第１７５７堀：森の道中は危険 (Part2)
Monsters are curious creatures; it is common for their dominant attributes to shift based on their environment, and just as common for the species itself to adapt to the land they inhabit. Hearing reports of unique specimens emerging is nothing new.
"Especially since we know nothing of the Oue region, we are in no position to judge what is normal and what is anomalous. We seek information to bridge that gap. For all we know, things we deem insignificant might be triggering massive shifts on the Oue side."
"I see, that is a fair point. Since you have been cooperating with us, I would be more than happy to assist, but given what you’ve told me, I believe it would be best to clear this with the King as well."
"Yes, that would certainly help avoid any complications down the line."
Indeed, even if Tsunai were to grant permission on his own, his superiors might take issue with it later. It would be far less troublesome to obtain authorization from the highest authority in Oue from the very start.
"By the way, there was something I wanted to ask."
"Yes? What is it?"
"It concerns the matter of the monsters migrating northward."
"What exactly would you like to know about that?"
"All I’ve heard is that monsters are moving north and that a Demon Lord exists. Aside from rumors, do you, Tsunai, have any personal insight into this?"
Ah, that’s right. When it comes to the reason for the northward migration, I’ve heard nothing more than ridiculous rumors, reports of damage to the southern towns, and the increasing threat posed by the monsters within this forest. In truth, I haven't had the luxury of time to investigate further.
"Well... before I answer, let me clarify that this is my personal opinion, not an official statement from the nation."
"I understand. We have already received official information from the King of Oue, so that is fine. I suppose there are things that cannot be shared until they are confirmed."
As Yuki-sama says, anything the King of Oue tells us is treated as an official stance. He cannot afford to pass on unverified information, which is likely why our previous discussions were so guarded. That being said, it would not be strange for those on the front lines to have gathered a fair amount of intelligence.
"Thank you. To begin with, regarding the reason for the monsters' northward migration: I do not believe the claims from the northern factions about a 'Demon Lord.' After all, there is no sign of them being organized."
"I see. And your basis for that? It is a fact that the monsters are moving north, is it not?"
"That is true, but monsters forming a pack is a rare occurrence. Looking at our long history, it happens perhaps once every ten, twenty, or thirty years. If I recall correctly, the last time was thirty-four years ago."
"Did they band together and attack back then?"
"Yes. In this land, a special monster capable of leading others is born on rare occasions. They vary in type—sometimes a Goblin King, an Orc King, or perhaps a Lich skilled in the arcane arts."
It seems they are experiencing something similar to the "Great Outbreak" we know of on the Rogari Continent.
"I see. So, compared to that phenomenon, you find the current behavior of the enemy strange?"
"Exactly. If such a leader—what they call a Monster King—were to appear, they would target humans first. In other words, the southern towns should be swamped with monsters. The northern factions must be aware of this as well."
"Oh? Does monster subjugation occur in the north as well?"
"It does. They even called upon us for aid once, if I recall, about twenty years ago. To have them treat us as the villains now... it only invites suspicion."
"A strange tale indeed."
The situation is truly incomprehensible. One has to wonder if the people in the north have lost their minds.
"We discussed the possibility that we might have committed some slight, but if that were the case, there should have been some reaction at the time."
"Precisely. To bring it up now, after all this time? Still, you did have at least some level of exchange with the northern countries, did you not?"
"It is true that Oue, being a nation with many demi-humans, kept its distance from the northern countries due to their severe discrimination, but it was not as if we had zero contact. We understood that such isolation would be unwise. That said, our interactions were so thin that we have been unable to gather any real intelligence."
Seeing Tsunai’s troubled expression as he said this, I realized that the situation in the north must be truly dire. It is as if the ecosystem of the forest itself has been thrown into disarray. And, based on this personal insight, the sudden formation of a northern coalition makes even less sense.
Well, well. What on earth is happening?