第１５３１堀：どういう建前で？ (Part1)

"What pretext would we use?"

Side: Hobis

Our job is to listen in on the conversation between Lord Yuki, Lord Bamai, and Lord Lilishe and record it.

Of course, we don't forget to replenish tea and snacks too~.

Still, the conversation has reached an important point~.

"...I see, so that's what the princess said."

"Yes. And considering the possibility that a Dungeon Master is involved, and the lack of any prior movement..."

Lord Yuki paused, looking at Lord Bamai to prompt him to continue.

"They are clearly trying to lure us in. I don't know how accurate the princess's timing is, but as you say, it's strange that it's happening now. If there were any hidden treasures, they would have been found already, as we merchants have always understood. So, I wondered why now, but to think they were planning something like that."

Normally, one wouldn't think of such a thing~.

To plot to lure people into a dungeon to gain power~.

"It's not yet confirmed, but..."

"However, from what you've told me, it's clear they are waiting for someone to act on this information. I see, this means there's an organization of sufficient scale that can capture or kill the boastful individuals who came to Vinocia to search for hidden treasures, not necessarily at headquarters, but here."

"Yes. I thought that if we could gain control of that, we might be able to obtain other information."

"The possibility is high. In other words, they are not moving because they believe they can handle it, and we believe we can handle it too?"

"Exactly. We believe we can break through that kind of trap, and they, probably, do not look favorably upon Weed or the Alliance. It wouldn't be strange for them to think they could defeat Weed's top brass here."

"For the Dark Guild, it would be propaganda, not just against a great power, but a blow against the Alliance. It would add prestige to their future activities."

Mm-hmm, as expected, Lord Bamai, leading a large merchant guild, understands the influence Weed and the Alliance have~.

Well, it also means Weed is being underestimated by the Dark Guild~, but Lord Yuki said they are being cornered~.

"The great flood in Sulus and the auction have proven that there is no wall between allied and non-allied nations. Of course, if you are in the alliance, the response speed increases accordingly, but that's all. Now that it's understood that the alliance is not an enemy to non-allied nations, exchanges will increase. That means..."

"Organizations like the Dark Guild, which operate outside the law, will gradually lose their place. I see, so they can't just stay silent. That's why you predict they will strike here?"

"Yes. If they do nothing, the Dark Guild will eventually be labeled as nothing more than a trivial organization. For those who conduct shady business, that would be a significant loss, wouldn't it?"

"...Indeed. They are consistent in that regard. While they engage in illegal activities, their reliability stemmed from their track record of completing requests if paid. Since the destruction of their headquarters in Rumel, they've been on a downward slope, almost completely inactive. It's true that they want to build up that track record."

Oh, even these predictions align perfectly with Lord Yuki's~.

Well, it makes sense after hearing the explanation, though~.

"I understand perfectly. If the Dark Guild doesn't make a move during this visit to Vinocia, they'll likely be in a losing position without being able to break the alliance. Furthermore, they have the opportunity to inflict significant damage by targeting the arrival of Weed's top brass. It's not about whether a base actually exists, but they believe they cannot afford to miss this chance, correct?"

"Yes. What do you think, Lord Bamai?"

"I also believe it's highly likely they will act, just as Lord Yuki does."

I agree with Lord Yuki's conclusion.

It seems we'll be clashing with the Dark Guild in the old Vinocia~.

"Then, the question is how we should proceed. Should we follow the location of the executives you've just been told about, or should we aim for the hidden treasure that Princess Canaria mentioned?"

"Ah, I see. So, it's whether we show that we've taken the bait, or that we've come to search for the Dark Guild. However, I suspect they are anticipating both at this point... Rather than pursuing them carelessly, it might be better to make it seem like we've fallen into their trap. They will gather enemies. That much more can be wiped out in one go. After all, they were likely aiming for that from the start."

That's true~.

Should we target the enemy's base, or let the enemy attack us~? The latter seems more likely to draw them in~.

Moreover, they are aware of our movements, and if we assume they are using a dungeon, they would be delighted if we came to the dungeon~.

Anything goes.

"However, although I proposed it, are you sure it's alright even if you know it's a trap?"

"Ah, we've made preparations for that. We don't want to be wiped out, after all. The more we prepare our equipment and personnel, the more forces they will deploy."

"Certainly, but wouldn't they retreat if it involved the military?"

"Haha, we won't go that far. Hincea wouldn't approve, and neither would Litea. They couldn't officially criticize Hincea either."

"That's right~. It's just about governing the former Vinocia territory properly~."

"I see, so military intervention, especially by armies unrelated to Weed, would be problematic for Litea, wouldn't it?"

Lord Yuki and Lord Lilishe gave wry smiles at Lord Bamai's answer.

Politics is truly troublesome~.

Well, demanding that foreign armies enter their territory without proof of suspicion is a sign that they cannot handle it themselves~.

Lord Yuki and the others said it would be troublesome if such news spread to the countries under Litea's umbrella, as it would diminish Litea's authority, and some might start acting on their own~.

"So, at most, it would be a few dozen people, right? In that case, I imagine the enemy would also deploy a similar number."

"Yes. If it's around that number, the enemy is more likely to attack than retreat."

"Certainly, but even if they don't set up traps at other bases, can't they attack simultaneously?"

"It's not impossible, but we don't have a precise location for their base. That's partly why I asked for your cooperation, Lord Bamai. If we move carelessly and miss, it will attract attention."

"Indeed, that's what we discussed."

Mm-hmm, the reason we came to talk to Lord Bamai is because we want to gather information we don't know and preemptively stop the enemy from moving~.

Please try your best to share information, no, please cooperate~.