第１７３５堀：駄目なら合法で行くだけ (Part1)
Chapter 1735: If It Doesn't Work, Just Go Legal
Side: Seraria
I was taken aback when Milly suddenly informed me that the Grand Master was requesting an audience. However, once I heard the details, I realized the situation had become quite troublesome, so I agreed to meet him immediately. The proposal he presented, however, caught me completely off guard.
"So, you're saying the Adventurer Guild, led by you, the Grand Master, intends to force an investigation of the forest?"
"That would be the safest route, wouldn't it? Presenting evidence or seeking official state permission would be a bureaucratic nightmare. We’ll frame it as a 'forced investigation'—or rather, a scenario where we’ve dispatched a subjugation unit because a powerful monster was spotted."
"I see."
So, they intend to manufacture a situation where the sudden appearance of a powerful monster necessitates an immediate response.
"But why go this far, specifically this time?"
Indeed, I am grateful for the Adventurer Guild's cooperation. But in all my memory, I cannot recall a single instance where the Guild has acted so proactively—if one could even call it that. If anything, the Adventurer Guild is known for reacting only after an incident has already occurred. It would be accurate to say they don't move unless a request is filed.
Well, one could argue that politicians are much the same. Even so, the Adventurer Guild is a private organization, not a governing body. It’s not just this one time that they’ve been shackled by the circumstances of various nations. That is why I wonder: why now?
"If things go poorly, the Adventurer Guild’s standing could be compromised, you know?"
"If things go poorly, yes. That is precisely why I am here speaking with you, Your Majesty Seraria. Weed is already stretched to its limit, isn't it? And yet, neither Roschur nor Gartz can simply force their way in. Am I wrong?"
"You are correct. I have spoken with my father and the King of Gartz, but without definitive proof, we cannot force the issue."
I understand the logic. We haven't done anything wrong. It is unreasonable to demand an investigation without evidence. On the other hand, we cannot simply sneak in and expose the fact that summonings are taking place. We are the ones committing illegal acts, and if that were to come to light, our credibility would be ruined. While it is a fact that we discovered the New Continent, I understand the complications that would arise if that were used as a pretext for forced investigations in other countries.
"The tragedy and the problem here is that those countries refused to cooperate with the investigation. It is hardly Weed’s fault."
The Grand Master says this as if to comfort me. It is true that, if we are looking for the root of the problem, it lies with those countries.
"Perhaps it is time we stop referring to them as 'countries.' This matter, if handled poorly, could lead to a great war. There is no need for such consideration."
"..."
That is something we can only say because we know a portion of the truth hidden behind the scenes. Many nations still believe this peace will last indefinitely.
"The Usano Kingdom on the Roschur side, and the Ae Kingdom on the Gartz side, across the Forest of Monsters. There is no doubt they are hiding something. Has the information from Milly reached you?"
"Yes. It’s not just that they were blatantly pressuring the Adventurer Guild; the central figures living in that remote village are people who lost in power struggles."
It makes the situation even more convoluted, and it explains why those two countries are being so uncooperative. After all, these are the losers of a conflict against the current royal families. They must be terrified that if their existence is discovered by other nations, it will cause all sorts of problems. Above all, the way they are being treated is appalling. Being held hostage and shoved into a place like that—it’s only natural they would harbor resentment. If the truth came out, they would flee, and at worst, they could declare the establishment of a government-in-exile in another country. The Intercontinental Exchange Alliance would find it difficult to intervene then. The other side likely realizes this, which is why they are warning everyone to keep their hands off.
"Indeed. Given that political background, the Adventurer Guild has refrained from intervening, as doing so would be seen as meddling in national politics. Of course, we have been gathering information like this to prevent any unforeseen accidents."
"I understand the situation, but my husband has already gone to the summoning destination and concluded discussions. There is no need to worry on that front, but do you still intend to force the investigation?"
Yes, while it is troublesome, if we can ensure the safety of the remote village and resolve the troubles with the Ae Kingdom, there is no need to intervene in the Usano or Ae Kingdoms. Currently, neither Roschur nor Gartz can force an investigation because it would be problematic to wield such power to threaten their subordinate nations over this incident. If they truly believed the situation was dire, they could have used their standing as great powers to conduct an investigation under the guise of protection. The fact that they haven't suggests they believe the disadvantages outweigh the benefits. Specifically, if it were perceived that great powers were bullying smaller ones, it would cause problems for their governance in the future. It would be different if they had evidence, but to move without it would inevitably be seen as making false accusations to crush smaller nations. Well, the investigation is meant to find that evidence, so it is a contradiction, I suppose.
The Adventurer Guild conducting an investigation is a possibility, but that could also be interpreted as the Guild acting against the state. That could jeopardize the Guild's position. It is a much larger problem than the great powers bullying smaller ones. The Adventurer Guild is fundamentally non-interventionist in politics, let alone war. To meddle in such affairs would imply that the Guild does not listen to the nations, and in the worst case, it could be seen as aiding in the overthrow of a state. That would lead to more countries becoming wary of the Adventurer Guild, and I shudder to think what kind of situation that would trigger... Surely, he must realize this.
"I understand Your Majesty Seraria's concerns, but in this specific instance, I do not believe that will be the case."
"May I ask why?"
"Because once the investigation is conducted, it will become clear that a kidnapping and summoning incident is occurring in that village. That will prove our investigation was justified. And in the process, we can inform the villagers of their status—or rather, learn of it ourselves—and then openly facilitate their escape, or perhaps, their relocation."
"I see, that is true. The problem is that we cannot gather evidence. However, what reason will the Adventurer Guild give for investigating the remote village?"
"Oh, no, not the village—the Forest of Monsters. We will claim that a powerful monster has been confirmed, and that the Guild headquarters is moving to address it."
The appearance of a powerful monster. In that case, the Adventurer Guild can indeed move.
However, I wonder... will the Usano Kingdom simply sit by and accept that?