第１４１８堀：調査継続中救助者たちの状況 (Part1)
Chapter 1418: The Situation of the Rescued Survivors
Side: Lilishe
Two days have passed since then.
Ah, it’s been two days since we began our investigation of the Western Town.
Fortunately, there have been no enemy attacks, and we’ve managed to rescue the survivors and set a clear path toward reconstruction, all while continuing our survey of the town.
But, it’s not all good news, is it?
“...Are my father and the knights still not found today?”
“My Lord, please, do not hang your head. Let us focus on the town’s reconstruction first. Perhaps in that process, we might stumble upon some information.”
“...Yes. You’re right.”
The ones having that conversation are Enyu-chan, the son of the Western Town’s lord, and his butler, Kian-chan.
From their perspective, the bodies haven't been found yet.
All we found were unidentified, scattered remains.
After examining the flesh attached to the bones and the degree of weathering, we determined they had been there for about a month.
In other words, those remains were undoubtedly the result of the Great Flood, but that doesn't serve as proof that they belonged to the lord or the knights who stayed behind in the town.
...Though, I think that’s a bit of a stretch.
But I understand the feeling of wanting to believe the survivors are out there somewhere, so Rurua-chan and I don't say a word.
We’re doing our jobs properly, after all.
Still, my own opinion is...
“This is a remarkably tidy Great Flood, isn't it?”
“...Does Priest Lilishe have experience with the Great Flood?”
The one who asked in response to my mutterings was Koeu-chan, the head of this town’s Adventurer’s Guild.
“I do. As a healer, I’m often called to such places. The most recent one was at Mauve-san’s location, I believe.”
“I see.”
“Wait? You were there, Lilishe... Priest?”
Mauve-chan tried to gloss over the name, but I’m not going to believe that for a second.
But, let’s leave that aside.
“Of course. The Litea Church keeps many records, and it’s my duty to rush to those in need. But back then, it wasn't like this, where the houses remained so beautifully intact. Isn't that right?”
“Yeah. Back then, the districts the monsters entered were already shredded to pieces. Of course, areas with fewer monsters had less damage, but it wasn't on this scale. It’s strange that there’s so little damage here.”
“I see, so Mauve-dono is a veteran of the Great Flood.”
“Yeah, that’s why I was called here.”
There, now it’s no problem that I know about the Great Flood.
Just as I was thinking that, Kina-chan approached and whispered to me.
“Lilishe-sama. Is there something suspicious?”
“No. It’s true that it’s too clean, but that just means whoever did this was acting with a clear purpose. There are no monsters, and more importantly, Yuki-san is handling the investigation, isn't he?”
I told Kina-chan that I didn't see anything particularly suspicious.
Kina-chan looked relieved.
“Then, there is no doubt that they are safe for the time being.”
“Yes. But don’t let your guard down. There is no doubt that someone directed this Great Flood with a specific goal in mind.”
Yes, I’m certain that someone had a purpose from the very beginning, just by looking at this town.
As I discussed with Mauve-chan earlier, a normal Great Flood destroys villages and towns where people gather as it advances.
It’s impossible for buildings to remain unscathed.
Well, it’s possible for a single house to be left standing by pure coincidence, but for the entire townscape to remain like this? That’s impossible.
That is the nature of a Great Flood.
That’s exactly why it’s hard to read who is behind this.
“Yes. We will continue to be vigilant. What do you intend to do from here, Lilishe-sama?”
“Let’s see. Surprisingly, there are no dead or injured. I suppose I’ll just help with the food distribution for those who were hiding.”
Yes, the only dead were near the collapsed gates and walls, and inside the lord’s mansion; there were none elsewhere.
The people who had been hiding were mostly those who couldn't move, their caregivers, and small children. While the sanitary conditions were a bit poor, they had enough food and clothing, so there was no need to panic.
So, there’s surprisingly little to do.
“I understand. We will continue our investigation, but...”
“Yes, that’s fine. I’ll let you know if I notice anything.”
“Understood. The Weed troops—or rather, Yuki-san’s troops—are also deployed, so please reach out to them if anything happens.”
“Yes. Good luck.”
When I said that, Kina-chan walked away and started talking between Koeu-san and Mauve-san.
The adventurer group has it tough, having to write up their reports.
Since I came here as relief staff, the problem is... oh?
“Hey, Rurua-chan?”
I felt a bit of doubt and headed toward Rurua-chan, who was preparing the food distribution.
Since I’m going to help anyway, I called out to her while chopping vegetables.
“Yes? What is it?”
*Thump, thump, thump...*
The sound of our knives working in rhythm echoed.
I replied without taking my eyes off the cutting board.
“You see, I’m technically an envoy of Litea, right? Do I have to write a report? Alstaire-chan didn't say anything to me about it.”
That’s right, I wasn't told to submit a report at all.
The instruction was just to go and settle things with Suurus as the face of Litea.
Oh, wait, no.
I was the one who snatched the job by saying, "I'll go!"
“Um...”
I heard Rurua-chan’s troubled voice.
“If it is Alstaire-sama, she would likely say there is no need for a report. However, for the sake of future learning, I believe leaving a record would be beneficial for many people.”
“Ah, now that you mention it, that’s true.”
Even I learned about the Great Flood from the books recorded by Litea, so it wouldn't hurt to write down the process and methods of the negotiations.
It’s true that it would be helpful for our juniors, too.
Alright, I’ll give it a try.
We continued to chop ingredients while chatting.
Onions, carrots, potatoes—by now, it was clear what we were making.
“Oh, with these ingredients, are we making curry or stew today?”
“Yes. I thought you might not be used to curry, so I planned for a cream stew.”
“That sounds lovely. By the way, how are the people we rescued doing?”
“Enora-san is currently handling that.”
“Rurua, were you talking about me? What is it?”
Speak of the devil.
When I turned around, Enora-chan was there.
“Perfect timing. I was just asking how the rescued people are doing.”
“Oh? They are no different from yesterday. They’ve been hiding underground for nearly a month, so their physical strength is just a bit low.”
“Are there any signs of instability? Some of them must have lost acquaintances, right?”