第１４９９堀：一般視点の町は (Part1)
Chapter 1499: The Town from a General Perspective
Side: Kirue
"Step right up! Step right up! Today, to celebrate the opening of the gate and the auction, we’ve received a wealth of goods from the Intercontinental Alliance! From now on, we’ll be getting fresh shipments every single day!"
"Over here for food! Fresh fish from the sea! It’s not expensive—a real bargain!"
Voices like these echoed from every corner. Though the crowd wasn't quite as dense as it would be in Weed, the town was bustling with a palpable energy. The catalyst for this was the influx of supplies brought through the Weed gate by the Intercontinental Alliance.
Today was the day of the auction, an event that, in principle, had little to do with the average citizen. Yet, for the Alliance, it was a momentous day—a day they had successfully established a gate even with a non-aligned nation. Naturally, this held true for the Kingdom of Ewai as well. With this, not only would security improve, but the flow of goods would flourish, and poverty would surely begin to wane.
With that in mind, the merchants and travelers who had flocked to the town upon hearing rumors of the auction—not to mention the residents of Wean—were being provided with goods by the merchants. It was a calculated move to show that the Alliance and the non-aligned nations were not at odds, and to make the significance of the gate opening clear to all.
And this was a practice they intended to continue.
The shadows where the dark guilds operated would only grow narrower. Eventually, they would be pushed into the corners where the government’s reach had yet to extend—most likely the former Kingdom of Vinoshiya, the land of the exiled princess.
As I pondered this, a magical communication signal chimed.
"Senior, it seems the merchant product introductions at the auction have concluded safely."
It was Sasari. It appeared the entire auction process had wrapped up without a hitch.
"And the Master? The Mistresses?"
"Everyone is safe. We’ve confirmed their vitals."
"And the children?"
"The children are still at school. Ah, the little ones are currently taking their naps."
"With so many of our members away from Weed for this event, don't let your guard down."
"I know, I know."
For this mission, I had come to the town of Wean personally to oversee the situation—or rather, to gauge the lay of the land. Naturally, Lady Kirika and General Steve’s subordinates were already stationed at their posts, but since the maids had also infiltrated the town to gather intelligence, I was here to act as the field supervisor.
"So, how is it on your end?"
"The market is calm. The general public is being guided as planned. Any reports from the other subordinates?"
"Yes, the reports are all the same. No trouble to speak of."
"That is a relief."
I replied, casting my gaze over the surroundings. There was no one acting suspiciously; there were only people enjoying the prosperity of the moment.
"Hmm. It’s a cause for celebration, but even to my eyes, there is nothing out of place."
"Well, the enemy is likely on high alert, too. They wouldn't dare make a blatant move. So, what’s the plan? Are you going to keep patrolling?"
"No, I’ll wrap it up and head back to the hotel. The monarchs of the various nations will be returning soon, and we must prepare the quarters for the slaves. By the way, what is the final count of the slaves we acquired?"
"Let’s see... we won the bids for 93 of them. Among them are the former princess and eight individuals from rare races."
"…If I recall, the original plan was for 215, but that rose to 283, correct?"
"Yes. It seems they scrambled to gather more once they realized the Alliance—or rather, we—were participating. It was a surprise. I never expected them to bring such a massive haul the day before."
"Thanks to that, we had to scramble to recalculate the slave redistribution. If not for the Master’s efficiency, today would have been a chaotic mess."
Indeed, because they had brought more than anticipated, the redistribution—not to mention the health checks for the slaves—had taken considerable time. To think they would pull such a stunt when we were already trying to coordinate with the non-aligned nations.
"Still, the Alliance only secured 93, which is about a third. That’s fewer than I expected."
"It seems the agreement was to concede the others in order to secure the former princess."
"I understand the logic, but 121 went to the non-aligned nations and 69 to the general public. Isn't that share for the non-aligned a bit too high?"
"The non-aligned side was the one originally scheduled to participate in the auction. Since we forced our way in, it’s a reasonable outcome. Let us simply pray for the slaves' well-being."
If we pushed hard enough, we could have bought slaves from the non-aligned and the general pool, but that would only invite backlash. We had to show restraint. There was a contract in place forbidding cruel treatment, and we had no choice but to trust that it would be upheld.
"All we can do is ensure that the slaves the Master has taken in are treated with hospitality so they feel no anxiety."
"The maids' true calling, then."
"Indeed. And we must be especially careful with the former princess and those of the rare races."
"We have no idea under what circumstances they were sold, after all. If we handle this poorly, it could turn into an international incident."
Sasari was right. Handling the rare races was, in some ways, even more delicate than the former princess, and required the utmost caution.
"How are the preparations inside the hotel?"
"Let’s see, the report says everything is ready. Wait, didn't you get that report too, Senior?"
"I did, but the arrangement was that if any trouble arose while I was out, you would handle it."
"There hasn't been any trouble, so I’ve been on standby in Weed."
"That is for the best."
It seemed the maids were well-trained. Well, failing at a task of this level would be unacceptable, but trouble is an inherent part of such events. The fact that things proceeded according to plan was something to be praised.
Still...
"Then, I can return and verify everything immediately."
"Ah, please go easy on them."
"What kind of soft talk is that? We are hosting dignitaries from various nations; there is no excuse for treating the slaves shabbily. There must be no cutting corners based on status. Both are the Master's guests. Or, if you prefer to call them property, then treating them carelessly is even more out of the question."
It was true that they didn't require the same level of excessive hospitality as the dignitaries, but that was no reason to lower our standards.
"You're right, but... well, good luck to everyone on site. With that, the children will be home soon, so I must excuse myself."
"Understood. I will contact you in case of an emergency, so please don't forget that."
"Yes. Please don't push yourself too hard, Senior."
"I won't."
I ended the call with Sasari and quickened my pace, leaving the town to return to the hotel. The cobblestone road leading out of Wean had been finished in just the last three weeks—a truly magnificent piece of work.