第１４４７堀：トラブルは見えづらい (Part1)
Chapter 1447: Trouble is Hard to See
Side: Riel
"Ah, my eyes feel so refreshed."
"I truly agree."
"Staring at monitors all day is quite exhausting, isn't it?"
As we chatted, we continued our patrol through the lush, green residential district. And no, we didn't just come out here because we were tired of looking at screens.
"Now then, we are here to protect the safety of the town. We aren't here to slack off, understood?"
"Yes, I understand."
"Exactly. We must perform our duties properly, as we are being monitored just as much as anyone else."
That’s right. We’re on camera too, and if we start lounging around, Tori and Kaya will surely have our heads.
"Still, it’s peaceful. Almost too peaceful."
"It really is quite serene."
"But it is strange that there hasn't been a single incident, isn't it?"
Indeed. It’s unexpected, or perhaps even suspicious, that we hear of almost no trouble at all. Prol had prepared the Resident Affairs Department, the military, and the police to work in tandem to nip potential issues in the bud, but we initially assumed some things would inevitably slip through the cracks. Yet, so far, we haven't had to summon anyone to the police station or the school for disciplinary reasons.
"Well, I suppose they know we’re here as representatives of our respective nations, so they’re unlikely to cause trouble."
"Even so, it’s strange that there’s nothing at all. I wouldn't expect them to care about national face, but one or two misunderstandings due to a lack of familiarity with Weed’s common sense would be expected... Come to think of it, didn't we set up spaces for regional exchange for the school staff?"
"Yes. We’ve been using a portion of the police station to host those to prevent trouble before it starts. It’s necessary for them to get used to the monsters of the Demon Lord’s army as well. That should still be ongoing... right, Riel-sama?"
"Mm, that should be the case."
Yuki-san and the others have been diligent about providing care to ensure new residents don't cause trouble out of ignorance. They hold exchange meetings, and at the same time, conduct training sessions and study groups to teach them our common sense. Of course, there are minor squabbles there, but they are always contained within that setting.
"Hmm, let's go inspect it, then. We’ve seen the reports, but we haven't seen it with our own eyes."
"True, our main duty is the security of the school and its surroundings. We haven't been involved in the exchange or study meetings, so it’s worth a look."
"I agree."
And so, the three of us decided to peek in on the exchange meeting. We notified Tori and Kaya, of course, but for some reason, they both told us to take a good, long look. Did something happen? I had expected them to tell us to hurry back. Well, asking for details would probably just lead to us being dragged back, so we headed straight for the gymnasium—or rather, the martial arts hall—located within the police station grounds.
The police station has these training facilities secured on-site. Since they are separate from the military’s jurisdiction, we need our own training grounds. Here, we don't just teach the use of swords, spears, *sasumata*, and batons; we also open the doors to the people of Weed to teach them crime prevention and self-defense.
"Let's see, the schedule for today is..."
I looked at the whiteboard in front of the martial arts hall. An international exchange meeting was scheduled for 3:00 PM.
"That’s still an hour away."
"We have some time. What shall we do?"
"Hmm... since we have time, why don't we go ask Poni? She should have information on the exchange meeting."
My subordinates agreed, and we headed into the police station. It was past noon, and with the night shift still off-duty, the station had a relaxed, half-staffed atmosphere. Some departments were busy, of course, but that sense of ease is a good thing. As I walked through the office, those who noticed me offered a salute. I’m not the deputy chief anymore, but as the former deputy, I’m still treated with respect. I gave a casual salute in return and headed deeper inside, aiming for the chief’s office where Poni was stationed.
Up the stairs, to the back of the third floor. It still strikes me as a bit far to have placed the chief’s office there, though I suppose it’s necessary for the security of important documents. Thinking this, I opened the door to the office.
"Yahoo! Poni, I’m here!"
I made sure to greet her energetically. Greetings are important, after all. As for Poni, who was sitting in the back:
"Sigh... I have told you many times to please knock before entering."
She was organizing documents, sighing as usual.
"Come on, Poni, we’re close, aren't we?"
"I acknowledge our closeness, but in terms of the organization, I am your superior. You are well aware that maintaining organizational discipline is vital, are you not?"
"Ahaha, alright, alright. Excuse me, Chief Poni."
"Riel-sama, you truly never change. Or perhaps I should treat you as Yuki-sama’s wife? If so, my previous response would have been incorrect, wouldn't it?"
"Don't do that. If you treat me like that, Poni, you’ll just make it so I can't move freely."
"That is only natural. We must ensure perfect security when welcoming the wife of the consort."
Poni replied with a smile. She’s as serious as ever. Just then, my subordinates spoke up from behind me.
"Yes. Let’s end the banter between the Chief and Riel-sama and move on to business."
"The Chief should already be aware since we sent notice in advance, but would you like us to explain again?"
They began discussing work, completely ignoring the exchange between me and Poni.
"Indeed. It was a waste of time to take Riel-sama seriously."
"Hey, what was that!?"
I protested at being so easily dismissed and mocked, but they ignored me and continued.
"Tori-sama and Kaya-sama have sent word regarding the inspection. They are concerned that there is no trouble at all, and they wish for us to observe the situation."
"Yeah. Usually, you’d expect at least one or two incidents, right? It’s just... strange."
"Indeed, there have been no incidents requiring police intervention so far. Unless, of course, they are being suppressed somewhere. But surely, you are monitoring for that as well?"