第１８３５堀：動かずの冒険者ギルドは (Part2)
"That’s true. The movements of Usano and Aae were practically an act of aggression against the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, and we still can’t rule out the involvement of the Dark Guild, so we’ve committed the necessary personnel. That said, with the discovery of the New Continent, our resources are being pulled in that direction, so our numbers are a bit thin."
"Exactly. Since the New Continent was found, we’ve been scaling back our intelligence agents in Usano and Aae, as well as in other nations. Though, I suppose some new recruits are being brought in."
Seraria had joined the conversation. Come to think of it, wasn’t she the one in charge of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance matters?
"New recruits? Ah, I remember hearing about that. Something about moving the new blood from Kirika’s department out into the field?"
"Yes. They were supposed to be assigned to low-risk areas, but with the New Continent situation, the veterans are being moved there, leaving the greenhorns to cover the established posts."
"Does that include the ones assisting us?"
"No, not in your case. This territory is linked to the New Continent, and we haven't fully cleared the threat of the Dark Guild yet. We have veterans leading the teams, with a mix of new recruits under them."
I see. It’s an important location, so they’ve kept the experienced hands there.
"Basically, while we usually only have two agents per country, we’ve stationed five each in Usano and Aae."
"Oh, double the usual, then. So, we don't need to head to the locations marked on the map ourselves?"
"Correct. As before, please remain stationed in the town and handle local monster subjugation or any other miscellaneous tasks that arise."
"Business as usual, then."
"Well, that’s the important part. You’re there under the guise of being Alca’s acquaintances, after all. Now, leaving Weed’s movements aside, what is the Grand Master—or rather, the Adventurer Guild—doing about this?"
"I haven't received any word from that old man regarding that side of things. Hasn't anything reached you, Seraria?"
"Nothing on my end, either. It’s a situation where the Adventurer Guild can’t really move openly, so I imagine they’re waiting on Alca’s intelligence. Though, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Guild’s shadow division is already active, but they’re operating independently of us."
"So, in other words, we’re just decoys?"
Honestly, that doesn't sit well with me. This issue should be the Adventurer Guild’s primary concern. While it’s true we helped them investigate that remote village, the fact that the Suana branch is involved is a separate matter entirely. For us to be running around doing the heavy lifting while the Adventurer Guild remains silent is…
"…No, no, that would be quite rude of us, wouldn't it?"
Just as that voice drifted in from the doorway, a woman stood there. She was taller than us, with long black hair and narrow eyes. She hadn't snuck in; she had simply walked through the door just now.
"Um, would you like some water?"
She was trying to maintain her composure, but she looked exhausted. It was as if she had sprinted the entire way here, so I quietly offered her a glass of cold water.
"Thank you."
She took the glass and downed it in one go, her throat working as she swallowed. Kishua and Sia didn't seem particularly surprised, but Yuki and Seraria, who weren't physically present, seemed confused by the situation.
"Eh? What? Did someone arrive?"
"That’s what it sounds like. What’s the situation outside?"
"Yes. Someone carrying an Adventurer Guild identification tag just entered, so I assume they’ve joined up with the group."
The intelligence agent was relaying our situation to Yuki and the others.
"Phew, that’s better. Now, let me introduce myself properly. My name is Wishy, and I have been tasked by the Grand Master to investigate this incident. Um, I assume the upper management of Weed is aware of my arrival? That is what the Grand Master told me."
"Ah, hold on a second. You have an earpiece, right?"
"Yes, I have received one."
Right, that was the device we gave to the Grand Master. With that, voice communication was possible.
"Then there’s no problem. I am Seraria, and I am the overall commander of the incident currently unfolding in Usano. A pleasure to meet you, Wishy."
"Huh? Seraria… as in, Her Majesty the Queen of Weed?"
"The very same. That is how closely we are monitoring this. The Grand Master knows this, which is why he sent you, isn't it? Executor."
Seraria used a term I hadn't heard before. *Executor?* Does she hold some kind of special authority? Well, she’s here, so she must have the power to back it up.
This Wishy person had literally run here. She couldn't use the gate, and she hadn't been in a location where one was available. She was told to go, and she ran.
The details of her true identity will be revealed next time.