第１６５２堀：護衛選出会議 (Part1)
**Chapter 1652: The Escort Selection Meeting**
**Side: Ratz**
Just when I thought things had finally begun to settle down...
"So, Yuki-san is going to visit the academies in Zurabul and Rogari?"
Upon hearing the news, everyone—the wives, the staff, and myself included—let out a collective, heavy sigh.
The Dark Guild’s activities had only just begun to subside. The initial phase of the port town’s development was finally complete, and we were right at the stage of figuring out how to populate it. And now, a new task had been dropped onto our laps.
"Well, the reasoning makes sense, I suppose. If anything, it just makes me resent the Dark Guild even more," Eris remarked.
"Quite right," Samantha agreed.
As they said, if it hadn't been for the Dark Guild incident that started in Suurus, this likely would have been a simple, routine visit. It felt like what Yuki-san often calls "perfectly timed harassment."
"...So, Yuki is going, but the question is who can actually go with him as an escort," Cleena murmured, bringing us to the heart of the matter.
Indeed, Yuki-san’s visit was unavoidable. However, sending him off alone was out of the question. While the host nations would undoubtedly provide their own guards, it was unthinkable for Weed not to send its own contingent. Moreover, the request for him to visit stemmed from their lack of trust in Weed; since the use of force had been sanctioned, the potential for danger was significant.
As I was pondering this...
"Me! I'll go! I'll be Yuki-san's escort!" Milly shouted, raising her hand with far too much energy.
Everyone turned to look at her with expressions that clearly said, *What are you talking about?* Amidst the silence, Aslin tilted her head and asked a very blunt, innocent question.
"Um, Milly-onee-chan, is the Adventurer Guild okay with that? I heard there’s a lot of trouble regarding the establishment of the branch in the port town?"
That direct hit struck Milly right where it hurt.
"Uh... well..."
Milly couldn't find an answer and simply averted her gaze. In other words, she had raised her hand without a plan, knowing full well it was impossible. Of course, if Yuki-san specifically asked her to come, the Adventurer Guild wouldn't say no, but...
"Milly, I understand how you feel, but you’re busy supporting Kina right now. You’ll have to endure this one," Seraria said, causing Milly to slump her shoulders in defeat.
Well, if I were in a position to do so, I would gladly accompany Yuki-san myself.
"However, that means I cannot go either," Deryu interjected. "I must see to the matters at the police station."
"I have the hospital to attend to," Rurua added.
"Eris and I have the management of the International Exchange School and the resort, so we’re out as well," I stated.
None of us could leave our current posts. Especially with the port town and the school currently under development, it was simply out of the question.
"True, we can't push ourselves too hard. That leaves the diplomats or the military..." Seraria mused.
"Speaking as the representative for the diplomats, it will be difficult for us as well due to the International Exchange School," Samantha said, and the other members nodded in agreement.
Between the If Continent and the Haiden region, maintaining the direct lines to Weed through the wives was a priority we couldn't abandon.
"The military is also tied up with organizing the units to be sent to the port town," one of the officers noted.
"The navy can't spare anyone either; we're busy with sea surveys and patrols."
So, even the military was immobilized?
"Wait a moment," I interrupted. "Surely not *everyone* is required for those organizational tasks?"
"You're right, Ratz," Seraria answered. "But the military needs personnel who can respond immediately. Selecting the units for the port town and training new recruits... it’s a heavy workload, even for multiple people."
"Ah, I see. My apologies."
Seraria’s explanation satisfied everyone. I had momentarily forgotten the basics. The military exists to fight, and while organization is necessary, their primary duty cannot be neglected.
"In that case, who *is* actually free?"
"That’s the problem. No one is truly 'free,' so we’ll have to squeeze someone out from somewhere..."
"Hmm, at this point, wouldn't it be better to just send one person from each department?" Riel suggested. "After all, these are the children who will eventually come to the school in Weed, right? I think it would be good for us to see them for ourselves."
"True enough," several voices agreed.
Riel’s point was spot on. Since they were coming here anyway, it would be beneficial to show our faces and make our presence known rather than just providing a simple escort.
"Hmm. That makes sense," Seraria conceded. "Still, I’d hate for things to fall apart in their absence... but as for the military... we can make it work."
"The navy will be in trouble if you take anyone," a voice warned.
"I won't take anyone from departments that truly can't spare them. Let's see... in this case, the candidates would be Jessica or Stacia?"
"If Seraria or Fiora leave, the diplomatic windows for the kingdoms and smaller nations will become a headache," another pointed out. "Though we also serve as diplomatic contacts... perhaps Stacia would be better?"
"Hmm, I think Findar also needs quick communication... As for me, Jessica, would I be acceptable?"
"I have no problem with that," Jessica replied. "I’ve been Yuki’s escort for a long time. It’s only fair to let Stacia have a turn."
Ah, when she put it that way, it made sense. The hierarchy of Yuki-san’s escorts generally went Ria, Jessica, Cleena, and then Stacia. Lately, Cleena had been buried in diplomacy and research, while Ria was busy looking after Canaria. If anyone were to go, it would indeed be Jessica or Stacia.
"Alright, so Stacia will represent the military. Who shall we send from the civil administration?"
"Well," Riel pondered, "I think either myself, Tori, or someone from Kaya’s side could go. We aren't exactly the top of the police force, and our current work is mainly maintaining public order around the International Exchange School."
"...I’ll decline," Kaya said. "The escort duty is tempting, but I have to manage the fields and think about the agricultural setup for the port town."
"Then it’s between me and Tori... Hmm, let’s have Tori be Yuki-san’s escort."
"Eh? Why me?" Tori asked, surprised.
"I’m always causing trouble, and the assignment involves students, right? I think you’re better suited for that than I am," Riel explained.
I see. Between Riel and Tori, Tori certainly had more of a "teacher" vibe, whereas Riel felt more like a friend to the students. It was a sound judgment.
"How about it, Tori? Riel has recommended you," Seraria asked.
"Um, yes. That’s fine. I’m a little worried about Riel, but Deryu-sama will be here, and Kaya too."
"Wait, wait," Deryu barked. "I am going to be incredibly busy with the police matters in the port town. Pass that work off to Poni!"