第１４３１堀：一応歓迎してくれている？ (Part2)
"It’s exactly as it seems. We’ve confirmed the presence of the dark guild’s operatives. They’re making no move to flee, so they’re likely waiting to see what judgment the Kinauf Kingdom passes, or perhaps what conditions we envoys might impose. We’ve already spread word of our support throughout the town, so I imagine they’ve already scrubbed any incriminating evidence."
"Are we not going to capture them?"
"Capturing them now would be simple, but what we’re really after is their headquarters. This time, even if they try to pull something, we’ll let them slip away."
"So, we track them back to the source."
A classic maneuver. Though, I doubt they’ll even realize they’re being hunted. We won’t be tailing them overtly; we’ll be tracking them from the skies.
"Should we remain on high alert?"
"That would be wise. Oh, and if they try to poison us, please do me the favor of playing the part. Here—take these. Some fake blood and a kit to simulate foaming at the mouth."
Agil handed us the items with a casual air.
"I had Rurua and the others oversee the concoction, so the symptoms will perfectly mimic the effects of a genuine toxin. Besides, with Lilishe-sama present, confirming our 'demise' will be a simple matter."
"It’s reassuring, I suppose, but it’s a rather unsettling kind of peace of mind."
Knowing the doctor is in on the ruse makes the diagnosis feel a bit dubious, doesn't it? Still, if it’s the bait needed to hook our enemies, I’ll play along. I’m tired of being on the defensive and having to clean up their messes.
"As for the surveillance, the headquarters will be handling that in real-time. We just need to play the role of envoys. The rest depends on whether Lilishe-sama’s negotiations with Kinauf go well, but that’s just beginning."
"What is your prediction?"
"Prediction? Well, given the atmosphere of the country, they seem inclined to accept us. If there were genuine hostility, it wouldn't be this calm."
True enough. In a country that truly harbors animosity, the glares from the populace would be like daggers. The fact that the sisters of Litea are out cleaning the streets as usual is proof enough that the people have accepted us; a total withdrawal seems highly unlikely.
"But then again, even with that expectation, Kinauf did choose to take up arms. It’s a reminder not to let our guard down. If any of you get hurt, Yuki will be furious. And if that happens, this country will literally be wiped off the map."
Agil says this with a smile, but I understand the gravity of the statement. It’s not just a matter of the people dying out—the Kinauf Kingdom itself would cease to exist. If anyone dared to harm my companions, I would do exactly the same.
"Well, that aside, I wonder what Lilishe-sama and the others are discussing in there."
Indeed, Lilishe-sama is currently absent from this room, meeting with the King and Princess Hasnia. The reason being...
"It shouldn't be a difficult conversation. They simply want to bring Litea into the fold first."
"Though this is technically an issue regarding the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, it is happening in a region where Litea acts as the leader. They likely want to settle the terms before sitting down with us. Or rather, they’re desperate to wrap it up that way."
Well, the alliance was formed at Litea’s request, so if they say it’s fine, there’s only so much we can intervene. However, since the dark guild and the Dungeon Masters are suspected of involvement, we must have their cooperation.
"Agil. You said you were wondering what they were talking about—you are eavesdropping, aren't you?"
"Of course. But I’m not doing it personally; I’m leaving it to headquarters. If I didn't, I wouldn't be able to talk to everyone else. Don't worry, if anything critical comes up, it’ll be routed to us."
Just as Agil finished speaking, the door swung open.
"We’re back~."
"We have returned, everyone."
Lilishe-sama and Princess Hasnia stepped back into the room. It seems everything went smoothly.
"Are you alright? Was there any trouble during the talks?"
Kagura immediately rushed to Lilishe-sama’s side, fretting over her, but there wasn't a hair out of place. She worries too much.
"I’m fine, I’m fine~. For now, let me tell you what we discussed."
And so, we gathered to hear what had transpired. We had arrived in Kinauf in peace, at least on the surface. But in the world of diplomacy, negotiation is just another form of war. I wonder how interesting things will get from here?