第１８１５堀：証拠がほぼない難しいこと (Part2)
"In short, the settlers in the Forest of Monsters have suffered casualties, and the Adventurer Guild, which had been hired for protection, has sustained heavy losses as well. That is the narrative being spun: that the military must be dispatched to pacify the forest. If they succeed, there will undoubtedly be no complaints. It will surely be hailed as a triumph for the local lord—provided, of course, one chooses to ignore the sacrifices of the common folk and the guild members."
I see. Indeed, if the settlers and the local guild branch have been hit so hard, the military’s intervention would seem like a natural, unquestionable response. That is, if you ignore the premise of the "sacrifices" involved.
"Hmm. And the credibility of this information?"
"Regrettably, it is only what I have managed to gather myself. The branch manager here is in league with them, and I lack the manpower and time to secure more concrete evidence. However, there is circumstantial evidence, at the very least."
With that, Arka began to explain the intelligence she had collected. First, she noted that monsters were being gathered from the surrounding towns under the guise of "monster research." The irony was bitter: it was all being framed as a measure to ensure the safety of the reclamation project. Yet, the carcasses of these monsters never appeared in the markets; they simply vanished into thin air.
"So, the stage is set for a threat that puts the settlers and adventurers in genuine peril?"
"Yes. We previously received reports from Kishua and her group regarding a massive salamander. It seems highly likely that they are consolidating monsters somewhere within the forest."
"..."
Hmm, her deduction was certainly on the right track, though in reality, that was part of Yuki’s own scheme. He had brought in Kate from the Dosou Kingdom—an expert on monsters—to intentionally stir up fear by highlighting the presence of powerful beasts.
"I see. I heard reports of that incident. So that was the flow of events. Still, no official reports have surfaced regarding the capture of such monsters, have they?"
"It appears that the reward for delivering monsters is handled outside the Adventurer Guild’s official channels. It functions like a standing commission, but the recipients vary depending on the guild, and I have been unable to track exactly what kind of monsters are being sent."
"I see. They’ve exploited that loophole."
"Yes. They pay the fees for the posted requests properly, so it isn't a loss for the guild. Because of that, even if I tried to investigate..."
"There is no way to investigate through official channels."
I see, I see. The Grand Master moved the conversation along quite naturally. I suppose that’s just the difference that comes with years of experience, isn't it?
"However, that alone is a difficult position to act upon. Surely, Arka, you aren't the only one who could have sent word?"
"If I were to send this report as it stands, I would simply be dismissed as having lost my mind."
"...That is a fair point."
Indeed, bringing such a story forward without more would be precarious. A noble gathering monsters isn't exactly a rarity, and reclamation projects have been commonplace ever since Weed was established. Even if you factor in border issues, it remains a delicate matter. To address it formally would be quite a challenge.
"If things continue as they are, I fear the people of this town and the guild will suffer before any official action is taken. That is why I contacted you, Grand Master. My authority alone is far too limited."
"...I understand the situation, but frankly, the evidence is too thin."
I agree with the Grand Master. As it stands, this is little more than Arka’s conjecture. It certainly feels dangerous, but...
"Indeed, it is difficult to initiate action from our side. In that case, we simply need to make the enemy move first. It’s not as if the townspeople are in immediate danger this very second."
"Hmm. Could you elaborate on that?"
"Eh? Elaborate on what, exactly?"
"Ah, you are aware that we have the cooperation of Weed in this matter, are you not?"
"Yes. Oh, could it be..."
"Indeed. I have been in contact with Yuki-dono."
"The... the Prince Consort?"
"Grand Master, we won't be able to grasp the full situation like this. Give her the device. That was the plan from the start, wasn't it?"
"I suppose you're right. Here, Arka. Put this in your ear."
Yuki didn't seem the least bit flustered. I wonder what kind of solution he has in mind? There is no hard evidence, only a situation that reeks of corruption. Yet, to an outside observer, he is not the culprit.
Well then, how will Yuki handle this situation? And what does he mean by making the enemy move?