第１５４９堀：あまり信用できないところはある (Part2)
"It seems that individual was restrained after Milly and Kina finished recording their interrogation," I noted.
"Naturally. And since they’re busy picking apart the connections behind it, they’re short-staffed," came the reply.
"I suppose being told they can't spare anyone is the best we could hope for, then."
"Usually, given the circumstances, you'd expect them to move straight to formal questioning or a request for investigative cooperation, wouldn't you? Thinking about it, maybe they’re actually showing consideration for Weed?"
Mikos tilted her head, but I couldn't offer an answer. People are such a hassle, aren't they?
"Likely. Even so, that’s why information regarding the old Vinoshia territory hasn't been gathered yet. Well, it’s hard to say what the final conclusion will be, but it looks like it will take a bit more time."
"But if the information is that delayed, wouldn't it be pointless?"
Kagura’s point was valid. We were already en route to the old Vinoshia. The thought of being fed new facts at this late stage felt somewhat redundant.
"Well, there is that aspect, but obtaining new information is never a bad thing. After all, we have a way to communicate instantly."
"Ah, that’s true. Normally, even if you uncovered new facts, by the time you sent word by horse, it would be too late..."
"With Yuki-sensei, we can share information immediately. In that case, it’s definitely worth investigating. Though, it’s still a problem that the Adventurer Guild isn't cooperating, isn't it? Come to think of it, you did notify them that you and the others were stepping into the old Vinoshia territory in Hinsua, right?"
"Yes. Because we gave notice, we were chosen to go along as representatives."
"Exactly. We’re here because we’re adventurers."
It felt strange to be asked something so obvious at this point, but I reiterated our assignment. Mikos seemed to ponder this for a moment.
"Hey, if that’s the case, isn't it strange that Milly and the others are investigating now? You’ve already released the information, haven't you?"
"Mikos is right. By the time we announced that VIPs were participating in the auction, it was already clear that the princess of old Vinoshia was being sold, wasn't it? Even if we didn't know at the time that Weed would be the one to purchase her, do you really think the Adventurer Guild wouldn't have received inquiries after the sale?"
Ah, I see. She was wondering why the Adventurer Guild hadn't provided any information. But, if I recall correctly...
"Um, my brother said they did make inquiries. However, the guild staff who worked in old Vinoshia have scattered, and the documents regarding Vinoshia were initially focused on hunting down the Dark Guild under the guise of searching for hidden treasures, so they probably didn't prioritize it. The inquiries were only made through the individuals involved or Guild Master Rock."
Right. The goal was to capture the Dark Guild, and there was no talk of prioritizing information from the era of old Vinoshia. I suppose they didn't even bother digging for information, assuming the civil war had rendered it all moot. The credibility would have been questionable anyway.
"I see, that makes sense. Still, the location of the treasure remained unexpectedly elusive. But you know, I don't think Yuki would have failed to notice something like that."
"True, if it’s Yuki, he would have..."
As I agreed, Yuki poked his head out from the front seat.
"The Adventurer Guild headquarters is like Litea; they have ties to Hinsua, so it’s not like they aren't connected to the Dark Guild. Honestly, I suspected the Adventurer Guild was even more suspicious than Litea."
"Ah, so that’s why you didn't mention it, Brother."
"I couldn't exactly say the Adventurer Guild was suspicious with Milly right there."
"Ah, that makes sense."
"Milly tends to go off the rails when Yuki-sensei is involved, after all."
Kagura and Mikos nodded in agreement. Yes, Milly certainly had that tendency. If she weren't careful, she might lead the Weed Adventurer Guild to dismantle the Litea headquarters entirely.
"Litea had a political upheaval, and Alstaire just finished purging the suspicious elements, so it would take time for anyone to find a foothold there. But the Adventurer Guild doesn't require much effort to infiltrate. Above all, their Dark Guild headquarters was destroyed. They’re likely watching the situation more closely than anyone. And that’s where the information gathers."
Thinking about what Yuki said, the Adventurer Guild really was suspicious. Or rather, even if it wasn't the Dark Guild itself, it was obvious even to me that people were embedded there to monitor the situation.
"Well, that’s why the information from the Adventurer Guild is worth very little. I had hoped for at least some information regarding the treasure's location, but they were blatant about it. I’ll have to apologize to Milly later for the trouble."
That was true. She would be quite downhearted if she couldn't live up to Yuki's expectations. Listening to these behind-the-scenes details, we continued our journey toward old Vinoshia.
Adventurer Guild Headquarters.
Weed’s assessment: Gray, bordering on black.