Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 337: What’s Their Purpose?
　The day after their extravagant crab dinner, Black-Gold Wings returned to the salt lake with renewed determination.
　The deputy branch manager had presumably reported the deliberate baiting to Caxart’s mayor. Around noon, however, only five territorial soldiers arrived.
“Are these really all the soldiers he sent?” Ankh asked in disbelief. “Does the mayor have any intention of solving this?”
“Perhaps the force truly is too understaffed to spare more,” Tauro said. “Even so, salt production – the city’s greatest source of income – has stopped. Now that the cause is known, the administration should be taking decisive action.”
“I agree,” Ragune said. “I’d immediately capture the people spreading the bait and investigate who ordered them.”
“Let’s speak with the soldiers first.”
　When Tauro explained what his group had discovered, the soldiers reacted as though they were hearing the information for the first time.
“We knew nothing about that!” one exclaimed.
“You were sent here without being told?” Tauro asked.
“Our only orders were to observe whether you adventurers are seriously carrying out the Flaming Crab subjugation. We’re to return this evening and report on your performance to our superior.”
“What…?”
　The complete irrelevance of the orders left Tauro speechless.
“Who issued instructions like that?” Ankh asked. “Somebody is deliberately ignoring the cause of the outbreak instead of cutting it off.”
“…I think you’re right. We need to investigate more deeply.”
　Nominally watched by the territorial soldiers, Tauro, Ragune, and Ankh continued subjugating Flaming Crabs until evening. They then returned to the guild to submit their report.
“Thank you for your work again today,” Armine said. “The number of Flaming Crabs appears to have fallen considerably.”
“There are still far too many,” Tauro replied. “Could the guild issue an E-rank night-surveillance request around the salt lake? They might catch the people distributing bait.”
“That’s a reasonable proposal, but I haven’t received authorization from above to post such a request.”
“I see… Armine, do you know a tavern frequented by merchants and workers connected with the salt lake?”
“The Salt Lake Pavilion attracts many people from the industry, but I wouldn’t recommend going there right now. The outbreak has caused severe losses, and many of the victims are angry with both the officials and the adventurers who failed to stop it.”
“Thank you for warning us. Still, I need to ask them several questions, so we’ll go.”
　Tauro bowed politely, then asked Ragune and Ankh to accompany him.
“Wherever Tauro goes, I go,” Ragune answered without hesitation.
“Leader conducting interviews? That sounds interesting. Of course I’ll join you,” Ankh said.
　The three changed into ordinary clothes before heading for the Salt Lake Pavilion. By appearing as civilians rather than armed adventurers, they hoped to avoid immediately provoking the customers.
“What exactly are you trying to learn, Leader?” Ankh asked along the way.
“We only recently arrived in Caxart, so there’s too much we don’t know. I want to hear directly from the people whose livelihoods depend on the lake – what has happened, how the city responded, and when the outbreak began. Once we understand the circumstances, we may find the motive behind it.”
“That makes sense. I already suspect someone among the city officials is involved.”
　Ankh’s reasoning was difficult to dismiss. The orders given to the territorial soldiers bore almost no relation to the actual emergency. Someone high within Caxart’s administration appeared to be obstructing an effective response.
“I suspect the same thing,” Tauro said. “We still don’t know why. The fastest way to understand what’s happening may be to speak with the local victims.”
　They soon arrived at the Salt Lake Pavilion.
　Angry shouts echoed from inside. Several drunken customers were arguing, while others entertained themselves by encouraging the dispute.
　Nobody paid attention when Tauro’s group entered. Only after they sat at the counter did a server finally notice them.
“Welcome. Hmm? This isn’t normally a place for children. Families do occasionally come in, so I won’t turn you away, but sit near the end of the counter and keep clear of any fights.”
　The server had apparently mistaken Ankh and Ragune for Tauro’s parents.
“Come on. Which one of us is supposed to be Leader’s parent?” Ankh complained.
“At your age, either possibility is entirely believable,” Ragune said with an unusually mischievous laugh.
“Give me a break. I’ve crossed battlefields and spent time with women in every place I’ve visited, but I’m proud to say I’ve never made that kind of mistake.”
“Isn’t it the sort of mistake you discover only years later? For all you know, children may already be appearing across the kingdom and claiming that you’re their father.”
“…Please don’t say things like that. That isn’t funny.”
　Apparently disturbed by the possibility Ragune had raised, Ankh shook his head vigorously and ordered the strongest drink available along with the tavern’s recommended fish dish.