第１９４３堀：そんな馬鹿なと思うことがある (Part1)
Chapter 1943: There are times when you think, "That’s absurd."
Side: Yuki
"A pleasure to meet you, Yuki-sama. My name is Sanal, and I serve as the Guild Master for the Adventurer’s Guild here in the Royal Capital of Giadana."
With those words, Guild Master Sanal offered a graceful, refined bow.
Given his position overseeing adventurers, one might expect someone with a rougher, more boisterous demeanor. However, the Adventurer’s Guild is a massive organization recognized by the state. It stands to reason that a fool incapable of navigating the complexities of national diplomacy wouldn't last long in such a role.
Of course, there are idiots among the nobility, and surely among guild masters as well—there are always exceptions—but it seemed this man was the type capable of such professional courtesy.
With that thought in mind, I returned his greeting.
"Thank you for accommodating our sudden visit today."
"Forgive the intrusion, Sanal."
Following my lead, Archbishop Dodona chimed in with a casual tone.
"Hah, I doubt there is anyone within the Kingdom of Giadana who doesn't know the name Weed. And since Yuki-sama is the Prince Consort, this reception is only natural. Besides, Archbishop Dodona, you’re being far too informal."
Guild Master Sanal retorted just as easily.
For context, I had come to know Archbishop Dodona through Ena and the members of the Mikos Trading Company. This was our first time meeting in person, but he was in high spirits, largely due to the support we’d provided regarding the students like Vilia and our supply shipments.
As for our escort, we were accompanied not only by the Royal Guard of Giadana but also by Ria and the others. They had insisted that I couldn't possibly travel alone.
Oh, and one more thing.
"And who might she be?"
"Ah, this is Milly. She serves as the head of our Adventurer’s Guild back home."
Yes, Milly had come along as well.
When we discussed how to introduce her, we decided that presenting her as a wife would make things complicated, so we stuck to her professional title. It’s easier to manage that way.
Well, if I introduced every single one of my wives, it would be a bit much, and the other party might feel awkward trying to navigate the titles. Besides, she is genuinely capable in her role.
"I see. So, there is an Adventurer’s Guild in the Wastelands as well. Though, we haven't received any correspondence..."
"It’s a tale from long ago, so this is the first opportunity we’ve had to pay our respects."
"I understand. I have heard that some did venture beyond Ohe into the Wastelands. It is a fortunate thing that we have finally made contact."
Oh? It seems Guild Master Sanal is aware of the lands beyond Ohe.
"That said, it has been so long that we are completely disconnected from the outside world, operating under our own unique rules."
"That is only to be expected. Having survived in those lands, which are said to be teeming with monsters, it is natural that you would have developed your own system."
Sanal nodded, accepting Milly’s explanation without a hint of suspicion.
I had expected him to be skeptical, but perhaps he’s simply resigned to the fact that there’s no way to verify the truth. After all, he can’t exactly send adventurers out past Ohe to check.
Furthermore, he likely assumes that a rising nation like Weed wouldn't bother lying about such things. If we were to lie here, we would be dragging the names of Giadana—who trusted us enough to grant us permission—and Archbishop Dodona, who accompanied us, through the mud.
Well, since we actually came from somewhere even further than the Wastelands, it’s not exactly a lie, either.
"So, am I to understand that you came specifically to introduce Milly-dono to me?"
Sanal asked, seeking confirmation.
We hadn't reached the main topic yet, and introducing Milly might make it seem like that was the primary purpose of our visit.
But unfortunately, our objective was quite different.
"No, I apologize, but the introduction is only part of it. We actually have a consultation for you."
"A consultation? Is that why Archbishop Dodona is here as well?"
He seemed to have sensed the gravity of the situation, his gaze shifting toward the Archbishop. He knew that for a simple greeting, the Archbishop’s presence wouldn't be required.
"That is correct. Sanal, I need your cooperation."
"Are you only being polite because you need something? And since you brought the Master, is this some kind of troublesome affair? If it’s a matter of combat strength, shouldn't the Master be able to handle it? If I’m being honest, he’s even more skilled than I am."
"Don't jump to conclusions. I’m not as young as I used to be, and this isn't about combat strength. I told you, we came to talk."
"Talk? Is there something you don't know, Master?"
Sanal tilted his head, but then his expression darkened as if he had realized something.
"Wait, I’m not talking about anything involving the nobility. I don't have any dirt on them, and I’m not about to stick my neck out into that mess."
Ah, so that’s where his mind went.
Well, he wasn't entirely wrong, was he?
After all, we were about to ask about something that had been a taboo for a thousand years.
"That’s not the kind of talk I mean. You felt something was off when you came here from the North, didn't you? Regarding the trend of demi-human exclusion."
"Huh? Is that all?"
"Is that all? Do you have any idea what kind of suffering the demi-humans are enduring?"
Oh, Archbishop Dodona was bristling.
Sanal, realizing he’d made a slip of the tongue, scrambled to backtrack.
"No, no, that’s not what I meant! I just thought you were talking about exposing some dangerous noble or something. That would be a real nightmare, wouldn't it?"
"Hm? Ah, indeed. The nobility is connected to everything. But setting that aside, haven't you found the treatment of demi-humans strange?"
"Well, I was surprised when I came to the center from the North, but discrimination exists among humans too. Where you’re from, what village you were born in... that kind of thing. Even if it doesn't go as far as torture, it happens, right? That’s why I never paid it much mind, Master."
"Hmm. I suppose that’s true, but surely you think this latest incident has gone too far?"
"Well, yeah. I was shocked when I heard the story. What is the Clearstream Church thinking? You asked them, right?"
"That’s the thing. They claim ignorance. They even blamed us—or rather, the King of Giadana and his party for trespassing. When I told them I would contact Petra, they told me to wait, and then fell silent."
"Huh? Wait a minute, are you saying this isn't an order from the top?"
Oh, that was a surprise.
His reaction suggested that he was completely unaware of the recent movements within the Clearstream Church.
Archbishop Dodona was equally stunned by his reaction.
"I am the one who is surprised. Why is the Adventurer’s Guild unaware of something of this magnitude?"
"No, if this information got out, it would be a disaster. If the Central Branch of the Clearstream Church is acting against the will of the headquarters in the North—and against the intentions of Bishop Petra—that’s a rebellion, isn't it? If this were exposed to the outside world, they’d be nothing more than traitors."
"Ah, indeed."
Yes, as Guild Master Sanal pointed out, the reason this information hadn't spread was that, if it did, it could easily trigger a large-scale rebellion.