第１４２０堀：動かない事態 (Part1)
**Chapter 1420: A Stagnant Situation**
**Side: Stasia**
This marks the fourth day.
Honestly, it seems unlikely that we will achieve any further results.
I think this as I gaze at the cityscape, where the setting sun casts long shadows over the rubble.
Since our arrival in this western town, we have conducted repeated investigations, yet the facts remain the same: supplies have been looted, and the lord along with his remaining soldiers have vanished.
They are, for all intents and purposes, dead, but because there is no definitive proof, the lord’s son—or rather, the current acting lord—refuses to acknowledge it, treating them as missing persons.
...I understand his feelings, but it is clear that this will cause significant procedural issues down the line.
"Is something the matter, Stasia?"
As I ponder this, a voice suddenly calls out to me. I turn to find Jessica standing there.
We have already finished today’s investigation and returned to the mobile living quarters deployed in the town square.
The day’s work is done; all that remains is to eat and rest. I had simply been watching the town in a moment of idle reflection.
"No, I was just thinking whether to call it a mere four days, or already four days."
"Ah, are you worried about the lack of progress?"
"I’m not worried about that. If the situation were such that a cursory investigation could yield answers, information would have already surfaced the moment the area turned into a dungeon."
"True enough. Then, is there something else troubling you?"
"It’s not exactly a worry, but... perhaps it is. I feel that the young lord who succeeded his father is a bit... inept."
When I say this, Jessica offers a wry, understanding smile.
"Well, he may have lost his entire family, after all. Still, if things continue as they are, everything will inevitably grind to a halt. And it is the commoners who will suffer the consequences."
"Indeed. But we are merely envoys, so there is little we can do. Besides, I myself was quite distraught when it came to Arge."
My salvation was that, even after death, I was able to meet him again, and he still lives in Weed today.
However, the residents of this town will not be granted such fortune.
While I feel a twinge of guilt over that disparity, it is a common reality on the battlefield.
The dead living, the living dead—such things happen often.
If one doesn't learn to compartmentalize, they will surely die themselves.
But that young lord—no, the people of this land—are unaccustomed to the nature of conflict, which is precisely why they will continue to dwell on their losses.
While a long-standing peace is a blessing, I am reminded that it can become a hindrance when a crisis strikes.
"We can only hope things work out. Fortunately, the inspection team from the Royal Capital is here, and they won’t simply turn a blind eye. With the eyes of Lilishe and her followers upon us, I want to believe they won’t do anything unlawful."
"Yes."
I do not know how much leeway this country has.
However, since one of its major towns has been decimated, if they do not assist in the reconstruction, they will face not only the dissatisfaction of their own people but also the scrutiny of neighboring nations.
Above all, if the treatment of the populace becomes too dire, the Church will intervene.
In that case, the residents would be taken away.
Normally, the casual migration of a populace is impossible, but if they are refugees, there would be no stopping them from being relocated.
Especially if the Church moves—they are the largest denomination on this continent.
It would be an admission that the kingdom had failed them so thoroughly that such measures were necessary.
I want to believe they aren't foolish enough to let it come to that.
The King of this country seems to have had a close relationship with Lilishe, after all.
"By the way, changing the subject, it seems dinner is ready."
"Oh, my apologies for keeping you waiting."
"Not at all. Come, let’s head back."
I pull my gaze away from the cityscape and return to the vehicle.
A dedicated dining car has been provided, and our environment here is not much different from when we are in Weed.
It looks like we are having hamburger steak tonight.
Some of the members have already started eating.
Well, since everyone has their own duties, we rarely get to eat together.
Though, back in Weed, we are always together.
"Itadakimasu."
"Oh, welcome back, Stasia! It’s delicious again today. Micos-chan, Kaya, Claudia, and Difes made it!"
Micos says this, puffing out her large chest.
It is as impressive as ever. I have my fair share, but certainly not to that extent.
But, putting that aside.
"Kaya and the others helped too?"
I ask, turning my gaze toward the Holy Sword users.
"Eh? Is it surprising that we’re cooking?"
"Ah, no. I just have the image of you always coming over to our house to eat."
"Ah, that’s true. We are guests, after all. Well, we did travel through various countries, and we usually live in a stuffed-animal shop, so we can cook well enough."
I see. It’s true that they wouldn't be incapable of cooking.
It would be fatal to be unable to cook while traveling.
Though, whether it tastes good is another matter.
"Well, it only started tasting good after we came to Weed."
"Yeah, we didn't have any seasonings before. And we didn't know the recipes. Still, once you learn them, it’s not that hard to improve."
Claudia and Difes add.
That is exactly right. The development we’ve seen since coming to Weed is significant.
Simply roasting or boiling things doesn't make them delicious.
The delicate seasoning is something that exists thanks to Weed—or rather, thanks to the history of Japan.
I was surprised myself when I was invited to a banquet by Yuki-sama.
"But it’s strange, isn't it? Being able to eat such delicious food even while out on a job like this."
Kaya says this as she takes a bite of the hamburger steak.
I decide to end the small talk and eat the meal they prepared.
"It’s delicious."
"Right? Micos-chan worked hard on it, too."
"Micos is growing up, isn't she?"
Isn't she perhaps the most successful among us?
In the past, she was just an ordinary student at the Hayden Magic Academy, and during the battle in the town of Baide, she was primarily a scout.
Now, she is an assistant to the Weed diplomat, a concubine to Yuki-sama, and in charge of publishing in Weed.
In other words, she has the authority to disseminate information.
Of course, she requires our permission for certain things, but I have finally realized what a tremendous power it is to be able to broadcast information.
Other countries might not pay it much mind, but the ability to sway public sentiment with a single article or post is an incredible force.
Furthermore, that information reaches tourists from other lands, who then carry it back to their own countries.
As a source of information, there is no place greater than this.