落とし穴外伝：相談すると (Part2)
"That is the situation."
It was true that we, the wives and those of us in his service, felt a strong urge to make a scene and put an end to this immediately. However, doing so would only play into the enemy's hands. We wished to avoid that at all costs.
"That is precisely why you must obtain proper permission from Yuki. If you explain the situation, he will surely grant it."
"Understood."
With that, I set out to find Yuki-sama, though I wondered where he might be.
"Oh, my husband? He’s in his room, just as usual."
It seemed Yuki-sama was at the inn, so I headed straight for his private quarters. Yuki-sama’s days off were always a whirlwind of activity—dates with his wives, playing with his daughters—and his location was never fixed. Still, since he was always accompanied by someone, we could rest easy knowing he was safe.
I arrived at his door without hesitation and knocked.
"Yuki-sama? Are you available for a moment?"
A reply came immediately through the wood.
"Hm? Is that Orelia? Come on in. I’ve got my hands full, so just let yourself in."
With his permission, I entered without reservation. Yuki-sama’s room was filled with artifacts from Earth. It wasn't messy, but it possessed a distinct, lived-in atmosphere—cluttered with plastic models, a television, a computer, and various games.
Yuki-sama, who was likely in the living room, let out a shout.
"What!? I thought I had you off-guard since I answered you!"
"Hmm, that wasn't a gap in my defense at all. Or perhaps... was I lured in?"
"Hahaha! I figured you’d make a move if I reacted, and just as I thought, you did."
He was in the middle of a game with Rushi and Prof. The genre was a chaotic brawler. I had played it with them a few times myself; it was quite fun, and the unique abilities of each character gave it a wonderful depth. That said, Yuki-sama was capable of anything, so I had never actually seen him lose—though, if the three of us ganged up on him, we could occasionally manage a victory. Provided we didn't let our guard down, of course.
On the screen, the characters controlled by Rushi and Prof were effortlessly blown away, bringing the match to a conclusion.
"So, what's up?"
"Ah, well... I hesitated to bring this up on your day off, but Seraria-sama suggested it would be best to consult you."
"Did something that serious happen?"
Yuki-sama tilted his head, while Rushi and Prof sharpened their gazes, turning toward me.
"Yes. Actually..."
I relayed everything I had heard from Yayui, along with Seraria-sama’s advice, and expressed our desire to conduct an investigation.
"Yuki-sama, let’s find the culprit and kill them."
"Rushi is right. We cannot allow anyone to sully Yuki-sama’s name."
"Now, now, both of you, calm down. Didn't we just talk about how that kind of behavior is unacceptable?"
It appeared Rushi and Prof were just as radical as Yayui. I could understand Rushi, but I hadn't expected Prof to be of the same mind. Then again, considering her background, perhaps it was only natural.
Yuki-sama pondered the matter.
"I’ve left things to Lari and the others, but they haven't been able to resolve the situation yet. There’s the matter of the Dark Guild, too. Hmm, I understand why you’re worried, Orelia..."
"We will be fine. We have undergone proper training, so there is no issue there. The real problem is if the other wives find out and the entire nation gets involved."
"...You’re right. As Seraria said, that would be a major problem. So, if we act first and keep things quiet, it might prevent the others from overreacting. I certainly don't want the culprit turned into a blood sacrifice without my say-so."
Yuki-sama hummed in thought. I wondered what the issue was, but Prof spoke up.
"If you permit it, Yuki-sama, I shall participate as well. If the matter is within Weed, I can gather information in an instant. However, since this is the first I’ve heard of it, the perpetrators must have only just begun their movements. And if the information hasn't reached me, it suggests they aren't hiding among the citizens, but in a place where many outsiders flow in—the adventurer or commercial districts, I suspect."
"M-me too!"
"No, Rushi. You must stay here and act as Yuki-sama’s guard. Stick to him like glue and prove that he hasn't been acting alone."
"Understood!"
...Her simplicity was both a blessing and a curse. Still, I was grateful that Rushi was so easy to manage.
"What do you think, Yuki-sama?"
"With Prof’s information, it should be easier to move. Also, rely on Kirue and Sasari. They should be gathering their own intelligence as well. I’ll take Rushi and move about as usual; that way, the enemy won't be on guard. That said, don't do anything reckless. If you find yourselves in over your heads, contact Steve and his men. They won't let things spiral out of control."
"Understood. Then, we shall depart immediately."
"Be careful."
"We will be going now."
And so, we set out on our investigation. With the blessing of the Queen and the man himself, the hunt for the culprit began. The search by Yayui and the others was officially underway.