第１５７１堀：本や書類って目に痛い (Part2)
"No one would be foolish enough to commit such blatant fraud. It would raise the question of what the report was even for in the first place."
"True. Still, the fact that we hold these documents now gives us a certain leverage."
"Indeed. That is why I just handed them over to Rurua and Lilishe. It’s a case of 'those who know, know.'"
Just because one doesn't understand the contents doesn't mean they are without value. By passing them to key figures like Rurua and Lilishe, these documents can be transformed into useful tools. That is precisely why we have adopted the method of investigating, cataloging, and bringing them back rather than simply destroying them.
"Well, in this particular instance, religion is involved, so it’s difficult to calculate a 'fair' amount based on the scale of the country."
"You're telling me. It’s not like we can definitively judge that a small nation couldn't possibly have scraped that much together."
"In that sense, religion is an easy way to turn a profit. It’s also the perfect place for villains to hide."
"Faith isn't something you can gauge at a glance. And for the person involved, even if it looks like a bribe, they can just claim it was for the sake of Litesa, and that’s the end of the conversation."
That is where this differs from a normal country or corporation. There is what one might call 'sentiment,' and determining what is appropriate is genuinely difficult from an outside perspective. Donations for the sake of faith are, quite literally, up to the individual.
"Indeed. But, setting those documents aside, tell me honestly: how is it going? Three hours have passed since we began searching this place—have you found anything of note?"
It seems Deryu approached me to check on my progress. It is, after all, a tedious task of pulling books and scanning them. Even if one likes books, if they aren't readable or the content isn't interesting, it must be grueling. ...Perhaps somewhere out there exists a freak who finds happiness just by being surrounded by books, but neither I nor the members here are that sort of person.
"No, nothing yet. If I had, I would have called everyone over already."
I gave her a frank answer: nothing found.
"I suppose so."
"Well, at least the collection of books is growing. That much is certain."
"True enough. I did find a few stories that looked suitable for the children to read."
"Stories, huh? Come to think of it, what kind of stories are indigenous to these parts? Around Weed, we’re in the Roschur sphere, so it’s tales of Roschurian knights, or Litesa, or Gartz-related lore. Do these small nations have their own unique stories?"
Roschur, the motherland of Seraria, is a great power with a wealth of legends—tales of the aforementioned knights, or stories from neighboring Gartz and Litesa. There are also the adventures of various heroes, and so on. It wouldn't be strange for Hinsua or Vinosia to have their own versions. These things are often used to bolster national pride; even if they were fabricated, such tales serve to enhance a country's honor and reputation. A way of saying, "Look, this is the legend we have." Japan has plenty of such stories in every region, and countless places have turned them into tourist attractions.
As for the answer to my question:
"Hmm. Now that you mention it, there was one. Wait a moment."
After a brief moment of thought, Deryu returned to the table where she had been working, picked up a book, and came back.
"Here, this is likely it."
The book she handed me was titled *The Hero of Vinosia*.
"That’s a bit on the nose, isn't it? How many years since the founding?"
"I don't know. But since the previous nation has been forgotten, it must be at least on the order of a hundred years, don't you think?"
"A country that lasted a century, only to end in civil war. Well, that’s a common enough story."
"Indeed. Unlike when a nation is first founded, countries that endure for a long time eventually develop internal rifts. Though, in this case, it seems less like a difference of opinion and more the result of having an idiot at the helm."
"True. Anyway, I'll read it later. Actually, should we call it a day? Is Riel holding up alright?"
Come to think of it, Riel, who should have been by my side, hadn't reacted since Dressa approached. I looked over to see her staring at a book with vacant eyes. Considering Riel had previously buried her face in a book and drifted off, she’s actually doing quite well. Still, I doubt she’s really reading.
"Let’s wrap this up and explore the castle instead."
"Agreed."
The others were in full agreement, so we ended our investigation of the books for the day and moved on to touring Vinosia Castle.
It’s what you call 'eyes sliding off the page.' It’s not sinking in; it’s just plain exhausting. Documents tend to have that quality, don't they?