第１８６６堀：お姉ちゃんの説得 (Part1)
Chapter 1866: Persuading Big Sister
Side: Kaya
I was called away in the middle of my farm work, only to be met with...
"You're sending Aslin and Firia to the front lines of the investigation!?"
It was Seraria who shouted that.
The matter was exactly as stated. The plan was to send a small, elite team, centered around Aslin and Firia, to conduct an investigation into the southern part of the New Continent, which had been at a standstill.
Well, I can understand why she’d want to scream. Even though we’re short on hands and they possess great talent, it’s still nerve-wracking to send our dear little sisters into such a place.
However...
"Calm down, Seraria."
"She’s right. Take a breath. Riel and I were already working as adventurers at their age; it’s not like it’s too early."
Exactly. As Tori and Riel pointed out, it’s not as if they were the same girls we first met. A great deal of time has passed since then, and more importantly, their experience is far beyond the norm.
There are no issues regarding their combat capabilities, either.
If it were just one of them, I might worry about them letting their guard down, but Hivia and the others are scheduled to join Aslin and Firia. If that team isn't enough, then none of us would be able to go anywhere.
"Nngh..."
Even so, to Seraria, they are her precious little sisters, cherished just as much as her own daughter.
Well, I’m worried too, if I’m being honest...
"They have already led troops in the military and experienced battle against hostile forces. It’s too late to complain about them operating as a small squad now."
"Th-that may be, but..."
My words left Seraria unable to find a rebuttal.
That’s right—if they had no military experience, I would be worried too. But Firia has already worked in military logistics, and Aslin has operated as a commander for the monster army.
Actually, Firia is perfectly capable of working as a commander for monster units as well. It would be contradictory to claim now that they aren't qualified for small-squad operations.
By the time the plan was presented, the outcome—or rather, the success of the proposal—was all but decided. After all, Eris, Ratz, Chaea, and even Yuki had already looked it over.
Seraria had no grounds left to reject it.
Just as I was thinking that, Deryu suddenly spoke up.
"I understand how you feel, Seraria. It is true that since we trained Aslin and Firia ourselves, I can say with certainty that they can overcome individual threats or even minor numerical disadvantages. However, this concerns the entire southern region. If Aslin and her team were to be ambushed by a swarm of monsters, they would need to immediately assess the situation across a wide area. They are likely unaccustomed to such overall command."
Indeed.
That kind of response shouldn't be handled by a field commander, but by a general or someone with a bird's-eye view. It’s impossible to engage in combat while simultaneously grasping the entire battlefield.
"Therefore, so that they have the leeway to act immediately when orders from the top arrive, I shall accompany them. That should resolve the issue. It might sound like I'm acting as a guardian, but as an escort, I possess sufficient power."
"That’s true, if Deryu goes, it’ll be safe. Besides, there have been hints of the Demon Lord and those connected to him. Oh, speaking of which, what about Holy?"
"Holy is currently investigating the plateau with Taiki. Well, it’s not impossible for them to join up. It doesn't seem like there’s anyone there who poses much of a threat."
"Let’s look into the situation. As an escort, she should be fine."
Indeed, Holy can fight, and like Deryu, she isn't exactly "free," but she isn't in a position where she can't offer assistance.
"When you put it that way, I suppose you're right. Holy also has experience commanding monsters, so she should have the appropriate knowledge."
I believe she possesses abilities similar to Aslin’s. And since she was also in a position of supreme command, she should be able to make those kinds of judgments... I think.
"Um, Master. I understand why Holy is being considered, but what about her own state of mind?"
Rurua asked, looking apologetic.
That’s only natural. I was troubled by it too. After all, she is a former Demon Lord, and while she’s been quiet lately, it’s only natural to be concerned about that.
"In that case, should we have Taiki go with her?"
"Surely we shouldn't send the King of Ranks to do an investigation..."
"No, no, Rurua. He’s already gone to investigate the plateau, and wasn't the whole point to see if he could sense the Demon Lord's presence?"
"Muu."
As Milly pointed out, Taiki, who is a Hero, has already been deployed to the plateau. It’s a bit late to say we shouldn't use him now.
"Well, it might be reassuring if she teams up with Holy. They have a track record, after all."
"I understand the combat power, but is it really okay to pull them from the plateau?"
"Yeah, I’m actually curious about that too."
Kagura and Mikos voiced their doubts.
With manpower lacking everywhere, it’s fair to question whether it’s wise to pull two highly capable combatants from their current posts.
"Ah, well, I wouldn't say there’s zero concern. But as of now, no powerful monsters have been confirmed on the plateau, and the Weed units are capable of handling it. It’s not entirely unrelated, but there is special vegetation on the plateau right now, and I’ve tasked Kaya with looking into it. To digress, how is that coming along?"
Oh, I didn't expect the conversation to turn to me.
...Ah, so it leads to the question of whether the plateau is safe.
"Regarding the plateau medicinal herbs I was asked about, I’ve succeeded in collecting seeds and have begun cultivation on the plateau. That said, they are still growing, so I can’t say for sure yet. Well, as you can probably tell from that, I’m also trying to grow other plants—crops, that is. So, it’s safe to say that the plateau we’ve secured is stable."
That’s right—the plateau is calm enough for agricultural work.
In other words, it’s safe.
"Then there’s no point in keeping Taiki and Holy stationed at the plateau."
"I suppose so. Oh, while I’m at it, Enora, how are things in the northern town? Stasia hasn't moved from the northern town, has she? Did something happen?"
Ah, now that I think about it, the people capable of serving as generals—Stasia, Fiora, and Agil—aren't gathered here. It’s only natural to wonder if something happened.
"No, nothing at all. We’re just staying on-site in case of an emergency. Members like Tori and myself who are usually stationed in the field have come here, after all. Oh, and regarding Aslin and Firia’s investigation, all three of us share the same view: there’s no problem. We can’t do anything until the situation moves, anyway."
"That’s true. At this rate, we’re just waiting for the enemy to make a move. Vilia and the others are active in the north, but the south is in a state of status quo. I suppose this is a way to break that deadlock."