第４３５堀：いざ魔術国へ (Part2)
With a rhythmic clanking, a knight clad in magnificent full-plate armor approached us.
Who on earth would wear such ridiculously conspicuous armor? It certainly wasn't one of our police officers, nor was it Steve or anyone from the Monster Army... Could it be one of Seraria’s knights?
But a full-face helmet that completely hides the face? That’s unheard of. There were no unit insignias, either. Who could it possibly be?
There was no killing intent, and they weren't carrying any weapons, so it wasn't threatening, but it was incredibly bizarre.
Before I knew it, I had stopped kneading Eris’s breasts and was staring intently at the armored knight.
"Man, sorry, sorry! I’m late."
The knight stopped right in front of us and removed their helmet, revealing...
" "Comet?" "
Yes, it was Comet.
Then, with another series of clanking sounds, Popuri appeared from behind her, dressed in light dress-armor.
...Unfortunately, Popuri is about as small as Aslin or Firia were when they first arrived in Weed, so she looked like a child playing knight.
Aslin and Firia have grown quite a bit since then, so Labyris is actually the smallest now—though that doesn't change the fact that Labyris has a very impressive chest.
For the record, Hiiro is the smallest, followed by Popuri, I suppose.
"Honestly, please don't wander around in that state. Look, Eris-dono and Riel-dono are completely stunned."
"It can't be helped, right? It was Hifi’s request."
"No, surely my dress-armor would have sufficed..."
"Ugh, I’m not a fan of all those frills. Look, doesn't this armor make me look stronger?"
Judging by the conversation, it seemed Hifi had told Comet to wear protective gear to avoid getting caught in the magic-nullification field.
"No, Comet. In that case, you could have just worn trousers."
"Indeed. There is no rule stating that one cannot wear trousers with dress-armor."
"Ah, I guess that’s an option too. But since I went through the trouble of having Narjia prepare this for me—"
"Sigh. Why on earth did Narjia-dono gleefully recommend such armor to her master..."
"Because she understands my burning pathos, obviously! Well, I suppose I should adjust it since it's a bit baggy."
As Comet said this, she channeled magic into the armor.
The metal rippled and shifted, perfectly molding itself to her body.
Well, if it was custom-made by Narjia, I suppose it would have features like that.
"Yup. As expected of Narjia. No discomfort when moving, and I don't even feel the weight. How about it? Don't I look like a magnificent female knight now?"
Comet struck a pose.
Well, she didn't look *not* like a female knight.
"If you had such a function, please use it sooner."
"Nah, the 'Transformation!!' feel is the best part, don't you think? Oh, come to think of it, Eris and Riel are in light gear?"
"We are Doppels, and our clothes are higher performance than standard armor."
"I’m a scout by nature, so light gear suits me best."
As we were talking, Yuki and the others returned.
"Alright, everyone is here. Eris, this is the proof of the envoy, the travel pass, and the letter for negotiations. This one is from Weed, and the other is the certificate of mediation from Roschur. You can tell by the wax seals."
"Yes. I have received them."
"The plan from here is to immediately pass through the gate to Roschur, and from there, travel to the Magic Kingdom on foot."
"Wait? We’re walking?"
Comet asked, looking puzzled.
I had assumed we’d be taking a vehicle, too.
"That’s right. Vehicles would attract too much attention, and if we ever need to make a quick escape, they’d be the first thing targeted. Everyone here has high physical capabilities, so rather than relying on vehicles, it’s better to fly and jump our way out if things go south."
"That makes sense."
Ah, I see. Indeed, if we needed to flee, running on our own two feet would be faster than any clumsy vehicle.
Popuri, who had just answered, could even fly through the sky on a broom.
"I’m sorry, but you’ll have to run when we head out. As you know, we don't have much time. Now, I’ll leave the rest to Taizo-san."
With that, Yuki stepped back and left things to Taizo, who was standing beside him.
"We are heading to the Magic Kingdom now. I’m sure there will be many difficulties, but let’s join hands and return to Weed safely. I’m counting on you all."
Taizo bowed deeply as he said this.
He really is similar to Yuki in that regard; it must be that uniquely Japanese trait.
"Alright, let’s go!!"
"Hey, Riel. That’s Taizo-san’s line."
"Ahaha, well, well, isn't it fine? I am the official negotiator, after all, so going about it this way isn't bad either."
Let’s do our best!