第１５６１堀：さあ次の場所へ (Part1)
Chapter 1561: Onward to the Next Destination
Side: Yuki
Watching Kaya and the others begin instructing the remaining sisters on how to tend the fields, we decide to head back to the church ourselves. We’ll be back in time for the soup kitchen, and there’s plenty of preparation to be done before then.
"Though, really, for today and tomorrow, it’s mostly about monitoring the situation and gathering intelligence."
"Setting aside the monitoring, do you truly believe we can gather useful information from the people who show up for the soup kitchen?"
Ryuci seems skeptical of my words. It’s a fair point; one might worry that members of the organization wouldn't speak honestly, and random residents might not know anything at all. But there’s a reason for this approach.
"Ryuci. The act of asking, of gathering information itself, is the primary objective here," Deryu answers in my stead.
"Is that so?"
"Indeed. We are here solely to search for the hidden treasure. Gathering information is the natural course of action. By performing that 'natural' duty, the enemy will likely assume we have yet to fully uncover the truth."
"I see. It’s to keep the enemy off guard."
I’m grateful that Deryu has taken on the role of Ryuci’s mentor since we left Hinsua. I had intended to teach her myself, but the sheer volume of work has been a hurdle. I’ve grown accustomed to the paperwork, but tactical operations like this are rare, and I felt it was still too early for Ryuci to be involved in such matters.
"Well, it’s not just about inducing complacency; it’s also to ensure our intelligence aligns with the local reality. If our findings were too far removed from the truth, that would be suspicious in its own right."
"Um, could you be more specific?"
"Let’s say... how would you feel if the location where we suspect the treasure is hidden is completely different from the location the residents believe it to be?"
"Ah, I see. That would certainly be strange. One would wonder why there is such a discrepancy."
"Exactly. If the location we’ve identified differs from the one known in this town, the enemy will grow wary if we don't head toward their expected target."
She nods in understanding. If we were to suddenly storm our true objective without ever speaking to the townspeople, it would look suspicious. By maintaining the facade that we are unaware of the dark guild’s presence, gathering information in this town serves a vital purpose.
"Well, that’s the plan. We’ll help out at the church while collecting information from the people. Does that sit well with you, Yuki?"
"That’s the foundation. If we try to gather intel alone, we risk being ambushed. I’ll leave that side of things to Kiyu and the soldiers."
As I say this, I glance at Kiyu, who gives a firm nod. After all, we are here under the guise of adventurers. Moving alone shouldn't be an issue, but that reminds me of something.
"By the way, what’s the plan for searching the local adventurer’s guild?"
"Ah, we were planning to go while you and the others were running the soup kitchen, but what do you think? Will you be joining us?"
"Hmm... if we ask separately before the soup kitchen, it wouldn't be a total waste, but it’s inefficient. What do you think, Deryu?"
"Hmm. I would suggest a standard search of the adventurer’s guild, but as a military officer, what say you, Agil?"
"I agree. Though, Light and I are technically dispatched from the church. Since Light is currently watching over the farm work, I’m the designated contact person should anything arise."
Ah, that’s right. Light remained at the site. Since she’s here as personnel from the church, it can’t be helped. As for the guards, with Kaya, John, Faide, and the屯田兵 (Tondenhei) unit present, I’ve judged that there will be no issues. Agil is returning to the church—nominally as a contact, but surely to gather information there as well. The wry smile on Agil’s face confirms as much.
"In that case, the ones heading to the adventurer’s guild will be Kiyu, Covil, myself, Ryuci, Deryu, Ria, Dressa, Canaria, and Kagura. Is everyone okay with that?"
I scan the members who will be joining me, and they all confirm they have no objections.
"I appreciate it. I have no idea how much documentation is actually left."
"If there are records remaining, they’ll likely be quite extensive. It’ll be a huge help to have your assistance."
Kiyu and Covil seem genuinely relieved that we’re tagging along. I don’t know the state of the archives, but when it comes to this kind of research, there is strength in numbers. That said, we can’t force the issue with Kiyu or the adventurer’s guild. It is, after all, their jurisdiction. We could technically requisition the files or search them by force, but that would only breed animosity. It is crucial that we conduct this search by mutual agreement.
"...Still, it’s surprising that the adventurer’s guild agreed to let Weed investigate. Setting aside the Grand Master, wouldn't the headquarters want to keep us away from their secrets?"
As we walk, I ask Kiyu and Covil about the guild headquarters' intentions. It’s a bit late, but it’s necessary to understand the movements of the higher-ups. Of course, Milly and the guild masters of Weed, Rock and Kina, are likely already moving on this.
"Ah, to be honest, the headquarters isn't happy about it, but do you remember when they tried to hinder Milly and the others?"
"Come to think of it, I do. That was when you had them investigate the guilds in Hinsua and Vinosia, right?"
"Yes. Though, 'hinder' is putting it lightly—they mostly just blocked access to the archives."
"That’s hardly a minor incident. It’s been confirmed that there are members of the dark guild among the adventurers, and yet they engaged in such blatant obstruction. Aren't they essentially the enemy?"
Dressa joins the conversation, her brow furrowed at the exchange between Kiyu and me.
"For the Holy City of Litea, we’ve placed it under the dungeon’s control and verified the personnel, so those individuals weren't part of the dark guild, but they may have been indirectly involved."
"I see. The 'unwitting accomplices,' is that it?"
Dressa looks at me for confirmation.
"Exactly. You don't have to be a member of the dark guild to obstruct us. I don't know if they were involved in this specific case, but if you whisper to a clerk that 'letting the Weed adventurer’s guild do as they please might put your own position at risk,' they might start acting out of self-preservation."
"Hah, playing on human psychology. How infuriating."