第１９５０堀：本当の新大陸の状況 (Part1)
**Chapter 1950: The Truth of the New Continent**
**Side: Yuki**
"I see. So you’re starting by combing through the guild’s records."
"Yes. We’re investigating to see if there are any suspicious flows of money or supplies. Is that alright?"
On the other side of the call screen, Shera looks slightly anxious. She’s likely worried that she’s overstepping by acting outside the original plan.
"It’s fine. If you and Labyris aren’t pushing yourselves too hard, it’s a big help. Tracking the flow of goods is a crucial piece of the puzzle."
"We aren't pushing ourselves, are we? If we were, we’d be all clingy and lethargic at night."
"I suppose that’s true."
Labyris would certainly jump at me without hesitation. Shera would be more reserved, but as for that...
"It’s fine. Shera gets all clingy and sticky too."
"Um, doesn't that make it sound like I’m the persistent one?"
"Yeah, if you’re covering for each other like that, there’s no problem. I hope you find something. Your line of inquiry isn't bad."
The two of them—or rather, as Kina pointed out—noted that if one were to carry out such an idiotic order in this day and age, there must be a commensurate reward.
They are absolutely right.
No matter how much history a nation has, people cannot live on pride or heritage alone. Such concerns for "face" are luxuries reserved for those at the top. In other words, the state.
Even for nobles, letting go of people who are essentially their own assets is akin to cutting their own throats. If they aren't careful, it could trigger a rebellion. If the demi-humans were completely segregated like they are in the If Continent, it might be different, but it seems that in many parts of the central region, demi-humans live mixed in with the rest of the population.
That is precisely why the Kingdom of Giadana was so bewildered and opposed to the sudden expulsion of demi-humans.
It makes sense. It’s completely nonsensical.
If they weren't careful, it wouldn't just be a popular uprising; the lords who harbor demi-humans could all turn against the crown, leading to total chaos. Yet, in reality, that didn't happen, and the fact remains that the pro-expulsion faction holds the majority within the Kingdom of Giadana.
It’s safe to assume there was some kind of deal made.
"Hey, I don't mind us investigating, but isn't this overlapping with what the Kingdom of Giadana is already looking into?"
As I was thinking this, Labyris fired off a sharp observation.
"Ah, we are currently having the Kingdom of Giadana investigate what only a nation can, so there is a possibility of overlap. That said, no information has reached us yet. After all, if handled poorly, it could split the country in two. Especially if the Clearstream Church is pulling the strings."
"That is certainly true. If the Clearstream Church—which is famous not just for its faith but for its influence across borders—becomes an enemy, the internal structure would fracture immediately. Still, it feels strange that no one can say a word against the words of Archbishop Dodona of the Clearstream Church."
"I agree with you there. Well, the prevailing opinion is that this is the arbitrary decision of the central branch of the Clearstream Church. Still, it’s quite sloppy, isn't it?"
"Right? It’s bizarre that they’d just back down because someone threatened to tell on them. What are they even trying to do?"
As Labyris says, they’ve already tortured the demi-humans; it feels like they’ve gone too far to turn back now. Anyone can see that if the top of the North, Petra, were to find out—as Archbishop Dodona fears—she would be absolutely furious alongside the demi-humans. It wouldn't be strange for someone other than the Archbishop to have brought the news to her already.
So, it really is a case of "too little, too late."
Nevertheless...
"Well, there must have been some sort of exchange that led them to tacitly approve of the expulsion and persecution of demi-humans. Investigating that will lead to shaking up the central branch of the Clearstream Church and help us unravel the mystery. The Kingdom of Giadana is likely pursuing it as well, so we’ll be able to approach this from multiple angles."
I had avoided intervening because I didn't want to show a lack of trust, and frankly, we were physically short on manpower, but the difference between the central region and the North is so glaring that I can no longer afford to be passive.
If I take my time unraveling the mystery, we might end up constantly on the defensive. Defensive warfare is truly a headache.
That is why I began the rapid development of the land battleships. This should hold the line somewhat even if the enemy moves... but unless we suppress the source, we can stall an army of ten thousand, but we cannot stop them all. A land battleship can only defend one direction, after all.
...Well, if it were Yayui, she might be able to race around the towns and fortresses and annihilate the enemy, but we aren't going to use them in such a reckless, specialized way. The land battleships will be treated as mobile, yet fixed, artillery platforms.
After all, it would be a problem if we crushed our own allies. Even if it were an accident, if we killed our own people while coming to their aid, future cooperation would be difficult.
"Yuki-san. Is something on your mind?"
Milly noticed my expression and called out to me. Lately, my wives have been reading my thoughts too easily. It’s fine if it’s just family, but I should ask Kirika or Prol about that later.
Well, that aside.
"The reason I started investigating from the perspective of history this time is to find out what is driving the central Clearstream Church and the nations that have fallen in line with them. They weren't just persecuting demi-humans; in reality, they were treating them like sacrifices. And they were using their own subjects to do it. It’s impossible that they didn't know about this."
I explained the circumstances once more. Even now, I don't understand the logic.
"That’s true, isn't it? Wait, didn't Giadana not realize it either?"
"Exactly. They didn't realize. Given the level of prejudice against demi-humans and the fact that they are ignoring their own profits, I assumed there was something significant at play, but nothing is coming up. I can't see their objective. Which means we are on the back foot. Moreover, the North is facing a continuous monster offensive. Milly, did you tell Kina?"
"No, not yet."
"Wait, what? I heard that Vilia and the others reached the front lines in the North, but what’s this about a monster offensive? You don't mean they’re just appearing more often than usual?"
"I’ll explain it myself. We’ve built a fortress and walls utilizing the terrain of the valley beyond the front-line town of Ando. Did you hear about that?"
"Not at all. Isn't that classified? Is it really okay for you to be talking about it, Yuki-san?"
"The only person who can get angry at my position is Seraria. Well, my wives and subordinates are always scolding me for being reckless, though."
"Yeah, I agree with them. You should value yourself more. Even I know that if you were to collapse, Weed would fall into total chaos."
As Kina said that, the members on the other side of the screen and those standing behind me nodded deeply, over and over again.
I don't know what to say—I’m surrounded by allies, yet I feel like I have no one on my side.
Well, that aside.
"Let’s get back to the point. It’s too late to keep Kina in the dark. You’re already involved. I’m leaving Glass in your hands, after all."