第１５９５堀：新種発見と伴う面倒 (Part2)
After all, when the elite—the very best minds of every nation—gather to render a judgment, there is little room to dispute their conclusion. Unless, of course, the name they settle on is something truly bizarre.
Furthermore, they aren't in the business of suppressing local nomenclature. Merchants have often told me how grateful they are that such an organization exists, capable of swiftly establishing a unified standard. After all, there are countless goods that go by different names depending on the region. They’ve even managed to standardize those. It is precisely because of that track record that they command such trust.
With the decision made that these monsters were indeed a new species, the next steps were clear.
"Right, then. All that’s left is the naming, the detailed documentation, and the analysis of their materials and meat," Yuki said.
"Yes! Leave it to us!"
"Leave it to me, Brother!"
"Mm-hmm, I’ll do my best too."
"Heh, this is our specialty, after all."
As Yuki spoke, he turned his gaze toward the craftsmen, who were beaming with excitement. Seeing them like that, I couldn't help but wonder if we looked just as strange to others. Though, surely, we aren't quite as eccentric as they are.
"For now, we start with the dissection. Who’s up for it? I’m completely lost when it comes to dismantling monsters..."
"I can extract materials with care, but when it comes to culinary ingredients like the meat, I’m at a loss," I admitted.
"Firia doesn't know either. Do you, Aslin?"
"No, I’m not sure about that, either. What about you, Milly?"
"I was an adventurer, so I can handle basic skinning, but I’m no expert. Besides, this is a monster we’ve never seen before. My experience with aquatic monsters is limited as it is."
It was true. Even for those working at the Adventurer’s Guild, not everyone is a master of skinning, and certainly, no one could be expected to perfectly dismantle a creature they were encountering for the very first time. Just as I was wondering who would step up to the task...
"In that case, I shall take the lead."
I turned at the sound of the voice to find the Grand Master standing there. To the casual observer, he looked like an ordinary old man, but this was a monster of a man capable of trading blows evenly with Deryu. I’ve had the pleasure of being trained by him, and I still haven't managed to land a single victory.
Setting that aside, he was the highest authority in the Adventurer’s Guild; it shouldn't be a surprise that he knew his way around a carcass.
"Um, Grand Master, you can perform dissections?"
"Well, I wouldn't call myself a master, but I have the experience."
"Experience in combat and dissection alike?"
"Indeed. I never thought I’d see these creatures again, though. I assumed I was one of the very few adventurers who would ever dare to tread into those waters. Ho ho ho."
He chuckled, but I knew that he was likely the only one capable of felling such beasts.
"I see. That explains why there were no records of them."
"Precisely. I was the only one who had discovered them, and I never expected to encounter them again. Besides, I haven't the faintest clue what to do with the materials."
Fair enough. He could kill them, but that was the extent of it. The Grand Master was a skilled adventurer, not a craftsman who knew how to turn raw materials into goods.
"But enough about me. Milly, would you be so kind as to call for the younger dissection staff from the guild? I assume you’re planning to increase their numbers, yes?"
"Yes, of course."
Milly stepped away to carry out the order. It made sense; if we were going to be operating at sea, the frequency of bringing in aquatic monsters would only increase. Relying solely on the old guard to handle the butchery wouldn't be sustainable.
As I pondered this, Milly quickly gathered the necessary personnel.
"Very well. Are the recorders ready? Let the dissection begin."
And so, under the guidance of the Grand Master, the dissection of the new species commenced. It really is a monumental task, determining what constitutes a new species. I wonder, though—how does the organization that compiles all this data actually make that call?