第１４４７堀：トラブルは見えづらい (Part2)
"Well, yes. Since the dungeon's functions allow us to track those involved in international exchanges, I don't believe any troubles are being swept under the rug."
"I would agree. The police have deployed plainclothes officers to monitor the situation, and no such incidents have occurred. It may seem strange, but given the circumstances, it is only natural."
"Indeed. One wrong move could trigger an international incident, and since we’ve banned not only gambling but even the carrying of weapons, there shouldn't be much room for trouble to brew."
That’s right. To avoid conflict, we’ve prohibited gambling for those visiting for international exchange.
Well, some people will always try to get away with it, but the carrying of weapons is strictly forbidden throughout Weed.
Adventurers are permitted to carry them only after they have been sealed, and violating that rule carries severe penalties.
I suppose that’s why Milly, who has to manage such a rowdy bunch of adventurers, always has a headache.
"In that case, any trouble would likely stem from differences of opinion, but it wouldn't escalate into violence, and both sides would likely keep it between themselves. After all, neither party wants their superiors to hear about such matters."
"..."
Everyone fell silent at that.
Poni seemed to realize what we were getting at as she explained it herself.
"I see. If we are to get to the bottom of these incidents, the exchange meetings are the place to look. However, even if the police ask about any trouble..."
"They wouldn't tell us, would they? It’s obvious that a report would go straight up the chain of command if it went through the police."
"...So, because we are cracking down so strictly, they are simply covering things up."
"Exactly. But it’s a fact that nothing truly serious has happened, so it’s not necessarily a bad thing."
"And yet, we established this system to resolve minor disputes, and the fact that they aren't being reported to us is..."
"Well, that’s a matter of position. No one wants to drag their country into a personal matter. It turns into such a huge ordeal, and it would sour relations with their neighbors. You wouldn't call the police over a children's squabble, would you?"
"Well, that is certainly true."
It depends on the severity, but you wouldn't call the police for a mere child's fight.
An adult's fight might be a different story, but these are children, after all.
So, it’s only natural that disputes of that level would occur.
"With that said, perhaps we should take off our uniforms."
"I agree. That would be for the best. Riel and the others should participate as regular attendees of the exchange meeting."
"But wait, we have plainclothes officers, so why haven't we done this before?"
"That’s a delicate issue. The Resident Affairs Division has been conducting those kinds of inquiries, so..."
"Ah, I see."
"Besides, for the Resident Affairs Division, planting someone implies a lack of trust. It’s difficult to implement such measures unless something actually happens."
"That’s true, too."
It’s not that there’s a traitor in our midst when nothing has gone wrong, but sending in monitors is a sign of distrust, and more importantly...
"Allocating personnel and budget for that kind of surveillance is... honestly, quite difficult. Furthermore, there is the question of which country's group to infiltrate. Unfortunately, we don't have anyone well-versed in the cultures and customs of every nation, so if we tried to blend in clumsily, our monitors would likely be exposed."
That’s the crux of it.
We lack the manpower, the budget, and the foundational knowledge, making it difficult to establish internal surveillance.
Above all, there is almost no one who truly understands these other nations.
Except for us, that is.
"In that sense, Riel would be the ideal candidate... but wouldn't it be problematic if you didn't increase the number of people who are in on the ruse?"
"That’s fine. I’ll contact them right away."
And so, I decided to reach out to Tori and the others, intending to ask the King of White Forest for his cooperation first.
Everyone is cautious about discussing their problems with others.
If there’s a risk of demotion or a pay cut, they are even more guarded.
Considering their reputations and the like, it is truly rare for things to escalate into a police matter.
That holds true in this other world as well. Or perhaps, given that their honor is at stake, it is even more so.