第１６９８堀： 部下の仕事の確認と配置 (Part1)
Side: Horvis
We returned to the office after informing Seraria and Shera that the port town's name had been decided as Glass, and about the kidnapping incident, and now we'll discuss our future plans. While Seraria and Shera have a certain degree of discretion as acting lords, we are Yuki's direct subordinates. We need to thoroughly discuss what comes next.
"Well, regarding our assignments, Yuyui will continue instructing the fishermen brought from Aurelia Port and general volunteers on ship operation."
"Yes."
Yuyui needs to do that, doesn't she? Otherwise, Glass Port Town would be a port town unable to harvest seafood.
"Aurelia and Horvis will support Yuyui. Our regular duties will become busier with Yuyui's absence, and we also have to gather information on the Dark Guild. Plus, we'll be assisting Yuyui with port-related matters."
"Yes."
That can't be helped, can it? Since Yuyui will be seconded to Glass Port Town, it's certain that we'll have to work harder on office duties to compensate. Fortunately, perhaps, information gathering on the Dark Guild has calmed down for now, mainly focusing on tracking down the escapees. Oh, come to think of it, was this summoning-kidnapping incident also nominally a Dark Guild case? Yes, it's certainly going to be busy.
"Prof will handle communication with the Information and Resident Affairs departments, and support Aurelia and the others."
"Yes. And also, Yuki's attendant."
"Ah, well, yes. And Fiora, please continue with diplomatic matters."
"Leave it to me."
"And what about Nina?"
Yuki said, and all eyes turned to Nina.
"What do you mean, 'what about me'? Am I not continuing the Dark Guild investigation?"
"Well, yes. However, the summoning-kidnapping incident is also nominally related to the Dark Guild."
"Ah, so you want me to go to the scene, investigate, and face danger."
"No, there shouldn't be a problem in terms of combat strength. I wouldn't say you're free, but Vilia is going too. It's better to have more targets."
Indeed, Nina is more than capable as a combatant. One might even say she's better than Light, wouldn't you agree?
"I understand what you're saying. But why now? There was no need to send Light first. Or rather, was that the aim?"
"Not so much an aim. I just thought it was about time Light experienced some change."
Ah, so Yuki deliberately approached Light. Looking back, it would have been possible to mobilize all the Holy Sword Users; there was no need for it to be Light. Well, I understand that Light was the most suitable in principle. After all, it's a good opportunity to clarify Light's position. Having her stew in her own thoughts is a source of anxiety for us, and normally, the perpetrator who caused such a catastrophe would be justly executed. No matter the circumstances that led to it. Yet, Yuki has put her on hold. While it might be out of consideration for the feelings of the goddesses connected to Weed, the danger remains unchanged. That's why he's testing her. If she accomplishes this, she can remain in Weed. Of course, as Yuki said, it will also be a change for Light. Whether it's early or late depends on the individual, but I believe it's good timing. Whether Nina knows this or not...
"...Well, if Yuki makes that judgment, I have no particular complaints. But I will prioritize my own judgment. Is that acceptable?"
"Yes, I don't mind."
That reply implies that Light's fate rests on Nina's judgment, but naturally, no one here reacts to that.
"Next are Ria, Jessica, Samantha, and Cleena. These four generally have their own duties and aren't here right now, but I'll mention them anyway."
As Yuki said, Ria and the others have desks, but lately, they've been so busy with their own work that they're rarely in this office. Ria and Jessica were here until recently, but...
"Ria is still assisting Canalia. It's a business in the port town, and with seafood finally coming in, there will be more research. Of course, she can be called back in an emergency, but there's no reason to force it. Canalia's stability is important."
"Speaking of which, when is Canalia's bento shop expected to be finished? Ria can't stay with her forever, can she?"
Yuyui is right.
Ria was originally Yuki's exclusive guard. There was also the possibility of Canalia being targeted by the Dark Guild, and using that, there's also atonement as Weed. Moreover, I've heard that Canalia's circumstances are similar to Ria's, which is why Ria is with her, but it feels like it's nearing its end.
"Indeed, she can't stay there forever. However, I want her to remain until Canalia's bento shop is established in the port town. That place is a good base in itself."
"Indeed, it's a source of information for the port town, distinct from Seraria and Shera. Even if Canalia stops, I've heard Kirika's subordinates will continue to operate it, but the freshness of information is different when one of the wives is involved."
"That's right. The port town is an important location now. We want to gather information directly to see if there are any strange movements, so I'm not thinking of moving Ria immediately."
That made me realize something.
"So, our opening a shop also serves as a means for Yuki to gather information, doesn't it?"
"Yes, it has the meaning of gathering information for Seraria, Shera, the port town, and for us."
"Information cannot be understood without a multifaceted perspective. We cannot unilaterally accept only one person's opinion."
Fiora said that, and we nodded. Lately, we've been doing this kind of information gathering, so we understand that it's dangerous to judge matters based on only one side's opinion. We want a lot of information to avoid bias, but highly accurate information isn't easily obtained, which is precisely why we have our shops, isn't it?
"Well, we'll talk about the shops later. Next is Jessica, who's been extremely busy with the recent military buildup."
"To be honest, I'd like to help, but dealing with small nations is difficult, so the current situation is that I've left it to Jessica."
"And Jessica also has to mediate with the Zilba Empire. She's truly swamped."