第１６９１堀：許可を取りに行きましょう (Part2)
"Well, in this world, there are no absolutes. That said, after all we’ve done, the odds of us failing to track them are slim. By selecting Holy, we also increase the survival rate. Even if she goes berserk with rage, I should still be able to pinpoint her location."
"..."
I see. Yuki has already factored in the possibility of Holy turning hostile.
And he’s perfectly fine with that.
Well, it’s as ruthless—or perhaps as pragmatic—as ever.
I almost feel sorry for his enemies.
Still, it’s a necessary capability when managing a nation or an organization.
Not that Yuki isn't soft-hearted, of course.
He isn't forcing any of us to go, after all.
"So, is it alright if I ask Holy for her cooperation?"
"Ah, come to think of it, you haven't spoken to Holy yet, have you? Honestly, I’ve heard about her current life, and I can’t help but feel a bit hesitant."
"I agree. There’s no real reason to send her to what might become a battlefield."
Indeed, as Seraria and Quar noted, the Demon Lord Holy now lives a quiet life in Weed, working as a helper at the school and the church.
She’s there under the guise of observing Weed’s inner workings.
Yuki and Taiki had brought her into the fold—or rather, invited her to Weed—using methods that bordered on the absurd.
Or perhaps "absurd" is too light a word; it was backed by overwhelming force.
It was essentially a choice between death or submission.
Still, her life in Weed has been peaceful. I’ve met her myself, and she interacts with the children quite naturally.
Given her background, she certainly has room for sympathy, and I understand the reluctance to send her into a death trap.
"No, I’m just going to consult with her. She’s just the top candidate; I’m sending others from Zargis’s lab and the military as well. We don’t know who might get snatched, so we have to cast a wide net."
"By Zargis’s people, you mean the researchers?"
"Naturally. I plan to send them in to investigate the specifics of the teleportation magic. They might uncover something useful there."
"And why the military?"
"Because we need combat power, and they’ll be able to grasp the political situation on the other side before acting. Do you really think a soldier would just nod and say, 'Please, save me'? Especially a soldier from Weed?"
"I see. You’re right; they wouldn't just accept such a request blindly. You’d have to brief them beforehand."
True.
There’s no reason for them to heed the requests of the scum who kidnapped them.
"Besides, it requires the judgment to balance things out. Even if they don't want to follow orders, if they push back too blatantly, the people who summoned them might see them as enemies and attack, fearing they’ve become a liability."
"...True. Though it’s shameless beyond words."
Seraria agrees with Yuki’s logic, but her expression is one of utter distaste.
The idea of victims of summoning being used as pawns is a stain on everyone living on this planet.
It’s despicable—summoning people because you’re too incompetent to solve your own problems, only to discard or harm them when they prove 'useless.'
"But if you’re pulling from the military, who do you have in mind?"
"That’s what I came to ask. Do you have any candidates who could handle this? I know I already pulled Sisua and Sona, but this situation is too critical to ignore. Zargis has already given his approval."
"...I’d rather not reduce our numbers, but I suppose I have no choice..."
"Think of it as experience for the future. They’ll be like field commanders. They’ll have to handle negotiations with the locals, too."
"Are you not sending anyone from the monster army?"
"The ones being summoned are likely human. The ones who have gone missing so far are human, too. It’s not impossible for a monster to be summoned, but since the goal is to find the kidnapped people, it’s better to send their own kind."
That makes perfect sense.
The people who were kidnapped have no idea that Weed’s monster units are out there searching for them.
"Ah, I see. It’s not like Holy needs to be the one to do it, but the job needs to be done regardless, so there’s no point in avoiding it. If anything, it’ll be a relief if she participates."
"Exactly."
"...Understood. I can’t say if Holy will be convinced, but you have my permission to speak with her. I’m certainly worried, though. Labyris, please go with him to observe—or rather, to keep an eye on her emotional state."
"Understood."
And so, I found myself heading toward Holy alongside Yuki.
Permission is important.
Especially when operating within an organization.
It ensures you have the proper support, after all.
Though, being an organization can sometimes make things move a bit slower.