第１８１４堀：裏方も大事な仕事 (Part2)
While the dark guild’s clandestine maneuvers remain a possibility, the situation has spiraled into something even more troublesome in a different sense.
“...Are we really allowed to intervene in this?”
“If no connection to the dark guild can be established, Weed has no choice but to withdraw. As for the disappearances—the primary issue—that has already been resolved by having the O-e Kingdom in the New Continent halt their summoning rituals. That said, we still need to provide information to Roschur and Gartz. If we aren’t careful, this could escalate into a full-blown clash between major powers.”
“Ah, you’re right. When it comes to territorial disputes between two nations, it’s only natural for the great powers that hold them under their umbrellas to get involved.”
We had established the laws—or rather, the international regulations—for such scenarios. Weed had taken the lead in drafting them. Should such a conflict occur, the involved major powers would face heavy penalties, including the suspension of trade. Of course, there is always the possibility of other nations inciting such friction, but we investigate those matters thoroughly. If they push too far, they risk trade embargoes across their respective continents, so they aren’t likely to do anything so foolish.
Well, as intercontinental exchange grows, such schemes and disruptions might become more frequent, but at the moment, it’s hard to say that each continent is truly unified. Therefore, it is most reasonable to assume this is either a strategy by a major power or the reckless runaway ambition of a smaller nation—especially when it involves neighboring countries.
“Regardless, this time they’ve dragged the local Adventurer Guild branch into it, so the guild has every right to act.”
“In other words, there’s no issue with our intervention?”
“Exactly. Though, our approach will have to change entirely. Instead of demanding a survey of the forest to hunt for the dark guild, we frame it as a suspicion of conflict between nations. They won’t be able to complain then.”
“If they’re both moving because they want the forest as territory, they’d hate for the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance to interfere. They were suspicious from the start, weren’t they?”
“Indeed. It’s surprising they didn’t just agree to a dark guild investigation. We made so many concessions and offered so much cooperation just to get them to agree, yet they refused.”
While we were discussing this, we arrived at the command center. The interior was not particularly frantic; a few operators were stationed around a large monitor that dominated the front of the room. Not that there was any reason for a large crowd to be in here.
“Report on the situation in Suana and the village.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Seraria said this as she took her seat. I sat in the executive chair prepared for me and shifted my gaze to the monitor.
“There have been no significant movements in Suana, the village, or the Monster Forest.”
“The Grand Master is currently traveling to the vicinity via our vehicle and has already entered the town of Suana. He is scheduled to rendezvous with Lady Nina and the others shortly.”
So, no major problems. Well, if something catastrophic were happening, we would have been summoned already.
“Uusano, contact the intelligence agents sent to Ae. Tell them to stop looking for ties to the dark guild and instead investigate the rights and interests of that land. The likelihood of a dark guild connection is extremely low at this point. We need to shift our perspective. There is little reason for a nation to cause trouble there as a state entity. Tell them to investigate the lords of the adjacent territories instead.”
“““Yes, ma’am!”””
I see. If this isn’t state-led, but rather the unilateral actions of local lords, it makes sense why our intelligence department couldn’t get a clear picture. If the higher-ups aren’t involved, you won’t find anything by infiltrating the royal palace. Though, it is possible that the higher-ups *are* involved in something, which is why this is happening in the first place.
“And my husband?”
“Lord Yuki is currently heading to Command Center No. 5 in the New Continent.”
“Ah, that’s fine then. Just let the current information flow. Can we reach the Grand Master?”
“That is not a problem. We have provided him with a small communicator. Shall I connect you?”
The small communicator was an accessory—an earring-type device. It was so compact that one would barely notice it was being worn.
“Connect us. And Nina and the others as well. Milly, could you handle the conversation? I may step in if necessary, but you are better suited to deal with the Grand Master than I am.”
“Understood. Positions are such a hassle, aren’t they? Besides, I have a feeling we’ll learn a lot tonight, so we need to make sure we keep accurate records.”
And so, we began our work, separate from the tasks Eris, Ratz, and the others were handling. We have begun to understand the position of the Monster Forest, which lies between Uusano and Ae, a bit better. It may involve the usual territorial disputes. Either way, it is likely even more troublesome than if the dark guild were involved.