第１４５５堀：事態を整理する (Part2)
"Our original objective was to hold discussions with the rare races, primarily to prevent friction within the alliance. While the movements of the Dark Guild and the Dungeon Master are certainly concerning, they aren't something we can track down and resolve immediately. Wouldn't it be better to focus on achieving our primary goal?"
"You've got a point. We've had our share of trouble, but we've pushed through it all, and I agree that it's best to wrap up our objectives sooner rather than later. That said, Suurus just went through a Great Flood, you know."
I had assumed that if I showed my face while they were swamped with reconstruction, they wouldn't exactly be thrilled to see me.
Or so I thought, but...
"Isn't that a matter of perspective? It would show the other nations that Suurus has the magnanimity to welcome Yuki, and they could even collect a 'nuisance fee' from us for the trouble. And since there's a possibility they’re targeting the rare races, verification is essential, isn't it?"
"Hold on a second, Agil. What’s this about them targeting the rare races?"
"Hm? Oh, hadn't you reached that conclusion yet, Yuki? The recent commotion in Suurus. It’s highly likely that a neighboring country looking to snatch up Suurus territory teamed up with a Dungeon Master. The timing also suggests they wanted to act before our alliance solidified further. But looking at it from the perspective of the Dark Guild, isn't it possible they might be trying to interfere with the spirits you were planning to contact?"
I massaged my temples at that. What Agil said was undeniably true.
"Um, Yuki-sama?"
Orelia peered at me, looking concerned.
"I’m fine. I had completely overlooked that possibility. I’d heard that spirits rarely show themselves, so I hadn't factored them in much. Agil, did you check on them at the Saintess’s Spring when you drove off the Ilinau forces?"
"We didn't have the luxury of time for that. After that, we immediately retreated to the Suurus royal capital to report and prepare the envoys—it was hectic. I did verify that there was no damage, but that was it; we didn't attempt to make contact with the spirits."
"I figured as much."
Agil and her team had prioritized their military duties, as they should have. Above all, I couldn't expect them to leisurely commune with spirits while Suurus was in such a state. That was a task meant for me, Queen Miyabi, and Narjia-san. It wouldn't look good to the outside world if I left that to the soldiers I’d dispatched.
As I was thinking this, Prof spoke up.
"Yuki-sama. I understand the situation, but are we to assume the Dark Guild has caught wind of our visit regarding the rare races?"
"Hm? I wonder. I’ve checked with the various nations regarding the rare races and provided a list, but as for our plan to visit Suurus... well, I suppose it would be obvious once we contacted them. Does that mean we were targeted?"
"Judging by what we’ve heard, that seems highly likely."
I nodded at Prof’s words. It wasn't confirmed, but the theory held a great deal of weight.
"But still... if they were targeting you, Yuki, isn't the timing a bit off? You haven't even visited Suurus yet; you’ve stayed here in Weed."
"Right, if they were targeting me, Nina, you’d be correct. But what if their objective was something else?"
"Something else? You mean... the spirits, in this case?"
"Exactly. They wanted to make contact before I did. Or perhaps they had business at the Saintess’s Spring?"
"Hmm, well, I get what you're saying, but is that really a reason to trigger a Great Flood? Wouldn't it be better to move quietly?"
"True. If they wanted to operate in secret, that would be the way to do it. Still, I can't rule it out, and there are plenty of scenarios I can imagine."
"So you're saying you can explain the reason for the Great Flood, too?"
"It was meant to stall us, of course, but also to observe how we’d respond. If our alliance hadn't moved, those two countries could have seized Suurus territory. And above all, they might have been testing the dungeon's performance."
"...So, they just triggered the Great Flood because it was convenient for them, and the rare race business is a separate matter?"
"That's right. You can't say the probability of that is zero, can you?"
"I suppose not, but it feels like a bit of a stretch."
"I'll investigate that later. The Dark Guild is being tracked anyway. For now, there was talk that the Dark Guild might be dealing in slaves, based on the incident with Lyushi. That means..."
I started to say, but Lyushi suddenly gasped aloud.
"They were buying and selling rare races!"
"That seems highly likely."
Yes, rather than gathering money in a clumsy way, slave trading is more profitable... wait, is it actually that profitable?
It seemed Yayui shared my doubt.
"Um, even if they sold rare races, would that really amount to enough to cover a nation's operating expenses?"
I couldn't answer her. Still, it was a question that had naturally arisen.
"I’ll take Ratz and go gather information at Asu’s place."
When in doubt, the only solution is to investigate.
Though it may be different from the original catalyst, the purpose of Yuki and his group visiting Suurus is to meet the spirits. It’s unclear how much they are connected, but it might be worth investigating.