第１４３０堀：訪問調査方針について (Part2)
"Indeed. Still, as you both pointed out, that doesn't excuse us from being disrespectful, so we should proceed with caution."
With that, I summarized our stance: we would trust Lilishe for the duration of this diplomatic mission.
That left one other matter.
"As for the diplomacy, I’ll leave that to Ritia. But our primary objective this time is to track down the Dark Guild and the Dungeon Master. Let’s confirm our approach on that front."
That’s right—our journey isn't merely about negotiating with two nations. Our top priority is uncovering the traces of the hostile Dark Guild and the Dungeon Master.
"Granted, there's a high probability that any physical evidence has been scrubbed, but that’s only from the perspective of the Dark Guild and the Dungeon Master themselves. It’s certain that something remains on the side of those they approached for cooperation."
"Usually, they would wipe that out as well, wouldn't they?"
Jessica was right. For those involved in such illicit activities, having their existence exposed is a direct threat to their lives. Consequently, they go to great lengths to silence witnesses and destroy evidence. If they didn't, an organization operating in the shadows would be dismantled in the blink of an eye.
"You’d think so, wouldn't you? But you’d be surprised how many of them actually leave records of their contracts behind."
"Deryu, what do you mean by that?"
To my surprise, Deryu chimed in. As Ria and I exchanged confused glances, Deryu continued.
"As Jessica said, one would assume destroying evidence is standard practice, and they certainly do attempt it. But that is only from the Dark Guild's perspective."
"Ah, I see. It’s something the Dark Guild wants to erase, but there are others who want to keep it, right?"
Rina’s realization settled the matter for the rest of us.
"So, you’re saying that knowing they’ll be silenced, people don't just sit back and let it happen?"
"Precisely. They are dealing with illegal entities. They are well aware of that, and there are those who despise such connections. Those people, in turn, are working to secure information. That is why completely erasing every trace is impossible."
"But even so, wouldn't tracking them down be difficult?" I asked, voicing my doubt.
While it might be hard to erase every shred of evidence, it’s rare to find information that is so transparent it leads directly to the enemy’s doorstep, isn't it? If finding the Dark Guild were that simple, they would have been rooted out long ago.
"True, under normal circumstances. But unlike this world, we have the knowledge of Yuki and the others."
"..."
Hearing that, it finally clicked. Of course. Our own investigative techniques might be impossible for them to replicate, but...
"Fingerprints, cellular debris, handwriting analysis—there are so many methods. If we apply that kind of scientific investigation, tracking them should be a simple matter."
"And with the dungeon surveillance skills, tracking them is a breeze, too."
"Indeed."
"I see. So, even the smallest scrap of evidence becomes a vital piece of the puzzle for us to corner them."
"I’m actually surprised Agil hadn't thought of that."
"Haha, well, we’re more focused on research. Information meant for catching criminals is a bit outside our wheelhouse."
"Fair enough. That being the case, should we leave this type of investigation to Tori and the others?"
"That’s right. They are the professionals when it comes to detective work. Besides, Deryu is a police officer, isn't she?"
"Indeed. I still hold my position as a Special Duty Investigator. Ah, I see now. That’s what this is about."
That made even more sense to me. I had forgotten—Deryu held the rank of Special Duty Investigator within the Weed police force. Given that background, she would be more accustomed to this kind of investigation than anyone else.
"Then, Deryu, shall I leave the investigation to you?"
"Very well. I shall take command of the operation. We’ll have to send the scientific analysis back to Weed, of course. It would be easier if Tori, Riel, or Kaya were here, but those three are needed for the defense of Weed."
Weed required its own security, after all. With the International Exchange School now in operation, we couldn't afford to spread our personnel too thin.
"Well, that clarifies our policy moving forward. Now, we just need to stay vigilant against enemy ambushes."
And so, we set off for the royal capital of the Kinauf Kingdom. The reason Deryu was specifically included in our party was so that, once the reparations and negotiations were concluded, she could lead the investigation on the ground. She was there as a combatant for protection, of course, but her experience as a police officer was the true asset we needed.