第１７８３堀：もう一方の魔物研究所 (Part1)
Chapter 1783: The Other Monster Research Facility
Side: Aslin
"How is it, Aslin?"
Milly-oneechan asks, her expression laced with concern.
Her gaze is fixed on the monster inside the cage, which had been thrashing about violently until just a moment ago.
"Yes, it’s calmed down now," I reply.
She lets out a sigh of relief.
"Haa... monsters from the New Continent. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but this is something else."
"That can't be helped. It’s probably their first time coming to Weed."
I offer this follow-up to Milly-oneechan, who looks exhausted as she recalls the trouble we’ve gone through so far.
Our task today was to cage the monsters transported to the research facility, which we operate jointly with the Adventurer’s Guild. But the change in environment had clearly unsettled them, and they weren't exactly listening to reason.
Well, they were born and raised in the wild; it’s only natural they’d hate being locked in a cage.
"I suppose you're right. So, Aslin, did you learn anything from the work just now?"
Ah, that’s right.
My job is to investigate what exactly is driving these monsters to migrate north.
But it’s not something that can be figured out so easily...
"Hmm. I still can't quite make sense of it. It feels like... they’re in a state of confusion?"
"Confusion, huh. It would be nice if there were a type we could talk to calmly. If we’re talking about humanoids, there’s the Orcs."
"That child can understand what we’re saying relatively well. Though, I think it’s better to leave that to John and the others."
"Ah, right. They are the same race, after all."
I can understand what the monsters are saying, but they feel more at ease with their own kind.
"For now, the most important thing is to provide them with food and show them we have no hostility."
"That’s the shortest path, then. And what about their strength?"
"The average is probably above 20, right?"
"Spot on. Well, the high end is around 50, and the low end is around 10. It varies wildly, but considering our soldiers are, at best, an average of 20, it’s going to be quite tough if the stronger ones come our way."
"And those soldiers are currently exhausted, aren't they?"
"They are. The northern front is at a stalemate, but there are still those who charge in recklessly. Plus, they have to defend the south and repel the monsters invading the forests. The regular troops are almost all deployed... it seems it was quite dire when we first arrived. Did you hear that Eris and Kagura were handling the medical treatment?"
"Yes, I heard. Not just the injured, but the sick as well."
"Indeed. It seems the chronic food shortage has taken its toll."
"If they can't eat, they won't have any energy, after all."
Illness is one thing, but it’s only natural for people to get sick when they don't have the food to sustain their bodies.
And if they’re forced to go out on subjugation missions in that terrible condition, the number of injured only increases.
It’s a vicious cycle.
"Still, that was before Weed arrived. Things are starting to return to normal now."
"Well, that’s because Onii-chan and the others are here."
"True. It’s only natural since Yuki-san is here, but the scale is massive, and the political situation is what it is."
"Yeah, it’s complicated, isn't it?"
It’s not as simple as just defeating the enemy; there’s clearly some underlying objective, which is why they won't ever give up.
I’ve traveled to many countries with Onii-chan and learned so many things.
There are so many troublesome matters.
There are many issues that we simply cannot comprehend.
"Well, Yuki-san and the others will handle that side of things. We should focus on helping Tori and her team with their advance to the south."
"You're right. Our job is to investigate the monsters in detail."
"Indeed. By the way, you’re in your larger form today."
"Yeah. When I’m small, monsters often see me as prey. Well, if I give them a good wallop, they calm down, but since we’re heading to places like Oeh, I thought this form would be more persuasive."
"Ah, that makes sense. Little Aslin is cute, but to the people over there, you might look unreliable."
That’s true.
I love the way I was when I first met Onii-chan, but I understand why people might see me as unreliable.
I suppose it means I’ve grown up, but when a small child says "leave it to me," it’s cute, but it also invites anxiety.
I get incredibly worried whenever the younger students at school talk about going on adventures.
"Still, even in this form, I’m treated like a child."
"Well, even if you’ve grown, you look like a noble’s daughter no matter how you slice it."
"Do I? Even though I’m wearing normal clothes?"
I check my attire.
Just my usual outfit, with a lab coat over it since I’m at the research facility.
"Normal? Well, it’s normal in Weed, but anywhere else, it’s beyond high-class."
"Ah, I suppose that’s true, but..."
It’s true that our clothes in Weed are made using things from Earth as a reference.
The quality is on a completely different level.
Wearing them in other countries makes me look like a wealthy merchant or a noble.
"But if I have enough dignity..."
"True. If you have the right presence, you won't be looked down upon... but that’s not really your type, is it, Aslin?"
"Muu."
She says the hard truths so easily.
I have no choice but to use my magic power...
"Yes, yes. Don't try to fake an intimidating aura with magic power."
*Pom.*
She delivers a light chop to my head, dispersing the magic I had gathered.
"You know that’s not the kind of presence I mean. Like Yuki-san. That’s why Yuki-san is never looked down upon despite his youth, right?"
"Yeah. Onii-chan has this... intensity, doesn't he? Though some people still don't get it."
Like the adventurers who frequent the guild.
"Ah, those are just fools who pick fights with anyone. The important people who can actually understand the situation show Yuki-san proper respect, don't they?"
"Yeah. I wish I had that kind of intensity or presence..."
I wish I wouldn't be looked down upon even when I’m in my smaller form.
"Oh, come to think of it, Labyris-chan is the same, isn't she?"
"True. Labyris has that intensity, too. But that doesn't mean you can just do the same thing."
"Hmm. If we’re talking about imitation... but I’m not Labyris-chan."
"Exactly. The way one projects intensity changes from person to person. Aslin has her own way of doing it. Though, I suppose having monsters follow you around is the most effective method?"
"Ah, yeah. I know that, but asking everyone to stay by my side just for my sake is..."
When the monsters are around, no one looks down on me, but it does make everyone else back away.