第１４５１堀：退屈な日々は意味がある (Part2)
If they were indeed involved with the Dark Guild, the Irinau side would surely realize it was the guild's handiwork. Wouldn't that just invite more enemies for the Dark Guild? Well, there’s always a non-zero chance they’re in cahoots and will try to pin the responsibility on us, but...
"The possibility exists, but they wouldn't be so brazen as to clean out the coffers in a way that’s immediately obvious. In other words, they won't move sums large enough to be detected during our alliance negotiations. They’ll likely stick to stealing things that can be sold for a high price. If they touched the cash, the accounting would flag it immediately..."
"Nah, you’d be surprised how sloppy that kind of fund management can be. It’s not like they’re filing detailed financial reports like we do in Weed, and they aren't counting every coin every day. Sure, they have a treasurer, but if you get them on your side..."
"..."
Everyone fell silent at Agil's words.
Yeah, it’s true—we keep meticulous records in Weed, but when I saw my old man’s books back home, they were a mess. They certainly weren't counting the vault's contents daily.
"Seriously? If that's the case, they’ll probably skim some cash from the vault, too. Should we double-check Weed's accounts?"
"Mm. Verification is necessary. But it will require extra personnel and time. We also need to be careful, as it would imply we suspect Eris and Tiffany."
Cleena is right. It would mean questioning the integrity of Eris and Tiffany’s accounting and their subordinates, so we have to tread carefully.
"No, we won't need that much manpower; it’ll be fine. I can use my Dungeon Skills to audit the funds and asset management. Still, if the others are in league with their treasurer, theft would be simple... Well, maybe not *simple*, but we should definitely issue a warning."
Right, it’s only easy because it’s Weed. That kind of thing wouldn't fly in other nations.
Honestly, it’s a reminder of how convenient Dungeon abilities are. You really can’t get away with anything.
"Anyway, we’ll track the flow of money from our end. You lot just focus on self-defense, capture the culprits, and hand them over. Once that’s done, use the fact that you were targeted as a pretext to declare that continuing negotiations is too dangerous, then immediately withdraw and return home. We can pick things up another day. That way, there’s no room to suspect any connection to the vault. The Dark Guild will think they’ve pulled it off."
"I see. So, we leave Irinau with the stain of having allowed an infiltration. It’s a bit much to entrust them with the culprits, but if they claim they silenced them and 'learned nothing,' it will make it much easier for us to seize control of the investigation."
"Exactly. If they actually take custody of the criminals and then claim they couldn't get a word out of them, they’ll have zero credibility. Irinau won't be able to complain. And if it turns out the Dark Guild has been siphoning their funds, too..."
"They’ll be practically begging to cooperate with Weed."
I was completely sold on Deryu and Ria’s explanation.
I’d been feeling like we were at a stalemate, but this is a great catalyst.
If Irinau tries to play dumb after this, they’ll only stand to lose.
The Dark Guild is not only untrustworthy but a constant hindrance, yet they can't exactly side with the guild and pick a fight with the Alliance.
In that case, joining the Alliance to minimize their losses is the logical choice.
Anyone with common sense would reach that conclusion.
Besides, it depends on what happens to the attackers, but if an insider lets them escape, Irinau loses the ability to take a hard line against the Alliance.
No one is going to buy the "lone wolf attacker" theory, and even if they rush to execute them, the fact remains that they failed to provide security, making it impossible for them to object to an Alliance investigation.
If anything, the public will likely brand them as members of the Dark Guild, and Litesa will surely use this opportunity to cut them loose from her protection.
"And if they still try to make a fuss... well, we’ll just have to apply some pressure from Litesa’s side, so don’t you worry~."
Lady Lilishe’s words were drawn out in her usual languid, gentle tone, but it goes without saying that Mikos and the others sensed the inferno and the biting frost lurking beneath, and fell silent.
For now, I just hope the upper echelons of Irinau have the sense to raise the white flag quickly.
The Dark Guild is busy securing funds behind the scenes.
It sounds like something out of a movie.
But then again, it’s a fact that the world doesn't turn without money.