第１８１３堀：パーティーの裏で (Part1)
Chapter 1813: Behind the Party
Side: Kirika
"How is it?"
"Yes. Nina and the others have successfully made contact with Arka, and they are currently focusing on observing the town."
I am standing beside my Master, gazing at the monitor.
The screen displays a map of the town of Suana, allowing us to grasp the overall situation. Unlike the dungeon system, this map was drawn based on prior drone reconnaissance and information gathered by subordinates who had already infiltrated the area.
If we could dungeonize the town, surveillance would be far simpler, but the risk of the enemy noticing is too high. We reserve that for emergencies or when we are certain it can be done undetected.
"So, contact was made safely. Can you reach Nina and the others?"
"Yes, it is possible."
"Then let's connect."
With that, I prepared the recording equipment, and Yuki-sama immediately contacted Nina and her team.
"I heard you made contact with Arka. How is it?"
"...She didn't seem particularly panicked. She was surprised, though."
"That's right. Well, there's danger, but it doesn't feel like it's right on top of us. The townspeople are going about their lives normally, too."
Hmm.
My subordinates' reports align with that assessment. There are no overt reactions in the town; it is the picture of peace.
"Yes, on the surface, it is a bustling town. Though, I don't know why it’s so lively."
"What do you mean?"
"There’s no festival going on. There isn't any particularly interesting industry. The lord isn't gathering anything, either. And yet, it’s bustling."
"...That is certainly strange. What’s the cause?"
"We haven't investigated that far. Well, there is a possibility that it’s just naturally vibrant."
As Nina says, that possibility cannot be ruled out, but even so...
"It’s suspiciously blatant. I’d understand if it were just related parties gathering, but what does it mean for the whole town to be lively? Come to think of it, you’ve been to that town before, right? Was it like this before, or only since you arrived this time?"
"Before. I only noticed it this time. The bustle is less than Weed’s, so it didn't bother me much. The village was the priority."
"Ah, I see."
That was true.
Nina and the others had only stopped by the town to conduct investigations in the village and to provide a pretext for their visit. They hadn't focused on the town itself. It was only natural that they were late to notice.
"I’ll have Kirika look into that."
"I'm counting on you."
"And I heard you successfully made contact with the official, Arka?"
"Yes. She is still on duty at the moment, so we plan to join up with her later."
"I conveyed that it was from the Grand Master. She was surprised, but she didn't react negatively to the idea of erasing the evidence, so it’s likely true that something is actually wrong."
"I see. But the town is bustling. I’m curious what they’re up to. I just hope what Arka is worried about and the town’s liveliness aren't related..."
I am concerned as well, but in these situations, it’s a rule of thumb that one’s premonitions are usually correct—it’s rare for things to be unrelated.
"For now, as I said, Kirika’s subordinates are investigating. Tonight, join up with Arka and grasp the current situation. I’ll look into the matter of the bustle from this end."
"Understood."
With that, Master cut the communication.
He stood up immediately.
"What about Kirika's subordinates?"
"I have already informed them. Where are you heading, Master?"
"I'm going to meet the Grand Master. Would you like to come along, Kirika?"
"Please. I do have a name as an instructor for the resort hotel, after all."
I hold the title of instructor for the resort hotel in Glass Port Town, a project led by Ratz-sama. After all, I also hold the position of proprietress for the inn catering to dignitaries.
"Hah, we set it up that way, but it’s a hassle, isn't it?"
"It cannot be helped. We must create an alibi for the Grand Master, investigate Suana, and ensure we contain the damage around Arka-dono."
Currently, Master, like the Grand Master, is involved in the pre-party events for the completion of Glass Port Town, welcoming guests from various nations. This is only natural, as Master is the lord of this port town. Sisua and Sona are also present as acting lords, but Master’s absence would be unthinkable. It is necessary not only for the Grand Master’s alibi but for Master’s own as well.
"So, Orelia. Where is the Grand Master?"
"Yes. He is currently resting in a private room. I have already contacted him, and he is expecting us."
It is a relief to see that Orelia and the others are performing their duties as attendants to Master properly.
"Good. Then let’s head over immediately. It’s in the same hotel, anyway."
Incidentally, this is not the resort hotel in Glass Port Town, but the hotel in Weed reserved for dignitaries. The VIPs have gathered here in advance and are scheduled to head to Glass Port Town tomorrow.
"Phew, it was the right call to book a large section of the hotel. It would be a pain if someone saw me going to meet the Grand Master."
"We have separated the floors, so there is no need to worry, is there?"
As Hovis says, this place is intended for dignitaries, and booking out entire floors is standard practice. It makes security much easier to manage. The elevators do not stop unless you have a floor-specific card, and the stairwell doors remain locked. Of course, we also monitor the comings and goings of people using the dungeon system.
This is a necessary measure for dignitaries, not just the Grand Master. After all, there can be no meaningful discussion if the location is frequented by strangers.
With that, Master and I arrive at the floor where the Grand Master is staying.
Incidentally, even though we have booked the floor, it is not just for one dignitary. There are relatives of the VIPs, other dignitaries from the same country, and rooms prepared for the soldiers serving as guards. It is not as if the entire floor is a single room. Of course, since royalty sometimes stays here, the larger suites are truly expansive.
As I was thinking about this, we arrived at the floor and stepped out of the elevator.
"Huh, there aren't as many guards as I expected."
"There are a fair number of adventurers associated with the guests staying here, but thanks to the gates, it seems they are arriving on the day or are out in Weed's commercial district. Well, considering the Grand Master’s own prowess, guards are likely unnecessary."
"I see. That makes it convenient in that regard, too."
Master nodded in understanding and stepped onto the floor, but he was not heading toward the large rooms prepared for the dignitaries; he was heading toward the private rooms intended for the attendants and guards.