第１８８０堀：堂々と殴り込む (Part2)
It goes without saying that we, the people of Weed, have no business interfering with the activities of the Clearstream Church within the Giadana Kingdom, nor are we in any position to conduct operations there ourselves.
"Of course, I have Emma and a few intelligence agents stationed there permanently, and they are prepared to respond should anything arise, so I’m not overly concerned," Yuki noted.
"I see. That is the most we can do, isn't it?"
When it comes to the affairs of other nations, our movements are inevitably sluggish; it is simply the nature of the situation.
"I understand the situation. Putting the current scene aside, what became of the plan to send Vilia and the others to the Iana Kingdom?"
"Ah, yes. That was the reason for this meeting, wasn't it?"
Hm? Ah, indeed, that was the purpose of our discussion.
Well, we had been plotting various schemes, which eventually led to the current operation to spread the scandal surrounding the Clearstream Church, but...
"So, in the end, is there any problem with Vilia and the others heading to the Iana Kingdom?"
"No, nothing in particular. Generally speaking, adventurers who have gained a certain level of skill—or rather, experience—tend to head north. Their objective is the elimination of monsters."
"In that case, wouldn't the south also be within their purview?"
"It seems they do go there, but the south is predominantly populated by demi-humans. Because of that, those from the central and northern regions tend to steer clear."
"Ah..."
So, that is where the ideology of demi-human exclusion comes into play.
"I have a fundamental question, though. Why is this ideology of excluding demi-humans so rampant? I’ve heard about the differences in culture, the longevity of elves, and the superior physical capabilities inherent to demi-humans, but I find it hard to believe that’s the only reason. Their total population hasn't dwindled to the extent of those on the If Continent; there are enough of them to form not just towns, but entire nations."
The King of Giadana had wondered the same thing.
After all, they are a source of tax revenue. What could be the reason for excluding them even at the cost of that?
"Well, that remains unclear. That is precisely why I sent Vilia and the others to investigate. As for the details regarding the Iana Kingdom, it is a northern nation suffering from frequent monster attacks. In other words, it is the perfect place to make a name for oneself as a disciple of Archbishop Dodona."
"I see, I see. So, in terms of the situation, there is nothing inherently strange about it?"
"Exactly. That said, it is true that their promotion as adventurers is far too rapid."
"Naturally. It is like a rookie suddenly being given a high-ranking position. In any ordinary workplace, that would be unthinkable."
As Eris pointed out, such an arrangement would be unheard of even in the military.
However...
"Well, I suppose that is the nature of being an adventurer. The attrition rate must be quite high."
"That’s it. Unlike a typical company, they are constantly being sent to places where their lives are at risk. Just because they are high-ranked adventurers doesn't mean they are guaranteed to return. And unlike the military, they operate in small parties."
With fewer people, the danger only increases.
Though, it is precisely because they are few that they can move with such agility.
"Come to think of it, is Milly still on the job?"
"Yes. Milly is currently handling the aftermath—or rather, the cover-up—in Usano and Aae. You know, regarding the incident where the village that had been gathering monsters disappeared? There was also the matter of the Adventurer's Guild being complicit in capturing those monsters. We had to secure the informants, and it is a fact that we have been suppressing the information."
Now that she mentioned it, there was an official from the town of Suana in Usano who had sent us word.
Upon investigation, it turned out to be a matter involving territorial disputes, and we couldn't afford to move carelessly. That is why the Adventurer's Guild has been taking the lead.
"I see. No, you’re right. The scale wasn't massive, but they were attempting to trigger a pseudo-Great Stampede that even involved the Adventurer's Guild."
"Though, they hadn't gathered enough numbers to truly call it that."
As we spoke of Usano and Aae, we kept a watchful eye on the occupation of the Clearstream Church.
You might find it surprising, but there are times when taking decisive action is more effective than engaging in endless conversation.
Well, such things depend entirely on the time and the circumstances.
Nevertheless, to take such action, one must possess both the authority and the physical might to back it up.