落とし穴外伝：この場所の謎について (Part1)
Pitfall Side Story: The Mystery of This Place
Side: Prol
Having gathered information at the tavern, we immediately acted the part of thrifty adventurers and made our way to the weapon shop two doors down, just as we’d been told.
That said…
"It stinks. It really, truly stinks."
Hovis pinched her nose the moment she said it. Orelia and Yayui were frowning as well, so I imagine they felt exactly the same way. And, frankly, so did I.
"We must endure it. Let’s get inside quickly. At least there’s a door to keep some of it out."
The other three nodded at my suggestion, and we quickly located the small sign, opened the door, and stepped inside.
It is utterly baffling that a space filled with this much garbage could exist in Weed, but now is not the time to investigate that mystery. My priority is to capture the swindler who is impersonating Yuki-sama.
With that resolve, I entered the shop. Despite it being midday, the doors and windows were kept shut, leaving the interior dim—an environment that should be impossible within Weed. It was inconvenient, too, as they weren't using electricity, relying instead on lamps for light. From the back of that gloomy shop…
"Oh? How rare. Young ladies in a place like this…"
I heard a voice, and as I squinted, I saw an old man sitting at the dim counter. The lantern light cast a strange, eerie shadow. However…
He wasn't some rugged, intimidating figure; he was surprisingly ordinary. In fact…
" " "Hmm?" " "
We squinted at each other, not so much staring as trying to verify who the other was. Somewhere…
" " "Ah!" " "
We all cried out at once.
" " "The Blacksmith Guild's!" " "
"You're Yuki-anchan’s subordinates!"
We identified each other simultaneously. Yes, this man was an acquaintance. Specifically, he was the person in charge of weapon distribution, introduced to us through Narjia-sama and Firia-sama. Furthermore, the way he called Yuki-sama "Anchan" showed he was quite the veteran.
Why would he be in such a desolate place?
"What’s this, what’s this? Showing your faces in a dump like this—are you looking for Narjia-nee-san or Firia-jou-chan? Or is this about weapon supplies?"
"No, this is a separate matter. Actually, why are you here? Are you unaware of the rumors regarding the fraud? Or perhaps, are you involved?"
I asked with enough intensity to imply that if he lied, I would kill him. I couldn't forgive anyone who had been in Weed as long as I had for getting in Yuki-sama’s way, but…
"Huh? F-fraud? Ah, that thing people are whispering about? If you girls are moving, does that mean it’s reached a level where it’s finally starting to move in earnest?"
"You truly aren't involved?"
I pressed him, and he slammed his hand onto the desk.
"Don't talk like an idiot. Why would I betray Yuki-anchan?! Don't insult me. I’m happy to go talk in front of Labyris-jou-chan if you want."
Labyris-sama possesses the power of appraisal and can read minds. It used to be that she could only read them accurately if the person had opened their heart to her, but they say she can now read the minds of even her adversaries with reasonable accuracy. I’ve never tested that truth myself, and Yuki-sama doesn't actively use that power, but those who have been in Weed for a long time are well aware of Labyris-sama’s abilities, so they understand that lies don't work on her.
Which means…
"My apologies. Given the circumstances, I had to be sure."
"Well, I get where you’re coming from. So, is a large-scale investigation coming down on this place?"
"No, not yet. Yayui here heard the rumors, and we decided to investigate before it could grow into something larger."
I decided to tell him the truth. I knew from my own background checks that he was a person worthy of trust. The previous interrogation was merely a formality I couldn't skip.
"I see. So it’s the opposite—you’re doing this because people like Milly-jou-chan would make a huge scene?"
"Exactly."
"It’s trouble in the Adventurer District, after all. This is the third time a big commotion has happened there, so yeah, settling it quickly is probably for the best."
He was highly trusted by Narjia-sama and Firia-sama; he likely heard about most of the trouble occurring in Weed. Especially if he was manufacturing and wholesaling weapons, information regarding adventurers would naturally flow to him.
"That is why we are here, but do you know anything? And why does a place like this even exist? It could be said that Weed’s hygiene standards are poor because of this."
If this man was running a shop here, it meant the higher-ups understood the reason for this place. I didn't know if he was privy to the details, but it was worth asking. His reaction was…
"Huh? Wait, you girls from the Administrative Division don't know about this place?"
"Yes, our departments are different, and this district falls under the jurisdiction of Milly-sama and the Adventurer Guild."
"Ah, I suppose that’s true. Well, to answer your first question: regarding the swindler, I’ve only heard rumors. I’ve heard they’re pulling stunts on this street. That said, in the last month, it’s happened less than a handful of times. Though, I’m sure there are adventurers who haven't reported it."
"Have you seen the culprit yourself?"
"Never. Neither has anyone from the tavern next door. Which means they’re doing it in places where our eyes can't reach. You could say they’re wary of us."
"I see. That’s likely because they fear being reported."
"Probably. That’s why, even if they have a backer, it can't be anyone of much consequence. If a noble were behind them, they’d be acting much more boldly."
"If such a noble existed, their head would be rolling by now."
Acting lawlessly in Weed under the guise of a noble was a foolish act that could lead to Seraria-sama personally severing one's head.
"No doubt. That Seraria-jou-chan would definitely slice it off."
"Haa, calling Her Majesty 'jou-chan'…"
"She doesn't mind, though. Hahaha. Anyway, putting that aside, as for this place—it’s a location Yuki-anchan and the Adventurer Guild came up with."
"What do you mean by that?"
I tilted my head, not expecting the higher-ups—specifically Yuki-sama—to be directly involved. He continued his explanation.
"Do you know the 'Broken Windows Theory'?"
"Yes. To put it simply, it’s the idea that bad environments attract bad people."
As a member of the Residential Division, I had studied how environments influence behavior. As part of the Information Division, I also knew to be wary of such places. However, it wasn't just limited to trash; it included graffiti and the gathering of unsavory characters, making it a surprisingly difficult issue to manage.