第１６５掘：隔絶 (Part2)
"Then, please follow me. Aslin and the others are preparing a meal for us. I'll show you around before it gets cold. That's alright with you, Yuki-san?"
"Sure. Let's go for a tour of Weed for the first time in a while. Oh, Steve, don't slack off on the defense."
"Yeah, yeah, have a good one. Oh, and please pick up some Choco-Fla*e from Super Ratz on your way back."
*Sigh*, so he actually eats that stuff.
With that promise made, I took Jessica and headed into the dungeon.
"Yes, this is the city inside the dungeon. It is no exaggeration to say that Weed is the most developed place on our continent."
"..."
Jessica’s eyes were already wide with shock.
I had brought her to the government building to minimize the need for explanations, but the building itself was a four-story structure resembling a modern office block. Outside, there were paved concrete roads, modern-style houses, and shops stretching out into the distance.
"Now then, this is our brochure. Um, please open it to page three."
"..."
She opened the page as instructed. Well, at least she didn't call it a dream like Crack or Alstaire did; that’s an improvement.
"Weed’s population is constantly growing. As you can see, this is an environment far removed—or rather, completely isolated—from elsewhere. The brochure says the total population is 13,000, but after processing the latest resident registrations, we’ve actually surpassed 17,000."
"Wait, hold on. Why is the population increasing so rapidly?"
"Oh? Aren't people who are ill or struggling to make a living being sent here through the dungeon gates by Liliana-san?"
Seriously?! I’ve left that side of things entirely to Seraria and Eris. Bureaucratic work is such a hassle! It’s become a famous spot for passing the buck—or rather, the bureaucratic equivalent of a Japanese government office.
"...Wait, you mean this city was spread out beneath the ruins all this time...?"
"Hm?"
"Huh?"
Ah, right. Since she doesn't know about the dungeon itself, she doesn't even know about the teleportation gates. How am I supposed to explain this from here...?
"Ria, put the Weed introduction on hold for a moment. We need some preliminary explanations first."
"I agree. I'll go borrow an empty room in the government building."
"What? Is this not beneath the ruins?"
"Well, that’s both correct and incorrect."
Would she even believe me if I said it was a different continent? Damn, it’s incredibly difficult to explain yourself to someone from a civilization with such a massive technological gap.
"Yuki-san, I’ve borrowed a conference room on the third floor."
"Right, let's go."
"Wait a moment. Based on your earlier explanation, did you call this a government building? Isn't this a place for managing information about the people? How are you able to borrow such a place so easily, Yuki-tachi...?"
"Ah, right. I suppose I should introduce myself properly in the context of Weed. I am Yuki, a strategist for the Weed Army, a General of the Monster Army, and the Vice-Commander of the Direct Command Army. I’m not heavily involved in politics, but I’m a person of some significance here in Weed."
"And I am Ria, Yuki-strategist’s secretary, bodyguard, and one of his wives."
"What..."
Well, she’s bound to be surprised. She thought we were a mercenary group, but it turns out we’re high-ranking officials of another nation’s military.
"Oh, right. You probably want to send information to the Princess, so feel free to send a letter."
It’s important to be considerate like that.
"N-no one would ever believe me if I wrote this down—!!!"
Yeah, I figured as much. If she wrote down what’s actually here, people would just think she’d lost her mind.
"For now, this is just the tip of the iceberg. We’ll start with the basics."
"Indeed. There’s a possibility that common sense differs in ways we haven't noticed, so let’s start with some studying."
"T-this is just the tip of the iceberg!? P-Princess... we might be dealing with a legendary Demon Lord..."
Oh, great. First, I’m recognized as a Hero by my wife, and now a Demon Lord? I really have no shortage of job changes.
"Jessica-san, please don't say such rude things."
"I-I’m sorry. It’s just... so unexpected..."
Huh, Ria is scolding her for a strange reason. Deryu is a Demon Lord, so I don't see the problem with being called one.
"Yuki-san has already taken me, a Hero, and Deryu-san, a Demon Lord, as his wives. Calling him a Hero or a Demon Lord isn't wrong, but it’s a massive understatement!!"
Ah, I see. Jessica turned her head like a rusty tin toy, *creak, creak*...
"Ria’s talk about being a Hero is..."
"...Yeah, it’s a fact."
When I answered, Jessica clutched her head and crouched down.
"Impossible. But the scenery in front of me is real. But, to say she’s a Hero... and a Demon Lord? It’s a lie. But that strength... wait, then is Yuki even above them? What kind of creature is he? A dragon? Ah, if he’s a dragon, it wouldn't be strange for him to be stronger than a Hero or a Demon Lord. He’s a dragon, and this city is..."
Ah, she’s completely confused. I wonder if we’ll make it to dinner on time.
Jessica-san is in total chaos!! Well, considering her previous common sense, I think she’s handling it relatively well. And at least there’s no need to worry about her being a spy. She can send letters freely, so that’s a win!
Also, I bought the PC version of Minecraft!! Nothing can stop me now!!