第１４１１堀：調べるべき場所 (Part2)
"To begin this investigation, I’ve authorized the conversion of the area into a dungeon to ensure our safety. In fact, while we’re in transit, Steve and Kirika’s units are already ahead, establishing the dungeon and gathering intelligence. If we don’t take such precautions, we risk suffering heavy casualties should any remnants of the enemy still be lurking about."
"Will there be any issues with the authorities regarding the 'invasion' or the dungeon creation?"
"We’ll keep that under wraps. Even if it comes to light, we can always use the excuse that it was a necessary safety measure. For now, make sure not to mention it to Princess Hasnia and the rest of the inspection delegation."
"Understood."
"Very well."
No sooner had the two of them replied than—
"Oh, the data just came through. It seems the dungeon conversion was successful. Jessica, verify it and then relay the information to everyone."
"Understood."
It appeared the process had gone off without a hitch, and the data was now in our hands. I waited for Jessica’s report, hoping for the best, though a sense of unease lingered. The moments that followed felt simultaneously drawn out and fleeting, a tense interval that kept me on edge.
"There are survivors."
"!!!"
At those words, my eyes—and everyone else’s—widened in shock. As I instinctively tried to sit up...
*Boing. Thud.*
"Oof."
"Ouch!? What are you doing, Cleena?"
"…I’m the victim here. Samantha’s breasts blocked me from getting up."
Indeed, my temple had collided with her soft, ample bosom, sending me right back down onto her lap. A truly formidable, soft, and massive pair.
"What foolishness are you spouting? Come now, get up quickly. We need to hear the report."
"Right."
Reluctantly tearing myself away from the comfort of her lap and chest, I managed to sit up. Jessica and Kagura, who were in the back seat, shot us a glance and offered wry smiles.
"Honestly, Jessica, Mikos, and Rurua are dangerous. And Shou and Kaya, too."
"Now, what are you talking about?"
"Ahaha~. Mikos-chan is quite large, isn't she~?"
"Come to think of it, Master has had the same experience."
"My, how affectionate. I, for one, have no such partners."
"Same here. Wait, what are we even talking about? Come on, let’s get to the information."
"Ah, right. My apologies."
Kaya’s sharp retort brought the conversation back on track. I had merely been pointing out the inherent dangers of such breasts.
"There are several people in what appears to be the basement of the lord’s mansion. And in the areas that suffered no damage—perhaps also underground?—there are life signs as well."
"So there are survivors. Still, it’s been nearly a month since the incident. It’s a miracle they’re still alive."
"It seems... they’ve managed to move various supplies in. Though, it appears some are suffering from illness."
Well, living underground in such poor sanitary conditions, that was to be expected.
"Is there any immediate danger to their lives? Should we move before we arrive, or wait?"
"…No, they should have enough supplies to last another two weeks. Their ailments are standard illnesses, so it would be better to have them investigated under the guidance of Enaiu-dono and Guild Master Koeu rather than having the vanguard attempt a reckless rescue."
That’s politics for you. Still, acting on our own could raise unnecessary questions. For now, we must exercise restraint.
"Any hostile signatures?"
"None. It seems all the monsters from the Great Outbreak have withdrawn and are heading toward the northern town."
"What about the stolen supplies?"
"The information on that hasn't been consolidated yet. I have the raw data, but I can't judge whether the figures are normal or abnormal. Many of them likely carried what they could during the evacuation."
True enough. It’s impossible to determine the adequacy of supplies based on numbers alone. I have no idea how much inventory typically moves through a town of this scale. In that sense, securing documents from the lord’s mansion would make things much easier. That, undoubtedly, is the key to unraveling this mystery.
"Oh, and what about the emergence point?"
"It’s gone without a trace. They likely dismantled the dungeon. That said, there is a location that looks suspicious."
Jessica passed over an image: a patch of bare earth standing alone in the middle of a grassland. It was covered in a multitude of footprints. It wasn't definitive, but the probability was high.
*Sigh.* There’s so much to investigate. A siege can have many meanings—waiting for reinforcements, stalling for time, and so on. We have to consider all of those possibilities.