第１９０７堀：敵の位置が割れてくる (Part2)
We were the ones forcing the schedule forward.
"Well, since we've significantly shortened the travel time, there should still be time to act, right? And you've already sent scouts into the town, haven't you?"
"Yes. I'm not just practicing my transformation suit. I've already investigated the town."
The primary hero roles were assigned to Vilia and Kishua. This was mainly because their current forms were too small compared to their hero states. It was highly unlikely they would be recognized as the same person, and their main purpose was combat. It wasn't that the two were clumsy; rather, espionage was not an easy task. Meanwhile, Seer would act as a traveling sister, gathering information from the general populace while providing healing and supporting the other two by surveying the terrain. As for me, I would investigate the most dangerous elements within the nobility and the church. That was my specialty.
"So, did you find any information?"
"First, it's been confirmed that the first rescue targets, the demi-humans, are not in this town."
As I said this, I could sense Vilia exhale in relief. Well, at least there was no need to storm the place. This confirmation was simple. All it took was investigating the basements of the church and the lord's manor. We also scanned for magical reactions, so nothing was overlooked.
"That's good news. It means the hero suits won't be needed."
"Yes. They won't be necessary this time."
There would be no use of force in this town. This was good for Vilia and Kishua, who were not yet accustomed to their suits.
"Next, regarding the church's documents, I've discovered something interesting."
"Interesting?"
"I was planning to send it all later, but since we've made contact, I'll send it now."
With that, I sent the data I had just obtained to Yuki.
"This is..."
"Yes. It's a document stating opposition to the capture of demi-humans. If this document is true, it suggests that the Clearstream Church itself is divided regarding the treatment of demi-humans."
"It appears so. And the recipient is the North."
"Yes. From what Yuki mentioned, the North is independent, or at least its situation differs from the central regions. This information supports that theory."
"...Seriously, the enemy is truly in the central region. What in the world is going on?"
"Who knows? If this is an internal conflict, the scale is too large. To form an alliance in the Geardana Kingdom and suffer a major defeat in the south... the person who orchestrated this would be hunted to the ends of the earth and dealt with. The scale of damage is comparable to that of a Demon Lord. It might even be worse, as it could drastically reduce humanity's habitable zones on the new continent. They're as formidable as Holy."
Well, considering the small island nation of only five countries, Holy's situation wasn't the same.
"Indeed. With such heavy losses, Geardana and the subjugated small nations wouldn't let this slide. More importantly, what do the central countries gain by weakening Geardana? What do they gain by obeying the Clearstream Church? Their objective is completely unclear."
"Investigating that is your job. We'll proceed as planned. In fact, the central region might become the biggest source of trouble, even more so than the North."
"I understand, but it's troublesome."
"That's how it is."
Those who try to thwart conspiracies are always scrambling. They are always playing catch-up, only able to pursue the enemy's movements after they've been made. Of course, if they can discern the enemy's intentions midway, they can preempt them. Yuki, or rather, we of Weed, can quickly grasp the enemy's objectives. In fact, we are currently tracking the enemy's shadow. However, the enemy is completely unaware of us. Not being known, not being understood, provides an overwhelming advantage. That's precisely why Yuki operates in secret. Even though Weed's forces could defeat them head-on. Well, there are issues of maintenance and such. Perhaps we, Weed, are the most frightening to them. Neither side can grasp the other's form, making it difficult to assess their threat level. However, they have begun to act openly, revealing their true colors. So, how will Yuki, who loves intricate schemes, proceed?