第１８７０堀：友人が心配なんです (Part1)
Chapter 1870: I’m Worried About My Friends
Side: Shera
"So, what do you think we should do?"
Labyris walked into the room as she asked this. It was a rare occurrence, to say the least. After all, we were currently in the middle of a conversation at the Gartz Embassy. Ordinarily, this would be the time to discuss matters unrelated to Gartz, but...
"Hmm. So those two are going on their own. That is certainly worrying."
"My, even you are worried, Sister? I’m not quite that concerned, but those two are important to Gartz, and I’d rather they didn't go anywhere too dangerous," commented Lowel and Charl, who happened to be present.
It wasn't unusual for them to be here, given that we were negotiating with Gartz, but... there was something about the atmosphere that felt off. Then, it hit me.
"Sisters, did you say that when it was my turn?"
I felt like they were more worried now than when I was sent to Weed. When I pointed that out...
"Well, at the time, you were dead set against it, weren't you?"
"Yes, I said that sending Shera was out of the question."
"...Come to think of it, yes."
"Though, regarding the level of danger, I wasn't that worried."
"Indeed. After all, the situation was such that if anyone laid a hand on Shera, it would have turned a ceasefire back into a full-scale war. Still, I was surprised when you returned to Gartz in less than half a year."
"Ahaha, that did happen, didn't it?"
It certainly was a chaotic time back then. It just goes to show how much I was cherished. Recalling it now, I remember that Weed was in total disarray because Gartz had been dragged into skirmishes over Seraria’s sister, the Saintess Elju, and places like Lithea. Well, it was precisely because of that turmoil that I was able to meet Yuki and the others—and eventually, Aslin and Firia.
"Anyway, putting that aside, to think those girls would end up on a mission alone—well, just the two of them."
"Yes, time flies so quickly."
They both spoke with a sense of profound nostalgia, but Labyris didn't seem to share the sentiment.
"Exactly, that’s why I’m worried. I know Deryu, Taiki, and Holly are going with them as combat support, but I’m still anxious."
"Isn't that overkill?"
"I agree. Wouldn't Deryu alone be enough? Ah, I suppose if you consider rest periods, that’s reasonable. Besides, I’m surprised the Ranks side even permitted it."
"Oh, as for that, they were granted permission because they’ll be receiving information and news regarding negotiations with the New Continent firsthand."
It’s true; despite being a King, Taiki heads to the New Continent almost daily for those very reasons. That said, I’d heard he’d been complaining of having nothing to do lately, so I suppose this is perfect for him. I’ve heard he plays games with Holly, too—in a way, much like Yuki, he treats everyone as an equal.
As for my sisters, upon hearing why Ranks had given the green light:
"Ah, that’s a gain. Being able to obtain information on the New Continent in advance is a significant advantage."
"And since it’s King Taiki, he’s likely building friendships with other nations like Ohe as well. That’s the benefit of being a country that can move ahead."
"Actually, Taiki is going to suppress the monsters in the south, so he isn't directly involved with Ohe."
"Oh, is that so? In that case, it’s not exactly... well, I suppose it’s still useful since he’s scouting the land."
"Being able to see the land that the great powers are agonizing over up close is a blessing in its own right."
They were right. Just being able to see the land where the great powers plan to build towns ahead of time is a massive advantage. Taiki’s Ranks will likely secure a suitable location. Well, since they are a small nation, they can’t exactly claim the land before anyone else, but having firsthand knowledge of that wilderness is still a significant edge.
"But that’s not the point! I’m talking about Aslin and Firia. Lowel, you were fond of them too, weren't you? Even Seraria was dead set against it."
"Ah, Seraria... well, Elju had a dangerous experience once, so she’s become overprotective."
"Isn't that natural? Sister Lowel was also furious when Elju was in that situation where she was practically a sacrifice."
"That’s true. Still, regarding Aslin and the others' investigation this time... with this much combat strength gathered, it feels a bit much to try and stop them, doesn't it?"
"Indeed, you are worrying too much. Don't you realize that yourself, Labyris?"
"Mmph."
Labyris mumbled, perhaps aware that she was being overly anxious.
"Sigh, I suppose it’s no use. Yuki suggested that as an alternative, I should just go along with them."
"Ahaha, that makes sense. If we went along, we could rest easy."
I laughed as I replied to Labyris, thinking it was just a joke.
"Right? So, Shera, won't you cooperate?"
"Eh?"
I was startled, as Labyris had responded with complete seriousness.
"What are you saying? If Labyris leaves, the supply chain for Weed will grind to a halt, won't it? Exports will stop! As someone in charge of Gartz’s logistics, I cannot approve of this."
Sister Charl spoke up, replacing my own stunned silence. She was right; Labyris held the reins of Weed’s logistics. Ratz was in a similar position, but Labyris possessed the unique ability as a Dungeon Master to manifest goods from Earth—something Ratz couldn't do. Well, it wasn't that she couldn't do it if she tried, but that was simply how their roles were divided.
"It’s fine. We have a decent stockpile in case of trouble. Even without me, the reserve supplies will last for the next five years at the current export volume. Right, Shera?"
"Is that so?"
She turned the question to me. I was the only one who could verify that, after all. Well, I had no choice but to state the facts.
"Yes. Since we never know what might happen, I’ve been making sure to store as many supplies as possible. After all, we never know how long we’ll be able to keep acquiring Yuki’s goods from Earth."