第１４９６堀：準備の確認 (Part1)
Chapter 1496: Confirming Preparations
Side: Yuki
"Ah, I see. As Stasia-san pointed out, it’s only natural that they’d target the Boss over this matter. Even if the Boss doesn't end up securing the former princess, it’s hard to imagine they’d just leave her be, knowing she could be used as a point of intervention."
Steve had just received a warning from that rare duo, Stasia and Comet.
It was about the possibility that the dark guild might be planning something—a scenario I had already anticipated. I understood that it wouldn't be strange for them to try and take us out, given that we had barged into a non-aligned nation. But then...
"Oh, I just thought of something. In this situation, it’s not just Yuki and the members of Weed who are in danger—the former princess is, too, right? If a fallen nation really is serving as a base for the dark guild, wouldn't it be better to just finish her off, since she could be used as a foothold?"
"Indeed. As Comet says, that is what I would do. Whether you and your allies purchase the former princess or not, it provides them with a catalyst, and she likely possesses information. It would be in the dark guild's best interest to target her."
That was what they had said.
And they were right.
I had initially thought of ways to utilize the former princess for Ria’s sake, but now, there was an added incentive to secure her for entirely different reasons.
"Well, it’s debatable whether the dark guild would even lay a hand on a former princess who doesn't know anything, though."
"That is a possibility, but I want to avoid the risk of her being silenced because she knows something she shouldn't."
"And by the Boss showing such persistence, the dark guild might start moving, thinking there’s something more to her than meets the eye."
What Steve was talking about was a bluff—a ruse.
Even if the dark guild, the former princess, and the fallen nation weren't actually connected, my actions alone might lead the enemy to believe there was something there, forcing them to react.
"Exactly. In other words, buying the former princess has merits in more ways than one. It allows us to openly provide support to the nation that annexed the fallen one, too."
"You’re always thinking of troublesome schemes, Boss, but this is a clever move—it keeps us from hitting a dead end."
As Steve said, while this auction had certainly provided a foothold, it was unclear if it would lead to any further action against the dark guild.
We had been doing the steady work—expanding our social circles, tracking funds and goods through Eris and Ratz—but pursuing the former princess was a much more direct approach.
"So, whether the enemy makes a move or not, we’re still going to investigate the fallen nation, right?"
"Naturally. Even I felt it was safer to avoid it subconsciously, but there’s no way I wouldn't investigate it now. If anything, it’s the perfect example of the 'broken windows theory.' It’s a bit late, but still."
"True. There’s no one to enforce the law there, so it’s lawless. It’s only natural that criminals would flock to it. Even if the dark guild doesn't have a base there, we’re bound to dig up some interesting information through the criminal element."
It really was a bit late.
The "broken windows theory" is a concept in environmental criminology suggesting that strictly policing even minor offenses leads to the suppression of serious crimes and crime in general.
Where things are neglected, the neglected gather.
In other words, where there are criminals, more criminals will follow.
We had been creating our own little corners and gaps in Weed to keep watch, but it turned out there was a much larger hideout right outside our reach.
"That couldn't be helped, though. It hasn't even been three months since the dark guild’s involvement in the Suurus incident was exposed, right? How were we supposed to have the means to strike into a non-aligned nation by now?"
"I believe General Steve is correct. This is nothing for you to worry about, Yuki-sama. Rather, we should be praised for discovering what appears to be their headquarters—or at least a hub of information—in such a short period."
Prol was the one who had chimed in, trying to flatter me with a straight face.
She was capable, but I could do without the sycophancy. Being praised didn't produce results. I couldn't say that to her directly, though—she’d be crushed.
"Well, I appreciate the sentiment, Prol, but the case isn't solved yet. Let's keep at it. Now, what about the personnel for Kirika?"
"Yes. I am currently reassigning subordinates who were investigating other nations to focus on the target, the Hinsa Kingdom, and the area near the fallen Vinoshia Kingdom. I am filling the gaps they left behind by pulling in others from the surrounding regions."
"So, we are still short on manpower, then?"
"Unfortunately, yes. We do not even have one person per nation, so I apologize."
"No, it’s my fault, so there’s no need to apologize. Still, I’m hesitant to simply increase the size of Kirika’s intelligence division."
It’s true that since they are monsters, increasing their numbers would technically solve the problem, but whether a larger scale would actually be effective is another matter.
It wasn't that we weren't adding more; it was that we didn't have enough.
Creating them is certainly far faster and more efficient than training a human from scratch.
But their experience hasn't caught up.
One might say, "Just let them gain experience, then," but...
What exactly constitutes experience?
For Kirika and her team, it would be intelligence activities, but what does one do to gain that experience?
What is the benchmark for becoming "first-class"?
I still haven't found the answer.
More than anything, if an intelligence operative is captured, it could expose us.
That is why we have to be cautious.
Of course, we have separate units for standard intelligence and combat-oriented operations, which makes it even more complex.
"As you say, Master, it is possible to increase our numbers, but that does not mean they are ready to handle the field. I believe Steve understands this as well?"
"That’s right. Just because they’ve cleared the training curriculum doesn't mean they’ll function properly in the field. There are always unexpected troubles. Still, you have to start somewhere, right?"
"True. Steve is right about that, too... but for now, we’ll keep it on hold. We already have standard envoys going to other nations, so it’s not like we have zero information. We’re sending Kirika’s people to the suspicious areas. It’s arrogant to think we can monitor everything. Let’s do what we can. I don't think rushing to increase our numbers now will lead to a good result."
When I said that, Steve, Kirika, and the others nodded in agreement.