第４３４堀：一番割を食った人 (Part1)
Chapter 434: The One Who Got the Short End of the Stick
The One Who Got the Short End of the Stick
Side: Popuri
"I see. It seems things are quite busy on your end as well."
I had been summoned by Yuki-dono and had traveled to Weed. Naturally, this was for business, not because I had been lured by the promise of a new cake. I was currently eating a piece of cake only because it had been served as a tea accompaniment while we discussed matters, and it would be boorish to waste such hospitality. Furthermore, the fact that I had received extra portions for Lara and Amanda as souvenirs was also a gesture of Yuki-dono’s kindness, not something I had requested.
"So, if you aren't that busy over there, I’d like your help with something..."
"I don't mind. Thanks to Noble-dono, the work at the Academy has mostly settled down to just acting as a bridge between nations."
Indeed, on our continent, activities were currently underway to form an alliance centered around Noble-dono, just as Yuki-dono had planned. With the proposal to hand over the dungeon gates almost for free, the major powers had ceased their accusations and condemnations regarding the previous incident. On the surface, it was now established that a criminal organization had abused the dungeon and that their base of operations happened to be in Noble-dono’s country of Ex, so I felt that was more than enough of an apology. I was simply backing up that fabricated story as the truth.
The members of White Forest had also readily agreed, saying that if it was their master’s wish, they would comply. Of course, I had explained it properly, and I believe the reason it was accepted was because Noble-dono had lowered his head during an unofficial meeting. It also likely helped that two Holy Sword users—the King’s sister and the Chancellor’s sister—had come along to persuade and explain things.
As for the other major powers, thanks to Yuki-dono’s groundwork and connections, there were no places complaining about forming the alliance without major issues. Well, some military officers wanting to earn military merit and various mercenaries were making noise, but now that the gate—an unconventional means of distribution—was secured and the allied forces could mobilize immediately, the incentive for war had dropped significantly, making those opinions a minority. Those types tended to move around in the shadows, so the pro-alliance faction was actually happy that they could be openly punished as remnants of the criminal group that caused the previous incident.
However, it had only just begun, and we couldn't let our guard down. Still, the tense atmosphere of the past, where one had to worry about when a neighboring country might attack, was fading.
"I understand the situation. However, while I'm happy you trust me, if it's a matter like this, wouldn't my master be better suited for it?"
The request was to act as a bodyguard for Taizo-dono. I felt my master, who had a longer history with him, would be more appropriate. Even if it was for Firia-dono’s sake, my own acquaintance with him wasn't that deep. That was why I thought my master would be more reassuring. Or rather, even if my master or I were there, Yuki-dono’s wives would be accompanying him, so I felt there was no need to worry. But since it was for the peace of mind of the newlywed Firia-dono, it would be boorish to say anything about that.
"Ah, about that..."
"Was there a problem? Come to think of it, where are my master and Firia-dono?"
"To put it simply, Firia doesn't trust Comet, so it ended up being a request for you, Popuri."
"Excuse me? Those two are practically best friends, aren't they?"
"They're *too* close. Here, take a look at the magic training grounds on the monitor."
"The magic training grounds? Why there...?"
As I said that, I followed Yuki-dono’s instructions and turned on the feed for the magic training grounds...
"You always just assumed I was some convenient maid, didn't you!!"
"Th-that’s not, I d-didn't mean—!"
"Look at me when you say that!!"
*BOOM!!*
"That was dangerous!? Just because you're a high-performance Lich doesn't mean you'll be fine after taking a light attack spell like that!! Learn to hold back, Firia!! Like this, see!!"
*KABOOM!!*
"What do you mean 'hold back'!! What would you do if I, a newlywed, got hurt!! Since you don't understand that, it's better to shine some light into that rotten brain of yours, Comet!!"
*RUMBLE, RUMBLE...!!*
"Who are you calling a corpse-toy-maker!!"
*CRASH, BANG...!!*
It was an intense magical battle, yet the words they were exchanging didn't match the scale at all. ...Are they children fighting?
"So, they're currently venting their pent-up frustrations while hurling insults at each other—it's basically just horseplay."
"Well, I don't mind that as a bit of banter between friends, but since that would worry Firia-san, and at her recommendation, I’ve asked for you, the serious Popuri-dono."
He was sugarcoating it, but I understood. No, anyone would understand. Since I didn't have any entanglements with the Academy or other obligations, I could say this without hesitation:
"My master and her friend have caused you trouble."
I bowed my head deeply. It was obvious they had started fighting on their own and were now asking me to mediate. *Sigh*, why must I bow my head for women older than myself...? If they were senile, it would be one thing, but their bodies were young and their minds were sharp, which made them all the more troublesome.
"Honestly, it must be a headache having family like that, but for those reasons, we decided you were the right person for the job, Popuri."
"Indeed, given that situation—or rather, my master isn't the type to quietly perform guard duty. For the sake of Firia-dono’s peace of mind, it is better that I go."
There was no way my master would obediently follow someone’s request. She was the type to do whatever she liked. Well, she was kind at heart, so if she didn't forget, she would provide proper support, but I couldn't imagine her doing something as tedious as guard duty. From what I heard, the only reason she wanted to accompany them was to learn the technology of the magic kingdom.
"Alright, I’ve got your cooperation. Now, I have to stop those two, or we won't get anywhere. Or rather, would it be faster to just proceed without them?"
"I don't think that's possible. Well, it’s a good opportunity to show off my power, which is the key to the operation, so I will go stop them."
With that, Taizo-dono left the room to stop the two of them. I agreed with Yuki-dono’s assessment, but Taizo-dono’s opinion was also perfectly reasonable, so if he insisted on stopping them himself, I had no reason to stop him. If we proceeded without them, they would just complain anyway, so I was actually grateful.
"However, Taizo-dono is going to stop them? Using that magic/skill-sealing ability?"
"Seems so. Did you hear the details of his range?"
"No, I only saw it during that duel, so I don't know the specifics."
"Since you'll be working together, here, you should at least grasp Taizo-san’s skills. Actually, Popuri, you won't be able to use magic or skills within Taizo-san’s range either."
As he said that, Yuki-dono handed me a document. If I couldn't use magic or skills, I was just a cute little girl... Well, it was for Firia-dono’s peace of mind, so I suppose it was fine. Besides, there would surely be other proper guards.
Now, let's see...
*Taizo’s Owned Skill: "Showing the Way of My Homeland"*
*- Meaning of the skill name: It is believed to be the power to rewrite the laws of space to match his homeland—Earth—where magic and skills presumably did not exist, similar to Yuki, Taiki, and Taizo.*
*- Effect: Seals magic and skills. Literally, it becomes impossible to use magic or skills. This excludes not only emission-type magic but also physical enhancements and other effects that deviate from Earth’s common sense. The exact parameters of this effect are not yet fully understood, but since remote control of Doppelgangers is not excluded, it is believed to limit the magic and ability enhancement of individuals within the skill’s range.*