第１８４４堀：新パーティー結成 (Part1)
Chapter 1844: Forming a New Party
Side: Yuki
"Oh, you're here."
The door to the office knocks, and Vilia, who belongs to the Navy, enters. Or rather, she is currently the captain of the Second Investigation Company stationed at the New Continent’s Southern Fortress. It’s a grandiose title, but Tori—and indeed, all of us—believe she is capable of handling such a significant role. There hasn't been a single complaint regarding her performance thus far.
In short, Vilia is a girl who gets things done. She probably hates being treated like a child, but among our members, she is undeniably in the youngest bracket. I’m glad she accepted this mission, but I felt it necessary to speak with her directly.
"Yes. Sorry to keep you waiting."
"No, don't worry about it. Nina and the others have already agreed to participate."
"I see. So Nina and the others are heading to the North as well?"
"Yes. Frankly, the situation in the New Continent is too opaque to ignore."
"We don't want the North to be left in ruins from an all-out war, either."
"Indeed. It would be against our wishes to see innocent people caught in the crossfire."
The three of them had been conflicted at first, but once they heard the goal was to prevent civilians from being dragged into the flames of war, they nodded in agreement. After all, they originally fought for a better future—not for the sake of nobles, but for the people living there.
"So, Vilia, does your presence here mean you’re joining the Northern investigation?"
Nina and the others hadn't known why Vilia had been summoned.
"Yes. That is why I came. Among everyone’s busy schedules, I am the most suitable candidate."
"Suitable? What do you mean? Vilia, you’ve been busy with your own work, haven't you?"
"Kishua, let me explain that part. It’s nothing complicated. It’s just that Vilia’s appearance is perfect for this investigation."
"Huh? Vilia’s appearance? You mean because she’s cute?"
"Ahaha, thank you, Kishua-san. You’re cute too, Kishua-san."
"Oh, well, I *am* quite cute, aren't I?"
Kishua is shorter than Vilia, and to an outsider, she looks even younger than Nina. That is precisely why they are perfect for this investigation. I suppose I need to explain.
"Her being 'cute' is relevant to the investigation. That’s the reason I reached out to Nina and the others. If we send veteran men with battle-hardened faces, they’ll be viewed with suspicion. I initially considered Mauve and his group, but I abandoned that idea for this very reason."
"May I ask for the specific reason?"
"Well, to put it bluntly, if the other side is operating under the assumption of war, they’re definitely keeping an eye out for potential combat threats. Besides, the Clearstream Church’s primary trade—or rather, their life’s blood—is monster subjugation. Word is they’ve been scouting talented adventurers for their own purposes."
Once I said that, it clicked. Sia looked convinced.
"I see. You mean that if veterans like Mauve-san were to suddenly appear, it would raise red flags?"
"Exactly. If that happened, they’d naturally assume we came from the South. It’s not that we couldn't move, but..."
"If we’re being watched from the start, it’ll be hard to move. Or worse, we might get detained."
"Well, if it were Mauve and his crew, they could probably just smash their way out of a detention..."
"If that happened, we wouldn't be investigating anything. Could they work as a diversionary team?"
"No, what kind of 'diversion' would that be? If Mauve starts rampaging, the adventurers will be the ones put under surveillance."
"No, I mean, in terms of infiltrating, it wouldn't be wrong. Even if they get detained, it means getting closer to the enemy organization. I’m curious how they would handle that."
Nina says this quite casually. I suppose observing their response isn't a bad idea, but...
"Yuki-sama, may I speak?"
Prol asked for permission to interject.
"Go ahead. Is something bothering you?"
"Yes. Regarding the idea of using Mauve-sama and his group for the operation—what would happen to the administration of Aurelia Port Town?"
"Ah, you’re right. The plan for Mauve’s participation fell through at the conceptual stage, so I hadn't thought about a replacement."
"Furthermore, Mauve-sama and his group dislike using Doppels. It is their creed to always go in person."
"That’s true."
Mauve’s group never uses the convenient Doppel clones. They claim there’s always a discrepancy between the clone and their true selves. And honestly, that’s a fact. It’s not their own body, and the specs are lower. The premise is that you have to master it despite those limitations. However, I can't force them to use them. Or rather, I have no intention to. I respect Mauve’s way of life. Surprisingly, even Taizo-san gets along well with them, admiring their spirit.
Regardless, if Mauve’s group were to leave, I’d have to find someone to take over the governance of Aurelia Port Town. It’s not impossible, but it begs the question of whether it’s worth the trouble to call them out...
"...It’s a no. Mauve and his group will continue managing Aurelia Port Town."
"Understood. Then that is fine."
Nina doesn't argue with my decision and accepts it.
"Hey, if that’s the case, is it alright if I reach out to other members of the 'Other Sword'?"
Kishua suggests this next. It’s true that having more numbers is better, but...
"It would be a help to us, but is that okay on your end? I mean, half of them are undead or demi-humans, right?"
"No, I wouldn't include Kaya and the others. I’m talking about members like Leila, Neferi, or Difes."
"Wait a moment. Leila is one thing, but Neferi won't act separately from Fio. And Difes is like our commander; she’s practically a subcontractor for Noble."
"Well, we can ask to have them dispatched as needed. For now, can the four of you—Vilia, Nina, Kishua, and Sia—handle the movement? With this group, you could pass as a party of up-and-coming female adventurers."
"Understood. I see, since the men are being taken away by the war, it’s the perfect opening."
"Exactly. Instead of established veterans, the narrative will be that young people are stepping into the spotlight now that the veterans are gone."
That is the reason I gathered members who look young, starting with Vilia.
"By the way, the reason Alfin wasn't on the list..."
"Right. Alfin wouldn't move if the mission involves war, especially monster subjugation. She’d probably take the initiative to protect the monsters instead."
Alfin is an albino 'Other Sword' user, and a rare monster tamer with talent on par with Aslin.