第１４８７堀：現場でも書類仕事 (Part2)
"You’re as good at reading minds as ever, aren't you? Well, never mind that—we’re here to talk about the maids, right?"
"Yes. Regarding the maids, they have already begun familiarizing themselves with the lodging facilities and conference venues. I intend to dispatch my subordinates to the town of Wean in accordance with your instructions, Master."
"Ah, for intelligence gathering, I assume."
That much I had already heard. Even the Boss, as capable as he is, knows better than to assume things will just work themselves out. He’s tasked not only us and the intelligence division but also the maids—led by Kirue—with gathering information.
It’s a sound plan. Given the scale of this auction, it wouldn't seem the least bit suspicious for a few maids to be wandering about. This allows us to pull in information not just from our own soldiers, but from the general populace as well.
"Here are the files for the members I intend to send into town."
I took the documents from Kirue and scanned them. The maids listed were all strikingly beautiful. *Well, of course they are,* I thought, *this is a high-profile stage, so they’d naturally pick the best of the best.* But as my eyes drifted down to their backgrounds, I nearly choked.
"Pfft—!"
I spat out my coffee, splattering the documents.
"Is there a problem?" Kirue asked, looking at me with genuine confusion. Beside her, Sasari offered a wry smile.
"Problem? Their backgrounds are insane! We’ve got former soldiers, intelligence operatives, adventurers—it’s a laundry list of combat veterans!"
I wasn't kidding. Their resumes were enough to make a career soldier blush. The very definition of "maid" was starting to crumble before my eyes.
"Ah, well, since we are operating in a non-aligned territory, I’ve relied on those who transitioned into service after marrying—specifically those who were formerly part of Quar’s royal guard or adventurers."
"I see. So that’s where the talent pool comes from. I suppose that’s the only way to do it."
"Unfortunately, Weed’s history is still quite short, so we’ve been hiring those who retired from the guard and training them to serve as leaders among the maids."
"And since they already know proper etiquette, it’s a perfect fit, right?"
"Oh, but we do have those with more conventional backgrounds as well," Sasari added, trying to smooth things over.
"Wait, doesn't that make them a liability? I mean, they can't handle a fight, right?"
I was surprised at first, but when you consider the potential for trouble in a non-aligned town, having former soldiers and adventurers makes perfect sense. There’s always a chance the dark guilds might try something, so you want people who can actually defend themselves. I couldn't imagine a standard, civilian maid being able to hold her own in a scrap.
Just as I was thinking that, Kirue spoke up.
"Ah, you’re worried about them? Please, don't be. While they may not have had those backgrounds before coming to Weed, they have undergone rigorous training since their arrival."
"Training? You mean... maid training?"
I wasn't sure how that was supposed to be reassuring.
"No, combat training."
"Huh?" Did my ears just fail me?
"It is common for our Master to venture into town, as he is doing now. And while he is certainly accompanied by guards, that does not mean the maids should be helpless. Every maid listed here has completed a full course of combat training and has received a passing evaluation from myself, Sasari, and Lady Quar."
She had a point. Enemies aren't going to show mercy just because someone is wearing a maid’s uniform. Being able to fight is a vital part of self-preservation. If they’re confident that the maids can handle themselves even when operating solo, then I have no reason to object.
"It’s a lot to take in regarding our 'maid situation,' but if you’re confident they’re trained and ready, then I’ll give the green light. Just... don't push them too hard, alright? If anything happens, get in touch with us immediately."
"Understood. I have made that a standing order."
With that, I signed the authorization forms for the intelligence-gathering mission and handed the permits back to Kirue. And then...
"Um, it’s a bit late to ask, but why is General Steve doing paperwork? Where is Lady Lowell?"
I fell silent, not quite sure how to answer Sasari’s question. Unfortunately, even in the field, paperwork is an unavoidable necessity. After all, in this day and age, you can get administrative work done even in the middle of a mission! What a marvel of technological advancement.