落とし穴４３堀：海でやる遊び (Part2)
"I don't think I've ever seen Cleena-san like this. Hmm, I only saw them when I was very young, but are they like... slimes that live in the sea?"
Rurua, Deryu, Cleena, and Samantha seemed intrigued by the transparent, spherical creatures.
"Ah, those are jellyfish monsters. They have self-awareness and follow orders, too. But rather than swimming alongside you like a dolphin, it’s more like riding a small, leisurely moving island. If you ask them, they’ll even catch fish with their tentacles or help with rescues. They’re actually quite convenient, these guys."
Indeed, these monsters were jellyfish-type creatures, and they were remarkably useful beings. They enjoyed drifting lazily on the water's surface, were capable of diving, and because they were soft, one could easily ride on top of them. Since they could also provide support with their tentacles, they were, in a sense, more convenient than dolphins.
"Yuki-san, so there are frogs in the sea, too."
"I used to eat frogs often back in the Elf village."
"Oh, we ate frogs quite a bit in my village, too."
"I, too, have been well-acquainted with them. They were the only source of fresh meat during marches."
Tori’s comment was fine, but the remarks from Eris, Ria, and Jessica made the Sea Frog tremble in fear.
...I suppose it’s natural to look at frogs as food. Even in Japan, after the war, bullfrogs were imported in massive quantities to stave off famine. As you might know, the bullfrogs currently found in rice paddies and the like are an invasive species. They have high reproductive and adaptive capabilities, which made them useful during times of food shortages, but in modern Japan, many people feel a sense of revulsion toward the very idea of eating them. Those food-source frogs escaped and multiplied to the point of driving out native species, making the bullfrog a global issue today. Well, they taste like chicken, so they aren't exactly bad.
"…For now, don't eat them."
"We understand."
"It's fine, really."
"Yes. We aren't exactly struggling for food, after all."
I had to put my foot down with those three. I’d hate to turn around and find one of them missing. By the way, Tori had already hopped onto the back of a frog with Riel and headed out into the sea. Before I knew it, most of my wives had also climbed onto their preferred aquatic monsters and headed offshore.
"Kyaa!!"
"Dolphins are amazing!!"
Out in the distance, Aslin and Firia were riding on the backs of dolphins, seemingly flying across the sea. I figured I’d head out there myself once I finished my reports. Just as I was thinking that, Labyris, who had stayed behind on the beach, came over and tugged on my swim trunks.
"Hey, Yuki. Something green? Or blue? It looks like a person is walking out of the inlet."
"Oh, you're right. What could that be?"
"…Is that a Sahagin?"
"…Milly is right, it looks like a Sahagin. But its body looks too clean."
"Ah, Milly is right, it’s a Sahagin. It’s probably so clean because it doesn't live in a swamp or anything like that."
That’s right; since we didn't have any mermaids—the general managers of sea rescue—I had called for the Sahagins. In this world, mermaids seem to be more human-like and not classified as monsters. Apparently, there is a mermaid kingdom on the Weed continent. I’d like to visit it someday. As for the appearance of the Sahagin, think of a Lizardman with gills and you’ve got the right idea. For finer details, they have webbed feet and a tail fin. I couldn't tell the difference between "clean" and "dirty" like Kaya could, but considering wild goblins are half-naked and never bathe, it’s about the same difference as between Steve and a wild goblin.
"Admiral. There are no issues at sea."
The Sahagin came before me, offered a crisp salute, and gave his report. Ah, he was an acquaintance of Steve and his group; the reason Steve’s table had been full of seafood lately was thanks to this Sahagin.
"I see. Good work. My wives are out at sea right now, so keep an eye on them, too."
"Yes, leave it to me!! Also, Milly-sama, Kaya-sama, please wait a little longer for the seafood. I am having my subordinates gather the ones that are at their peak ripeness."
"Got it. …Hm, wait a second."
"…The way you said that, does it mean you can tell what's edible?"
The two of them turned a sharp, piercing gaze toward the Sahagin.
"W-well, I am aware of that, but…"
"Then guide us there."
"Waiting here is boring. And catching what we can eat ourselves sounds fun."
The terrifying tenacity of their appetites. The Sahagin looked at me, pleading for rescue. But I couldn't answer that expectation.
"Do it."
"Y-yes, if that is what the Admiral commands…. Oh, my apologies. I actually had something to discuss with you, Admiral."
The Sahagin stopped mid-stride and hurried back to me.
"What is it?"
"Well, it is a personal matter, but for some reason, when General John gives us vegetables, it is mostly cucumbers. Not that I dislike them, but my subordinates have been saying they would like to try other vegetables as well. Could you perhaps mention it to him?"
With that, he went back to guiding Milly and Kaya. Seraria and Labyris, who had overheard the conversation, opened their mouths in disbelief.
"…John’s obsession with cucumbers is quite a problem, isn't it?"
"Indeed. Could it be that he thinks if a Sahagin eats a cucumber, they’ll turn into a Kappa?"
"…You don't think?"
…I couldn't deny it. That guy had "King" added to his title after "Vegetarian Orc." He was literally the King of Vegetables. He was a general, yet his behavior was beyond comprehension. His obsession with vegetables was terrifying. No, wait—was it just cucumbers?
"So, aren't you going to escort us now?"
"That's right. I’m about to dry out."
It seemed Seraria and Labyris had been waiting for me. Labyris had already climbed onto me, and Seraria was reaching out her hand, as if asking me to take it. Well then…
"Kyaa!?"
"Fufu, how wonderful, Yuki."
I pulled Seraria in, swept her up into a princess carry, and started running toward the sea. The jellyfish were still there, so I’d use one to join the others offshore. After all, our fun at the sea had only just begun.
***
A few days later, when I questioned John about the cucumber issue, he burst into tears upon learning that Sahagins were not, in fact, Kappas. He claimed he thought Kappas were the ultimate cucumber artisans, and he had been looking forward to their critique of the cucumbers he grew.
…Why, though?
Well then, August is coming to an end. Did you make some good memories?
Also, I hope to write the Weed introduction I’ve been planning for a long time from the perspective of a different protagonist someday. It would be a story about Weed as seen by a local, like a young man who came to Weed to find work. Of course, Yuki and the others will appear, but they will be supporting characters; the story will focus on that young man and those around him.
…I said "someday," alright? Don't get your hopes up. I have the other stories, Tanaka’s story, and my own writing speed has its limits, you know?