第１５４０堀：秘宝の場所についてのこまかい話 (Part2)
"Just as my brother said, they’re likely acting as unconscious collaborators. That’s why, regarding the previous question..."
"Yeah, we’re still searching, but we haven't turned up anything yet. I mean, there *is* a royal tomb, but... Kirika?"
"Yes. The Vinocia Royal Tombs are strictly managed, and the mausoleum itself is located beneath the royal castle in the capital. It is likely a component of the 'undead defense system' unique to the Rogari continent."
Exactly. If they were targeting people like us—those seeking the secret treasure—it wouldn't make sense for there to be multiple destinations. While it’s only natural for Steve and his team to investigate everything just in case, the Dark Guild and the Dungeon Master on the other side would want us to arrive at the goal without hesitation. Therefore, they would provide an obvious location.
As for the Vinocia Royal Tombs being under the castle, it’s exactly as Kirika said: a system where the bodies of past greats are preserved to be used as military force in times of crisis. That said, it’s almost never actually used. By the time a royal family is backed that far into a corner, even the corpses of heroes aren't enough to turn the tide. There are even stories of those who tried in the past, only for the resurrected dead to turn against them. The reason cited was that any administration forced to rely on the dead was already unfit to rule. It was a testament to how abysmal their governance had become.
Of course, things are different during a full-scale Demon Lord invasion, but such events are rare. In short, the fact that the tombs' defense systems are almost never activated and that the site is well-maintained suggests it has nothing to do with our current situation.
"For now, the location Canary mentioned remains our primary lead for the treasure," my brother said. "However, we still have time. It’ll take two days to reach Hinsua, and another two or three days for negotiations and to actually set foot in the old Vinocia territory. Keep the investigation going. And don't let your guard down."
"Understood," Steve and Kirika replied in unison.
They both nodded immediately at my brother's command. There’s still a chance other locations exist, and it wouldn't be strange to find a separate entrance or an independent dungeon.
"We will continue our journey as planned," my brother continued, addressing the rest of the group who seemed a bit restless from the influx of information. "A lot of intel is coming in, but nothing is set in stone yet, so don't let it shake you. It’s entirely possible there are enemies inside Hinsua as well, so don’t show any suspicious movements."
He was right to issue the warning. It’s never good to get worked up over every little piece of information. There’s a high probability of enemy bluffs or misinformation; there’s no reason to let the enemy know we’re wavering.
Of course, one could argue for using that agitation to bait the enemy, but my brother likely let everyone overhear the exchange with Steve specifically to tighten their discipline. If we were acting fidgety, the enemy would undoubtedly notice something was off. To keep the enemy’s movements predictable, it was best for us to maintain an air of composure.
"I understand~ leave that side of things to me~"
"We in the Church will provide support."
"Mm-hmm. Calming everyone down is one of our specialties, after all~"
The Goddesses responded to my brother with practiced ease. With one exception, they were all well-versed in these kinds of political maneuvers. As for Hairen... well, her personality is her greatest asset in its own way. Since most of the other members were either my brother’s wives or close relatives, I wasn't particularly worried about them.
The ones I actually had to worry about were...
"Yes! Understood!"
That was Ryushi, giving my brother a spirited response. Given her past, I was worried she might lose control if we encountered the Dark Guild, and this was her first time dealing with a conflict of this scale. Then again, my brother had already designated himself as her guard, so perhaps I was overthinking it.
And then there was the other one.
"I see. Lady Agil, would it be best if we also refrained from moving?"
"Yes. This time, we’re strictly here as guests accompanying Yuki. There’s no need for us to take unnecessary action."
That was Light, a representative from Enaria, questioning Agil. While she was diligent, she was an outsider with no deep ties to us. Although Agil was acting as her personal handler, there was always the risk she might act on her own depending on the situation. Then again, she had a military background, so she might be more reliable than Ryushi... or perhaps less. It was hard to say.
Regardless, we wouldn't know for sure until we reached Hinsua. I’d have to keep a close eye on things.
Oh, and I should remember to ask Milly about the Vinocia Royal Tombs from the perspective of the Adventurer Guild. Since it’s a site tied to royalty, there are bound to be all sorts of rumors. The only reason there isn't much concrete info is likely because the Guild isn't allowed to touch it.