第３１０堀：話し合い 裏 前編 (Part1)
**Chapter 310: Discussion (Behind the Scenes) - Part 1**
**Side: Yuki**
"Um, what are we supposed to do?"
Eoid, who had been watching Amanda depart with a worried expression, finally spoke up.
Well, I can’t blame him. We are right in the middle of enemy territory, after all.
"Well, for starters, Eoid, do something about that face of yours. My wives are here, and we have Lady Laraina, the Magic Sword User, with us. Even if something happens, we’ll make it back in one piece."
He was looking far too jittery; if I didn’t calm him down, he might end up doing something reckless. I didn't want to be the ones who ended up causing a scene.
"Yuki is right. You look so restless that people are going to think you’re plotting something."
"Do I really look like that?"
"Yes," Taiki and I said in unison.
"You do," I added. "I understand you’re worried about Amanda, but you need to stand tall and stay composed."
At the words from me, Taiki, and Ria, Eoid’s shoulders slumped.
"I’m sorry. But if things go south, we’re looking at a battle right here..."
"That’s true."
"How can you be so calm about that?"
"Getting all worked up only makes the opponent more cautious. In times like this, it’s better to be natural. It makes them less suspicious and makes it easier to read their movements."
"Is that how it works?"
"That’s how it works."
While we were left to keep an eye on the wyvern, Wai-chan, we killed time with that kind of idle chatter. There were about ten soldiers surrounding us—or rather, surrounding the wyvern—to keep watch.
I understood why Eoid was on edge, but if both sides were at maximum alert, a simple misunderstanding could easily escalate into a problem. As I said before, we had no choice but to stay relaxed and natural.
Fortunately, there hadn't been any interference with us, the Doppelgangers, yet. It was safe to assume they were being held back by our defensive barriers.
*How long do they intend to keep watching us? Do we need to make the first move?*
Just as I was thinking that, a man began walking toward us from a direction other than the one where Laraina and the others had vanished.
"Yuki-san, look at that..."
"Are you serious..."
Taiki confirmed the figure and called out to me. I was stunned as well.
"That’s a military uniform, isn't it?"
"Yeah. And, though I don’t know if I should call it fortunate, I recognize that uniform."
"Me too."
It was a Japanese military uniform from the past. The kind worn during the Second World War.
"It seems even the timeline is out of sync."
"...Summoning is such a pain, isn't it?"
No kidding. If the mastermind behind this was someone who had been brainwashed by state-controlled information and "Long Live the Empire" propaganda, the man walking toward us was a very likely candidate.
Regrettably, the level of civilization and knowledge in this world was vastly different from Earth’s, even compared to someone from the WWII era. Looking at his rank insignia, he was a Second Lieutenant. An officer. His education would have been thorough.
As I pondered this, he spoke to the surrounding soldiers and stopped right in front of us. Ria was on guard, ready to move at a moment's notice. Eoid seemed tense, clearly thinking a high-ranking official had arrived.
"Nice to meet you. I am Taizo Motome. I serve as the Director of Technology Development for the Hifi Holy Kingdom, and as a strategist for Lady Hifi—or rather, the Holy Maiden Hifi. Perhaps I should say 'Honme Taizo' to you? My young fellow countrymen."
The man didn't offer a stiff salute; he just smiled and spoke naturally.
So, as I suspected, he was from our world. I had hoped that this country’s military uniform just happened to look like the Japanese WWII uniform by coincidence, but that was too much to ask for.
"Are you... Japanese?" Taiki asked, as if to confirm.
"Indeed. That is correct. I’m glad, though. If I had approached you and you turned out to be locals, we wouldn't have been able to have a proper discussion. We’ve done things that would make that impossible. Especially a soldier like me."
...Was he talking about the invasion of the continent?
It was true that it was hard to distinguish between Japanese people and people from the continent at a glance. If they had been locals, the lingering anti-Japanese sentiment might have made a discussion impossible. It was becoming increasingly likely that this Mr. Motome was indeed from the WWII era.
"Forgive me, but may I ask your names?"
"Oh, sorry. My name is Taiki Nakazato."
"Please call me Yuki."
"And I am Taizo Motome. Call me whatever you like. Though, Taiki-kun is fine, but your name, Yuki..."
"My real name is different. I thought it would be dangerous to identify myself as an otherworlder, so I go by Yuki."
"I see. That is one way to handle it. I pray for the day I can hear your real name."
He even understood the need to hide one's name.
*...Isn't he a bit too competent?*
I thought the military back then was supposed to be stubborn. Then again, maybe there were exceptions, but I didn't think we’d be lucky enough to run into one.
"U-um, Yuki-san, Taiki-san, do you know this person?"
"Hm? Oh, he’s from the same country as us. This is our envoy, Eoid."
"Nice to meet you."
"Yes, nice to meet you. I’ve been well taken care of by Yuki-san and Taiki-san."
"I see. Thank you for getting along with them," Mr. Motome said, exchanging greetings naturally.
"And this young lady in armor..."
"My name is Ria. I am Yuki-san’s wife. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Ria replied clearly and without hesitation.
"Oh? Yuki-kun is already married? Perhaps I should send a wedding gift?"
"No, that was quite a while ago."
"I see. That’s a pity. Well, I’ll just call it a gift for an acquaintance rather than a wedding gift. But since you’re married, have you been here for a long time?"
"I’ve been here for about two or three years," Ria said.
"I’ve been here for nearly five," Taiki added.
"I see. I’ve been here for eight years. Thanks to that, I’ve become quite the middle-aged man. But forgive me, this isn't the place for a long talk. Let me guide you to a place where we can have some tea."
"Oh, but..."
Eoid looked worriedly toward Wai-chan. It was essential for our escape, so naturally, he thought it was dangerous to leave it behind.
"You have nothing to worry about. We may be on the verge of war, but for now, I am treating you as envoys. I would never commit such a discourtesy. Besides, there are people from my own homeland among you. I will never allow such a thing to happen. As it happens, I am high-ranking enough to give orders to the soldiers here."
Mr. Motome turned to the soldiers, took a deep breath, and shouted:
"Listen up! Under no circumstances are you to touch that dragon!! This dragon belongs to our guests and envoys. Furthermore, friends from my homeland are here. Ensure there is no discourtesy. Understood?!"
"SIR! YES, SIR!" the soldiers replied in unison, snapping into a sharp salute.
"Does that put your mind at ease? If the worst should happen, I will be on your side. As proof..."
He unbuckled the sword at his waist and held it out to Eoid.
It wasn't a military saber, but a *katana*. Was he from a family of status?
"Um?" Eoid looked confused, but he took the sword.
Seeing he didn't understand the significance, Taiki hurriedly explained.
"Eoid, don't you dare drop that sword. In our country, a sword is said to be the soul of a man. By entrusting it to you, Mr. Motome is declaring that he will absolutely keep his promise."
"E-eh!?" Eoid looked even more shocked.
Yeah, he really was a timid guy.
"Hahaha! You don't have to put it so strongly. It is true that the sword is the soul of a Yamato man. But I wouldn't be angry if it were dropped by accident, and it was my fault for handing it over without explanation. Eoid-kun, Taiki-kun has explained it for you. I swear on that sword I have entrusted to you that I will keep my promise. Can you trust me?"
"Yes. B-but to give me something so important..."
"A man’s word is his bond. When I get that sword back, it will be when you all leave here safely. Well, I suppose it might be a burden to carry it around all the time, so feel free to leave it against a wall when you’re in your room."
"Understood. I will take good care of your soul, Motome-san."
"Good. That’s a fine look in your eyes. Now, come this way."
Guided by Mr. Motome, we were led into a guest room.
"Now, where should we begin? Ah, as for the war and such, that is currently being discussed. Let’s save those questions for after the higher-ups finish their talks. Since we’re all getting along like this, perhaps we can persuade each other if things get complicated."
"Yes. We’ll count on you then."
*...He really is a man of understanding.*
Between his willingness to hand over his sword and his broad-mindedness, he was quite the figure.
"Then, may I ask a question first?"
"Yes, go ahead."
"Mr. Motome, what year did you arrive here?"