第１５２８堀：商人からの情報 (Part1)
Dungeon 1528: Information from a Merchant
Information from a Merchant
Side: Nina
I thought we were just having a pleasant chat, but...
"As you can see, this is what others think, but as both an alliance and a non-allied nation, we cannot ignore the possibility that the Dark Guild intentionally caused the Great Flood."
"…That story. May I hear more details?"
Upon hearing about the Great Flood, his eyes sharpened. Hmm, it seems this person had indeed investigated various things about the Dark Guild, but he hadn't imagined the possibility of a Dungeon Master being behind it.
"Yes. This is confidential, but if Bamy is willing to cooperate, it's something that should be shared, so I will tell you..."
"Of course, I will not speak of it to others."
"Thank you. Regarding the intentional creation of a Great Flood, the Alliance believes that a Dungeon Master is behind it, just as with Weed."
"A Dungeon Master... I see. I had only heard rumors, but since the Alliance is acting like this, it must be true. Does that mean the threat level of the Dark Guild is higher than I imagined?"
"Yes. The incident in Suurus would very likely have fallen without the cooperation request from the Alliance and Litea. More importantly, we have confirmed that Dark Guild members had infiltrated both the nations of Irinau and Kinauf."
As Yuki calmly conveyed this crucial information, Bamy stood up in surprise.
"Is that true?! You found members of the Dark Guild!"
"Yes. We have someone here with Appraisal."
"Ah, I see. So that's it. There's no mistaking that. Normally, I would be suspicious, but Weed is vouching for it, aren't they?"
"Yes. If this were with another country, I imagine various political entanglements would arise..."
"Regarding the Dark Guild, there's no need to worry about that. Well, there's a possibility if you want to crush the country where their base is... You're looking at Old Vinosia, aren't you?"
"Yes, that's right. From your expression, Bamy, do you also believe there's a Dark Guild base there?"
"It's quite cleverly hidden, but supplies are flowing into Old Vinosia through the merchant houses we've secured. Ah, would it be alright if I took a moment? I have those kinds of documents in my room."
"Here, in this place?"
Like Yuki, I was surprised. In a way, it was information that wouldn't be strange to be seen as connected to the Dark Guild. To bring such information with him...
"Ahaha, since I'm pursuing the Dark Guild, and as someone who delivered the final blow when their headquarters were crushed, I'm quite hated. So, not only do I use aliases, but I also don't have a fixed base. However, I still do my work, so I carry it with me."
I see. Indeed, even though he's constantly moving, he's the head of a merchant company. His work wouldn't just disappear. Considering that, he has no choice but to carry his work with him. Well, there's a possibility of being attacked by tracing document exchanges, but in a way, it makes it easier to narrow down enemies. Like fixing the person for handovers, or such. If the enemy tries to switch, it's immediately exposed. It's easier to respond even if the enemy attacks. Yes, if you overlook the hassle and cost of travel, it might be better than staying in one fixed base. Oh, Weed is an exception. Their security is on a completely different level.
"I see. In that case, please do."
"Yes. I will excuse myself for a moment."
"Ah, I'll go too. It's easier to have an escort when moving around a hotel."
"Thank you."
Whether it was surveillance or genuinely good-natured guidance, Lilishe accompanied him. She must know that the hotel's security system is perfect. Well, Bamy wouldn't know that, so it can't be helped. Perhaps Lilishe's presence might also reassure him.
With that, we looked at each other and began to talk.
"So, I know the negotiations with Kagura and Mikos went well, but what did the two of you who actually spoke with him think?"
"Hmm. He just seemed like a normal merchant."
"Yeah. He properly considers contracts and business profits, so I thought he was a solid person. It's amazing he decided to pick a fight with the Dark Guild with that kind of personality."
"Yes. I felt that too."
I see. It would be contradictory for someone who is successfully performing as a merchant to take actions that only carry risk. However, from my perspective, it's not strange.
"It's just that what the Dark Guild did is unforgettable to him. Kagura and Mikos, didn't you also feel anger towards the Aquenoki fanatics?"
"…Yes."
"Ah... so that's it. It means that can't be left alone."
"That's right. In his case, it wasn't just a student acquaintance, but family. For Kagura and Mikos, it would feel like one of us was harmed, wouldn't it?"
"Ah, yeah. No way. If it were me, I'd throw everything else away and go for the kill."
"Mikos would do it too. Thoroughly."
The two nodded, affirmed by Yuki. Prof and the others waiting behind them also nodded in agreement.
"However, to have a family member harmed and still continue running his business, he must possess considerable mental fortitude," Fiora remarked, evaluating Bamy.
"Indeed. To properly manage a shop while still feeling anger, and to corner the enemy with what he can do, is not something easily accomplished. In a way, it's more rational to throw everything away and seek revenge, like Kagura. There might be a reason why things turned out that way, but it's not yet the stage to ask about it."
I imagine something quite significant must have happened. Although, to say 'that extent' might be a bit much, misfortunes happen everywhere. Though she's not here today, Lyusi also went through a terrible ordeal. She wasn't even whole.
"However, he said he hasn't changed the names of the merchant houses he intentionally brought in, and is doing things that bring him closer to the enemy. Do you believe that?"
Prof offered a stern opinion, as usual. And it was I, not Yuki, who countered that question.
"Conversely, is there any evidence that he cannot be believed?"
"…That's difficult. If one knows Weed's scale and background, deceiving them seems like too great a risk. Even as personnel prepared by the Dark Guild to lure us out, this kind of contact feels subtle."