第１４２８堀：訪問決定 (Part2)
They’ve openly collaborated with a dark guild to invade another country, so you’d think they would have anticipated at least this much, but people of this ilk never seem to consider the possibility of their own failure.
They might think that if they capture Litea or the alliance envoys, they’ll have leverage for negotiations.
It’s true that capturing them would create room for bargaining, but that’s a dead end.
Well, it might create a slim possibility of fighting back.
Though, being outnumbered and pinned down is hardly a winning scenario...
But there is no accounting for the logic of fools.
Most importantly, there is a possibility—as yet unconfirmed—that a Dungeon Master is involved.
That is the most unsettling factor.
Suurus fell into unprecedented chaos because of that very thing.
There is no guarantee it won’t be repeated on the other side.
If anything, they wouldn’t have dared to raise the banner of rebellion without that level of support.
"If we assume there’s a Dungeon Master among the enemy, that means only Agil and the others can resist them, right?"
"Exactly. Even though the Holy Knights are elite, they are no match for monsters that spawn infinitely. In that case, we have no choice but to use the same tactics. Yuki-dono, would you be willing to grant us this request?"
Alstaire turns to me, not Seraria. It is proof that she understands who truly holds the authority here.
"…I can’t give you an immediate answer. Besides, I’m a hands-on type of leader. Agil?"
It’s best to hear from Agil, who led the field operations. If she says it’s fine, I’ll send them off with full confidence; if she says she’s against it, I’ll simply protect them.
As for Agil, upon receiving my gaze…
"Ahaha, you’re as consistent as ever. In times like these, you’re supposed to just give the order. Though, I do appreciate you asking for my opinion. Well, to answer your question, Yuki: I think we should go. It wouldn’t be a laughing matter if we sent anyone else and they were wiped out. That would be the very spark that ignites a war. Especially when we have zero information to go on. Of course, it comes with risks, so we’ll need to obtain official permission from their respective nations."
True, while they are my wives, on paper, Agil is representing Enaria, Jessica is representing Zilba, and Stasia is representing Findarl as envoys. We’ll need clearance from them as well.
"Also, I should add that this will be a volunteer-only mission. We can’t take anyone who’s scared. They’d just be a liability."
As Agil finishes, Jessica and Stasia nod in agreement.
"Indeed. As Agil says, we must assume combat is a given. And if a battle does break out, we will be at a massive disadvantage. We could likely force our way through with sheer power, but if things descend into chaos and we can’t distinguish friend from foe, the casualties will only mount."
"So, we need members who have the resolve to follow orders under those conditions."
"Agreed. Since the probability of combat is high this time, it would be better to have people who excel in battle and can grasp the situation, rather than those focused on negotiation."
Alstaire nods at their assessment. I share the same opinion.
Still…
"That’s already decided. What about Mikos? She’s finishing up her report, but what will she do?"
Seraria asks, looking at Mikos. The others turn their eyes toward her as well…
"Mikos-chan will be coming along. I’ll make sure to write an article about how the alliance kept its promise of support and continued to negotiate in good faith. If Kagura finds it too difficult, you can head back, okay?"
"What are you saying? You were the one who was scared at the beginning, Mikos."
"Well, if you two have enough breath to trade barbs, you’ll be fine."
"Seems that way. I was a little worried, but as Enora says, you’ll likely be fine. Is everyone else feeling alright? That’s important. And that goes for Menou and Show as well."
"Thanks for the afterthought. But I’m fine."
"Yes. This level of stress is not a problem."
They are the two I worry about most as potential liabilities, but in terms of pure combat experience, they are top-tier, so I’m not overly concerned.
"Good. That leaves Deryu and Ria…"
"No problems here. Right, Ria?"
"Yes. I am fine."
"Understood. I’d like the two of you to accompany them as guards. Of course, regarding coordination with the Holy Knights that Alstaire is bringing…"
"That will be fine~. I’ll let them know~."
If Lilishe says so, the coordination with the Holy Knights should be seamless.
"Alright, then Rurua, you return to base and stand by to assist with the support efforts for Suurus."
"Understood."
Rurua is, after all, the medical personnel I dispatched from the alliance. I need her to focus on the relief efforts in Suurus. The representative for Litea will be Lilishe.
"Right, then. Get to your preparations immediately."
"Yes!"
And so, the two-nation on-site investigation was set in motion.
Finally, the visit to Kinauf regarding the reparations has been decided.
Now, will we be able to obtain information on the dark guild?
And will Kinauf quietly accept the reparations?