第１４０４堀：返答が来る (Part2)
"Should I understand the Dosou Kingdom to be an authority on monsters, based on the headquarters' report?"
"As Fiora says, the Dosou Kingdom is a nation where monsters are the economic bedrock. They are likely the foremost experts on this continent when it comes to monster taming."
"I recall hearing that as well. Even so, the labor required to maintain and tame them is so immense that it’s difficult for other nations to utilize them effectively."
"Aye, your assessment is correct, Prof. Monsters aren't like the ones here in Weed; they don't possess reason or the capacity to learn and act on their own. Most are little more than wild beasts. I suppose if you train them, they’ll obey to a degree, but..."
It is much like how horses fell out of favor for transport back on Earth. The costs are simply too high. A machine can run for a month with proper maintenance and fuel, but a living creature requires daily sustenance, water, and constant care for its physical condition. Once you factor in that level of effort, it’s only natural that horses would be relegated to a hobbyist’s luxury.
The same phenomenon is occurring in this world.
Granted, because there are monsters with high combat potential, some places—like the Dosou Kingdom—do treat them as military assets. But they cannot work like humans, and only tamers can issue them commands. It’s a delicate balance.
"Do you have any thoughts on the Dosou Kingdom or Kate?"
"No, no particular questions. Though, is the dispatch from headquarters really just that?"
"We had expected someone of greater standing from the guild to arrive."
Ah, I see. So that’s what they find curious. Well, I suppose I found it strange myself.
"With this Great Stampede occurring, every adventurer guild has begun surveying dungeons and monster habitats. A Great Stampede causes catastrophic damage, after all. There’s also the possibility that this one is man-made."
"I see."
Both of them nod in understanding at my reply. For the two of them, who are well aware of the threat posed by dungeons and Great Stampedes, it is a natural reaction.
"In other words, you mean to say that the investigation of Suurus has been entrusted to us here in Weed?"
"Exactly as Fiora says. The Grand Master figured we were the best fit for the job, so the order was issued to make it look as though headquarters had dispatched Mauve and Ovik’s party from Weed."
"I understand. So, we are moving under orders from above. It means that even if Weed is busy, we are acting under command, so it won't appear as though Weed is overstepping its bounds."
"Indeed. And there’s no way Milly and the others aren't busy."
While the Weed Adventurer Guild doesn't handle the culling of wild monsters, we have plenty of other ways to earn: securing resources from the dungeons we’ve created, providing escorts for merchants gathering via the gates, and much more. The guild managing all of that is incredibly busy. Even the children help out at the guild, taking on the odd jobs around town—what used to be called 'pocket money work'—effectively serving the role of a local employment office. Managing all of that is no small feat.
"When is the departure scheduled?"
"Once Princess Hasnia is ready, Agil and the others are set to escort her to the western town. Well, 'ready' shouldn't take much, so it’ll be in a few days."
"Then, is Weed already prepared?"
"Aye. Kate from headquarters has already arrived, and Wazuphi and Havia are handling her affairs now, so we just need to send her to the fortress from here. It’s the same for Mauve and his party."
We’ve already contacted all relevant parties, and they are ready to depart at a moment’s notice. Though, since they are in Weed, they can reach the destination on the same day, so it isn't a problem.
"Will you be joining the investigation, Yuki-sama?"
"Regrettably, I’ll be watching from the monitors alongside the kings."
"That is a relief. I was worried you might say you were going to the front lines."
As Prof says this, Fiora nods in agreement. *Sigh*, being a person of status is such a chore.
"However, the kings of various nations seem to be staying in Weed lately. Is everything alright in their own lands?"
"Their successors are holding the fort. Besides, the reason we’re all huddled together isn't just because of the Great Stampede or the invasion by the two-nation alliance. We’re currently in a state where we’re fast-tracking meetings that were originally scheduled for the future."
Indeed, we couldn't possibly spend all our time talking endlessly about the Great Stampede or the alliance's invasion, the progress of which remains uncertain. That said, since they want to obtain information in real-time, they spend their free time holding individual meetings or engaging in diplomacy, offering proposals and consultations with me.
"For now, the situation may shift at any moment. Make sure you are prepared to respond accordingly."
"Understood."
The permit for the Great Stampede investigation has been granted. Now, let us see what truths will be brought to light.