’s no faking that. They’ll be erasing evidence and moving in total secrecy.
"But in that case, the Suurus issue is truly strange."
Yeah, it’s far too strange. They’re moving so blatantly. Since we’ve intervened like this, isn’t it a losing pattern for them?
"Well, the results will be clear soon enough. The two nations that invaded Suurus have challenged the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance regardless. Whether it leads to war or surrender, a national investigation is unavoidable. Even if they erase the evidence, the facts remain. They’ll find the unnatural parts. Anyway, good work."
Yuki approached and sat down in front of me, pouring me a drink.
"Thanks. Mmm, delicious."
I took a sip of the overflowing beer and let out a sigh of relief. I poured a drink into Yuki’s empty glass in return.
"Oh, thanks."
"You're welcome. But if you’re going to have a banquet like this, you should call Nina, too. She likes you, after all."
That’s right—if we’re sitting at a drinking party, I want Nina to be invited. She’s clumsy, but she truly cares about Yuki.
"Likes me? Seriously? I thought Nina’s comments were just jokes."
"Well, it’s hard to tell, isn't it? She speaks so flatly."
"Indeed. But she doesn't treat others that way. She showed you her chest when you went to the shop, didn't she?"
"Ah, she was changing. I just thought she treated me like family. It was so casual."
"Exactly. She’s like that even in front of us."
"So, Yuki, what do you think?"
"About Nina? …I don’t know. Or rather, don’t you think I have too many women, or that I’m a womanizer?"
Yuki tilted his head in thought, but he’s finally starting to ask if he’s even a good match for them.
"What part of you is a womanizer?"
"He does have women waiting on him on both sides, though."
"Haha, even though he’s just carrying documents and necessary tools?"
"From an outsider's perspective, they are secretaries. Also, as I’m sure you’ve been told by many, it’s better to have many children. Especially considering your position, Yuki."
"You all think that way too? Women aren't tools for bearing children. They are people, just like us. Living happily and joyfully is what matters most."
"Exactly. I think so too. That’s why, with your power, wealth, and character, Nina wouldn't be unhappy. Do you think she’d have any complaints?"
"And given the situation, you wouldn't pull her away, would you?"
"Well, considering the work Nina and Kaya do, that goes without saying."
"Everything is perfect. Flawless. No complaints. What? If that’s not enough, do you want a few more?"
"What’s with that casual attitude? *Sigh*, we can talk about that later. Let’s change the subject."
"…Kaya, your head is filled with nothing but smut."
"That’s not true! I’m wishing for my little sister’s happiness! So, what’s the other topic?"
I countered Kaya’s interruption and urged Yuki to continue.
"You all saw the princess of Suurus, right? Hasnia, was it? What did you think of her?"
"Ah, that."
The mood instantly cooled. It was work talk. Well, this is the place for it, and talking to Yuki isn't wrong. I took a sip of my beer.
"Well. We talked during the breaks while traveling, and she’s surprisingly sociable. Or rather, I think we were the ones she was targeting."
"I felt the same way."
"Yeah, me too. I’ve kept a record, so you can check it later."
"Hm? The Holy Sword users are the target?"
"No, no. I mean the diplomats."
"Oh, I see. Is that why you didn't send the first or second-stringers?"
It’s helpful that he’s quick on the uptake.