第１９０２堀：冒険者の仕事は一旦一区切り (Part2)
"Look, while the kidnapping case is effectively considered settled by the fact that they were summoned to the New Continent, you're aware that one young child remains missing, right?"
"Ah, you mean the only one who didn't vanish from right in front of someone?"
"Exactly. Since they disappeared after entering the forest, it’s been officially recorded as a monster attack, but..."
"There was that place, wasn't there? The one that looked like a laboratory built into the dungeon?"
"There was."
Thanks to that discovery, the theory that this was an invasion by another nation—rather than the work of a Dungeon Master—gained significant traction. It also opened up the possibility that the missing child had been abducted.
Even so...
"Setting aside the New Continent issues, we have the rescue request for the guild staff in Suana Town and that pseudo-Great Stampede. Honestly... it’s nothing but a headache."
"Oh, that was something else, wasn't it?"
That situation truly was beyond the pale. It cost Weed our right to intervene and forced us to dispatch Nina and her team.
"Come to think of it, any developments since then?"
"On the surface, the local lord is claiming the village was attacked by monsters. Everyone involved is keeping their mouths shut."
"Well, of course they are. It’s not like they can talk about it openly. If they aren't careful, the state will step in and cover it all up. Given the circumstances, they have to."
"That’s the crux of it. And that’s why we’re stuck with this cleanup."
If things had gone according to the other side's plan, a Great Stampede involving guild staff would have occurred, followed by a military deployment to 'pacify' the Demon Forest. For the state, it was a golden opportunity to expand their territory. If it came out that they had sanctioned such a thing, their reputation would be ruined.
In short, it can never be made public, so they are forced to bury it. That’s why, between us, it’s just a 'simple accidental fire.' Behind the scenes, we were the ones who crushed it, but both sides are locked into this mutual necessity. It’s made our lives difficult, forcing us to maintain constant surveillance and track the enemy's movements.
"Though, that ends today."
"Right. You said the bulk of the work is finished. All that’s left is the relocation issue, isn't it?"
"That part is unavoidable. Which is exactly why I brought Kina along today. She’s been through enough trouble on our account."
She helped with the establishment of the guild branch in Glass Port Town and assisted during the chaos in Usano. That’s part of why I’m bringing Kina home with me.
"Well, I don't mind Kina coming over personally."
"She’s already here, actually. Yumi has taken quite a liking to her."
"I’m grateful that Yumi is happy, but don't let her wear you out too much, okay?"
Honestly, I’m thankful when people dote on the children, but a child’s energy is immense. It’s exhausting in a way that’s different from work or training.
"Haha, the struggles of parenthood, right? For me, it’s only occasional, so it’s fine. Besides, I’m just keeping her company at the inn; I’m not watching her around the clock."
"Is that so? That’s a huge help to me."
It’s true—whenever Kina or other guests visit, Yumi and the other children gravitate toward them, which is unexpected. I suppose it’s because they know they’ll be spoiled. Even so, it’s a massive relief.
"Leave it to big sister Kina. Though, I’ll probably fall asleep pretty quickly. After that, shall we have some delicious drinks?"
"I’ll leave the drinks to you. Yuki is going to handle the snacks, and he’s planning to clear out that shop space for us."
"Whoa, really? Can we get yakitori and ramen?"
"We can."
"Yes!"
"Are you the one most excited about this?"
"Of course I am. Usually, you have to worry about the staff, the crowd, the time, and your wallet, but at the inn, you don't have to worry about any of that, right?"
"I suppose that's true."
That shop space isn't just a counter; it has a large area covered in tatami mats where you can lie down, and it’s set up so you can just crash there if you drink yourself into a stupor. It’s not something you’d normally see, but it’s possible because it’s our own establishment. It’s a luxury.
"After that, a bath, and then back to drinking. Doesn't that sound perfect?"
"Just so you know, drinking before a bath is generally a no-go."
You never know when someone might drown.
"But we can still drink, right?"
"Well, yes."
We’ve managed to keep things civil in that regard. The other members will likely be joining us, too.
"The work is done, and tomorrow is a day off. Let’s go all out."
"You’re right. Let’s go all out."
When the work is finished and you have the next day off, you really do want to let loose. It’s like the day before a holiday after payday. They call it 'Fantastic Friday' for a reason, after all.