Side Story: The Guild’s Concerns

"Is that report true?"

A building nestled deep within the headquarters of the Merchant and Trade Guild in Torte, the capital of the Sugarcreek Kingdom.

Yasaotoko, a refined young man with a gentle smile, addressed the subordinate delivering the report.

He had silver hair and a slender face, framed by silver-rimmed glasses that matched his hair. At first glance, his eyes appeared kind—but their sharpness betrayed a calculating mind. Most striking of all were his heterochromatic eyes, each a different color, lending him an unmistakably otherworldly presence.

Seated comfortably on a sofa, Yasaotoko sipped his tea with deliberate grace. The porcelain set before him, adorned with intricate patterns, was clearly of exceptional value.

"…Yes," the subordinate replied. "According to the report from ‘Kusa,’ we’ve confirmed that a high-ranking demon has infiltrated ‘our side.’"

The portly, older man wiped sweat from his brow as he spoke, visibly tense beneath Yasaotoko’s steady gaze.

"Any contact?"

"He’s currently under magical investigation. However, the moment we switched from ‘Passive Search’ to ‘Active Search,’ the caster vanished. It happened in an instant—barely a split second."

"…I see. Quite a skilled opponent."

Yasaotoko rested a hand on his chin, studying the parchment before him in thoughtful silence.

High-ranking demons typically employ Disguise or Conceal spells to mask their magical signatures. Even so, such spells cannot completely hide their total power; the usual method is to disperse it over a wide area to obscure their exact location.

‘Passive Search’ detects these traces without alerting the target. Its drawback, however, is that it only provides a vague sense of direction, not a precise point.

By contrast, ‘Active Search’ emits magic across a broad range to pinpoint the target’s position. Yet, if the target has countermeasures in place, the caster risks immediate retaliation. The strength and speed of that counterattack can reveal much about the opponent’s skill.

Normally, even high-ranking demons manage no more than a single magical projectile, and only after a slight delay. But the reaction described here—instantaneous and overwhelming—was exceptional. A truly abnormal threat.

Thus, the demon reported by ‘Kusa’ was no ordinary high-ranker. This was an enemy requiring careful consideration and a measured response from the Guild.

"The Church’s actions are concerning," Yasaotoko said at last, "but as far as the Merchant and Trade Guild is concerned, a policy of ‘let sleeping gods lie’ should suffice."

"In the worst case, we’ll abandon the Sugarcreek Kingdom. With the ‘Covenant Protocol,’ it’s unlikely to escalate into disaster. Still, I see no benefit in handling this matter ourselves at the risk of the Guild’s survival."

His eyes, cold as ice, conveyed absolute decisiveness. Yasaotoko was born to lead—his judgments carried neither hesitation nor doubt. He closed his eyes and offered a faint, knowing smile.

"Understood. The surveillance teams will continue observation using Passive Search only."

"Very well. Thank you. Still…" His gaze drifted to the window. "Magic spanning an entire nation… how many could have slipped into our territory, I wonder. For now, instruct Colonel Sylphy to deploy the 1st and 2nd Special Ground Combat Teams to the neighboring Paptes Kingdom. Full heavy armor, in case the worst should occur."

"Full heavy armor, understood. I’ll make the arrangements. Also—there’s one more report."

"Go ahead."

"Yes. Regarding last month’s Demon King Army assault on Sugarcreek Kingdom’s Gaikoko Fort, our investigation has uncovered details that differ from the kingdom’s official statement."

"Is that so?"

Light glinted off Yasaotoko’s glasses as his interest sharpened.

"According to our findings, Princess Sonia of the Sugarcreek Kingdom personally devised and executed the strategy that outmaneuvered the Demon King Army, preventing catastrophe."

"…I see."

A spark of genuine intrigue flickered in Yasaotoko’s eyes.

"The Demon King Army’s forces mainly consisted of weak goblins and skeletons—numerous, but hardly formidable—and there were even traitors within the kingdom."

"Correct. Despite such conditions, Princess Sonia used those very betrayals to craft and carry out the perfect counterstrategy."

"Hmm… that’s quite different from the impression I had of her. It seems I misjudged her character."

For once, Yasaotoko furrowed his brow, deep in thought.

"I’ve met her several times, including recently," he said softly, "yet never sensed such brilliance."

"…I see. Then I’ll keep that in mind. Princess Sonia, huh… I’d like to meet her someday."

Yasaotoko let out a quiet, amused chuckle.

"However, I’m more concerned about the movements of the ‘Elder Statesmen.’ If prodding the bush only stirs a snake, that’s fine—but if a dragon emerges instead, who will take responsibility?"

He finished his tea and sighed, the porcelain cup clinking lightly against the saucer.