第１４９８堀：オークションの裏事情 (Part2)
"Of course, I’m not saying we should sever our personal connections, but I do think this serves as a good foothold."
"Come to think of it, do you intend to buy anything?"
"Hmm? Well, since Lowell went to the trouble of organizing this, it would be rude not to purchase a thing or two, wouldn't it?"
"I am the organizer, after all. That said, Seraria, you needn't feel pressured to buy anything. I’ve been entrusted with the commercial side of things, and I must establish a foothold here regardless."
"I’m here to discuss investments with Ratz. What about you, Rurua?"
"I’ll be heading to the church afterward. We’re checking on medical conditions and the sick. Lady Alstaire and her group will be joining us."
Rurua certainly has her hands full.
It might sound disrespectful to put it this way, but even in towns so remote they seem forgotten by the world, the Ritea Holy Nation has a church. If one were to call that the reach of their influence, then it is surely a testament to the hard work of Lady Lilishe and Lady Ritea.
"We have confirmed there are no endemic diseases, but that does not mean there are no sick people. If we encounter anyone with an unknown condition, we will bring them back with us. To borrow my husband’s phrasing, they are 'guinea pigs' who will provide us with knowledge."
Ah, my husband does often use that kind of terminology. And, as it happens, the man himself is right here.
"You really don't have to phrase it like I do, you know."
My husband wears a sheepish expression. Yes, I like that look on him, too.
"It is surprisingly convenient, though. Well, I do sugarcoat it a bit more than you do, Husband. After all, when we offer help for free, many people—much like Lyushi—tend to put their guard up."
"In reality, as my brother says, it isn't exactly 'free.' To Rurua and Weed, an undiscovered disease is truly invaluable, both as knowledge and as a medical resource. And the individuals suffering from such ailments are of immense value as specimens or donors."
"But only countries with a deep understanding of Weed and medicine can grasp that. Ordinarily, if you were to take in someone suffering from an unknown disease, you would risk an outbreak that could destroy a village, a town, or even an entire nation. It is only natural that they would be wary."
Before I gained this knowledge, I held that same perspective. If one were careless, one’s own family or countrymen could end up suffering from an unknown plague. That is an outcome one simply cannot permit.
However, that is precisely why we must accept the sick and study them. If we can unravel the mystery, we can prevent it. It’s a simple enough concept, but given my own past ignorance and the general level of knowledge regarding disease prevention, it’s a difficult one to accept. The threat will always take precedence over the value of the research.
Given that premise, it’s no wonder ordinary people cannot appreciate the value my husband and Rurua speak of. Besides, we cover all the medical expenses and provide such thorough care—it’s only natural they would be on their guard.
"That is why, if we speak of it in disparaging terms, the other side is more likely to be convinced. Oh, look, an unusual weapon."
Before I knew it, the weapon merchant’s presentation had reached its final act. A weapon that looked like a sword, an axe, and a halberd all at once—but somehow, it was something else entirely.
"Ah, that looks like what they call an axe-sword."
"Judging by the name, does that mean it combines an axe and a sword?"
"Yeah. It’s closer to a machete, but as you can see, the head is heavy, so it’s quite tricky to handle. It’s one of those 'novelty' weapons."
I understand what my husband means. The blade of a sword, with an axe head attached to the tip. It would be difficult to swing that like a standard sword. And how on earth would one sheath it? Ah, I see—they use a larger scabbard designed to fit the axe head. It looks like it would snag every time you drew or sheathed it.
As we watched the merchant’s presentation with those thoughts in mind...
"In any case, the auction is over, but everyone, keep your guard up until the very end."
"Understood."
When I gave the order, Eris and the others responded firmly, but one person was missing.
"You, don't you dare let your guard down."
"Maybe I'd move better if I did?"
"Absolutely not. Ria, Deryu, put a collar on him and drag him back to the hotel if you have to. I absolutely forbid anyone from staying behind in town."
"Understood."
"Hmph. Leave it to me."
We’ve stirred up enough trouble as it is; I’d rather avoid any further complications. Ensuring the safety of the slaves is our top priority. It’s standard practice to coordinate large transactions in advance, isn't it? In the real world, that might be called collusion, which makes it a bit of a hassle, but doing so prevents a great deal of trouble.