第１４０７堀：視察団到着 (Part1)
Chapter 1407: Arrival of the Inspection Team
Side: Agil
"Is this the fortress constructed by the Allied Forces?"
"Yes, it is."
With those words, I began guiding Princess Hasnia through the stronghold. After the negotiations at the higher levels, we had been kept in a holding pattern for a while, but things were finally moving again.
However, in the time we spent waiting, the dungeon serving as the enemy’s spawn point had not been discovered. Milly had pointed out that the enemy’s emergence points and their escape routes were highly irregular, which had prompted our investigation. It was true—the fact that they had gone out of their way to pass right in front of the enemy to reach the northern town made no sense.
Well, we received an answer to that quite quickly. During our wait, we had traveled to the northern town to gather information, as we were also there to meet those accompanying our investigation.
"The decision to flee to the northern town was made because the lord wanted to avoid luring the monsters toward the Royal Capital, and considering the reinforcements from Lilishe, it was judged to be the better tactical choice," said a subordinate of the lord from the western town who had taken refuge in the north.
The logic held up. If a force of 10,000 were drawn to the Royal Capital, it would be the end of it. More than that...
"The lord was a devout follower of the Lilishe faith and supported participation in the Alliance. He said that, as things stood, there was no room to accommodate everyone in the Royal Capital in an emergency."
In other words, even if they had safely reached the capital, there would be no supplies, and the people would suffer. He chose to send them to the northern town, knowing Lilishe would come to their aid. He must have been a man who truly cared for his people.
And regarding Lilishe and us...
"It is not much, but these are the valuables we managed to bring out. Please, use these to support the people who fled here. We have asked the northern town for aid as well, but they do not have much room to spare in terms of rations."
He bowed his head deeply as he spoke. On the outskirts of the northern town, people were living in makeshift tents, barely managing to shield themselves from the wind and rain. Many didn't even have tents. Seeing this, Lilishe immediately began providing aid, contacting Alstaire, and working through Lilishe’s connections—and eventually Weed—so that we could start our own support efforts.
"Where are those vehicles headed?"
"Hm? Oh, those are for the relief efforts in the northern town."
The supply vehicles arranged by Lilishe began to move past Princess Hasnia. Since we hadn't opened a gate, transporting supplies by vehicle was the only way. Fortunately, by using item bags in conjunction, the amount we could carry in a single trip was staggering.
By the way, Lilishe and Rurua were currently on-site, helping with the treatment of refugees. Shou and Menou were with them as well. Yuki had given his permission with a wry smile, though, of course, they were accompanied by guards.
Hearing this, Princess Hasnia reacted with surprise.
"Support...? I haven't heard anything about this."
"Well, support efforts are likely outside the scope of your duties, Princess Hasnia. Your role is to observe the investigation."
"I see... I suppose you're right."
Is she bothered by the fact that she hasn't done anything herself? Thinking about it normally, there isn't much an individual can do. Still, for a girl who has only recently stepped out into the world, perhaps it’s something she can’t simply ignore.
So, I added...
"It’s alright. As for the refugees from the western town who fled to the north, the northern town, Lilishe, and the Alliance are all providing support, so the situation hasn't become dire."
"That is a relief."
The Princess looked relieved at my words. It’s a bit much to see her so readily believe a comforting lie. We only started our support efforts recently, so there were, of course, people who had lost their lives in the interim—some from worsening illnesses, others from attacks by monsters or beasts.
Well, it was true that the situation hadn't become "dire" in the sense that there hadn't been open conflict between the northern townspeople and the refugees. In wars like this, it’s common for refugees to clash with townspeople just to survive, which often leads to bloodshed. Both sides are just trying to live, after all.
But, setting that aside...
"Now, let me show you around the fortress properly."
"Ah, yes. Thank you."
And so, we led Princess Hasnia into the interior of the fortress. From the outside, it probably just looked like a massive wall. I doubted she would understand the structural explanations of the fortress anyway. Yuki had told me to handle the situation as I saw fit, so I decided to stick to answering only what was asked.
"Lord Agil, what is that over there?"
"That is a turret."
"A... turret?"
"Think of it as a golem that fires arrows automatically."
"There exists such a magical tool?"
"Yes. We have these installed at every corner, leaving no gaps."
"Incredible."
Princess Hasnia seemed impressed, but this was merely satisfying her curiosity. The envoys following her looked pale, which was probably for the best. If they understood the implications of this automated interception, they would turn white as a sheet. After all, it meant that human labor was no longer required.
After that, once we entered the interior, she was even shocked by the electric lighting. I had heard reports, but it was clear she truly had no idea about the level of civilization in Weed. It’s strange to think there are still places left so far behind, but I suppose that’s what happens to places that refuse to evolve.
In that regard, my home country, Enaria, had been clever. We had clashed with Yuki and his people, but we immediately chose to join the Alliance. As expected of a major power. Small nations, meanwhile, have their own reasons for remaining small. Whether they can break out of that cycle depends on how they act from this turning point.
While I pondered these things, I guided her to the room she would be using until we regrouped, and then we headed to the conference room.
"This is the strategy room. The members of the Adventurer Guild will arrive this afternoon, and we plan to hold a meeting regarding the investigation of the western town and the enemy’s spawn point. Do you have any questions?"
"Yes. How should we, the Suurus, assist? His Majesty told me to provide whatever convenience I could, but in truth, we are not accustomed to this type of investigation."
She was being quite blunt, wasn't she? Admitting they wouldn't be of any use. Well, I hadn't expected them to be, anyway. After all...
"It is fine. Your role, Princess Hasnia, is to monitor our investigation. While we would certainly appreciate your cooperation if you happen to notice anything, an investigation is a task for professionals. I have no choice but to leave it to them."
I said that, but it was actually a lie. I’ve done this kind of investigation many times. I could have just said I was participating, but I, too, am in a position where I mostly just issue instructions. I read the data and report the results to Yuki—that is the extent of it.