落とし穴外伝：この場所の謎について (Part2)
"Yes, that explanation is correct. It’s difficult to screen the adventurers in this city when so many of them are unsavory types, isn't it? That’s why we intentionally created a place like this to gather them all in one spot."
"I see. So, you’ve built this place specifically to corral those prone to criminal activity."
"Exactly. Before, children were running in and out of every corner to clean, but you remember when Dressa and the others were attacked by those idiots, right?"
"I do. I understand now—so that was the reason for this deliberate choice."
Back when Dressa and the others first began their activities as the pioneers of the children's cleaning initiative, a group of foolish nobles from Roschur had moved in the shadows—though calling it 'shadowy' would be a stretch. They had been caught eavesdropping on Dressa and her companions, and had attempted to silence them.
So, this was the countermeasure: providing a dedicated space for such elements...
"The influx of evildoers is inevitable. If that’s the case, it’s easier for us to manage them if we create an environment that draws them in."
"Indeed, methods like this exist in the commercial districts as well. There are brothels and the like..."
Orelia acknowledges the fact, though she doesn't look particularly pleased. Well, as someone who was once sold herself, she likely has no fond memories of such places. More than that, the realization that Weed officially permits such establishments probably forces her to confront the city's darker underbelly.
"Hah! You’re still a bit green if you’re going to make a face like that. On the other hand, Prol, you haven't changed your expression at all."
"National governance cannot be built on ideals alone. We simply do what we must—to minimize the damage, as we are doing now."
"That’s it. I’d hate to leave all the dirty work to Yuki."
When he says that, the eyes of Orelia and the others widen. They’ve finally realized it. This isn't just a matter of what you dislike or what triggers your trauma. It is Yuki who ends up shouldering that burden. One has to wonder what a confidant is even for, if not to prevent that.
"Anyway, beyond confirming that 'broken window' theory and gathering information, there’s also..."
He says this, then casually pulls a sword from a nearby barrel...
"I run a weapon shop for newcomers. Things that aren't quite up to military standards, or items that have no storefront or seller, or perhaps weapons from those who aren't quite ready to open a shop yet. I buy weapons from people like that and sell them here. And if they happen to gain popularity, I set them up with custom orders."
"Oh! So you’re providing a source of income for the rookies."
"Yeah. It’s also a form of consideration for the new adventurers, since I sell them cheap. But I can't sell them too openly, or it’ll interfere with other shops. So, I only introduce them to those who hear the rumors, or to those the Adventurer Guild deems to be in a tight spot."
It is, quite literally, a shop known only to those in the know.
"Normally, this would be a recipe for bankruptcy, but with the Blacksmith District, the Adventurer Guild, and Yuki backing me, it’s not a problem. And, on rare occasions..."
As he says this, he pulls another sword from the same barrel. But this one...
"Wait? That’s a sword made by Firia, isn't it?"
Before I could speak, Yayui pointed it out. Yes, Firia sometimes carves a special mark into the weapons she creates. While she generally crafts dedicated equipment with a proper maker's mark, for the ones she makes for the masses—or perhaps for practice—she simply carves a single, rough 'F' into the metal. It was etched right there on the fuller of the blade.
"That’s right. It’s a sword Firia made while adjusting her technique. Pieces like this end up here at a low price from time to time. It’s a test for those with a keen eye."
"A test for those with a keen eye... but a sword made by Firia is..."
Orelia gasps. She is right; Firia is slated to succeed Narjia as the representative of the Blacksmith District, and her talent for smithing is nothing short of genius. Even if a sword is made from the same material, the difference in performance is like heaven and earth, and the market price reflects that vast chasm. To think one could obtain such a thing for next to nothing...
"But, let’s leave that aside. In other words, the swindlers appear outside the shop, not inside?"
I shake my head, deciding to return to the main issue.
"Yeah, so I can't help you with the details. Sorry about that. Oh, and if things get tough, come back here. I’ll provide you with a bath and a meal."
"Understood. Thank you for your cooperation."
As we turn to head outside...
"Oh, right. If you’re pretending to be adventurers, wouldn't it look suspicious if you didn't buy anything?"
"You are quite right."
Before stepping back out, we make a few purchases to ensure we appear to have money to spend. It is an unnatural place to find in Weed. And yet, one must wonder—why does a place like this exist at all?