第１４８２堀：此方から仕掛ける (Part1)
Chapter 1482: Taking the Initiative
Side: Ratz
Day in and day out, I find myself juggling my duties as principal at the school, keeping a pulse on the new developments within the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, and scrambling to respond to the shadow guilds.
That said, after speaking with Nina during our shopping trip the other day, I’ve been focusing my investigation on sectors where sales have surged since the destruction of the Rumel headquarters. It’s certainly easier than trying to track the flow of physical goods.
But...
"Ugh. It’s still not quite enough, is it? I’m so sorry."
Certain merchant guilds are showing a spike in sales on paper. A spike so extreme it borders on the absurd. Yet, calling for a forced investigation is a delicate matter. After all, their bases of operation aren't located within Weed.
I had boasted to Nina that I could find a way to pin them down, and now I’m nothing but embarrassed. I offer her a sincere apology.
"…Don't worry about it. Our previous conversation was about narrowing down the suspects, not demanding a way to force an investigation. I’m grateful for what you’ve managed to pull together."
Nina takes the documents I’ve prepared and studies them intently. Lately, she’s been stepping out on behalf of her brother to handle various tasks. She’s a talented asset, capable of moving in ways that differ from Fiora, Orelia, Hobis, Yayui, or Riel.
As I watch Nina, that thought suddenly crosses my mind.
"Oh, by the way, Nina, did you hear? About the slave auction?"
Yes, Yuki—or rather, the Alliance—has suddenly decided to show its face at a slave auction being held in the non-aligned Kingdom of Ewai. And this, in the midst of the Great Outbreak and the shadow guilds operating in the dark. I was shocked when I first heard it, but...
"I heard. I was surprised, but I understand the Alliance wants to lay down the law."
"Well, that’s true. We were pushed around by the non-aligned nations regarding the Great Outbreak, so this is a form of retaliation, isn't it?"
"It’s also a way to gain a clear, legitimate grasp of their logistics. With these documents, we can corner the enemy even more precisely."
"Exactly."
As Nina says, this isn't just a whim. It’s a calculated move to keep the shadow guilds and Dungeon Masters in check while gathering intelligence. If the enemy refuses to show themselves within the Alliance, we’ll simply find them outside of it.
Normally, one wouldn't dream of doing something so dangerous, but since the Kingdom of Ewai is hosting this slave auction, we are going under the pretext of protecting rare species. The hosts have advertised it extensively, and our participation as an Alliance would be seen as a mark of prestige. If it succeeds, even more so.
By pulling this off, we can declare that we aren't interfering with the internal affairs of non-aligned nations. Furthermore, the Alliance can signal that we don't condone criminals, but we also won't discriminate against those outside the Alliance; if they uphold the rule of law, they can reap the benefits.
There was a sense after the events in Suurus that the Alliance wouldn't intervene. They likely assumed our military couldn't arrive in time. That is precisely why, by installing gates in non-aligned nations, we can monitor the flow of information, goods, and people ourselves.
The shadow guilds seem to be connected to the Dungeon Masters, and they never go near the gates of Alliance countries. That’s why I’ve been running around gathering information like this. As Nina pointed out, expanding that range makes it easier to capture the enemy. Even if they avoid the gates, their movements become restricted.
So, while there is a possibility that the leaders of the great powers participating will be put in danger, it is also the perfect moment to strike a decisive blow against the enemy. And the leaders of the Alliance, recognizing the efficacy of this plan, are moving accordingly.
Honestly, if it were just Yuki, I might have been able to stop him, but what is with all the national leaders deciding to go? Isn't their level of initiative a bit too high? Or perhaps that is exactly why they rose to the top... Ah, I truly sympathize with their subordinates.
"Still, the short preparation period is a bit concerning."
"Indeed. It seems Loire-san has publicly negotiated with the Kingdom of Ewai to have lodging facilities built near the town, but..."
"The auction itself will take place in the town as planned. We cannot rule out the possibility that the shadow guilds have set traps or are planning a surprise attack."
"Even so, if we prepare everything for them, it won't be an achievement for the Kingdom of Ewai. They might claim the Alliance is just throwing its weight around and stealing the spotlight."
If that happens, it would look like the Alliance is pressuring non-aligned nations, implying we have no intention of treating them fairly. It’s arrogant for them to demand equal treatment when they aren't even in the Alliance, but since we haven't even installed gates until now, there has been a disparity in the flow of people and goods.
For a great power protecting its subordinate nations, that is inconvenient. So, while the priority and number of installations will be lower than in Alliance countries, we have decided to install them.
Well, that’s the official stance, of course. Behind the scenes, it’s a declaration of war—a form of harassment against the shadow guilds. It’s a message: *You touched Suurus, so now we’re reaching into your territory, too.*
"I understand what you’re saying, Ratz. We can’t push any further for the sake of their pride and the Alliance's standing. But for the shadow guilds and those scurrying in the shadows, this is their greatest chance—and perhaps their last."
"Well, naturally. If gates are built in non-aligned nations and the auction concludes without a single incident, they’ll have to make their next move."
"And if they do, the shadow guilds and Dungeon Masters will be unable to move freely. They’ll be captured."
"Those who know our capabilities and are hiding will want to prevent that. I can’t say for certain, but they will definitely make a move. Kirue and the other maids have already applied through Shera to investigate the town of Wean."
"It’s to protect Yuki-san, after all. I’m gathering information on the town through my merchant connections, too."
I say this as I pull out a map of the town of Wean.
"Did you show this to everyone?"
"Of course, it’s already been submitted. Well, it was a morning discussion. Though, to be precise, we already have aerial photographs."
I pull out the photos as well.
"Both are necessary. It’s easier to understand what is where with the map you’ve provided, Ratz."
"Why, thank you. Though, it’s just the way of map-making from Yuki-san’s homeland."
"The fact that you can put it to good use is what’s impressive. It’s proof of how much you’ve studied and mastered it, Ratz."