Side: Hiffy
"I see. Indeed, with this..."
"I agree. I also think this is the best move to avoid war."
When I turn my gaze toward Comet, she nods in agreement as well.
A lot happened between us yesterday, but right now, we have no time to dwell on such things.
Yes, we were submerged in hot water for a long time, had graffiti drawn on our faces with brushes, and were forced to run on a treadmill for what felt like an eternity, but I bear no grudge. None at all.
And as a result, we reconciled with Yuki-dono—yes, reconciliation.
It is by no means a surrender made under the condition that he stop Luna-sama from running wild with her reckless pranks. Just as declared initially, we simply aligned our opinions to move in a direction that would better this continent.
As proof, we are sitting gathered around a large table with Yuki-dono and the others, discussing future developments. Right now, prompted by Yuki-dono, we are proceeding with discussions focused on avoiding war, an approach that both Comet and I have accepted.
Truth be told, they had even grasped the situation regarding the magic swords we had distributed to various countries, which honestly makes me feel a bit frustrated. However, if we can secure Yuki-dono's cooperation, I believe this continent can move in a better direction far more reliably.
"Ah, Taizou-dono... um, what do... you think?"
For the first time since starting this meeting, I speak to Taizou-dono.
To be honest, I was worried he would be disillusioned by the foul methods I had been planning, so I hadn't been able to bring myself to speak to him until now.
However, as expected, it would be bad for Taizou-dono, who stands as a representative for Hiffy's side, to remain silent forever, so I called out to him with a feeling of desperate resolve.
What will come back to me? Will he respond with harsh words? Will he give me a cold stare? ...Just thinking about it makes my heart sink.
"Hmm? Ah, no. I don't see any particular problem with what we're discussing, but there is one thing I'd like to ask. Yuki-dono, how reliable are these documents concerning the depletion of mana? To be honest, until now, I have only been working toward increasing the national power of the Hiffy Holy State. Consequently, I know very little about mana depletion. Well, this isn't something that can be fully explained with one or two sheets of paper, so we'll have to go over the details another time. But I'd like to hear from you, Yuki-dono, just how reliable this information is."
Apparently, he isn't that angry with me after all.
I feel relieved.
But at the same time, it seems that because I had never told him our true objective, he still hasn't fully grasped the situation.
...Either way, this is my fault.
"You can just call me Yuki-kun. You don't need to add '-dono'; we can meet each other halfway. After all, this is a cooperative relationship."
"I see... Indeed, we are working together. I was completely defeated, so I thought I should at least conduct myself as the loser. But perhaps that was unnecessary. Anyway, Yuki-kun, I'll ask again. How reliable is this information?"
"To be honest, I can't say it's particularly reliable. We've only spent two years investigating and researching it on Weed, our original continent, and another year since coming here. The figures and reports themselves are factual. But..."
"With such a small amount of data, there's no real way to establish its reliability..."
"Exactly. Since we're observing environmental changes, even scientists on Earth are constantly revising their theories and proposing new ideas. It would be extremely dangerous to make definitive claims based on this."
"Of course. And then there's the possibility of drawing conclusions from the old legends and folklore that remain in this world..."
"That's right. On the continent where Weed is located, monsters naturally appear in areas where magic has accumulated. But on this continent, the overall level of mana was originally very low. So rather than monsters simply spawning out of magic pools, we believe monsters are born through magic in certain locations, then spread throughout the region and reproduce."
"I see. What do you think about this, Hiffy-dono, Comet-dono?"
"Eh? Uh... well..."
"Ah, Taizou-san, don't bother asking her. Hiffy was trying to wipe out both humans and monsters to deal with the magic depletion problem all at once. She's not interested in the finer details."
Hey!! Don't say unnecessary things!!
Ignoring my glare, Comet continues.
"Well, I do think that's the fastest way, though. If we don't put a stop to the wars on this continent, mana pools will eventually form anyway. Then monsters will eventually overflow from the Magic Academy. If people are fighting among themselves when that happens, there won't be any way to handle it. You can tell as much from the fact that Poppuri and the others couldn't keep it under control. Ah, as for spawning from mana pools, I've researched that too, and I think it's likely a fact. There are many powerful monsters inside mana pools, so it follows that pattern."
"I see. So Hiffy-dono's methods were by no means a bad move."
"That comes down to a difference in perspective and position. In my case, I'm already connected with the high officials of various nations and stand in a position of friendship with them, so I can't just cast them aside so easily."
"Indeed."
"Also, the problem is—supposing a mana pool explodes and causes a massive outbreak of monsters as described in the literature—if it's just a matter of individual nations being unable to handle it, as Comet-dono said, that would still be manageable. But considering cases where even we might not be able to handle it..."
"We don't want to shoulder the risk of letting it blow up. If that happens, we'd have no choice but to abandon this continent."
"But what you're suggesting, Yuki-kun, is ultimately just buying us time, isn't it? What do you think about that?"
"Buying time is important. For now, my companions are thinning out the high-level monsters around the Magic Academy, converting them into DP, and bringing that DP back to Weed."
"Rather than triggering an explosion without knowing anything, I agree that it's important to gather as much information as possible. Comet-dono, that alone changes what options are available to us. I'm not entirely sure how effective thinning out the monsters is, though..."
"I see. So when you say you're converting them into DP, you're transferring them to the Dungeon Core. Ah, that's an option. Yes, Taizou-san, this thinning-out strategy is actually quite effective. You're securing the magic contained within the monsters without allowing it to disperse. You're making good use of the Bess Sword and magic sword systems. In fact, it's pretty close to how I originally intended them to be used."
...I can't join the conversation.
Leaving me behind, the three of them keep pushing the conversation forward at a rapid pace.
"This idea was thanks to Comet-dono. Without that, we'd have had to take the risk of turning the entire area around the academy into a dungeon."
"That would carry a serious risk of triggering an explosion all at once. So, how many high-level monsters are currently in the academy area?"
"I'll give you a report later detailing the monsters under the Magic Academy's jurisdiction, but there are already quite a few dangerous monsters living there that even we would need to prepare for. For example, we've confirmed a pack of basilisks, an orc settlement centered around an Orc King, and numerous wyverns."
"Whoa. Wait a second. Those are already there? Oh, man. Then there's absolutely no way we can trigger an explosion."
"Are those monsters really that powerful?"
"Yeah. Orc Kings are a higher species of orc. Orcs themselves have a recommended level of around 20 or higher, and if they coordinate with each other, I'd say you'd need to be around level 30. An Orc King is level 50 or higher. At the current level of the various countries, you'd need someone around the level of a general or a magic-sword wielder just to deal with one."
"That is a strength equivalent to a type of army, then. What about the others?"
"The others are even more troublesome. They make Orc Kings look cute. Basilisks can breathe a petrifying breath that turns living creatures to stone, and their level is a tier above Orc Kings. Wyverns are flying dragons. Their level is only slightly higher than an Orc King's, but..."
"The fact that they can fly alone makes them troublesome."
"Exactly. I'm at least in a better position because I have the knowledge and combat experience to deal with them, but for the current countries, I'm not even sure monsters like these are mentioned in their records."
"Then it's a problem before they can even begin dealing with them."
Barely, I can still follow what they are saying.
Right now, if a mana pool explodes and causes a massive outbreak of monsters, we ourselves might fall into a situation where we can't handle it, so it's better to avoid letting that happen—that's what they mean.
...Even though I can't participate in the conversation.
"So, as you can see, the topic of mana depletion is a field that requires ongoing research. Especially since Comet-dono is my predecessor in this, I'd like her to specialize in research rather than just providing information. You seem much better suited for it anyway."
"Oh, I'm in! You really get it, junior-kun!! Yay—! Now I'm freed from tedious administrative tasks like running a country. Hyahhoo!!"
"Hey, stop saying things that lower our standing!!"
"Ehh, our standing is already at rock bottom anyway... Wouldn't it be better to at least show a cooperative attitude?"
"What you're doing isn't being cooperative. You're simply demonstrating your tendency to run away from things you don't like. Now listen..."
"Now, now, Hiffy-dono. It's fortunate that she can put her abilities to use in her field of expertise. There probably isn't anyone other than Comet-dono who could handle this role."
"...That is certainly true, but... Haa, please do not make too much of a fool of yourself. If you mess something up, it will tarnish the reputation of Taizou-dono, who stood up for you, you know?"
"I get it, I get it."
...Does she really get it, I wonder?
Maybe I should use mental control on her later and force her to stick to her work...
"So, setting Comet-dono aside, are Hiffy-dono and I to focus on maintaining this nation?"
"That's right. We can't simply abandon the country, and if you're willing to go along with our strategy, we absolutely need your cooperation as the public faces of the nation."
"Agreed. I understand the national strength and balance of power in this region, so I should be able to help on that front. Is that acceptable, Hiffy-dono?"
Taizou-dono says this while watching my reaction.
He is probably worried whether I still hold a grudge over yesterday's duel.
"I'm fine with it. Yuki-dono, we'll cooperate with your proposal as well."
I certainly didn't surrender because he threatened to release that footage throughout the Hiffy Holy State and other countries.
I simply chose the better path.
Yes. Because I found a new path forward for humanity.
...I really mean it.
"Then, while having Comet-dono join the research on mana depletion, our immediate goal is to clear up the misunderstandings among the various nations. So, first of all..."
"About Lalaina-dono, right? ...Um, is it really appropriate for me to go?"
We have no objection to cooperating, but if I, who declared war so grandly, appear before Envoy Lalaina-dono of Agoust again and say, "The me from before was an impostor!!", will she actually believe me?
"No, rather, you're the only suitable person. Taizou-san and Comet-dono aren't known to the other countries. At best, we could use the priest and soldiers who met Lalaina-dono when you showed her around two days ago to lend credibility to the story. We could also add some makeup to make you look injured."
"Will that really work?"
"I think it will. To begin with, Lalaina-dono wants to avoid a war. If that's impossible, her objective is to gather information and return home. If we tell her that what happened was a misunderstanding and leak information about suspicious elements within August, I think there's a fairly good chance it'll work."
"I understand how Hiffy-dono feels. After putting so much conviction into those words, she now has to personally contradict herself. Still, we have a backup plan, so there's no need to worry."
"Taizou-dono... Very well. When will we carry it out? Tonight?"
"There's no need to rush that much. It would be more convincing if we make it look as though you barely managed to reach Lalaina-dono in time just before she leaves tomorrow afternoon. Until then, I'd like to determine how many magic swords were distributed among the various countries. Is that all right?"
Sigh...
I'm honestly relieved.
If I were told to go put on an act right now, I wouldn't have the confidence to pull it off well... I am grateful to be given some time.
"The number?"
"Yes. The number. If even one is missing, that means there could be someone hiding somewhere with a dangerous weapon. If mercenaries have taken them, recovering them could be difficult, and we'd need to put them under surveillance. I want an accurate count."
I see. Indeed, since the mental control of the magic swords isn't perfect, we have to account for unforeseen circumstances as well.
"I'm sorry. I don't have those records with me at the moment..."
"Ah, you can give me the detailed confirmation and final numbers later. For now, I'd like you to check whether the approximate number of magic swords we've recovered here in Enaria is correct."
He hands me some documents, and as I look through them...
"Huh?"
The word slips out of my mouth.
"Is something wrong?"
"Did something seem strange?"
Comet, who developed the magic swords, and Taizou-dono, who proposed distributing them throughout the various countries, both look surprised as well.
"There are too many..."
"Yeah. I don't know how many were distributed, but if this many were sent to a single country, there shouldn't be enough left over to send to other nations..."
"It is just as Comet-dono says. Yuki-kun, is this number accurate?"
"Yes. We launched a raid and secured them. Appraisal and operational checks have been conducted, so there's no mistake. So, by 'too many', how many are we talking about?"
"It is roughly five times as many."
Could this be...?
Hearing that, Yuki-dono's expression twitches for a moment before returning to normal.
"I see... Well, I guess things won't go so easily."
"Do you have an idea of what's going on?"
"No, Comet-dono. Humans can accomplish quite a lot when they put their minds to it. Right, Taizou-san?"
"Indeed. In other words, there's a possibility that some organization or country—I don't know which—has succeeded in developing magic swords and has taken the same approach we did."
"T-Then..."
The same approach means...
"There's a chance a huge flare will go up somewhere. Ah, what a pain. John!! Notify the members in every country. Crush every organization possessing magic swords, one after another! Someone other than the Hifii Holy State is producing magic swords. Find out who they are at all costs!!"
『Understood!!』
Why does the world have to be like this...
...No, our allies have increased. Before falling into despair, let us do what needs to be done.
Hope has not yet been extinguished.
