第１９０４堀：力を持つのは国だけではない (Part1)
Chapter 1904: Power Resides Not Only with Nations
Power Resides Not Only with Nations
Side: Cleena
"And so, from now on, we will be supporting Yuki."
"We look forward to assisting you."
Samantha and I said this to Yuki.
"Ah, I apologize for taking you away from your busy schedules."
"Don't worry about it. We're just returning to our original guard duties."
"Precisely. Besides, they're just having endless meetings over there."
Indeed, the fault lies with those fools who do nothing but hold leisurely meetings. We are simply returning to our proper role as Yuki's guards. That is all there is to it.
"It seems sending people to the New Continent will take time after all."
"...They're just taking their sweet time."
"While I'd like to dispute Cleena's words, they probably believe they have ample time. After all, it's the New Continent. Sending just anyone there won't suffice, and it could easily escalate into a matter of war."
"New lands are always such a hassle, aren't they?"
As Ria said, new territories seem to make people hesitant. I understand the feeling, but taking too much time isn't good either.
"Investigations are progressing, but a 100-kilometer radius in the wilderness is probably considered insufficient."
"Indeed, that does feel rather narrow."
"It is quite unusual for a neighboring country to be within a 100-kilometer radius. There would be border management concerns, and considering future developments, more information is definitely needed."
If they didn't intend to expand from there, 100 kilometers might be fine, but no nation desires that. They would surely want to use it as a foothold to occupy the south. Or perhaps some would aim beyond Ohe, towards the north, the southernmost tip, or the sea. In that case, the location is extremely important. In other words, more information is required.
"Furthermore, we are curious about what the northern factions are thinking."
"Hmph. Those scoundrels, trying to use Vilia and the others."
"No, no, it's not just us being used, you know? I think they have their own agenda too. Don't you agree, Yuki?"
"Yes, there's not much point in trying to trap us. We've actually secured the Clearstream Church. As I discussed with Rock yesterday, giving us uncertain information and fostering distrust would also be problematic."
"Well, that's true. For now, based on yesterday's discussion, we'll be speaking with the King of Giadana, correct? We'll accompany you for that."
"Likewise."
And not just the south, but the north remains largely unknown. Well, we should be glad to have established a connection with the Kingdom of Giadana, but gathering as much information as possible is never a bad thing. Especially regarding the Iana Kingdom, where Vilia and the others are scheduled to go.
"Speaking of which, we were trying to hear about the Iana Kingdom, and after a brief inquiry, the conversation shifted to the church attack."
"That's right. Well, our plans were moved up more than expected, so it couldn't be helped. This time, we'll listen carefully. Though, at a glance, it seems the monster damage is severe, and the Adventurer Guild wants to send adventurers to achieve results, or rather, to mitigate the damage."
"That is indeed strange. For the Adventurer Guild to gather adventurers implies a concentration of forces, as seen in Rogali or Zuraburu. In Haiden or If, it's no different from summoning mercenaries. In other words, it suggests the Iana Kingdom cannot cope."
"Hmph. One could say they are exposing the country's shame. Even if the Adventurer Guild claims to be gathering them independently, it's undeniable that the protection of the populace is entrusted to the nation."
Even I, who doesn't fully grasp politics, can tell that such a situation is abnormal. Protecting the country is the soldiers' job. Supplementing that by gathering adventurers isn't entirely unheard of, but it shouldn't be a constant state. That would expose the country's lack of power.
"You're right. As you two said, the Clearstream Church might also be involved, and considering that, it wouldn't be surprising if the Adventurer Guild held more power than the country's reputation. Ah, I need to ask about that too."
Yuki seemed to realize something, covering his face with his hand in an "oh dear" gesture.
"What do you mean?"
Curious, I asked for the reason, and Samantha, who was beside me, explained with a bitter expression.
"It's exactly as Yuki-sama just said. Not limited to the Iana Kingdom, there's a possibility that the Adventurer Guild, which possesses power against monsters, and certainly the Clearstream Church, could be effectively taking over the country."
"...Is that even possible?"
One organization taking over a country? I tilted my head, unable to quite picture it.
"In fact, the Clearstream Church in the north wields great power and has issued recommendations to the Kingdom of Giadana to hand over demi-humans. Normally, this would be unthinkable. Well, Cleena, your doubt is natural. They don't manage towns or villages, after all. Would it be easier to understand if I said they hold physical power and influence, giving them leverage over the country? Or perhaps like a major merchant company?"
Ah, I understand. Merchants with money and connections to various traders in different regions are often treated with deference even by lords. So, this is like a military version of that?
"I see. So, from now on, we also need to pay attention to whether a country is under the umbrella of the Adventurer Guild or the Clearstream Church?"
"That's right. As Cleena pointed out, the Iana Kingdom would want to avoid putting the Adventurer Guild or the Clearstream Church in the forefront. The main army must be led by the Iana Kingdom, or the country's prestige would suffer. But if that's not the case, then, as Cleena said, the Adventurer Guild or the Clearstream Church holds the real power of the country. That's why they're so careful."
Having more negotiating partners isn't ideal. However, given the situation over there, perhaps it can't be helped? Thinking that far, I remembered what Yuki had discussed with Rock and the others last night.
"I see. So, Yuki, this is what you were talking about with Rock yesterday?"
"That's right. Though the Adventurer Guild wouldn't readily agree to it."
"I see. Milly and the others would want to deny it, wouldn't they?"
"If it weren't at a drinking party, it could be taken as an official statement, so it couldn't be discussed anywhere else. Such as the possibility of the Adventurer Guild manipulating a country."
Samantha was right. If such a thing were carelessly discussed in the Adventurer Guild's office, it wouldn't be surprising if people said the Adventurer Guild was aiming for the country. Well, Rock also avoided explicit statements, and Milly and Kina would never say such things.
"Well, those are the circumstances. Honestly, I would have liked Milly to be present, but she's on a well-deserved break after a big job. Video records should be sufficient."
"...Hmph. Milly worked hard, so she should rest."
"Precisely. What would be the point of a celebratory drinking party if she were immediately put back to work?"
"Right? Milly has been working so hard, so she should rest and then join us later."