第１４０９堀：調査会議の前に確認事項 (Part1)
Chapter 1409: Confirmation Before the Investigation Meeting
Side: Rurua
"Thank you. Truly, thank you so much."
The one bowing his head repeatedly, murmuring these words, is Enaiu, son of the lord of Suina, a town in the west. We had traveled to pick him up to assist with our investigation of the western town, alongside our efforts to support the refugees currently sheltering in the northern town. Having received treatment, he has been bowing like this ever since.
I appreciate his gratitude, but at this rate, we’ll never get down to business. Just as I was thinking this, his butler-like attendant spoke up.
"Young Master. No, my Lord. It is certainly proper to offer your thanks to the Saintess of Litea, the priests, and the Bishop of the Haire faith. However, there is a limit to everything. It seems Lady Rurua and the others have matters they wish to discuss with you."
"Ah, ah. My apologies, Kian. Lady Rurua, Priestess Lilishe, and Bishop Enora, I am truly sorry."
"You don't need to apologize anymore~. Your thanks are more than enough. We’ve received your feelings loud and clear~."
"Indeed. As Priestess Lilishe says, what matters now is the future. May we begin our discussion?"
"Yes. Please, lead the way."
Having finally regained his composure, we decided to talk while we traveled by car.
"As I mentioned earlier, we are currently heading toward the fortress being constructed between the north and the west. The Allied Forces and the inspection team from Suurus are scheduled to gather there as well."
"Y-yes. You mean for us to accompany you and provide information and context regarding the situation at the time, correct?"
"That is correct. From here on, we will be investigating why the Great Outbreak occurred. We will also be verifying the safety of the western town, so your cooperation, Enaiu-san, is indispensable. I ask for your support."
"I understand. I must also lay my father and the soldiers to rest. I will spare no effort in cooperating."
Perhaps finally finding his footing, Enaiu-san sat back quietly in his chair.
"We will also be discussing the materials and support necessary for reconstruction, so please rest assured on that front."
"……Thank you."
I have already confirmed the situation in the western town myself. It seems the enemy breached the north and west gates, causing them to collapse, and flooded in from there. The buildings centered around those areas have been razed.
Fortunately, if one can call it that, the damage to the south and east sides is not quite as severe. There are still houses left standing that could be used as they are. It is believed that the enemy stripped the town of all its supplies before heading north. There is no doubt they had a specific objective in mind. Well, that is exactly what this investigation is for.
Still, for those who suffered, the sooner reconstruction begins, the better. We couldn't move until now due to the situation with Suurus, but now that the investigation is underway, we should finish it quickly and move to rebuild. The refugees are holding on, but we can tell they are pushing themselves to the limit. They have no homes and barely enough food to survive.
I must convey the current state of affairs to Lady Alstaire, but if Litea or the Alliance intervenes too overtly, the residents of the western town might start requesting to relocate, which would worsen our relationship with Suurus. It is a delicate situation.
As I pondered these things, the car arrived at the fortress. The speed of the vehicle is truly impressive.
"We have arrived."
"Eh? Already?"
For Enaiu-san, who had been busy apologizing, it must have felt like an instant.
"Yes. The Suurus inspection team and the investigation squad from the main Adventurer Guild have already arrived. Do you require a rest?"
Personally, I wanted to start the meeting immediately, but if they are exhausted and don't take a break, we won't be able to have a productive discussion. That is why I asked.
"No, I have been resting quite sufficiently. Old man, is that alright?"
"Yes. It has been far more comfortable than traveling by carriage, so a little strain is acceptable. However, if I feel it is too much, I will stop you. Is that acceptable?"
"Yes, of course. We wouldn't want you collapsing on us."
It would be a disgrace as a doctor to have our guide collapse. It would imply I couldn't even manage their physical condition. After confirming this, we stepped out of the car and into the concrete-walled fortress.
"This is……"
"This is the fortress built by the Allied Forces I mentioned earlier. I will explain the details of the location later."
"Well then, let's head to the conference room quickly~. Oh, I’ll go prepare some snacks~."
Priestess Lilishe said this and headed off ahead of us. Well, it has been a forced march, so a light snack is probably in order.
"She’s the same as ever~. Well, regardless, let’s go. The Adventurer Guild members are waiting too."
"Yes. Excuse us."
The person Bishop Enora is guiding is the Guild Master who ran the Adventurer Guild in the western town. Opinions can differ between the lord's side and the adventurer's side, after all. Above all, information is vital. He seems somewhat more composed than Enaiu-san. I suppose that comes with age and experience.
Thinking this, we arrived at the conference room.
"Oh, you're here."
Agil-san welcomed us.
"This is Enaiu-san, son of the lord of the western town, and his butler, Kian-san."
"And next to me is Koeu-san, the Guild Master of the western town's Adventurer Guild."
"Ah, Koeu?"
Just as Bishop Enora finished the introduction, Kina-san called the Guild Master by his name without any honorifics, her gaze fixed on him.
"Hm? Kina?"
"That's right. Wow, it's been so long. What, you were working as a Guild Master?"
"You're one to talk, why are you here? I heard you were working as a receptionist at some adventurer guild."
"Your information is outdated~. I’m the Vice Guild Master now."
"Huh? At such a young age? Is that even possible?"
They seemed to be getting into a deep conversation, and I was wondering what to do when—
"Ahem. Kina, and Guild Master Koeu. I understand you are acquaintances, but could we finish the introductions first?"
"Ah, sorry."
"My apologies."
Milly-san stepped in between the two to stop them. After that, we finished introducing the Alliance members, including Agil-san, the investigation team from the main Adventurer Guild, and the Suurus inspection team.
"Alright, now that the introductions are complete, may I ask about the relationship between Weed's Vice Guild Master Kina and Suurus's western town Guild Master Koeu-dono? I think everyone here is curious after seeing that exchange."
Instead of jumping straight into the main topic, Agil-san decided to clear up our confusion first. Well, seeing them so surprised, it is only natural to be curious about their connection.