第１５７８堀：予定通りに進んでも困ることもある (Part1)
### Chapter 1578: Sometimes, Even Going According to Plan Is a Problem
Sometimes, even going according to plan is a problem.
Side: Yuki
I watch as everyone relaxes, nibbling on light snacks while spread out on their respective picnic sheets.
When one thinks of eating during a mountain climb, one usually imagines doing so at the summit, but I suppose that’s only possible in places like Japan where the trails are well-maintained.
I had thought this was a gentle mountain, but according to Steve and his team’s report, it stands at 600 meters above sea level.
If there were a proper mountain path, we could have reached the tomb of the legendary treasure, located near the 300-meter mark, in about an hour. However, hacking our way through dense brush makes that impossible.
If we were to use our full, standard capabilities and knew the exact route to our destination, it would be simple, but that’s not how one acts when visiting a place for the first time.
If the enemy were watching, they would surely be on high alert.
And so, we’ve been moving at a leisurely pace, resulting in less progress than anticipated.
That said... that isn't a problem at all. In fact, we’ve fallen into a situation where we have no choice but to stop here.
The reason?
"…And so, we have already secured the tomb where the treasure was said to be, as well as the escape routes. A total of 54 individuals hiding inside have been apprehended."
The report came calmly from Milly in the command room.
In other words, the tomb containing the treasure had been seized by Steve’s advance team exactly as planned.
It went according to schedule, but I doubt anyone expected the matter to be resolved within fifteen minutes of starting.
It was so smooth that I almost wondered if the enemy had let us take the base on purpose.
You know, it reminded me of the classic "Empty Fort Strategy."
Well, the actual "Empty Fort Strategy" is a method of inducing caution in the opponent by appearing defenseless, forcing them to retreat. But there are more troublesome evolutions of it, like intentionally letting the enemy take a position to stall them while you attack elsewhere.
In the worst-case scenario, there are even traps where the entire army is blown up once they enter the fort.
That’s why I had insisted on a thorough confirmation from the rear.
"I have confirmed it, but there are no signs of enemy dungeon activity in the vicinity of Hinsua or within the allied nations for the time being."
"I see. And the interrogation of the enemies?"
"We have locked the enemies away and silenced them by mixing sleep magic and potions into the room, so we haven't begun yet."
"Ah, so that’s going according to plan, too?"
"Yes. Thanks to that, we have already secured the dungeon core and are currently analyzing it."
"Are there any Dungeon Masters among the enemies?"
"No, none have been confirmed. However, we were able to confirm the existence of multiple dungeon cores. It is likely that..."
"They were provided by someone else?"
"Yes. But since the investigation is still ongoing, I cannot say for sure. We cannot rule out the possibility that they are masking their status."
We haven't finished the full investigation yet, so I can't expect definitive information. Still, we can't afford to let our guard down.
"Continue to maintain vigilance."
"Understood. We will keep a strict watch on the allied nations, as well as the non-allied ones."
"As for us, should we continue toward the treasure?"
"...Since safety has already been secured, there is no problem with you heading there, but regarding bringing back the results... how would you like to proceed?"
"We can't exactly announce that we just caught some enemies. Any notable treasures?"
"Yes. There were some ornaments used for setting traps. They are items for dungeon installation, and they are not related to Hinsua or the old Vinosia."
"I suppose that makes sense. What about the value?"
"There are three standard-sized treasure chests filled with gold coins and jewels, along with some trinkets. It would be a decent fortune for an individual or a party, but..."
"A bit underwhelming for a nation to claim, then?"
"Yes. To put it bluntly, it’s pocket change."
Three chests full of treasure.
It’s enough for an individual, but as a national budget, it’s negligible—almost non-existent.
It’s too trivial to justify mobilizing an army to recover it.
It’s not even a tenth of what we’ve invested in Hinsua and the old Vinosia this time.
In other words, this isn't a matter that requires the state to move.
Well, that’s probably why the rumors only go as far as "adventurers were sacrificed."
And we came here because we were trying to lure out a larger organization using "Canaria" as bait.
"For now, let’s just recover what’s there. We’ll claim that we discovered the treasure."
"Understood. And the interrogation of the captured group?"
"Have Steve and his team transport them. We can't exactly talk while the Hinsua guards are still around."
"Indeed. But didn't you tell Hinsua that this was to subjugate a dark guild? How will you handle that?"
"I’ll inform the King. I don't feel the need to tell the low-level guards. We can't say for certain that the interior of Hinsua isn't connected to the dark guild, either."
"I see. Given that members were present in the old Vinosia royal capital, that is only natural."
"As for the treasure chests, manipulate the dungeon to create a hidden room somewhere in the lowest level of the mausoleum and place them there."
"Understood. I will do so. Also, at the current pace, it will take another hour to arrive. Will that be alright?"
"Ah, so we’ll arrive at 11:30. Even if the return trip is faster, we have to explore, so if we can get down the mountain by 2:00 or 3:00, that should be fine, right?"
"That seems like a reasonable timeframe."
"It’s still daylight, so I don't think there will be any issues. What do you think?"
"Yes. No problem. I will inform Rurua and the others."
"Please do. Alright, we’ll resume our climb once we finish our break."
"Understood. Please take care."
Since we’re running behind schedule, I have to let Rurua and the others remaining in the old Vinosia royal capital know, or they might go off on their own.
Now, having finished the necessary communication, I look around.
"Nom, nom. Hm? Are you done?"
"Ah, would you like some?"
Deryu and Riel are happily stuffing their faces with sandwiches and rice balls right in front of me without a hint of hesitation.
There’s no sense of crisis in their demeanor.
"Were you at least a little worried?"
I ask, taking a rice ball from the basket Riel holds out.
It’s simple—just salt and seaweed.
It’s exactly how I like it.
Setting that aside, their reactions are...
"Worried? No, look at us taking a break like this. What are you talking about?"
"Exactly. I’ve gotten used to it by now, too. If Yuki-sama says we’re taking a break without saying anything else, then it’s truly okay to take a break."
"Ah, yeah. I see. I’m happy to have your trust."
Deryu and Riel weren't rattled in the slightest.
"So, is this something you can tell us about?"
"Ah, well, the suppression is complete. But I’m not telling the escort soldiers anything."
"Eh? Why is that? They should know the truth behind the treasure hunt, shouldn't they?"
"The old Vinosia royal capital is crawling with members of that organization. If we tell them we’ve cleared it out, they might start moving."
"I see. Aside from those acting in secret, if they find out their hideout is gone, some idiot might get desperate and do something reckless."