第１７９７堀：どういう理由なのか？ (Part2)
Even if hostages are involved, there should still be room to maneuver.
But if that’s not the case, does that mean the scale of the threat is as massive as he claims?
I couldn't help but tilt my head at Yuki’s explanation.
"Yuki, I can't accept that explanation. Give me the details."
"Fair enough. Even if the scale is large, it shouldn't necessarily restrict an individual's movements, right?"
Exactly. Even if the enemy forces are vast, it doesn't mean there are no openings.
As mentioned before, the person in question hasn't been exposed yet.
If that’s the case, the idea that they can’t escape doesn't add up.
"In other words, there’s a pretty dangerous situation unfolding behind the scenes—one that makes it impossible to look away. Nina, what kind of situation do you think would force someone to stay in town, hide a request for reinforcements in a letter, and send it out?"
He turned the question back on me.
Hmm. A situation where I’m being watched, yet I can’t flee the town and have to resort to a clandestine letter for help?
I could tell something truly catastrophic was happening.
"……I can only describe it as an outrageous situation. Perhaps something on the scale of an entire town being wiped off the map?"
As I said that, everyone’s eyes turned toward me.
It wasn't just surprise; it was a look of disbelief.
"That’s the conclusion I reached as well. The one being called for reinforcements is the Grand Master, right? That means they’ve judged that a mere Adventurer Guild branch is incapable of handling it."
"……"
When put that way, it certainly sounded like the truth.
But if that were a fact…
"I understand what you're saying, Yuki. But if that's the case, the scale of the enemy is…"
"Well, it feels like the whole town is involved. And it’s likely the local lord is implicated, too."
"……How are we supposed to deal with that?"
At that scale, rampaging with a small group would be meaningless.
Unless there was some sort of vital weak point to exploit.
"I can't say for sure without hearing the situation on the ground. That’s why we need to make contact with Alca and extract the information. Though, there’s a chance it might turn out to be nothing."
"It’s unlikely to be 'nothing' after all this, but I see your point. If the entire Adventurer Guild branch is in danger, one cannot move carelessly."
"Running away as a group is an option, but not everyone stationed at an Adventurer Guild branch comes from another land."
"Usually, branch staff live in the town they serve."
Yeah, I think Milly is right.
They are rooted in that town, which is why they work there.
Being transferred from another city is something reserved for the elite.
"That means their families are also in danger. This isn't something we can just handle alone."
"If we assume their families are being dragged into this, then yes. Honestly, isn't that just malicious?"
"That’s how it goes, isn't it? That’s how people with evil intentions think."
Indeed, that is how the wicked operate.
"So, returning to the topic, even if we decide to make contact, how do we go about it?"
"Hmm. It would be too conspicuous for me to go myself."
"True. Even if the Grand Master were to disguise himself, it’s rare for him to visit an Adventurer Guild branch… unless we frame it as a client seeking a request…"
"Then we’d have to think about the content of the request. Still, I can't move out in the open, can I?"
"What if we use Nina and the others as liaisons? Alca doesn't know them, right?"
"Indeed. Yuki and his group are one thing, but she wouldn't know Nina and her companions. That might cause some delays…"
I don't know this Alca person either, and asking for her by name would draw attention in its own right.
"Alternatively, since Nina and Leia are supposedly in the vicinity of that town, we could try to make contact through them."
"Considering the time, that’s the best approach. We’ll see how things move and then decide if I should make contact."
"Well, this isn't a decision to be made here alone. We’re talking about the potential danger to an Adventurer Guild branch. Shouldn't this be discussed at headquarters?"
"You're right. I shall take this back to them."
With that, the old man quickly left the government building, and we were tasked by Yuki to head toward that town to conduct an independent investigation.
Is the situation involving the Usano Kingdom—or rather, that remote village—more dire than we thought, or is this a separate matter entirely?
Regardless, things are becoming quite troublesome.
And we still have the New Continent to deal with!