第１３９８堀：冒険者ギルドの介入 (Part2)
Every Adventurer’s Guild possesses a library or archive where they consolidate their accumulated intelligence. The custodians of these spaces are typically the type who harbor a deep affection for the written word, and their breadth of knowledge is, at the very least, extensive. It’s a convenience I’ve come to rely on; whenever I require information, they unearth it with remarkable speed.
Ah, though I should note: while the Weed Adventurer’s Guild does have an archive, we’ve largely digitized our records. I can access them at any time via my own terminal or those of our senior staff. Everything is searchable, sparing us the tedious burden of rote memorization. Truly, the efficiency of data management is a blessing.
But setting that aside, the point remains that every guild has such individuals. I had assumed that was the sort of person being sent to us, but…
"No, that’s not it."
"It isn't?"
"The individual is someone we’ve recruited at headquarters. Tell me, are you familiar with the inspection of monsters?"
"Ah, you mean familiars. We have Aslin here in Weed for that."
"Indeed, you do. You have Aslin. If only everyone had someone of her immense talent. Well, this person is one of our examiners for familiars at headquarters."
"I see... so, a monster expert. But for an investigation into a Great Outbreak..."
The words *is that necessary?* died in my throat. If asked whether they were needed, the answer was yes, but as I mentioned, Weed already possesses experts in that field—led by Aslin, and bolstered by the likes of Wazfi and Havia, who were seconded from the Lancer Academy of Magic.
"I understand that Weed has its own experts. And as for the adventurers accompanying the party, I’ve already requested Mauve, Ovik, and their companions. Their prowess is among the finest in the guild, so there were no complaints there."
"I understand the choice of Mauve and Ovik, but then, why this person?"
If they were going to send someone from headquarters to join us, surely there were more qualified candidates?
"It relates to what I said earlier. Ritea is, after all, a nation that possesses a significant number of dungeons. We are launching our own investigation in that capacity. Which means..."
"You’re short-handed, so you’re just sending whoever is available?"
"That is one facet of it. But the primary reason is the individual’s own desire."
"Their desire?"
"Yes. The person’s name is Kate. She hails from the Dosou Kingdom, a nation that specializes in the handling of familiars."
"I see."
The Dosou Kingdom. A small nation under the Ritea umbrella, specialized in utilizing monsters as a primary military force. While every nation uses monsters as familiars for combat or transport, the overhead of maintenance and training usually makes it inefficient, often relegating them to simple roles like messengers or beasts of burden. But Dosou is a nation that has mastered the art of turning monsters into a viable military asset. It is said that if you wish to learn how to handle monsters properly, that is where you must go.
If someone from that country wishes to come to Weed through the Adventurer’s Guild, then...
"Are they here to investigate Weed’s internal affairs?"
"Only regarding the monsters, I suspect. Kate herself is on loan from the Dosou Kingdom. As for Weed, they’ve only ever had information on us, and their visits have been limited to public areas."
"So, they have been here before?"
"Yes. Though, they were never permitted entry into our deeper monster research facilities. It was merely a personal visit. Above all, I thought it might be a bit too stimulating for the Dosou Kingdom."
"Indeed. They pride themselves on being the best in the world when it comes to monsters. If they saw us utilizing dragons and the like, I can imagine the trouble that would follow."
People care deeply about face. Nations, even more so.
"But why now?"
"Precisely because it is *now*. With the threat of a Great Outbreak looming, they hardly have the leisure to poke and prod at Weed. Besides, they aren't looking to devour us. Their objective is strictly the investigation of the Great Outbreak."
"I see. So, we are to forge a friendship through this endeavor."
"Precisely. With the Dosou Kingdom’s seal of approval, Weed’s credibility will only grow. Things have been so chaotic that I’ve delayed the introduction, but the timing is right."
"Indeed."
Between Yuki-san being kidnapped by Haiden and the war in the Zurabl region, we have been truly occupied. We are still busy, certainly, but at the very least, the situation on the other continent has settled down.
"Understood. I will relay this to Yuki-san."
"Good. I’m counting on you. Oh, and do reach out to Mauve and the others. Regarding the personnel from Weed, Milly-chan is a given, but make sure to bring either Rock or Kina. I leave the decision of who stays behind to you."
"Understood."
Though, if that happens, it means the upper management of the Weed Adventurer’s Guild will be left with only one person.
...I wonder which is more difficult?
The experts are coming, as expected.
And some familiar faces will be joining the fray as well.
Do you remember them?