Chapter 77 - I’m Going to Bite It, Okay? (5) (1/2)

“A large-scale dungeon research team?”

We were drinking oolong tea while surrounding the low table.

In the wooden enclosure next to us, Yuri-san was playing with Jaja and Nana.

Jaja was thoroughly biting every toy that caught her eye.

Yuri-san made sure to check for anything that will break or shouldn’t be put into one’s mouth beforehand, so I’m relieved.

As expected, the stuffed dog toy was damaged the most, it was sticky and wet with Jaja’s drool. It seems like we will be indebted to the washing machine again today.

“Yes, a collaboration between the West Japan Treasure Hunter Association and Kansai University, to find out if there are dragons in ‘Tusk Crag’ dungeon.”

Officer Doggy announced as she stirred her glass of oolong tea.

“Since they also want to bring heavy equipment and machinery, the chief has been trying to delay the permit for a variety of reasons, but in the end, he can’t reject it, okay? We’re in the middle of investigating the identities of the one hundred treasure hunters, and the weapons they’re bringing one by one right now. ”

“Since it’s in our jurisdiction, so I’ll try and check the details as much as possible and earn time, but no matter how much I try, but it will be in about one month.”

Office Inoue supplemented Officer Doggy’s words.

The explanation was easy enough for even an idiot like me to easily understand.

One hundred treasure hunters? What are they going to do with so many people?

“How long will they be in this town?”

“For the time being, the documents they submitted mentioned half a year, but if it is extended, we can’t refuse it once we’ve already approved it.”

It’s already troubling for just half a year, I would not be able to endure if the period is extended.

“Isn’t the investigation just about Tusk Crag?”

We just have to somehow deal with Aoi’s nest and Tusk Crag.

Ah, now there’s even more stuff I have to think about.

“The document says that this town is the center, so probably also the forest behind it or the nearby mountains?”

Give me a break.

I wouldn’t be able to calm down if they wandered near our house.

“Are they taking advantage of the investigation and coming to the government office to apply for TV station coverage?”

“There are rumors that the Eastern Japan Treasure Hunter Association is also interested in a stake for the dragon’s rights, so this town is likely to become noisy for some time.”

Damn it, a bunch of hyenas.

What is fun about poking around other’s homes?

“It’s like a festive event, isn’t it…”

Though the problem is that it isn’t a fun festival.

“I don’t think we’ll be able to approach this house openly once the investigation is started. Otherwise, someone may get suspicious.”

“Is there no problem for me?”

Yuri-san reacted to Officer Doggy’s words.

Nana was sitting on her knees and swinging a ball in front of her face.

Nana was enticed, she moved her face and followed the ball with her eyes.

“Of course. Mom is a civilian. I’d rather have a liaison. The problem is that police officers can’t check up one family every day, it’s too frequent for regular patrols.”

“That’s right…”

Hmm.

The people who know our circumstances other than our family is Mikuma and the Saeki siblings, Officer Doggy and Inoue, this town’s police chief, and four other police officers that I’ve never met.

Officer Doggy and them would come every day to see if anything is wrong.

Speaking of which, Officer Doggy lives nearby, and when Yuri-san is here, we would also have dinner together.

It gives a sense of security and we’re quite grateful for it.

“I see, only a month away, right? I’ll do whatever I can to prepare.”

“Yeah, please! I’ll keep correspondence over the phone and I’ll let you know what the schedule will be. I’ll ask mom to bring over a copy of the schedule. Be careful over the next few days.”

Shall we go to Aoi’s nest tonight?

Let’s ask for father’s help and bring the furniture over.

There’s a large bed, a closet, and various daily necessities in the nest. It would take Aoi about three round trips in her dragon form.

The forest is considerably dark at night, so we won’t be seen.

“Then we’re going to head back. Mom, I’m going to be late today.”

“Ah, are you going on a date with Toshio-kun? Please let me know if you’re going to come home in the morning, okay?”

“O-oba-san!”

“Sorry, it’s work.”

Officer Inoue was agitated by Yuri-san’s words.

His feet bumped into the low table and almost knocked the glasses over in the process.

Officer Doggy got up with a face like nothing happened and straightened her cap.

She shook her head to tidy up her hair, and her drooping ears shook along with it.

Is it my imagination? Her tail is wagging like crazy.

“See you later.”

“Sorry for the interruption.”

Officer Doggy and Inoue waved at Jaja and Nana in the enclosure.

“Ah!”

“Au”

Jaja, who was chewing on the stuffed dog toy on top of her futon, cheerfully smiled at them, and Nana on Yuri-san’s knee curiously looked back at them.

“Yes, thank you for your work. Let’s say bye-bye to the police officers.”

Yuri-san took Nana’s right hand and slowly shook it.

Nana looked up blankly at Yuri-san.

“Thank you for taking the time to come here.”

I put on my outdoor slippers and followed after the officers who went out into the garden wearing their shoes.

I followed them until the gate and saw them off heading for a police car parked in a vacant lot in front of the house.

“… when are you going to tell your mom?”