第１５８６堀：事前調査結果 (Part1)
Chapter 1586: Preliminary Investigation Results
Side: Yuki
"I see. So, you’ve secured Arge’s cooperation?"
"Yes. Though she did grimace at the prospect of dealing with those idiots."
"Ah, that part. Well, nobody likes doing that, right? People like that always try to pull their stunts in the shadows."
"Naturally. Everyone wants to hide their failures. Besides, if they were to act openly, they’d be guaranteed a one-way ticket home."
"And I’m the one who has to make sure that message gets through to them."
It might not be bullying, per se, but pride is a troublesome thing. I’d like to think there’s no hierarchy between our cultures, but I suppose that’s not how the world works.
"Well, nobles tend to have that tendency. They think that if they let themselves be looked down upon, it’s the end of the line," Seraria says, sounding displeased as she listens to Stasia’s report.
Surprisingly, Fiora agrees.
"Indeed. Even though I come from a small nation, I am a princess, and I’ve struggled with managing my subordinates. If you have the authority but lack the track record to back it up, you’re seen as nothing more than dead weight."
"I hear you. I had a hard time when I first helped form a unit with Marly and Hivia," Jessica adds with a wistful sigh.
Well, the If Continent generally leans toward male chauvinism. Even if it’s not as extreme as the Heiden region, the fact that our Magic Sword users are women keeps us in a precarious balance.
"Well, Arge-san will handle it well enough. The real problem is the Higher Division," Ratz says, looking troubled.
We managed to get Arge into the Primary Division, but we haven’t yet figured out how to place any Weed executives into the Higher Division.
"Um... if it’s alright, I could go?"
"Mikos-chan could probably manage it, too."
Shera and Mikos raise their hands. Both are primarily diplomats who handle other duties, but compared to the others, they certainly have more breathing room.
"Shera, I suppose that wouldn't change much for you. But Mikos, what about the magazine?" Kagura asks, tilting her head.
Mikos is the head of the department handling Weed’s publications. The idea of her being absent is... I look at her, and she just grins.
"Weed Publishing doesn't run solely on me, Yuki-sensei. As editor-in-chief, I can adjust my schedule. More importantly, we can slip our subordinates in, too. What do you think?"
I see. She’s the editor-in-chief, but she doesn't handle every single detail. That’s what final reviews are for. It might have been necessary when we first started, but that’s certainly not the case anymore. People grow. And more importantly, the idea of sending in her subordinates.
"How capable are those subordinates?"
"They can handle voice recorders and video logs. Of course, they’re well-trained in dealing with nobles. Or rather, that’s exactly why we’re going to use them to catch those failures in the act."
"Don't turn it into an article. Route it to me with top priority. If we mess this up, it could turn into an international incident."
"Understood. So, does that mean you’ve accepted Mikos-chan’s proposal?"
"Yeah, go ahead. Depending on the results, I might ask for your cooperation in similar internal investigations in the future."
"Does that mean Mikos-chan and the others are joining the Intelligence Division?"
"Hmm, the work is similar, but I think we’ll keep it on the milder side. Of course, we’ll need to coordinate with Kirika and her team."
Journalists playing spy is common, but it’s still different from the real deal.
"Mikos, there’s no point in talking about that now. We need to focus on the current situation. So, Yuki, Shera and Mikos will be conducting intelligence activities at the school, but what are the specifics?"
"Ask Ratz, Eris, and Aslin—who was a student there—to help you coordinate the details. For now, here’s the rough plan. Once the school situation is settled, we’ll move on to opening a route to the sea. But first, we have to see if we can get approval from the Alliance..."
On the surface, it’s for coastal development and surveying sea and water monsters. And, of course, investigating the small nations along the coast.
Behind the scenes, we’re hunting for the remnants of the dark guild that held a Core—the ones who ran off or split due to ideological differences. If we don’t, we’ll see a repeat of Suurus; given the distance, by the time we get word, those small nations will likely have already fallen.
"Regarding that coastal development, I don’t think there will be any issues with Rogari. They’re almost entirely dependent on other continents for seafood. Right?" Seraria asks, looking to Fiora for confirmation.
Fiora nods. "That is correct. While there are small lakes and rivers, they don't meet the needs of all of Rogari. And... river fish tend to be muddy and full of parasites."
As Fiora says, the downside of river fish is the muddy taste. Many people dislike it. And more importantly, because they are often riddled with parasites, eating them raw is strictly forbidden. Even when cooked, if the parasites survive, you’re in for a miserable time—that’s common knowledge in this world.
"Exactly. Unlike Yuki-san’s homeland of Japan, we rarely have clear rivers, and we don't have the technology to purge the mud from them."
"Ayu and rainbow trout were seriously delicious. Compared to that, the fish in Gartz are smelly. We’re importing from other continents, but it’s still too expensive for the general public," Rurua agrees with a wry smile.
Lowell nods along, mentioning the names of fish she’s enjoyed while pointing out the issues with general distribution... Wait.
"...Why is my sister here?"
Yes, for some reason, Lowell—the Shield Princess of Gartz and Shera’s sister—is sitting in on the meeting.
"Hm? I read the report and came to ask a few questions. Kirue and Sasari let me right in."
"I see. Well, it’s fine. Having read it, can I assume Gartz has no objections?"
"Yes. My father will give the official response, but Gartz welcomes the idea of having a unique—no, a shared—maritime gateway for the Rogari continent. The other continents have their own ports, after all."
Indeed, the If Continent, the Heiden region, and the Zuraburu region all possess major ports. Currently, they ship seafood to Rogari, which drives up the cost due to transport fees, making it expensive for the average citizen.
"And what about the other countries? Seraria, Rurua?"
Lowell turns her gaze toward them. The other countries, that is, the remaining major powers of the Rogari continent: Roschur, Litea, Rumel, and Last.