第１８４３堀：いま潜り込むのであればだれが最適か (Part1)
Chapter 1843: Who is Best Suited to Infiltrate?
Side: Vilia
"Hey, Vilia. Do you have a moment?"
"Yes, what is it, Tori-onesama?"
Currently, I have stepped away from the navy to focus on the command of an investigative unit centered at the fort in the southern part of the New Continent, with Tori-onesama at the helm. Unfortunately, my appearance makes it easy for adults to underestimate me. Stasia-onesama has been handling matters in the north, and as far as I know, there haven't been any notable troubles there... but well, if Tori-onesama has called for me, I can assume there has been some kind of movement.
Resigned to that reality, I entered the office to find Fiora-onesama, the assistant, buried in a mountain of paperwork at her desk. It is a scene that reminds me once again that managing a fort is no simple task. Dressa, Hiiro, and I, who worked in the navy, have been handling these duties as well.
...Come to think of it, is Hiiro actually doing her job? We see each other when we return home, but she rarely speaks about work. I just hope she isn't causing any trouble.
"Sit over there."
"Yes."
I sat on the sofa to wait for Tori-onesama, as we often discuss simple matters in this room. While it is an office, it has a sofa and table for guests, whereas high-ranking officials or outsiders use the reception room.
"Here you go. Sorry to keep you waiting. Green tea is fine, right?"
"Yes, thank you."
"And here is a snack. Today, it's *yokan*."
"Thank you, Fiora-onesama."
It seems Fiora-onesama is joining this discussion as well, and the two of them sat down in front of me. I took a sip of tea and waited to hear what they had to say.
"So, onesamas, has something happened?"
"It has. Well, it’s not exactly a massive movement, but it’s... delicate."
"Yes. You know that Kagura and Mikos have returned safely, right?"
"Yes. I heard they successfully established a connection with the Jeyaes Kingdom and were happy that the 'Catalog Operation' went well."
In truth, I knew the contents of that catalog because before they took it to Oniisama, Mikos-onesama had asked for opinions from me, Hiiro, and Labyris. Since we order items from Earth, we are quite familiar with that sort of catalog.
"Right, that part went well. But it seems an envoy from the Clear Stream Church also arrived in the Jeyaes Kingdom, and they were blatantly picking a fight. It seems they are worried that even if we manage to bring back the remnants of Baron Siana’s troops and persuade the upper echelons of the Giadana Kingdom, other nations might still make a move."
"I see. Indeed, the influence of just one country wouldn't be enough to wipe out all the demi-humans."
The Clear Stream Church was originally a religion that deemed the destruction of monsters as righteous. It wasn't just the Giadana Kingdom that accepted them; their influence must be quite significant—perhaps on par with the Ritea Church of the Rogali Continent. Though, I don't think they have a goddess descending directly like Lilishe-sama.
"Exactly. So, while we will manage the Giadana Kingdom through Baron Siana and the Weed subordinates stationed there, we want to avoid unnecessary conflict. It’s too much to ask to persuade all the northern countries, but we at least want to send people in to grasp their movements."
Fiora-onesama’s explanation made me realize why I had been called here.
"In other words, you want me to conduct this surveillance?"
"Yes. I consulted with Dressa. I can't move myself, and—well, it’s not that you’re 'free' if you aren't busy, but the southern investigation, while vast, doesn't strictly require you. You understand that, right?"
"Yes, I understand. Originally, Hiiro and I were only sent to that village as candidates for summoning to the New Continent. My assignment to the south was a judgment based on my appearance, the military, and my race—that acting solely with Weed in the south would avoid trouble."
That’s right. There is no absolute necessity for it to be me. I was chosen because I could command, but the construction and activities at the southern fort have settled down, and honestly, there is little reason for me to be stationed there. It is also significant that Fiora-onesama came from Oniisama’s side. Like Seraria-onesama, Deryu-onesama, Jessica-onesama, and Stasia-onesama, Fiora-onesama has experience as a general, so her command ability is far superior to mine. Ah, Ageril-onesama also has command experience, but she is focused on research in the New Continent.
So, if they are calling for someone, it is undoubtedly me. It is a sign of their trust.
"You accept that too readily, which is a concern. Vilia, we are trying to use you for our own convenience, you know? Don't you have any thoughts on that?"
"Fiora-onesama, please don't worry. I assume this originated with Oniisama?"
At my words, Fiora-onesama and Tori-onesama’s eyes went wide.
"You figured it out?"
"Yes. Such an eccentric idea could only come from Oniisama. The reason the request didn't come directly to me is likely because he is interviewing others first, isn't it?"
"That is correct. He should be talking to Nina and the others about this right now."
"Nina-san and the others? I believe they were still remaining over there in connection to that village?"
"That was resolved, so they’ve returned. Yuki-san spoke to them first, but we thought you would be the perfect fit, Vilia."
"Yes, I’m sure Yuki-sama understands as well. If we were to send someone as seasoned as Mauve-san and his group, they would be suspected of where they came from."
Indeed, while Mauve-san and his group are skilled, they are veterans, and their presence would stand out. It would be strange for them to have no history or footprints in the northern countries. If they claimed to be from the south, they might manage, but there is a high probability they would be seen as enemies. Compared to that, someone like me or Nina-san...
"Since we are women and children, we can pass as having just recently started to draw attention, right?"
"Yes, it seems that is the direction we are heading."
"Yes. Even in the New Continent, it seems the mainstream of adventurers is still male."
"That seems to be the case everywhere."
There are more male adventurers than female, and female adventurers tend to be looked down upon. Well, the total number is smaller, and there are certainly issues unique to women, so I understand why it is more unstable than for men.