第１７３５堀：駄目なら合法で行くだけ (Part2)
"We shall report to the nations only after the fact. As for the monster... well, if the situation is dire enough to warrant the headquarters' involvement in that region, a great serpent capable of devouring an ogre—or perhaps a massive, quadrupedal salamander—would be most appropriate, wouldn't you agree?"
The way he phrased that...
"Are you suggesting we prepare such a thing?"
"Good heavens, no. I am merely talking to myself. I simply have a hunch that something of that nature might be lurking there."
So, he isn't making a formal request here. Or rather, I suppose that makes sense. Neither of us truly knows what lies within the forest; this is nothing more than a speculative conversation.
"I see. And in doing so, you intend to 'discover' something in the depths of the forest as well."
"Well, the Adventurers Guild has a duty to investigate the cause of such a powerful monster's emergence. It is highly likely that the area serves as its nest."
"Is that so? Oh, my..."
"Ho, ho..."
With this, finding something in the depths of the forest will no longer be a problem. While there is a risk of the nations interfering, the appearance of a powerful monster mandates a report to every kingdom, and we are obligated to share the results of our investigation. After all, information regarding such threats is a necessity for every state.
"Ah, and one more thing. I plan to drop by the Merchants Guild shortly to confirm a few details."
"The Merchants Guild?"
As I tilted my head, wondering if there was any connection, the Grand Master continued.
"Indeed. If a powerful monster has appeared, it would hardly be surprising if the merchants in that vicinity have suffered damages. Surely, the probability of zero incidents is nonexistent."
"Is that how it is? And what of my involvement?"
"You need not worry about that. After all, we are merely discussing whether or not damages have occurred."
How ruthless. Merchants being attacked on the road is a common occurrence everywhere but in Weed. Bandits, thieves, and monster attacks happen constantly. In such a remote frontier, it is even more frequent. In essence, this is merely a pretext for the Adventurers Guild to mobilize.
The Merchants Guild will simply be stating facts, but if that leads to improved security, it is a win-win. If the Adventurers Guild is willing to act on its own without us having to pay a cent, they would surely be happy to cooperate.
"...I shall have Ratz put in a word as well."
"Oh, that would be most appreciated. I am certain Lady Ratz will handle it with grace."
The Merchants Guild, while perhaps not as powerful as the Adventurers Guild, holds significant influence through its connections with the merchant houses of every nation. Because of this, even the kingdoms cannot easily interfere. Moreover, if asked, "Have there been damages from monsters?" rather than "Have there been damages from a *powerful* monster?" they will naturally answer in the affirmative. The Merchants Guild will simply be answering the questions put to them.
Furthermore, having Ratz intervene is perfect. She is the former representative and current vice-representative who managed Weed's commercial district. The supplies brought from Weed enrich the Merchants Guild in more ways than one, and that leverage makes her endorsement absolute. Yes, no matter how much the Kingdom of Usano or the Kingdom of Aeh might clamor, the Merchants Guild will stand on our side, and public opinion will remain untroubled.
"The issue, however, is our fighting force... Do you have adventurers capable of handling this?"
The Adventurers Guild certainly has talented individuals. However, once an adventurer gains enough skill and notoriety, it is common for them to be recruited by a nation. The guild collects a transfer fee, and the kingdom gains a powerful asset with minimal effort. Consequently, there are not many truly powerful individuals who remain registered solely with the Adventurers Guild. Not that they don't exist, of course.
"That is true, though they are not entirely absent."
"Well, I suppose that is to be expected. But a massive salamander is not something one can defeat easily, is it?"
Indeed, the premise requires us to deal with the "salamander"—the fire-breathing giant lizard that Weed will secretly provide. Without the strength to handle it, the plan is meaningless.
"If I recall correctly, there is an excellent adventurer named Snow in that region. If we make her the centerpiece, and I believe she has some acquaintances in the field as well...?"
"...Ah, I see. With them, there should be no issues."
Deploying the Holy Sword users, then. That gives us a plausible excuse, and I have no concerns regarding their prowess. Most importantly, it resolves any issues regarding information leaks. After all, they are on our side.
"With that settled, Her Majesty Seraria should proceed as planned and announce the completion of Glass Port Town. I, too, would like to participate."
He truly is a slippery one. Remember: if you are told "no," you must find another legal path. Illegal acts only bring trouble. There are many ways to skin a cat, as they say—or, as we might put it, one must be clever with both tongue and hand.