第１４２４堀：やるからには徹底的に (Part1)
**Chapter 1424: If You’re Going to Do It, Do It Thoroughly**
**Side: Seraria**
Following the intelligence provided by Lowell, I called for an emergency meeting. It wasn’t just the members currently in Weed who gathered; representatives from the other continents arrived as well, leaving no one behind.
It just goes to show how high the level of concern is regarding the Dark Guild and the Great Outbreak.
Well, I suppose it’s only natural to be concerned when you consider that someone like Yuki might be turned into an enemy. Or rather, in my husband’s case, the moment you become his enemy, it’s already over for you.
But, putting that aside.
"Hey, Lowell. If you’ve returned, you should have come to greet us first."
"Oh, sorry, Father. I was busy handing out sweets to the children in Weed when the summons came. I intended to head back once that was finished."
"Haaah. You really are something else."
The King of Gartz, who had voiced his complaint, could only let out a heavy sigh at Lowell’s typical response.
I have to agree with him.
More than anything, she had spilled such vital information to us so easily. Ordinarily, a high-ranking official of a nation would properly vet such intelligence in Gartz before doling it out to us in pieces. Though, I suppose it also shows just how much she trusts us.
"Now, calm down, Gartz. Regardless, it is a relief that Princess Lowell is safe. Still, she is a good friend to my daughter. Do try not to do anything so reckless. It’s bad for my heart."
"Haha, that is an impossible request, King of Roschur. This is for the sake of the peace of those living on this continent. That said, I am grateful for your words of concern for my well-being."
She offered a proper bow to that old geezer, which means she’s definitely doing it on purpose. Well, I suppose I’m no different when it comes to acting spoiled toward my own parents.
"Now then, I shall report to the allied kings once more."
With that, she began to explain everything she had told me earlier. She then asked for a judgment on whether we should use this incident as a pretext to conduct a thorough investigation of the two nations, noting the high probability that the evidence had already been destroyed.
"It is already understood that this Great Outbreak was artificially induced. It goes without saying that we would be in trouble if this were allowed to continue. Furthermore, the Dark Guild’s shadow operations are undoubtedly a nuisance to nations outside the alliance as well. Considering that..."
"Well, naturally, it must be a forced investigation. We won't allow them to refuse. Isn't that right, Lady Alstaire?"
As the Kings of Roschur and Gartz declared this and turned their gazes toward the Saintess of Lithea, she responded with a fierce determination.
"Of course. Alliance or not, I will make them take responsibility as part of Lithea’s sphere of influence. They even brushed aside the warnings of Lady Lilishe."
She was clearly furious...
"Calm yourself. Only one nation ignored Lady Lilishe’s warnings. What about the others?"
"The same applies to them. There is a high probability that this incident was caused by a Dungeon Master. That means this could happen anywhere. I will leverage that fact to force their cooperation. We will also pressure the Dark Guild through those connections."
Alstaire answered my question flatly. I couldn't quite tell if she was acting out of pure rage or if she had actually thought this through. Just as I was wondering how to handle this, the Emperor of Zuraburu, Eupia, posed a question to keep things calm.
"Saintess, I understand your anger well, but if you force an investigation on smaller nations, will that not cause other countries to move in opposition?"
"It is a possibility, but I believe leaving things as they are is a greater problem."
"Hmm. I understand that concern, but those associated with the Dark Guild and the Dungeon Masters will only go deeper into hiding. Or perhaps they will choose to cooperate with the nations that resist."
"I judge that it is only a matter of time. It would be strange if those who have moved this boldly were to simply stop now."
Even after hearing Eupia’s words, she insisted that a forced investigation was necessary.
...She has a point.
It is hard to believe that the Dark Guild and the Dungeon Masters, who have moved so significantly, would simply go dormant. Even if they did, it is clear that they would only become a catastrophe for future generations.
"Indeed. As the Saintess says, it is only a matter of time, but we are also in the middle of our first international student exchange. How do you propose we handle that?"
"If the students or the members of this alliance present here were being harmed, we would need to consider a defensive posture. However, as of now, the enemy has not entered our borders and is targeting nations outside the alliance. Judging by their response to this incident, their movements did not account for our intervention. That is clear from the investigations conducted by Princess Lowell and Weed, as well as the intelligence gathered by each nation."
That much is true.
Since this incident occurred, we have begun investigations not only on the Rogari continent but also on the If continent, the Haiden region, and the Zuraburu region, yet there has been no movement.
Whether it is the Dark Guild, anti-Weed factions, or the Dungeon Masters—or perhaps a force we have yet to identify—we have detected nothing. It is strange that while they made such ridiculously obvious moves this time, everything else is completely dormant. Given that there have been no movements in funds or supplies, we can conclude there is no activity.
It could be a diversion to make us let our guard down, but for a diversion, there is a distinct lack of follow-up. Especially since there has been no reaction to everyone who went to Suurus for negotiations and investigation.
"I believe we should strike hard and investigate while they are still operating outside the alliance, rather than waiting until they have infiltrated our borders and begun their work. That is what will truly affect the safety of the students."
I understood what Alstaire wanted to say. Simply put: strike before you are struck.
For Lithea, their own backyard has been thoroughly trashed, so I suppose that plays a part. While we view this as an event happening in other countries, Lithea views it as an event within their own domain. That difference in perspective certainly creates a sense of crisis.
"Above all, even if it is outside the alliance, these are troubles occurring within nations under Lithea’s umbrella. If we do not clarify this thoroughly, it will reflect poorly on Lithea’s honor."
Ah, she said it.
Well, that is certainly true. The events of this time have done nothing but trample on Lithea’s face. That alone is reason enough to act, but the point of contention in this meeting is the fear that such actions might cause the damage to spread.
Still, even with this meeting, whether the enemy will act or how the non-alliance nations will react to these actions remains in the realm of speculation.
The only thing left is to decide what course of action to take...
"As for Sea-Cypho, if we can obtain information before they begin operating within the alliance, I believe we should act. Naturally, we will provide support to Lithea."