第１７６２堀：寒村とパーティーについて (Part1)

第１７６２堀：寒村とパーティーについて (Part1)

Chapter 1762: The Remote Village and the Party

Side: Yuki

As I was finalizing various decisions regarding the New Continent, a report arrived from Seraria.

『My dear, there’s been a development regarding the remote village.』

"A development? We haven't even sent out the invitations for the Glas Port Town completion party yet, have we?"

The incident involves missing persons in a remote village situated in the forest between the Usano Kingdom and the Ae Kingdom. That very mystery was what led to the opening of the door to the New Continent, but the situation surrounding that village was far more troublesome than imagined, preventing any direct intervention by the nations.

Because of this, we were planning to use the Glas Port Town completion party as a venue to explore negotiation channels with both kingdoms. In the meantime, we’ve been investigating under the guise that the Adventurer’s Guild acted on its own initiative...

"…I see. So the Adventurer’s Guild made a move?"

『Nina and the others released a large salamander into the cave beforehand, and Kate from the Dosou Kingdom confirmed it.』

"Wait, isn't Kate-san an official from the Adventurer’s Guild headquarters?"

Exactly. At the suggestion of the Adventurer’s Guild Grand Master, the plan was for the guild to "discover" the dungeon near the remote village and the powerful monster within. By framing it as an individual or guild-led operation, they could act independently. It seems that plan is now in motion.

It’s moving faster than I expected. Does this mean the preparations by Nina and the others—and our own dungeon survey—are complete?

『The fact that it was someone from the Dosou Kingdom is crucial. Since that country specializes in utilizing monsters, it’s unlikely anyone will claim it was a misidentification. With Nina and the others backing it up, they’ve successfully secured the dungeon. Well, it’s currently non-functional, though.』

"As planned, then. So, the conclusion is that the dungeon had been abandoned?"

『Yes. Steve’s unit conducted a survey, and they found no evidence of human traffic.』

I had heard there were traces of use in that dungeon, but in this short time, they couldn't confirm any human activity? It’s never that simple.

『That said, since there *were* traces of use, the decision was made to keep it under surveillance for a while.』

"In other words, we’re keeping a watch on it. Have you reported this to the Adventurer’s Guild headquarters?"

『They intend to return to report it once. Through the branch office, of course.』

"Any concerns about information leaks?"

『There will be, won't there? The Adventurer’s Guild is essentially open to anyone.』

"…It’s a concern, but in a way, could it serve as bait?"

『Hmm? Ah, you mean the possibility that the countries, sensing the guild’s movement, might take some action?』

"That’s plausible, isn't it?"

Both the Usano and Ae Kingdoms were uncooperative during this investigation. If they catch wind that the Adventurer’s Guild is active, they might show their hand.

『…True. Though, there’s also a non-zero chance they might try to wipe out the remote village entirely.』

"In that case, we’ll have to use Steve’s unit to deploy monsters, stage an attack, and force them to flee."

I don't want to do it, but to keep both the village and the nations from suspecting us, it’s the only way.

"Alternatively, it would be ideal if the villagers themselves agreed to flee…"

『That seems difficult. You’ve heard the situation, haven't you? From the village’s perspective.』

"I suppose. It’s essentially being held hostage. Besides, it would be a headache if they fled to another country and established a government-in-exile."

『Even so, it’s been thirty years, but it’s not impossible. If there’s still an heir—a child—they could easily make a comeback.』

"It’s a delicate timeframe. If it were a hundred years, the other side would have given up by now."

『That’s exactly why they don’t want anyone interfering. Well, I’ll issue instructions to remain vigilant. That’s the update on the village.』

"Understood. Anything else?"

There was movement in the village, but I’m relieved it wasn't anything requiring immediate action. We’re about to start moving in earnest ourselves.

『There is. Regarding the Glas Port Town completion party you mentioned earlier. Sisua and Sona have been moving it forward, and we’re at the stage of sending out invitations. I couldn't exactly forge your handwriting, so they asked both of us to handle it.』

"I see. That’ll take some time, too."

Honestly, it’s a chore, but we have to explain the discovery of the New Continent and the circumstances behind it, so there’s no avoiding it.

Well, the port town is also meant to keep the dark guild lurking in Logari in check, and it serves as a base for the navy, so the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance is keeping a close eye on it, too.

As I pondered how to steer the conversation, she added…

『Also, regarding that party, since the heads of various sects are scheduled to gather there to discuss the donation scandal uncovered in the old Vinoshia capital, it’s been decided that we should address that as well.』

"Gah—"

I choked on air. Thankfully, I wasn't drinking anything, but Riel, who was standing by my side, along with Prol and the others, rushed over looking worried. I waved them off with my hand.

"That... I remember that."

『My, my. To call it "that" is an understatement for such a horrific level of embezzlement. You saw it, didn't you? The absurd extravagance of the church built in old Vinoshia.』

"I saw it, but one could argue it was for the sake of authority."

I don't believe gaudy decorations are unnecessary. If you don't have a minimum level of presentation, people won't gather. You have to look respectable. The opulence of a building falls into that category. By looking luxurious, it signals that one possesses the wealth and the power to build it. If they excuse it as construction necessary so that Litea is not looked down upon, that’s the end of the argument.

『Ah, you don't know the details. There are rules established for that kind of church construction.』

"I see. So, they were tightened?"

『Yes. The moment they deviate significantly from those, it becomes a matter of massive bribes flowing through the system.』

"But if they were tightened, would they really be so blatant about it?"

I’d think punishment would be inevitable.

『That part is unclear, as the parties involved have already been punished.』

"Punished... you mean back when we dealt with Rurua?"

『"Back when we dealt with Rurua" covers a lot of ground, but remember when we helped Rurua return and ended up in a battle with the Litea faction?』

"I remember. It was mostly about the immigrants, wasn't it?"

『Including the attempt to assassinate my sister, Elju.』

They moved to silence us, but we turned the tables on them.

『We squeezed them for money for the immigrants and reparations, and it seems the donations from Vinoshia were included in that haul.』

"Ah, the amount was surprisingly large. Or rather, didn't they increase the amount after seeing our true strength?"