第１５１９堀：意外な協力者たち (Part1)
Chapter 1519: Unexpected Collaborators
Side: Orelia
*Buzz, hum, chatter...*
The air is thick with the sound of a bustling crowd, echoing from every corner.
In any ordinary open-air market—or at least, any I’ve known—it is almost unheard of for a place to be this lively at three in the afternoon. Unless one owns a permanent storefront, these stalls are nothing more than temporary setups, devoid of walls or doors. If a merchant hasn’t sold their wares by this hour, the standard practice is to pack up and return to the inn. After all, there are hardly any buyers left at this time of day.
But the reality unfolding before my eyes is different.
Even now, people are coming and going, and some are only just beginning to set up their stalls. Of course, that is simply the nature of Weed.
Yes, this vibrancy is only possible because this is Weed.
In any other town or village, this would be the hour when people begin preparing dinner and readying themselves for sleep. People generally do not set up or prepare for business after dark, primarily because they lack the means to secure proper lighting. Thus, they rise with the sun and retire with the dusk. Consequently, open-air markets usually shutter their stalls when the shoppers disappear, aligning with the rhythm of the local inhabitants.
But here in Weed, there is electricity and electric lighting, keeping the nights as bright as day. The public order is stable, and even now, the market is overflowing with shoppers. In fact, there are even those who set up their stalls specifically to target the evening and nighttime crowd.
"It truly is lively, isn't it?"
I smile as I look over the market once more.
Everyone here is filled with hope—well, perhaps not *everyone*, but there are certainly many. After all, not everyone succeeds in business. I am a prime example of that. I was sold by my own kin; talent aside, one requires a fair share of luck. Many people surely come to this market to test that very luck. And, inevitably, some come here only to have their dreams shattered.
As for me, I have been blessed with a good master here in Weed and spend my days in fulfillment, so I suppose I can count myself among the fortunate.
With such thoughts, I step into the market.
This open-air market sees merchants not only from the countries of the Logari Continent but also from other continents, connected via the Gate. Naturally, those from other continents must obtain proper authorization; they undergo a rigorous screening process by their home countries, followed by our own strict vetting. This is only to be expected.
Although the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance has been established and student exchange programs have begun, the alliance is still in its infancy. One can never be certain what might spark a conflict. In particular, goods from other continents are subject to strict quarantine, as they can sometimes carry foreign diseases.
One might ask, then, why they don’t simply set up shop in the large commercial facility known as Weemall.
"That place is already full, so this is an emergency measure, I suppose."
Weemall is designed to allow merchants from other countries to sell their goods in bulk, but it is strictly limited to merchants recognized by the state, and the applications are endless. Those who miss out on a spot there gather here to set up in the open-air market. According to Ratz and Eris, this market is also a fierce battleground. Apparently, some merchants from other continents have even banded together to secure the rights to a space here.
Under normal circumstances, one might think that’s going too far, but the Weed market is a massive hub that attracts people from across the globe. The value of a spot here is well worth the effort.
"Which is precisely why this is an excellent place to gather information on various countries."
Yes, despite my musings on the market itself, I am here on the orders of Yuki-sama.
My mission is to investigate the movements of the smaller nations on the Logari Continent. I need to gauge how these small states are reacting to Litea following the incident in Suls. Naturally, this includes their stance toward the Alliance, but my primary concern is the potential presence of the Dark Guild lurking in Vinosia. I must confirm whether anxiety is spreading from that situation. If Litea were to collapse, it would only serve the interests of the Dark Guild. While I don't believe the events in Suls are directly connected to the plot to sell the princess of Vinosia, it is a possibility I cannot ignore.
Eliminating obstacles for Yuki-sama and Seraria-sama is our duty.
"Still, where should I even begin?"
I mutter to myself, scanning the area. The shopkeepers and the shoppers passing by are all busy, acting with clear purpose. Naturally, since they are here to trade, someone like me—who has come solely to gather intelligence—is a rarity.
*Hmm.* Still, standing here worrying won't get me anywhere.
It isn't as if I have zero connections. My own work is partially involved in the operation of this market. I handle the reception for nobles, merchants, and commoners from the smaller nations, so I am not entirely without ties. However, the final screenings are handled by Ratz and Non, and I have had almost no direct contact with the people currently manning these stalls. I wonder if they would trust me if I were to strike up a conversation...
"Hm? Is that..."
"It is Orelia-dono, isn't it?"
Hearing that voice, I turn around to find Eupia-sama, Emperor of the Zlable Great Empire, accompanied by the Great Imperial Advisor Shou-sama, whom the Emperor had personally requested to join him.
In terms of territory and military might, they are the top power within the current Alliance. While they are, relatively speaking, a new addition to the Alliance, they possess such strength that no one dares to underestimate Zlable’s voice.
"This is... Eupia-sama, Shou-sama. I never expected to meet you in a place like this."
I immediately bow respectfully. The difference in status between the Emperor and his advisor, and someone like me—entrusted with mere miscellaneous tasks—is vast. Any blunder on my part would reflect poorly on Weed, and by extension, on Yuki-sama and Seraria-sama. Such a thing must never happen.
"Indeed. It is good to see you are well, Orelia. Though, we did just meet in the town of Wean, did we not?"
"That is true. Thanks to the Gate, it is hard to feel like it has been a long time since we last met. Tell me, Orelia-dono, what brings you to the open-air market? You seemed a bit lost."
"Yes. It is good to see you both looking well, Eupia-sama, Shou-sama. Thank you for your cooperation in the town of Wean. I am here at the market to survey the situation. I am trying to determine if there is any widespread unrest following the slave incidents in Suls and Wean."
Ordinarily, I should not speak of such matters, but these two are well aware of what happened in Suls, as well as the truth behind the slave auction in Wean. Yuki-sama has told me that as long as it does not involve military secrets or the capabilities of the dungeon, I am generally free to speak, so I answer honestly.
"Ah, I see. Putting aside the Ewai Kingdom where the auction was held, the former princess was from the old Vinosia, and the Hinsua Kingdom was under Litea's umbrella, was it not?"
"Indeed. From an outsider's perspective, it looks as though problems are occurring in Litea one after another. And Vinosia has already fallen."
"Indeed. This is troublesome. If we are not careful, people might start saying that Litea was the one who destroyed Vinosia. At worst, they might even claim that Litea is colluding with the Dark Guild."
"Your Majesty, please, do not speak of such things aloud. If that rumor were to spread among the smaller nations, Litea would literally be shaken to its core."
It is to be expected that the ruler of a great power and his right-hand man would pinpoint our concerns so accurately, but...
"Shou-sama is correct. It would be problematic if others were to overhear, so I would appreciate it if you could keep that to yourselves."