第1882堀:冒険者ギルドの後処理と今後の対応 (Part2)
"Isn't that a bit unreasonable? Whether Milly is busy or not shouldn't have any bearing on the movements of the Adventurer Guild headquarters, should it?"
"Even so. We need to maintain the stance that Weed is simply swamped. We have the operation to accept the people from the remote village coming up, and we need a smoke screen."
Indeed—though calling it a "side task" might be an understatement—we are effectively assisting in the relocation, or rather, the flight of those villagers involved in the kidnapping incident. If we left them there, the possibility of Usano making contact with the New Continent wouldn't be zero. If that were to happen, it could descend into absolute chaos. Preventing that is part of the objective, too.
"I see. So, is Milly’s current workload related to that relocation?"
"Exactly. Weed cannot be seen intervening, so it has to look like the Adventurer Guild handled it. Of course, we want to avoid being exposed, so we’re operating in the shadows."
"Even if it is for the safety of the villagers, it is still an act of spiriting away citizens without authorization, after all."
"Right. That’s why it absolutely must not be discovered. We’re doing a lot of things behind the scenes to ensure that. Weed provides the guidance, but the dispatch of the adventurers is officially the work of the Adventurer Guild."
"Ah, I suppose it’s inevitable that people would assume we’re pulling the strings. So, it’s not exactly just 'pretending' to work, is it?"
"Hardly. If I’m going to do paperwork, I’d rather it be meaningful. I’m juggling that alongside the Usano situation, so my workload is nearly doubled."
"…I understand the situation, but if you’re going to be this exhausted, don’t you think you need to adjust your schedule?"
"Indeed. If you get too tired and start making mistakes, it would be counterproductive, wouldn't it?"
They were right. The scheduling was reckless. One might suggest simply working overtime, but that would only invite suspicion that I’m doing other tasks. We decided it was better to maintain the appearance that I finish my duties within the Weed Adventurer Guild on time and return home. Besides…
"It’s mostly finished already. If I can talk to Yuki and Seraria today and get the approval, that’ll be it."
"Oh, you’ve made it that far?"
"Does that mean this level of busyness ends today?"
"Yes, the unreasonable workload ends today. Though, I suppose I’ve been busy for a while now."
"That’s true. By the way, have you heard anything about the New Continent?"
"Not much. I heard that Vilia and the others stormed the Clearstream Church, but I have no idea what happened after that."
Just as I gave that reply, the door opened.
"I was just about to talk to you about that."
"Oh, Yuki."
Speak of the devil. He arrived right on cue. Well, when it comes to meetings, he’s always been prompt.
"Brother, we’ve been waiting for you. Would you like some snacks?"
"Would you like something to drink?"
Ratz and Eris chimed in, eager to attend to him, but…
"No, my ladies, please stay as you are. Leave it to us."
Orelia stepped forward smoothly, while Hovis and Yayui moved instantly. Prof began preparing, carrying his belongings. As for Ria, she looked at me and offered a wry smile.
"They’re all so capable, aren't they?"
"They are. It’s reassuring, but it makes the balancing act quite difficult."
"Indeed. I understand Orelia and the others are doing their best, but at this rate, I can’t exactly jump into Yuki’s arms."
"True. I want to be spoiled—or rather, I’m wondering how we should manage our intimacy as a married couple."
"That is a dilemma. It just goes to show how capable Orelia and the others have become. What do you think, Prof?"
"It is difficult. I understand that you wish to be close to Yuki-sama, but it is only natural for us to attend to his daily needs… Perhaps we could establish some sort of signal?"
A signal, huh? It’s not an unusual concept, but we hadn’t discussed such things with Orelia and the others. We hadn't had the luxury of time until now. Very well, let’s discuss that alongside the meeting.
While we remain officially hands-off regarding the town of Suana in Usano and the village where the monsters were kept, it seems we are doing an immense amount of troublesome work behind the scenes. Furthermore, we need to consider establishing rules for intimacy with Yuki, including the involvement of Orelia and the others in his personal care. It just goes to show how truly capable Orelia and her team have become.