Side: Mino-chan
On the surface, everything had proceeded without incident since then.
After Aegil-san's story, we held a meeting and gathered everyone's opinions.
"What do you all think about this story?"
Just like always, An-chan gathered the core members in the banquet hall to talk things over.
That story wasn't the kind of thing we could just keep to ourselves, after all.
"Even if you ask us what we think... for now, it's something we should keep in the back of our minds, but I don't see any reason to get overly anxious about it."
Seraria-neesan said.
"True~ I don't think Aegil-san is lying, but we can't exactly verify if it's the absolute truth either, so operating strictly on that assumption is a bit risky."
Ratz-neesan said as her rabbit ears twitched.
"For now, our role upon going to Enaria is just to serve as Princess Miffy's escorts anyway, so why don't we spare a few people to explore that Great Cathedral? It would be much easier if we could get Aegil-san to cooperate and come with us."
Eris-neesan suggested that we should just confirm the facts once we actually get to Enaria.
Makes sense, debating it here won't give us any answers.
"I agree with Eris. We can't start anything until we look into it, so shouldn't we focus on getting close to Aegil-san so she'll cooperate first? Even if this turns out to be true, what we need to do doesn't fundamentally change; it just means it'll be easier to handle if a problem does pop up, right, Yuki-san?"
As she spoke, Milly-neesan casually munched on a rice cracker.
Well, just as she said, unless the other side actually makes a move, there isn't much we can do.
If nothing happens, that's fine too. Less work for us.
"Like Milly said, it's just about making it easier to deal with things. But as Seraria and Ratz said first, we have to keep it in the back of our minds. If something happens, it means the nations are scheming behind the scenes. Remember that moving without thinking is dangerous. And as Eris said, the policy is to get along with Aegil while investigating the ruins—the dungeon—under that great cathedral. Even if the nations move over the Holy Sword business, don't forget our goal is to investigate the movements of the previous Dungeon Master."
Everyone nodded after hearing An-chan's words.
"But if the other countries start moving because of the Holy Swords, won't guarding the ruins—er, the dungeon—get super busy? We might end up having to deal with nations directly."
Riel-neesan swished her tail, clearly sounding annoyed.
"I wonder about that. The text Aegil-san found might be the only copy in existence. Besides, if the Holy Swords could be found so easily through literature, they would have been uncovered and used as tools of war long ago. Even if there were no wielders available, they would have at least declared that the Holy Swords had been found."
Despite being so small, Princess Sheila was as brilliantly sharp as ever. Princess Aslin and Princess Filia nodded right along beside her.
"Yes, indeed. As Sheila says, it is unnatural that they aren't being used. Following the text, the human nations probably feared a rebellion from the Holy Sword wielders for a while after stripping them of their weapons, but by now, that is ancient history that cannot be overturned. There is no reason to hide such convenient Holy Swords anymore, so either knowledge of them has been completely forgotten, or the wielders took them back and hid them somewhere..."
Hmm, Rurua-neesan used to be a Saintess and a leader of a country, so her words definitely carried weight.
"Well, there are several unnatural points like Sheila and Rurua said, but in the end, what we need to do doesn't change. If a problem arises, we'll contact each other and decide how to respond. Let's make sure that's clear."
Everyone nodded at An-chan's words.
Yeah, that's really all we can do for now.
Man... It would've been nice if we could use the dungeon to make things easier like back in Weed.
This new continent has so many restrictions. I never thought I'd end up gathering information with my own two feet.
"Alright, let's move on to the main topic: selecting the members who will go to Enaaria. I'll be going as the leader of the mercenary band. We also need to leave capable people behind to command Betaan and the demi-human villages or towns. Especially my wives — you have the children to think about... I'm grateful you want to come with me, but I also love the wives who protect our home."
The moment An-chan said that, the wives who were about to raise their hands froze.
...Yeah, he had to say that or this place would turn into a battlefield.
"If we hold a meeting to decide who comes, it might not take forever, but it'll definitely consume a lot of time. But this time, there are many things we need to be careful about regarding our investigation in the Enaria Capital. That's why I'd like to assign the formations myself, if that's alright?"
"It's easy to complain, but honestly, I don't think I'd be much help with an investigation in Enaria anyway. I'm completely fine with whatever lineup you choose, Yuki-san."
When Riel-neesan said that, An-chan's wives who weren't particularly fond of using their heads all looked off in completely different directions.
They're so easy to read!
"True. As you said, the main focus is investigating, and you'll be doing your usual sneaky stuff behind the scenes. I'm not very good at that sort of thing."
"Umu. When you put it that way, I suppose I am rather poor at it as well..."
The muscle-brained... er, the combat-specialized Seraria-neesan and Derieu-neesan reacted exactly as expected.
"Unfortunately, Seraria and Derieu, I need both of you to come."
"Huh?"
"Why?"
"Because there's a good chance the Enarian nobles will try to cause trouble. You two are the best people to handle that."
"...Can I cut them?"
"...May I punch them?"
"Absolutely not! Settle everything peacefully! This group is going to be made up primarily of humans. There's no need to bring unnecessary sparks with us this time. So no matter what happens, handle everything peacefully!"
""Tch.""
...Did he pick the wrong people right from the start?
As I cast my eyes toward the two of them, the battle-junkies suddenly snapped their gazes straight at me.
"Ara? Mino-chan, looks like you have something to say?"
"Indeed. Your eyes seem to be saying that we're poor wives who can't even listen to our husband."
"N-Not at all... I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about..."
I desperately searched for an excuse to escape the death waiting right in front of me.
But...
""Training session later.""
My prayers did not be answered.
Ahh... my muscles are gonna be so sore tomorrow...
"Fumu, Onii-san, does that mean those of us who are demi-humans will be on standby?"
"No, Ratz and Eris, I need you two to come. You'll use illusion magic to disguise yourselves as humans first. We seriously need manpower for information gathering, so I can't leave out people as suited for it as you two. I know you're worried about the children, but I'm counting on you."
"What are you saying? Everyone will help look after the children. I would never refuse Onii-san's request."
"Yes, if it were some absurd request, that would be one thing, but since you have a solid reason like this, I'd never say no to you, Yuki-san. However, that leaves only Rurua and Killue capable of nursing the babies. How are we going to handle that?"
That's true... Based on the current lineup, most of the wives who had just given birth would be leaving.
The children would be pitiful.
"I'll have Seraria and Derieu help feed them. It's not like the nobles are going to cause trouble every single second anyway, so Seraria and Derieu should prioritize the children. Of course, if you get busy, Ratz and Eris can swap out with your doppels to head back. I'm sorry for dumping the burden of watching the kids on you, Killue."
"No, please leave it to me. Supporting Milord is my duty as both a wife and a maid. However, I noticed Rurua-sama's name wasn't mentioned?"
"Ah, Rurua is coming to Enaria too. To be completely honest, I don't know how much time we'll have to operate there, but we are ultimately emissaries from Jilva. If we don't bring a decent number of people, we might not be able to move freely. So, I'm counting on you, Rurua."
"Yes, leave it to me!!"
I see.
An-chan was probably considering the possibility of leaving someone behind in Enaria if necessary.
"And naturally, Ria and Jessica have to come along as my bodyguards. Milly, you come too. Even though it's a different continent, I'm sure your experience as a regular citizen in the city will come in handy."
""Of course.""
"Understood."
"Peace was the previous Master's close aide. Naturally, she's coming along."
"Yes."
"That's everyone who's coming with me. I'm counting on the rest of you to look after the children and defend the town."
""Ehhhhh!?""
Suddenly, our little princesses raised their voices in protest.
Well, they were being left behind, so it couldn't be helped.
"Sorry. This time, the investigation takes top priority, so I can't take Aslin or Filia along."
"Uuu... I know I can't help with the investigating... but I'll be so lonely."
"Anii-sama... ugh..."
"Now, now, no crying. You mustn't trouble Yuki.
"It's lonely, but Yuki-san entrusted the city to us. Let's make sure we protect it properly, okay? Let's work hard so Yuki-san and the others can investigate Enaria without any worries."
An-chan said that, but in all honesty, If he'd brought those two princesses along, they'd have attracted attention immediately.
Whether for good or bad, bringing children while supposedly serving as escorts would practically be begging everyone to notice them.
"So, that means we will be handling the defense of Betan?"
"Yeah. If anything happens, Tori, you'll take command of Betan."
"Understood."
"Riel and Kaya, you'll be responsible for the fortress and Sueito Town. Normally you'll stay in Betan, but if something happens, head over there immediately. Thanks to the dungeon conversion, travel is easy now."
""Roger.""
"Sheila, work together with Mobu and the others to protect the demi-human... well, with its population, it's really a town now. If anything happens, that place takes priority."
"Labyris, Aslin, and Filia, the same goes for you. In an emergency, move between those four bases as needed and protect them."
"Understood!"
"Got it!"
"Very well."
I see.
At first I thought our defensive force looked a little thin, but with this arrangement, we'll manage somehow.
"That said, there aren't any large-scale enemies at the moment."
"Jilva and Enaria have both fallen silent, after all."
"All that's left is to wait for their contact. Mino-chan, as we discussed before, you'll be moving separately, so I'm counting on you."
"Got it. On the surface, we're a third force — not part of Jilva, Enaria, or the mercenary band."
"Right. Enaria will probably summon us before long, and once my report reaches Jilva, they'll likely want negotiations as well. If Mino-chan is in Enaria when Jilva contacts us, then John, you'll handle the negotiations."
"Understood, boss."
And just like that, the meeting ended, and everyone went off to make preparations.
I'd better hurry and write up the detailed deployment plan and show it to John.
Enaria Investigation Team
* Yuki
* Seraria
* Rurua
* Derieu
* Eris
* Ratz
* Milly
* Ria
* Jessica
* Peace
Betan and Regional Defense Team
* Tori
* Riel
* Kaya
* Labyris
* Sheila
* Aslin
* Filia
* Mobu
* Raiya
* Kurse
* Britt
Childcare Team
* Killue
Monster Army
* Mino-chan
* John
Jilva Royal Capital
* Steve
* Zargis
...Umu, even if reinforcements can be called in, looking at it on paper, Killue-neesan is going to have a brutal workload.
It really makes you realize just how incredible maids can be.
