第３００堀：求められるもの (Part2)
For the time being, I can’t trust them at all, but I have to play along and gather information without ruffling any feathers.
"My apologies. I am quite ignorant, and I have never heard of the Hifi Holy Kingdom. Where exactly is this country located?"
"It is only natural that you haven't heard of it. This is the Holy Realm of Aulito; it is a world different from the one where you, Taizo-dono, were born and lived."
"I-I see..."
This is bad.
Have I been dragged into some kind of bizarre cult?
Still, the atmosphere doesn't feel particularly ominous, like they’re planning to use me as a sacrifice.
I just don't understand what's going on.
"Fufu. That’s right. We’re talking inside a room, so it’s hard to grasp that you’ve been brought to another world. Please, follow me."
With a smile, she opens the door.
Standing before the door is another beautiful woman.
"Comet, thank you for your guard duty."
When Hifi-dono speaks to her, the woman bows her head without a word of reply.
She is a beauty, but her skin is unnaturally pale.
No, is it blue?
It might be rude to say, but she looks just like a corpse.
"This is Comet. Her position is different from yours, but she is involved in the development of magical tools and is a pillar of our Hifi Holy Kingdom. Please, get along well."
"I am Comet. Please call me Comet. I look forward to working with you."
Comet-dono says this, her beautiful blonde hair swaying carelessly as she bows.
Yes, just like a doll whose head had suddenly dropped.
She doesn't fix her disheveled hair after raising her head, so I don't think my assessment is wrong.
Or perhaps she’s just indifferent.
My own mentors had some truly eccentric personal lives, after all.
"It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Taizo Honme. Please call me Taizo."
"Yes. Taizo-dono."
Her messy hair hides her face, and her gaze from just one eye reaches me.
...Something definitely feels off about her.
"Oh my, Comet. You must tidy your hair properly. It’s a shame to ruin such a beautiful appearance."
Saying this, Hifi-dono uses her hands to fix the hair.
...Looking at them now, do they look like an older sister taking care of a younger sister who is indifferent to her appearance?
"I am sorry, Hifi-sama. I will be careful from now on."
"It's fine. I'll fix it for you. Otherwise, Comet would just spend all her time on research."
"Understood."
Still, her responses are quite stiff.
Well, it’s not like a corpse could actually move, so she must just be that kind of person.
I convinced myself of this and, guided by the two of them, stepped outside.
What spread out before me was a small field surrounding the castle and a vast grassland as far as the eye could see.
There is no scenery like this in Japan.
I am certain that right before my memory cut out, I was at a factory in Japan.
"Have you believed me now? That this is the Holy Realm of Aulito?"
Hifi-dono says.
Considering the current disadvantageous situation, it should be impossible to travel to an allied country.
And there is no way I could have been brought here without waking up even once.
Thinking about the situation, I must have truly been brought to another world.
I don't know why I can understand Japanese, but if I look closely at the movement of their mouths, they don't seem to be speaking Japanese.
It’s just that the sounds are reaching my ears as Japanese.
Is it some kind of sorcery?
Or did they do something to my ears?
Damn it, I never studied the finer details of medicine, so I have no idea.
"...For now, I have come to the realization that I have been brought to an unfamiliar land, but I am still somewhat confused."
"I understand. We do not intend to have you accomplish something immediately, so please spend your time slowly here in the Great Holy Cathedral. I am sure you will understand many things in the meantime."
"Was I not summoned as a hero?"
"Yes. However, the enemy to be defeated and the tasks to be done are immense, and strength alone will not suffice. That is why we summoned you, Taizo-dono, who possesses knowledge far superior to this world. Please, lend us your power."
"...Er, I don't think I am capable of such a grand role, but I will cooperate. From what I’ve heard, it seems my life was saved."
"Your life?"
"Yes. I was on the verge of losing my life. Looking at the situation, it seems I escaped that fate by being summoned by Hifi-dono."
"I see. But is it alright to give an answer so quickly? From what you’ve said, you are a military man, aren't you?"
"Yes, that is correct. However, having had my life saved, I cannot return to my homeland without repaying the debt. I felt it was time to show the spirit of Hinomoto—the spirit of Yamato, Japan."
Well, with defeat looming and the country adopting a reckless total mobilization system, returning now would only mean throwing my life away.
The action I should take is to build a better relationship with this Hifi Holy Kingdom, establish diplomatic ties with Japan, and strive to make them good friends.
That would also serve as a way to repay the debt for having my life saved.
Fortunately, I’ve read various books during my mentors' breaks, so I should be able to create many things even from scratch.
I don't know the civilization level of this country, but I think I can manage.
It really pays to dabble in many things.
I’ll need to make adjustments so things don't go horribly wrong, though.
...Because I’ve had quite enough of that war.
***
**Side: Taiki Nakazato**
"...That is the situation. If we find out anything more detailed, I might have you come over, Taiki-kun, so be prepared for that."
"Yes, I understand."
With that, the connection cut off.
I heard from Yuki-san that there seems to be someone from another world.
But guns, huh?
Nine times out of ten, I’d bet this is from Japan.
I agree with Yuki-san’s opinion.
*Sigh*, I hope they’re someone I can talk to.
I hope they haven't gone through the same crappy experiences I have...
"Is something the matter, Taiki-sama?"
"Ah. Did you figure it out?"
"Yes. I saw a cloud on your sword, Taiki-san."
...Er, why are Soel-san and the others here?
Perhaps realizing I was looking at them, Airi and Soel-san hold hands happily.
"We are friends, after all."
They announce with a smile.
...Crap. Am I running out of places to escape to?
No, first, I need to calm my mind.
The Satsuma Jigen-ryu taught to me by my grandfather.
I still can't perform anything that resembles a technique, and my weapon is a sword, after all.
But I never skip my sword training.
Because Yuki-san provides the blades, and if I ever return home, I’d be scolded if my skills had dulled.
Thinking that, I resumed my practice swings for the time being.
Now, the one I am facing is a serious "cheat."
Not some half-remembered, random cheat.
A genius who became a cheat through sheer ability.
I don't know what he’s doing right now, but if you recognize the names Yagi and Uda, you should understand just how incredible he is.
Look forward to the next chapter.