第２８０堀：怪獣の名前 (Part2)
"Yes. We thought we would celebrate Taiki-sama's victory just the two of us. It wouldn't do to hold a grand celebration back in our home country, after all."
Well, that makes sense. The King going off to a duel festival is a major issue in itself; if he actually wins, the whole nation has to celebrate it to save face.
"So, we were celebrating quietly, just the two of us at the Academy, when we had a visitor."
"A visitor? Was it a spy sent to monitor us?"
Now that I think about it, we had just unveiled our large-scale broadcasting technology using video cameras. There was a high possibility that someone would come sniffing around, looking for a piece of the pie. I had completely forgotten about that.
We had kept them in check during the festival, but there were still ways to make an official visit. Since we of the Weed group had returned yesterday, and only Taiki-kun, Airi-san, and Kirika’s group remained, it was inevitable that the visitors would end up dealing with them.
"Oh, no. It wasn't that kind of visitor."
"Then, what kind?"
"Taiki-sama was the one who received her. Soel Warber-san came to see us."
"Huh?"
Why? Did she come to have a word with him because she lost?
"Airi, wait. Yuki-san doesn't know..."
"Oh my, that won't do, Taiki-sama. It is only polite to report this to Yuki-san properly."
To think Taiki-kun tried to stop her. Is the content really that problematic?
"Airi-san, if Taiki-kun is trying to stop you, does this involve diplomatic issues? I don't mind if you talk it over thoroughly before telling me."
Soel-san, if I recall, is the daughter of a wealthy merchant who even does business with royalty. If they are trading with her, there’s no need to go through us. Unless it involves dangerous goods, of course. That sort of thing is a national matter—or rather, we usually stay out of each other's business. Besides, Taiki-kun is staying at the Academy, so he probably needs that kind of profit.
"No, it's not that kind of talk. It’s a continuation of what Soel-san said on the dueling stage."
"A continuation of what she said on the stage? Ah..."
*For someone like Taiki-san, it is only natural to have a concubine, is it not? If you are willing, may I put my name forward as a candidate?*
I remembered that conversation.
"Don't tell me..."
"Yes. She came to ask for permission to enter as a concubine."
"Well, well. That’s good for you, Taiki-kun."
When I said that, Taiki-kun let his head drop in despair. Since we have it recorded, he can't deny it. Still, to come the very next day—she’s quite the woman of action.
"But why is he wrapped in a straw mat? That doesn't seem to have much to do with it."
"During yesterday's visit, Soel-san and I hit it off, and we are scheduled to head to the August Kingdom today, right?"
"Yes."
"It seems Soel-san's father is currently in the royal capital of the August Kingdom, and she wanted to talk about coming along with us. But Taiki-sama was too embarrassed to even get out of bed."
"So, you wrapped him in a straw mat and dragged him here."
"Yes."
Yeah. Even I would find it hard to deal with being introduced to someone's parents three days after meeting them. It’s like bringing a parent on a first date. The awkwardness is off the charts. Plus, Taiki-kun has no intention of going through with it, so it must be painful for him.
As I was wondering what to say, Steve walked up...
"Boss, everything is ready."
"I see. Taiki-kun, my apologies. There is a more important matter at hand right now."
"More important than this...?"
"Well, it might be important to you, but on our end, a Holy Sword User has summoned a 30-meter-class monster."
"Hah!?"
Just as Taiki-kun raised his voice, the others must have heard me too, as all eyes turned toward me at once.
"Everyone, preparations are complete. Please stop the small talk and take your seats. I want to explain the situation."
As I said that, everyone immediately quieted down and took their seats.
"Now, to explain again: this emergency assembly is because we have discovered the final Holy Sword User, whom we will likely encounter on our way to the August Kingdom today."
With that, I projected the image of the last Holy Sword User onto the monitor.
"...Alfin."
Popuri muttered as she saw her figure.
Alfin—if I recall, that means 'white,' right? I don't know if I should call her simple or what, but the Holy Sword User had pure white hair reaching her shoulders, with stray hairs sticking out here and there, perhaps due to it being wavy. She looked like a girl who had grown a bit from Cleena’s flat-chested stage.
"I see, so she is the last one. Not a bad choice."
Peace muttered the same. I hadn't told the two of them which Holy Sword Users we had already captured. So, I decided to confirm.