第１５３７堀：改めて主の仕事に関して (Part1)
This was Yuki-sama's first escort mission abroad, and I had approached it with considerable tension.
"Want some cookies?"
"Ah, yes. Thank you."
I found myself reduced to merely accepting snacks and tea offered by Yuki-sama.
As I pondered what to do,
"What's this? Lyuci, are you nervous?"
Deryu-sama, who had been evaluating the combat capabilities of everyone who came to search for Vinocia's hidden treasure, peered at me with concern.
"No, well, it's just that there isn't much to do during the bus ride..."
Though it felt inappropriate, I decided to be honest.
After all, she was my combat instructor.
"Ah, I thought so too. The journey is more leisurely than expected."
"Wouldn't it be better if it were leisurely? I'd hate to be ambushed by enemies," Yuki-sama said with a wry smile, overhearing our conversation.
"I'm sorry. I should be happy about this, but..."
"There's no need to apologize. Lyuci, you are here to escort Yuki, aren't you?"
"That's right, so it's fine. Well, think of it as the real mission starting once we get to Hinsa."
"Yes."
I listened to Deryu-sama and Yuki-sama and replied firmly.
I understood it wasn't because I was unreliable, and if I didn't get my act together here, it would be unfair to Prof-san and Aurelia-san.
I knew they had wanted to come along.
"You don't have to be so tense, but I suppose that's understandable."
"That would be the case, wouldn't it? This is your first overseas escort mission, Lyuci, isn't it?"
"Ahaha, that's exactly right."
"Hmm? Didn't you go to Lancer Magic Academy, or Betan on the If Continent, or Baiden in Heiden? And recently, to Wean, the auction venue?"
"Lancer was within the family. Betan and Baiden are technically within Weed territory. As for Wean in Eway, it was an escort, but it was an auction, and we had support from the dungeon side."
That was precisely the case.
Although we would eventually receive support from the dungeon for this overseas trip, we were operating as covertly as possible to avoid alerting the dark guild.
Therefore, in case of an emergency, I had to be the first to shield Yuki-sama, and I felt I had to be the first to crush the dark guild members when we fought them.
"I see. Well, I suppose that would make you nervous. However, Lyuci, your job is basically to stay by my side. I won't tell you to go to the front lines just because we found a dungeon with the dark guild in it."
"Eh? Is that so?"
I was surprised by his unexpected words.
I had assumed that if we were to fight the dark guild with a small group, we would be the ones fighting.
"As for our main force, it's rare for the search party to engage in combat."
"The theory is to subdue them beforehand. Using the escort target as bait to draw out the enemy and eliminate them before combat is standard procedure for escorts, or rather, for our own forces."
"Is that how it works?"
My image of an escort mission was to be Yuki-sama's shield and sword, so I was surprised to learn that I wouldn't need to act.
"That's how it is. Of course, there's a non-zero chance they could break through those preparations and attack us. By bypassing Kirika and Steve's surveillance network. In that case, it would be Lyuci and Deryu's turn."
"Indeed, anyone who reaches that point can be considered on par with Kirika and General Steve."
"On par with Lady Kirika and General Steve..."
That would be a formidable enemy.
Well, it seemed they wouldn't be fighting directly, but it would certainly be very difficult to break through the defense network commanded by those two.
I realized that so far, I had only experienced training for direct escort, working as Yuki-sama's aide, and assisting as a nurse under Rurua-sama. I was unfamiliar with military movements like these.
And it seemed Yuki-sama and the others noticed this as well.
"I see, Lyuci, I haven't properly explained the military movements or basic escort procedures for situations like this."
"Yes. However, during the auction, Aurelia-sama and the others explained various things, so I have a general idea."
"Just that much? Well, perhaps Lyuci was overloaded with too much information in a short period. You'll learn as we go."
"Yes. I understand."
I clearly understood that my current thinking differed from Yuki-sama's and the others', so I would have to make up for it later.
As I thought this, Yuki-sama continued.
"Well, to deepen your understanding, let's have a little study session and discuss our current movements."
"Indeed. It's important to know the overall plan."
"Thank you."
It seemed they would use the travel time to explain things to me.
I straightened my back, shedding my relaxed demeanor and adopting a posture of study.
However, Yuki-sama began speaking in a relaxed tone.
"You don't need to be so tense. Fundamentally, the military, or rather, this operation and Lyuci's job are separate things. Think of it as learning about how other departments operate."
"Well, given Yuki's position, he sometimes needs to understand their movements to formulate plans, so knowing is important. However, whether you can get in just by trying hard is debatable, so it's best to choose a method that Lyuci can easily accept."
"Understood. Then I'll continue as I am."
They were being considerate of me, but I personally believe it's best to study such things thoroughly, so I urged them to continue.
"I see, if you're motivated, that's wonderful. Then, let me re-explain the Weed departments and their jobs, as well as the outline of this operation and the movements of each unit."
"Indeed. First, as you probably know, let's talk about Yuki's department. Or perhaps, it's a department that's not well understood? Can you tell me what it does?"
When asked, I thought for a moment and then...
"Yuki-sama is technically in charge of overseeing the monster army, but what he does is handle requests, adjustments, and consultations from various countries, and in emergencies, coordinate and issue instructions to other departments?"
I stated it broadly.
"Yes. You're not wrong. It operates separately from the diplomats, doesn't it?"
"It's hard to believe now, but hearing it from Lyuci, I still don't quite understand. Well, it's a testament to the trust placed in Yuki as an individual."
"Originally, it was just a point of contact prepared for me as an individual. As I traveled through various countries, my credibility grew, and people realized it was faster to contact me directly than to go through Weed."
"That's true. If you talk to Yuki, you can bypass the usual procedures and go straight to Seraria and the others, and potentially even mobilize Weed itself. Who wants to go through the troublesome usual procedures?"
Indeed, I had always wondered why Yuki-sama's department received such peculiar jobs, but it was due to these connections.