第１３９２堀：人には限界がある (Part1)
Chapter 1392: Human Limits
Human Limits
Side: Fiora
The territorial incursions by the two nations, which began with the Great Flood in Suurus, are finally showing signs of stabilization. While the post-war processing still lies ahead, we can at least say that the immediate crisis in Suurus has been averted.
However, for Weed and the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, the real work is only just beginning.
Why did the Great Flood occur? Why did those two nations launch an offensive without a formal request, going so far as to reject the envoys’ demands and lean into war?
"No, that’s not quite right. It was only the Kingdom of Kinauf that pushed for war; the Kingdom of Irinau pulled back."
"Fiora-sama, but didn't Alstaire-sama say that the Kingdom of Irinau would face the same punishment?"
"That is Litea’s judgment. Since there is no evidence they actually committed to the war, the Kingdom of Irinau is arguably in a better position. Even so, that does not change the fact that they must accept our demands."
"So, we’re actually going to listen to Irinau’s excuse that they only advanced to protect Suurus?"
"In truth, there is no doubt they were there to secure the water supply."
"It is precisely because we are willing to hear their side that we must demand their cooperation in the investigation. If they refuse, it confirms that their true objective was invasion."
As we were discussing this, Yuki-sama tossed a stack of documents onto the desk with a heavy thud. I couldn't help but think that his workload never seems to lighten.
"Listen, all four of you. Regarding Suurus, the Magic Investigation Department will handle the Great Flood, while the two nations' incursions will be managed through coordination between Litea, Suurus, and ourselves. For now, leave that aside. As for Weed, we will be tracking the movements of the Dark Guild."
"The Dark Guild?"
The Dark Guild. It is a shadowy organization said to have existed in the Logari Continent since ancient times, an illicit group that takes on criminal contracts. Legend has it they have even successfully orchestrated the overthrow of nations in the past. Because of this, they are privy to the dark secrets of every country, making complete eradication nearly impossible—it is whispered that nobles in every land are involved with them.
"But I heard that the Dark Guild’s headquarters in the Royal Capital of Rumel was destroyed thanks to the Heroes?"
That is a matter of the past. Currently, the Dark Guild has been thoroughly annihilated by the Heroes of Rumel, the Kingdom of Rumel, the Adventurer’s Guild, and others. Apparently, they had been foolish enough to target not only the Princess but the Heroes themselves, leading to a swift and brutal retaliation. They brought it upon themselves. With their headquarters—the head of the snake—severed, rumors suggested the guild couldn't function properly anymore, but...
"I believe you’ve heard this from Seraria, but information has surfaced that the Dark Guild is moving behind the scenes regarding the Lyushi affair. Lowell also reports that the primary source of supplies being funneled to the two nations is the Dark Guild."
"I have heard that, but how accurate is it?"
Indeed, we have heard the rumors, but we haven't fully verified the details. The two nations are the most likely places to find concrete proof, which is why the investigation is supposed to be focusing there.
"To verify the accuracy, we need to gather our own intelligence. It’s not that I doubt Lowell, but without our own data, we cannot scrutinize the situation. There is always the possibility that the other side is leaking misinformation."
"I see. As it stands, it’s all hearsay. You mean we need to gather solid information on our own end?"
"Exactly. We can’t just rely on information handed to us by Lowell."
"But while there are individuals within Weed who appear to be spies from those two nations, I haven't heard of anyone directly connected to the Dark Guild. How do you intend to handle that?"
I understand the logic, but how are we supposed to gather such intelligence? We’ve been told not to act too overtly when we go out.
"Ah, I suppose you haven't done much of this kind of investigative work. Well, that’s natural. For now, we will gather information from all relevant sources."
"Do you mean within Weed?"
Orelia seemed confused, tilting her head.
"That’s right. First, we ask those within Weed who might possess information regarding the Dark Guild to provide it. Then, we file it away to find a foothold for external operations. Or, we identify individuals who might be linked to the guild."
"Um, will that really help us find them?"
Hovis seemed worried about whether Yuki-sama’s method would actually work. Honestly, I shared her concern. Is there any point in such seemingly inefficient actions?
"No, this won't guarantee we find them. In fact, the probability is quite low."
After all, if they were the type of people who could be found with such simple methods, Kirika’s Intelligence Department or Tori’s police force would have likely already apprehended them.
"T-then, if we can't find them, why investigate?"
Yayui looked at us, clearly wondering why we would bother with such a futile endeavor. I felt the same. Is there any meaning in such wasted effort?
"It’s about reorganizing the information we have. Even within Weed, the information held by different departments varies. Yet, no one is focusing on this specifically. Most are doing it on the side of their regular duties."
"Even in Kirika’s Intelligence Department?"
"Ah, you’re overestimating the Intelligence Department. Right, Kirika?"
At Yuki-sama’s prompt, Kirika suddenly appeared.
"I wish I could meet your expectations, but the Intelligence Department is already spread thin—monitoring intelligence from various nations, tracking the movements of the Mad God’s followers in the Heiden region, keeping watch over Aquenoki, monitoring the dungeons in the Zrable region, and gathering information on the gods... we simply don't have the manpower."
Kirika bowed her head, looking genuinely frustrated.
"...No, I understand now that we were asking for the impossible."
As I said this, Orelia and the others nodded in unison. Now that I think about it, hearing the scale of their work made me realize how unreasonable we were being. In fact, it’s a wonder I thought it was possible at all. Even we are flooded with political inquiries daily; if we were to add field intelligence gathering and verification to that, no amount of personnel would ever be enough.
"Right now, I have Kirika’s Intelligence Department focusing primarily on the two nations that attacked us. They are looking into the Dark Guild as well, but there’s a limit to what they can do. So, while I won't say we aren't busy, we have to gather our own independent intelligence, especially with the information coming from Lowell."