落とし穴外伝：休みの結末 (Part2)
While it was true that employing Dressa and the others as cleaners helped keep the children occupied, I had also come to value the information those children gathered. Yet, upon reflection, that very practice carried inherent risks.
"But I’ve heard that you explicitly told them to stay away from dangerous areas and to flee if things turned sour, Yuki-sama. I’ve also heard that Milly-sama and the others were diligent in their warnings."
"Well, saying it is one thing. But force majeure is an inescapable reality. That’s exactly why Dressa and the others ended up in danger."
"Isn't that just unavoidable, though?"
"Perhaps in the moment, yes. But for those of us in positions of power—those who bear responsibility—our job is to prepare so that such 'unavoidable' circumstances never arise. Isn't that right, Fiora?"
"Indeed. It might be difficult for Lyushi to grasp, but as someone who once led an army, I know that one must anticipate every possible scenario and train accordingly to ensure victory and minimize casualties. To put it in terms you might understand, Lyushi, think of it in the context of guarding Yuki-sama. You don't believe the current arrangements are perfect, do you?"
"No, of course not. Yuki-sama is far too kind to the citizens and has so much direct contact with them that it worries me. That said, I can't exactly tell him not to interact with them, so I’ve been discussing various things with Orelia and the others... I see. So that’s what this is about."
There is no end to one's work; or perhaps, it is simply human nature to always want to lay down a safety net.
"And so, as my next countermeasure, I’ve decided to intentionally recreate a slum—a den of vice."
"Ah, so that’s what that place is?"
"Exactly. I deliberately built a dirty, lawless-looking area and kept the rental fees low. I only have it cleaned about once every fourteen days. I’ve made sure the children know to stay away from that area specifically. And when it is cleaned, it’s done by adult adventurers."
"I see. That’s why you had a general idea of where the culprit would strike if they were going to do something."
"Right. And since the Adventurer Guild was in on it, I didn't think it would take long to resolve, but they were caught in a single day. The perpetrator was just too amateurish. We’ll investigate the culprit’s associates, but as far as a dark guild is concerned..."
"It’s a question of whether they’d even bother with such a small-timer, right?"
"Exactly. If you’re going to make money, there are better ways to do it. And if you’re trying to ruin Weed’s reputation, targeting my personal affairs and finances—and going after adventurers, no less?"
"Ah, you’re right. That’s all a bit... underwhelming."
Lyushi seemed to grasp what Fiora and I were getting at, offering a wry smile.
"Even if they were going to pull a scam, they would have secured a much stronger backer. It’s clear this was a lone-wolf job. The important thing is that Yayui and the others took the initiative to solve the case themselves. I need to make sure they’re properly rewarded for that. So, with that said..."
I stood up.
"Is something wrong?"
"Do you have somewhere to be?"
The two of them tilted their heads in confusion. There was no reason for me to involve myself further in the investigation of the incident. I had already told them to handle the search themselves. My standing up had nothing to do with that.
"Yayui and the others gave up their day off to work hard for us. They deserve a reward. I think I’ll cook something for them."
"Oh, then I shall assist you."
"And I as well."
Seemingly satisfied, both of them rose to their feet.
"Then let’s head out to the market. What should we get?"
"Hmm, Hovis mentioned he’d like some meat."
"Meat is a safe bet."
"Then let’s buy some high-quality cuts and grill them up."
After all, simple is often the most delicious.
In the end, the culprit was just a small fry. And that place was merely an unstable zone I had intentionally created. While it is true that good public order is a virtue, there is such a thing as it being *too* good. Much like how being too clean can weaken the body’s natural resistance, a city needs a little grit to stay sharp.