落とし穴外伝：私たち調査中 (Part1)
Pitfall Side Story: We Are Investigating
We Are Investigating
Side: Aurelia
Having received direct permission from Yuki-sama, we set out to hunt down the scum who have been impersonating him to commit their misdeeds.
"Hmm. I hear stories of that nature quite often, actually."
"Indeed, we do~."
Kirue-sama and Sasari-sama provided us with that startling response right off the bat.
"Could you please elaborate?"
Prol-san, acting as our representative, asked for the details. Since she has a longer history and wider connections with the wives than we do, her presence is truly a godsend.
"Certainly. I don't mind. Sasari, please tell them. I must head off to handle the cleaning."
"Yes, leave it to me."
"And make sure you return to your duties once you've finished talking. Understood?"
"I won't be slacking off~."
With that exchange, Kirue-sama departed from the lounge.
"Now then, these sorts of topics aren't meant to be discussed in a loud voice. Let’s move to my room."
And so, we followed Sasari-sama to her quarters. The room was unexpectedly filled with her personal belongings. What caught my eye, in particular, were the numerous photographs. A corkboard was covered with all sorts of pictures—some of people, others of landscapes.
"Oh, photography is a hobby of mine. You know, there’s something wonderful about capturing a scene exactly as you see it and preserving it forever. I can take pictures of the young ladies—no, the wives—like this, and the daughters as well. I’m especially requested to take photos of Manoama-sama by the grandmasters, after all."
"I see."
Manoama-sama is Samantha-sama’s daughter, so to Samantha-sama’s parents, she must be a precious grandchild. It makes sense that they can never have enough photos of her. I, too, possess several photos of Yuki-sama, and naturally, many others featuring Hovis and Yayui as well.
"Ahem. Sasari-sama, I understand that you enjoy photography, but might we return to the main topic?"
"Oh, my apologies. Please, wait just a moment."
With that, Sasari-sama headed toward the kitchen, only to return moments later with tea prepared with masterful grace. I had been about to stand up, having realized what she was doing, but...
"Ah, stay as you are. I am the mistress of this room, and hospitality is the duty of the host~. And besides..."
Before she finished her sentence, Sasari-sama returned to us.
"It’s been a while, so it’s only right that you enjoy your master’s tea."
She served us the tea. Ah, indeed—before we began our service by Yuki-sama’s side, it was Kirue-sama and Sasari-sama who thoroughly drilled us in the work of a maid. Etiquette is the most essential skill for a maid, and in Yuki-sama’s service, it is the absolute foundation. We were also rigorously trained in skills for serving our master, such as the art of brewing tea. In that sense, Sasari-sama is truly our mentor.
As I pondered this, I sipped the tea, the fragrant aroma spreading through my mouth and permeating my entire body.
"It’s delicious. I still cannot hope to surpass you."
"Hahaha. I’ve been a maid for a long time, after all~. You won’t be overtaking me so easily~. Though, when it comes to Yuki-sama’s personal preferences, perhaps you and the others have the edge. Now, let’s get to the point, shall we? Prol-san’s face is looking quite stern."
When I turned my gaze toward Prol-san, she was indeed enjoying the tea, but...
"The tea is exquisite, and I share the sentiment of my colleagues, but this concerns the crisis of my beloved master. I would be grateful if you could proceed with the matter at hand."
The sheer weight of the anger radiating from Prol-san made us straighten our spines.
"Very well. Regarding the rumors about Yuki-sama circulating through the maid information network: to put it briefly, rumors of that nature are constantly swirling. Some time ago, there were individuals within Weed who pulled off various stunts of this kind. We caught and executed the perpetrators, but once something like that happens..."
"I see. The next group becomes more cautious, and the rumors continue to persist."
"Exactly. As expected of the head of Weed’s intelligence division. So, while we haven't narrowed it down and I haven't heard reports of actual damage, if Lari-san and her team are gathering information in earnest, it means damage is likely occurring. Which means..."
Sasari-sama turned her gaze toward us. I wondered what she meant, and then...
"In other words~, if Lari-san and her team are gathering information, does that mean the source is among the adventurers~?"
When Hovis asked this, Sasari-sama smiled.
"Exactly. A bullseye."
"Does that mean if we talk to Lari-san, we can identify the culprits!"
"Now, now. That’s jumping to conclusions. If they had identified them, we would have received a report of the resolution from Lari-san’s team by now. The fact that we haven't means the culprits are still..."
"...not identified, I suppose."
Yayui went from excitement to dejection in an instant. I sometimes wonder just how deeply they are devoted to Yuki-sama, though I suppose we are no different. Regardless, the source is the adventurer circle. That being the case...
"I see. Then we shall investigate the vicinity of the adventurers. Milly-sama... it would be best to keep her away from this."
"Indeed. As Prol-san says. If we speak to Milly-sama, she will start dragging the adventurers out one by one to beat them into a confession~."
"Eh? To that extent?"
Would the esteemed Milly-sama really do something so reckless?
"Ahahaha, Aurelia, you don't quite grasp the depth of Milly-sama’s dependence on Yuki-sama, do you? Well, why don't you put yourself in her shoes? You have people you ask for favors in various departments, even if they aren't your direct subordinates, don't you? If you were told that among them, there might be people spreading lies about Yuki-sama to commit fraud?"
" " "We would kill them." " "
Ah!? The words slipped out before I could stop them.
"Mm-hmm, such loyalty is admirable. But now is the time to remain calm and use your heads. I will keep a close watch to ensure the wives don't hear these rumors and go on a rampage, so please, rest assured and conduct your investigation to root out the culprits~. I leave it to you, Prol?"
"Leave it to me. I will capture them and ensure they are judged under the law."
"Good."