第１６９５堀：最適な彼女 (Part1)
### Chapter 1695: The Optimal Candidate
**Side: Vilia**
I am busy once again, working away in the warship’s office.
"The number of monsters Aslin is training is... and regarding the deployment..."
I have been entrusted with the logistics of reinforcing the monster navy, as well as drafting defense strategies. My task is to finalize these plans and submit them to Dressa for approval. Of course, Dressa is capable of doing this herself, but her primary duty is to oversee fleet operations.
Our area of activity has expanded significantly—from the waters of Rogari’s Roschur to the coastline of Litea, the sea route from Seacypho in the Haiden region to Aurelia Port in the Zrable region, and even the waters of the Ioa continent. It is a massive undertaking. The three Luna-class aircraft carriers currently in Weed are already deployed across these regions; we have no breathing room. With little more than escort ships at our disposal, managing these operations is incredibly difficult. I participate in the meetings regarding this, so I am, for the most part, quite busy.
Naturally, Hiiro is in the same boat, but...
"Ukyuu~"
She is slumped over her desk, emitting such sounds.
"Honestly, Hiiro. You were away on a school visit, so it is only natural that your work has piled up. I haven't assigned you any new tasks, so just finish what you have."
"Boo, but I already submitted the report from the school visit."
"That is expected. Aside from that, you have your duties with the navy, don't you? Come now, manage your equipment properly. It would be a disaster if you didn't have a grasp on our assets when the time comes. Dressa and I will be checking, and if there are any errors, you will be lectured."
"Nugugu..."
She seems to understand the gravity of being responsible for equipment, as she finally resumes her work. Honestly, Brother and Dressa are far too lenient with her. Is it because my own discipline has been too soft that she’s turned out this way? I’ve been with Hiiro the longest, after all. Should I be stricter?
No, she is treated as an adult, not a child, so this is only natural. Regardless of her youthful appearance, the work she is given is that of an adult—and considering her salary, she is paid far more than the average person. If she does not adjust her attitude accordingly, it will reflect poorly on everyone else, regardless of what Brother or the others think. I was just renewing my resolve to discipline her properly when...
*“Colonel Vilia, please report to the conference room. Captain Dressa is requesting your presence.”*
The ship’s intercom announced.
"There, Vili-onee, Dressa-onee is calling, so you have to go."
"I am working properly, Hiiro. I will check on your progress later."
I gave her a stern look before heading to the conference room where Dressa was waiting. And there, I found...
"Yo, Vilia. Sorry to interrupt your busy schedule."
"Brother."
For some reason, Brother was there. I turned my gaze to Dressa, wondering what this was about.
"Yuki wanted to consult with you, Vilia."
"Consult with me?"
As I tilted my head, wondering what he could possibly need to consult me about at this late hour, Brother began his explanation. He spoke of rumors gathering in Weed, centered around the Maid Guild, regarding a series of kidnappings. He suspects these are cases of summoning and has come to discuss countermeasures.
"In other words, you want Vilia to help with the investigation?"
"Exactly. I’ve asked Holy as well, but I’m not sure if we can count on her cooperation, and I want to ensure we have our own forces ready. Of course, I’ll be going as a Doppel, but I expect to be tied up on the other side. That’s why I can’t move Seraria or the other diplomatic members."
"I see. If Weed’s key executives and diplomatic channels were to grind to a halt, it would be catastrophic."
I understood why Brother had reached out to me. I am the most convenient choice. An ordinary person might be offended at being called "convenient," thinking it implies they are idle, but coming from Brother, it means something else entirely. It means I am the only one he can entrust with this.
"That’s true. I considered Hiiro, but you’ll need to make political decisions alongside Holy over there. Hiiro isn't incapable, but Vilia is the only choice here. I wish I could go myself, but..."
"Dressa, that’s impossible. If I could, I would have gone myself, but I was told in no uncertain terms that even as a Doppel, it was out of the question."
"Naturally."
"Indeed."
As if we would allow Brother to be kidnapped twice! If such a thing were to happen, I would go myself. No, I am certain the other sisters feel the same way.
"I know. Besides, I have the management of Glass Port Town to handle, and I need to compile the results of the school visits."
"“Glass Port Town?”"
Dressa and I tilted our heads in unison at the unfamiliar name.
"Ah, I came to tell you about that, too. The port town currently being managed by Sisia and Sona, with defense handled by you, Dressa, and Hiiro—the name has finally been decided. It’s called Glass."
"Oh, so you finally decided."
"I think it’s a wonderful name."
There is no doubt that a name Brother has pondered deeply is the correct one.
"Mikos has compiled the details in an article, so look forward to that."
"I see, so you’re trying to get us to buy the magazine."
"Something like that. Anyway, port name aside, I need your cooperation, Vilia..."
"That goes without saying. Provided Dressa approves."
There is no way I would begrudge Brother my cooperation. However, I have been given a role by Dressa, so I cannot simply walk away without permission.
"What do you think, Dressa?"
"You ask me that? Vilia has been studying fleet operations and is capable of command. Honestly, losing her is a heavy blow. It means one of our three sea regions will be left without its primary supervisor."
That is true. We executives, including Hiiro, hold command rights over the waters currently protected by Weed. I am specifically in charge of the region from Seacypho to Aurelia Port. Hiiro handles the Ioa region, and Dressa manages the route from Roschur to Litea. Of course, it is not as if we lack substitutes; we have built the organization so that it does not collapse just because I am absent.
"Still, I understand it is necessary. If we leave this alone, the summoners might kidnap other influential people, and we cannot rule out the possibility of them invading those locations. I learned from the Dark Guild incident that if we fall behind, the response becomes much more difficult. That is likely why Seraria and the others gave their permission."
"I suppose so."
Seraria-onee would never grant permission for something trivial, and more importantly, she would never hand over command rights to Yuki-san unless it were absolutely necessary. They must realize that this is a situation that cannot be ignored.