第１４５０堀：改めて闇ギルドとの関わりについて (Part1)
**Chapter 1450: Re-evaluating Ties with the Dark Guild**
**Side: Ria**
To be perfectly honest, the work for Deryu and me here in Irinau is even more sparse than it was back in Kinauf. We came along under the assumption that danger might be lurking, but our days have been filled with nothing but endless discussions—though, to be fair, it’s only been a few days. Still, one would hope for some kind of progress.
"Nothing moved forward again today, did it?"
Exactly. Not a single step. Regarding the reparations, they are stubbornly sticking to the claim that they only went to help a neighboring country and had no ulterior motives. On our side, we’ve been pushing the issue of the previous troubles regarding water rights, but since there was no tangible damage, we’re just running in parallel lines.
"Well, if they admit to it, they’ll be hit with demands for reparations just like in Kinauf. Furthermore, they’d have no choice but to accept an investigation into their domestic affairs."
"No, no, Deryu. That’s basically the same as admitting they’re involved with the Dark Guild, isn't it? Are they stupid enough to hate that idea so much?"
I gave Deryu my honest opinion, and she offered a wry smile.
"I’m sure you realize this, but even if one isn't doing anything particularly wrong, there aren't many people who would be satisfied with letting strangers search every corner of their home. Isn't that right, Ria? For instance, that thing in the back of your second dresser drawer..."
"Eek!? How do you know about that!?"
I hurriedly covered my mouth, looking around to see Agil, Stasia, and Jessica watching us, nodding in agreement.
"Wait? Everyone knows?"
I asked the three of them, stunned, and they gave me the same wry smile as Deryu.
"Well, I don't know exactly where you hide things, but regarding your hobbies, Ria... well, sometimes they’re visible."
"We can see them from the courtyard, after all."
"It’s nothing to be ashamed of, really. I have a fair collection myself."
"Kyaa!?"
They found out. About the lingerie for Yuki-san!?
Well, I suppose everyone has their own, but it’s not exactly something we show off to each other. We might bring magazines and talk about this or that, but...
"It shouldn't be that surprising. Labyris, Eris, Cleena, and Samantha show theirs off quite openly, don't they?"
"I’m a commoner at heart! Haa... I get what you’re saying, so let’s drop this subject."
I decided to end the conversation there and move on to the main topic.
"But at this rate, we’re just at a stalemate. What are we going to do?"
Right. It’s clear they have things they don't want us to investigate, but our desire to corner the Dark Guild hasn't changed. Our claims simply don't align. The question is, where do we find common ground?
"Regarding that, Yuki—or rather, Kirika and the others—seem to be planning various things."
"Kirika is?"
"Yes. Kirika caught some of their executives and subordinates, swapped places with them, and gathered intelligence. It seems they are planning to cause harm not only to us as envoys but also to Irinau itself."
"Huh? Both? Why?"
It makes no sense. If they only targeted one side, it would be easier to pin the blame on someone.
"I haven't heard the details from the source, so this is just a prediction, but Yuki, Seraria, and Kirika seem to think they are aiming to prolong the situation through chaos."
"Prolong the situation?"
"Indeed. To drag out the negotiations."
"You mean stalling? Does that mean they might be planning to move elsewhere?"
"No, we considered that possibility, but we don't think it holds much weight."
"Hmm? I don't understand the meaning of that at all."
I couldn't fathom why they would want to attack us or the people of Irinau.
"Well, we participated in the discussions, but it’s a mystery to us, too. They are indeed moving their forces, but it doesn't take much effort for Weed or the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance to mobilize an army. After all, the Gates exist."
"That’s true. Even if the opponent is aiming for a diversion or a stall, we handled the situation in Suls at literally record speed. Knowing that, what is the point of trying to create a diversion now?"
"Ah, you're right. As Agil and Stasia said, the army was mobilized in a flash for the Suls incident. They were counting on the Alliance's reinforcements not making it in time to Irinau and Kinauf, hoping to achieve effective control, right?"
I turned to Jessica for confirmation, and she nodded immediately.
"Yes. We assumed that even if the Alliance or Litea moved immediately, it would take months. But that assumption was overturned. If the enemy—in this case, the Dark Guild and an unidentified Dungeon Master—is harming us to stall us here in Irinau, how much time could they possibly buy? What do you think, Ria?"
"Hmm... well, since we’ve already shown we can respond instantly, even if we get caught up in an incident here, there’s no way the home country or the Alliance would be unable to act. That’s why Yuki-san and the others are staying in Weed, and so... ah, stalling us is meaningless."
As I reached that conclusion, everyone nodded in agreement.
"See? It makes no sense."
"Yeah. Even if they stop us here and cause trouble elsewhere, we’ll just respond to it. Why are they trying to attack us?"
"It’s just a guess, but it might be to see how much we are capable of handling. I’d like to push that theory."
"If we assume the enemy doesn't know our individual strengths, then it’s likely to gauge our fighting power. They might be thinking that if they can inflict some harm, they might even be able to pull off an assassination. As for involving Irinau, it’s likely to see how we move to resolve the situation while being stalled here. To test our political response capabilities."
Stasia explained in detail what Agil had touched upon. I see—if the opponent doesn't know us, they need to test what we can do.
"They wouldn't want to start something and suffer a massive loss without knowing our true strength. I agree with Agil and Stasia."
"Well, they failed to gauge the Alliance's strength, the Great Flood was suppressed in a matter of days, and at the same time, we invaded... or rather, as they put it, the need for rescue disappeared. For the Dark Guild, who were pulling the strings—or rather, cooperating—it must be a huge blunder. They didn't achieve any results and ended up wasting funds, resources, and even personnel in Irinau."
"Indeed. If the Alliance—no, if Yuki-sama hadn't been involved, the Great Flood would have devastated Suls. The Dark Guild would have had a track record of Kinauf and Irinau moving quickly to snatch up territory. It’s not so much that the Dark Guild’s planning was naive, but rather that Yuki-sama was just too incredible."
Everyone seemed to agree with that, nodding in unison.
Yuki-san really is amazing. He is the best in the world, and a wonderful husband.