第１４４８堀：連絡と状況 (Part1)
Chapter 1448: Communication and Situation
Side: Yuki
Just as I was wondering why Tori had contacted me so suddenly, it turned out she wanted permission from the King of White Forest to conduct a detailed investigation into potential troubles within the international exchange.
Her reasoning was sound: while there hadn't been any major incidents, there were likely underlying issues visible only to those involved in the exchange, and she needed to infiltrate those circles to uncover them.
I hadn't been overly concerned until now because no massive scandals had erupted, but Kirika of Irinau had obtained confirmation from a captured dark guild member that they were colluding with various stakeholders.
Well, a dark guild exists precisely because it has such connections; it’s only natural they would have them.
I hadn't bothered to purge them before because doing so would have required vetting every single person involved, which would have been an exhausting endeavor.
However, given the information from Kirika, I now understood the enemy’s methods—or rather, their general direction—so we decided it was time to root out those engaging in illicit activities.
For Irinau, this would be a significant oversight.
It would certainly throw a wrench into the ongoing negotiations regarding reparations and the like.
Well, at best, it would likely just result in cooperation with the investigation.
Regardless, that was a matter for later. As for Riel’s request for assistance in infiltrating the exchange party, I had no reason to refuse, so I reached out to the King immediately.
"How are you, Yuki-dono?"
He answered the call almost instantly.
That meant he was currently in a secure space...
"Are you free to talk?"
"Yes, I am currently in a room provided by Weed, so there is no issue."
It seemed the King of White Forest was in one of the rooms Weed provided exclusively for royalty and nobility.
Unlike hotels, these were designed for long-term stays for various nations.
Recently, he had to stay in Weed for meetings regarding the dark guild and other matters.
That said, while he could return home via Gate, these rooms were for those who didn't want to live such a hectic, back-and-forth life.
Of course, it was also a way for Weed to advertise that we had proper facilities to welcome guests.
I’d prefer they didn't just move in permanently, though.
Actually, the public bathhouses and VIP hot spring inns were far more popular than these private rooms.
Ah, but for security against spies, these private rooms were the best.
So, talking here was perfectly safe.
Not that there was anything particularly sensitive about this conversation even if other kings heard it, but it was better to clear it with him first.
"That’s good to hear. Actually..."
I explained that Riel wanted to participate in the exchange party under the guise of White Forest to investigate potential troubles.
"I see. Indeed, people might try to handle minor troubles on their own to avoid our scrutiny. Usually, one might leave it be, but... given the situation with the dark guild and the Dungeon Masters, I understand."
"Exactly."
"Understood. I shall have Hina prepare the necessary registry documents."
"Thank you."
"However, Yuki-dono. As you are the successor to Comet-sama and a subordinate of Luna-sama, you need not ask so politely; you could simply command me."
"No, no. We are both heads of state, aren't we? If I force my will upon you, it could lead to problems later. I must observe proper courtesy and reason."
True, if I always acted as the superior, it would eventually breed resentment.
The reason the King of White Forest trusted me this much was due to the accumulation of trust we had built over time.
Without that, he wouldn't have offered his cooperation so readily.
"That is true. Perhaps pampering me too much is also a problem."
"That’s how it is. So, feel free to be stricter with Comet and Hifii as well."
"That is impossible. To me, those individuals are truly venerable."
"Well, I won't force you. But if they get too out of hand, I’ll be the one to knock them down a peg."
"I see. I shall leave that to you."
Oh, so that part is fine, then.
Well, I suppose since he can't bring himself to scold them, someone has to play the villain.
And that someone is me.
"In that case, I don't think we’ll make it in time for the party, so please handle the discrepancies on your end."
"Hmm, there is less than an hour left, isn't there? Indeed, setting aside the paperwork, it is unavoidable that explanations to the parties involved will be delayed. In that case, I shall leave the cover story for Riel-dono and her group to you. Once I hear it, I will craft a narrative on my end."
"That is the only way, I suppose."
Since the official procedures wouldn't be finished in time, we had no choice but to improvise and explain it to the others later.
With the permission secured, I contacted Riel.
"...And that’s the situation. I’ve cleared it with the King of White Forest. Hina-san will handle the paperwork, but since it won't be ready by the time the party starts, you’ll have to come up with the cover story yourselves. Can you do it?"
"Yep. No problem."
"You need to make sure you write it down or memorize it, or you won't be able to report back properly, you know?"
"Leave it to me! Alright, I’m going to go work out the details with Poni and the others!"
With that, the connection with Riel cut off.
I see, so her confidence in being able to remember it meant she was leaving it to her companions.
Well, she probably had a voice recorder running or something similar, so that wouldn't be an issue, but Riel was never good at summarizing these things into reports... I suppose Poni and the others would end up drawing the short straw.
I’ll have to send them some refreshments later.
As I was thinking that, Fiora spoke up unexpectedly.
"Yuki-sama, that conversation just now... it seems like it was quite improvised and left to the moment..."
"Ah, I suppose you're right."
There was no time, and no leisure to refine the details.
We had no choice but to align our stories after the fact.
"Um, you don't seem particularly worried, Yuki-sama. Are you not anxious at all?"
I realized why Fiora was finding it hard to ask.
"Riel is the one going. That alone settles it. She’s quite good at making friends, even more so than Hairen."
Indeed, Riel had a significant talent for befriending people.
Though, she was also quite tolerant—or perhaps oblivious—to malice directed at her, so I had to be careful.
"Is that so? Riel... now that you mention it, she does have a friendly nature."
"Do you not talk to Riel very often, Fiora?"
With so many wives now, I honestly didn't know how much they all communicated with each other.
But it would be a problem if factions started forming among them.
I had discussed this with Seraria and Deryu to ensure we stayed vigilant; I wanted to avoid any discord.
"Not talk... is it? Honestly, I’m not sure how to quantify it, but we do meet every day to share updates. Especially during breakfast and dinner. As for hanging out... it’s not as if we do so every day off."
"That’s plenty. How about Prof and Orelia and the others?"