第１７３１堀：戻ってきたら忙しそう (Part2)
"Come to think of it, we were forcing this investigation, weren't we?"
"It would be a headache if the victim turned up dead, wouldn't it?"
The nation in question is currently refusing to allow any entry for investigation. If a villager were to die there, it’s all too easy to imagine them seizing the opportunity to gloat and point fingers.
Well, I didn't think the chances of them being alive were high to begin with, but if they are, I’d certainly prefer to secure them while they’re still breathing.
"Well, that part depends on the diplomacy of Seraria and Shera. The survival of that remote village is also becoming an issue; how is that situation progressing?"
"For now, Nina and the merchant are staying behind to discuss the future. The defense unit and the preparations for evacuation are ready. It’s just a matter of how the villagers decide to proceed. Besides, there was talk that the forest there might hold some secret, and since we have an investigation to conduct, it’s not as if we can just pull out immediately."
"Come to think of it, there was also talk that because both countries are moving so sluggishly, Kirika has begun sending in intelligence agents to uncover what’s actually there. So, for the time being, the priority is to maintain the status quo as long as neither country makes a move on the village, correct?"
"We don't have any concrete proof of anything, after all."
If they were moving troops openly, we wouldn't have a reason to help the villagers, and persuasion would be difficult. That’s why, for now, we can only focus on preparations. Besides, if we can uncover what it is that both countries are hiding, we might find a way to conduct this investigation legally. Waiting is the right move.
"In that case, Kagura and Enora, please proceed to the Oue Kingdom as planned. As for your duties, Kagura, you are to investigate the summoning arts, and Enora, you are to join the military as a medical officer."
"Um, I get me investigating the summoning arts, but what’s this about Enora joining the military?"
"I mentioned earlier that Yuki is scheduled to head to the northern coalition for talks, but that doesn't mean the fighting has stopped. While the northern countries aren't exactly launching an all-out offensive, that doesn't mean there aren't any casualties."
"I see, so you want me to tag along as a medic. But wasn't Rurua supposed to be there too?"
As Enora pointed out, Rurua—one of the finest healers among us—is already slated to accompany the group to the Oue Kingdom. That leaves the question of why Enora needs to go. Well, I suppose if someone says there aren't enough hands, that’s that.
"Rurua is to remain at the royal castle to attend to the Queen and treat other patients."
"Excuse me? Why?"
"Isn't that dangerous?"
Exactly. As Enora says, while Rurua is strong, the other side doesn't know that. If they only see her as a highly skilled healer, they might try to seize her for themselves. Well, they’d be blown away in retaliation, so it’s dangerous in a different sense, I suppose.
"Holly and Vilia will serve as her escorts. As for Enora, since she is a beastman, she is better suited for the front lines of the battlefield."
"Ah, right, it’s a multi-racial nation. So Enora is the better choice."
"Yes. While it’s said that humans live there too, they surely aren't without their guard in this situation. I judged that Enora would be the better choice to minimize any potential friction."
"True, if Rurua were viewed with suspicion, there’d be no hope for treatment or anything else. But why specify the Queen? Is she injured?"
"Ah, no, it seems she is pregnant. The Oue King and Princess Suena saw the healing capabilities of Rurua and Yuki and insisted on it."
"So the lives of both mother and child are at stake. Still, I imagine their personal physicians won't be too happy about that."
"That is something we must leave to them to handle. Yuki did say that if they try to cause her any harm, she should pull out immediately, of course."
Naturally. The fact that we haven't been attacked yet is an act of mercy on our part, to begin with.
"With that settled, once Stasia has finished her preparations, please head out together. We plan to begin our march with Yuki shortly."
And just like that, no sooner had we returned than we were off to another land. I’m sure many of you have experienced it, haven't you? You come back, only to find everyone busy, and the next job already beginning. That’s just how the world works.