第１４４２堀：動きはじめる闇 (Part1)
Chapter 1442: The Darkness Begins to Stir
Side: Yuki
It seems the envoys and my wives have arrived safely in Irinau.
In their stead—or perhaps because of them—the executives of the Dark Guild have begun to move.
Their pace feels sluggish, but according to Agil, "Perhaps they hadn't accounted for the travel speed of our carriages?"
The other wives nodded in agreement, suggesting it was a distinct possibility.
Well, we did overtake the person who was supposedly the contact for Kinauf, the one we believed held the intelligence.
Still, one would think they’d have some means of communication—letters, familiars, or the like.
I had thought so, but it seems we managed to outpace even those methods.
Personnel from the Dark Guild are gradually gathering, so the theory is that they are prioritizing assembling their numbers first, intending to decide on their next move only after hearing from their contact in Kinauf.
Whether that prediction holds true, we shall see soon enough.
Kirika, Steve, and the others are conducting their own investigations, keeping themselves ready to act at a moment's notice.
Ah, and for the record, the safety of the Kinauf generals whose tasks are complete is not currently in jeopardy.
Following Agil’s advice, I had them wear those bracelets to guard against assassination, and they’ve been wearing them without complaint.
Initially, they had hoped for execution, but once they understood that their survival served the interests of Kinauf, they became cooperative.
When I offered them the bracelets, thinking of the possibility that they or their kin might be targeted, they even shed tears of gratitude.
They are people of true loyalty, it seems.
I wish I had more people of such substance in Weed.
We do have Horst of Betan, but he is far too busy managing the affairs of his own territory, and having that kind of gravitas is truly important.
Talent is necessary, of course, but presence is just as vital.
As I was pondering this...
"Hey, you haven't forgotten about us, have you?"
"Do you not have a single word of concern for us?"
"Both of you, calm down. My apologies, Yuki."
Before I knew it, the screen had shifted from my wives to Kaya and the others.
"Hm? Of course I haven't forgotten you."
They are acting as the representative envoys for White Forest and Enaria. There is no way I would ignore or forget them.
"I’ll be blunt, but isn't there a disparity between us and your wives?"
"Well, of course there is. My wives come first. Show and Menou are also important due to our current relations. But you all are practically family, aren't you?"
That’s right—Kaya and the others are family, so there’s no need for such stiff formalities.
In terms of priority, it goes: Wives > Show, Menou > Kaya, Claudia, Difes.
"I’m not exactly cracking a whip over you. What is it? Do you want to be treated like my wives?"
Still, it isn't my intention to leave them feeling dissatisfied.
They must be exhausted from their roles as envoys. If that’s the case, I should resolve that frustration.
I asked with that intent, but...
"Hah!? Yuki, you have Nina, don't you? Why are you trying to make a move on us?"
"I don't follow. You were the ones who said there was a gap and that I should be more considerate, weren't you?"
Nina herself has no awareness of it. When I asked her, we both just tilted our heads in confusion.
As I was having this disjointed conversation with Kaya, Claudia chimed in.
"You really should be able to sense these things. When the disparity is so blatant, it’s difficult even for family. You understand, don't you? It’s a lonely feeling to see the person next to you receiving sweets while we receive nothing."
"Ah, I see... that’s what this is about."
I finally understood what they were getting at.
No, perhaps it was the opposite—it’s precisely because they are family that the disparity stings.
Show and Menou are collaborators, so it’s only natural that the treatment differs from that of my wives.
But Kaya and the others, while not my wives, are like my own kin.
"Hah, sorry, Yuki. It seems they were grilled quite thoroughly during the banquet in Kinauf. And well, they’ve lived in the shadows for so long, haven't they? They aren't used to that kind of pressure, and it seems it caused them quite a bit of stress."
"I see."
It seems the stress from the banquet weighed on them more than the comparison to my wives.
Because they felt they hadn't received enough words of appreciation, they ended up comparing themselves to my wives, who were being pampered.
It’s easy to feel dissatisfied when you feel your efforts go unrecognized.
Even so.
"So, what would you like me to do, practically speaking?"
I decided to ask honestly.
I don't really understand the female heart in times like these.
If it were my wives, I’d know to offer comfort or the like, but with people who are simultaneously subordinates and acquaintances, the sense of distance is delicate.
"I suppose. Well, when we return, why don't we all have a meal together?"
"Is that all it takes? Kaya, are you satisfied with that?"
"Hmm, I suppose it can't be helped. But make sure Nina, Lady Comet, and everyone else is there too."
"Indeed. Please, let’s do that."
"Understood. I can only say this in a common way, but don't push yourselves too hard. That goes for you too, Difes."
"My apologies for being demanding. I’m already receiving a salary, and it’s not as if we’re married or anything... hah..."
Difes seems to be having a rough time.
Still, I use Kaya and the others for various tasks through Comet, so I don't feel like I’m in the wrong, but I’ll be sure to follow up with them later.
"Don't worry about it. You’ve helped me with so many things from the start; it wouldn't be a sin to return the favor."
"It helps to hear you say that."
"Exactly. We’re always helping you, so you should at least be that considerate. Though, we do spend time with Aslin and Seraria. You just don't do it often, Yuki."
"I have my thoughts on various things, but we never have the opportunity to talk. I’d appreciate it if we could use this as a chance to change that."
"Understood. Now that you mention it, you’re right. Ah, my wives have been interacting with you normally, haven't they?"
It’s true—I’ve heard stories of them going out for meals or shopping with the Holy Sword users, but I rarely accompanied them myself.
I suppose that was the source of their anxiety.
Since I only ever approached them for work-related matters, they must have felt something was lacking.
"Now that I understand your requests, let’s talk business. You won't be able to keep that promise if you don't return alive."
Well, Kaya and the others are Doppelgangers, so I don't need to worry about that, but I said it to imply that a meal tastes better when the job is done well.
"Difes, from your perspective, what do you think of the situation in Irinau and the movements of the Dark Guild?"
I decided to ask for her opinion, hoping to gain a perspective different from that of my wives, Show, or Menou.
After all, I believe her nature is the closest to that of the Dark Guild.