64
Chapter 64 [Dragon 4: Royal Office]
As usual, in the Royal Office of the Illustra Kingdom. Early in the morning, four men had gathered, following the routine.
"Have you reviewed the report from Elgin's Adventurers Guild?"
The Adventurers Guild, a transnational organization spanning multiple countries, was considered, at least nominally, equal to the leaders of each country. Therefore, when the Adventurers Guild submitted a report to a country, it was customary to report directly to the royal family without involving local lords. In the case of the current report in question, it hadn't been handed to the Baron of Elgin. However, incompetence among lords who couldn't independently investigate the contents of the report wasn't uncommon.
"There's a possibility a dragon appeared about twenty days ago. However, there have been no reports since, and the existence of the dragon has not been confirmed. Additionally, there's a chance the dragon was defeated by someone. If we don't know who reported it, we might issue an extermination order against an ignorant troublemaker."
"Do you know the one who made the report, General?"
"I've known him for about thirty years. Back when I was a rookie soldier, and he was a rookie adventurer. Well, it's not something I'd announce loudly, but we've been involved in various troublesome matters. However, he's not foolish enough to come up with blatant lies."
"So, can we confirm that there were traces of a dragon at least?"
"And it was near Moro. Warren, isn't this related to the movements of the demon race you mentioned?"
"I can't say. Every time I say something, there's evidence to the contrary. I'm starting to feel like a fool."
"Don't worry about it. I'll keep flaunting my foolishness until I die. More importantly, how do you interpret this?"
"It's a fact that a powerful monster appeared, but its purpose is unclear. Moreover, there's a possibility that the monster was defeated. In this case, the issue is who carried out the extermination."
"Perhaps some conscientious adventurer... that's not it, right?"
"Yes. As long as they don't oppose us, there's no reason for them to hide the achievement of dragon extermination—unless it's some absurd story about a member of royalty secretly hunting a dragon."
"If it's a demon race, is it not a problem?"
"No, even if it's a demon race, there's no reason for them to bring out a dragon at this point. The speculation that they disposed of a dragon that accidentally escaped would make sense, but as I mentioned before, there's no reason for the demon race to hide involvement. There's a possibility of a demon race unrelated to the dungeon incident, but there's no need to address it here."
"So, is it safe to say that this dragon is unrelated to the series of events?"
"I think so. However, considering the location, it's not easy to completely ignore it."
"Moro..."
"Prime Minister, during your free time, please investigate Moro Town and the dungeon there."
"As you wish."
"Now, let's confirm. The recent series of disturbances—though the dragon incident is questionable—is it safe to assume it's related to the alliance of anti-Yalta forces?"
"The majority seems to think so, but there's one thing that bothers me."
"Again, Warren. Everything that bothers you ends up giving me a headache, but go on."
"Please give up on it. Regarding the matter you informed me of last time... about that... slave's identity, there's a possibility someone used subhumans to eliminate him."
"Ugh, it's still troubling."
"...Who could this 'someone' be?"
"At the moment, I have no idea. However, someone must exist who doesn't want him or his associates alive... somewhere..."
"...Prime Minister, discreetly gather information about the situation in Manastella. Make sure not to arouse suspicion."
"...Let's try that. I believe Baron Holbeck of Elgin, in his younger days, studied abroad in that area, and he should still be knowledgeable about the political situation in Manastella."
"Baron Holbeck... I recall he mentioned having acquaintances in the neighboring country..."