第１５７８堀：予定通りに進んでも困ることもある (Part2)
"Exactly. We’ll be fine regardless, but we can’t say the same for the common folk."
The sort of people who find themselves backed into a corner like this inevitably resort to taking innocent bystanders down with them in a suicidal blaze of glory. It’s an utter nuisance.
"Besides, we haven't squeezed the information out of them yet."
"That is true. The report that the enemy stronghold has been neutralized only just arrived, hasn't it? If we could extract every scrap of enemy intelligence that quickly, we wouldn't need interrogators or intelligence officers."
"I suppose you're right. Even I can understand that."
What is this? I’m starting to wonder if I’m the only idiot here, given how quickly these two grasp the situation. Not that I’m not grateful for it.
"So, the plan is for us to have a leisurely climb, search the tomb where the treasure is hidden, and then return after 'recovering' it, just as expected."
"Ah, so that is how we shall play it. If that is the case, we had best not tell the others; some of them are terrible actors. Kiyu is one thing, but Covil is painfully transparent."
"Yeah, she’s definitely not the type who can tell a lie."
I know exactly what she means. I glance over to where Kiyu and Covil are sharing a meal, looking quite cozy. Kagura, Agil, and Light, who are seated with them, look a bit awkward, offering strained smiles. Well, they are certainly close. Though, to be fair, they don't act all that differently when they’re with me.
"The treasure business aside, is there any movement in the surrounding areas?"
"I’ve already confirmed that. Milly and the others are keeping watch, and so far, there hasn't been any sign of a splinter cell or secondary movement."
It’s almost too easy, which makes me suspicious, but there was always the theory that Suurus was running out of options and that their actions weren't exactly a 'do-or-die' gamble to begin with. In other words, they were likely squeezing the last of their strength out of Suurus and using Canaria to gather DP—the bait—for their own ends. So, it’s not entirely unexpected. Still, the lack of resistance is unsettling.
"Then, does this mean this group was the last of their faction, or perhaps they were acting alone?"
"Hard to say. I’d like to give you a definitive answer, but it’s certainly not the end. Every nation has its share of shadowy organizations—assassins, thieves, and the like—and there are countless groups that make a living by taking on such contracts. Crushing this one just means there’s one less entity participating in the so-called 'Dark Guild'."
I dash Rushi’s hopes. A 'Dark Guild' is simply what happens when those shady organizations pool their resources and scale up. And unfortunately, a nation can never truly sever its ties with such elements. One might think Weed is an exception, but Kirika and Steve’s special forces effectively fill that role for us. Of course, we don't officially recognize private underworld entities like the Dark Guild, but every nation maintains its own dark side—for the sake of monitoring enemy states and keeping an eye on internal affairs. Because they are convenient, private sectors that handle assassinations and the like inevitably emerge. It’s a delicate balance, though, since anything that’s useful enough to use can just as easily turn its fangs on you.
Nevertheless, the demand for such services exists in this world. Perhaps the way of the world is simply learning how to live with that reality. The organization that called itself the Dark Guild simply tipped the scales too far and got itself crushed. That’s the long and short of it. Still, there are countless low-level members out there. Eradication is a tall order.
"But Yuki-sama, you’re still going to hunt them down, aren't you?"
"Naturally. The methods they used in Suurus were beyond the pale. If we don't strike down those who threaten the stability of dungeon operations, it will reflect poorly on Weed and the Intercontinental Alliance."
"Ah, right. I forgot."
Yes, there’s been so much going on that it’s easy to lose track. If this had just been a case of a Dark Guild infiltrating Suurus and causing a civil war that led to its collapse, we wouldn't have lifted a finger. The reason we intervened was their abuse of the dungeon. Well, 'abuse' is a strong word—it was common practice before Weed appeared—but we were there. And because we were there, we couldn't allow it.
"The reason is simple. Besides, I still owe them for what they did to Rushi."
"Oh."
"Rushi, you had forgotten, hadn't you?"
"Ah, well, so much has happened recently, and since my injuries have healed, it feels like it happened an eternity ago."
I understand what she means. Regardless.
"Let’s make sure we eat our fill. The road ahead is still long."
Indeed, we are still in the middle of a mountain climb. We have to put on a performance of being overjoyed at finding a treasure chest. The real work behind the scenes is finished, but for the public, our task is just beginning. Even if things go according to plan, the scheduled events must still be carried out. It’s a real chore, isn't it? Like how finishing the spring cleaning early doesn't mean the family dinner ends any sooner. Dealing with extended family gatherings was always such a drag.