第４４３堀：だんじょんの説明とゆうしゃとは？ (Part2)
"After all, the Magic Kingdom is a nation that Nonoa-dono has built up with such desperate effort. It’s easy to imagine that if Yuki-kun or I were to take the lead, all sorts of problems would arise. More than anything, this is a gesture of trust in Nonoa-dono."
In reality, there was no need for such an exaggerated transfer of authority, which Nonoa-dono claimed would put the core at risk. All we had to do was have Yuki-kun and me give the okay and transfer it via our skills. This was all part of Yuki-kun’s strategy: make a grand, theatrical display to boost the other party's favorability, just as Nonoa-dono was currently swooning over.
Truly, his talent for these little schemes is incredible.
Of course, the authority was only granted to a certain extent. The highest level remained with Yuki-kun, followed by Labyris-kun, then the wives and myself, with Hifie below us, and Nonoa-dono at the bottom of that hierarchy. In other words, we had full surveillance capabilities.
"Thank you so much!! I will be sure to live up to your expectations!!"
"Then, you accept the authority?"
"Yes. I accept it with joy!!"
Yes. Just as expected, she’s excited. Well, for someone involved in magic, obtaining a "dungeon"—a toy made of pure magical power—is enough to keep the excitement from fading.
After that, we performed the fake, divine-looking ceremony we had planned, and Nonoa-dono successfully obtained the operational authority for this dungeon.
"Now, first, try saying 'Call'."
"Call?"
And so, it began: the standard explanation of how to use the "Dig Here, Pooch" function, how to send messages, and so on. She didn't stumble at all, understanding the instructions with ease. Man, it’s so much easier to teach someone with a quick mind. When I had to teach Hifie, it was a nightmare that required endless repetition.
"...And with this, I want you to use it to effectively reinforce the castle."
"I see. With this, I can easily reinforce it and monitor the interior of the castle as well!!"
"Also, aside from the 'Dig Here, Pooch' function, you have the authority to grant the 'Call' function to up to five people. It would be easier to manage things if you granted it to your Hero, your Chancellor, and other trusted individuals so you can communicate instantly."
"For everything, down to the smallest detail, thank you so much!!"
"You can also contact me, Popuri, or Eris-kun, so if you run into any trouble, please reach out."
"Yes!! Thank you so much!!"
Phew. Is my job done now? Speaking in such a stiff, formal tone is exhausting. To ask a researcher to deal with high-ranking officials—they really do ask the impossible.
...Wait? Isn't Taizo-san a researcher, too?
...Well, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.
As I was thinking about such trivial things, the Hero appointed by Nonoa approached Popuri.
"Popuri-dono. I apologize for earlier. My rudeness was an act of my own unilateral judgment. I offer you my head; please, I beg you to maintain an equal alliance with us from here on out."
He bowed his head low as he spoke. Ah, that’s right—he had been kicked unconscious by Popuri, so he hadn't heard the conversation that followed.
"No, it’s fine. We’ve already agreed not to make an issue of that, so please don't worry. I believe your performance as a bodyguard is worthy of praise."
"...Thank you. However, your movements at that time were magnificent."
"I am honored to receive such praise from a Hero."
"You could truly be called an angel sent by the gods!!"
"H-huh?"
"No, you are the bodyguard to a person chosen by the god that is the Dungeon Master. Therefore, you are synonymous with an angel!! Please, I beg you to guide me!!"
"Feh!?"
Wow. Is that Hero a masochist? Did getting kicked awaken some sort of M-tendencies and a fixation on young girls? There’s no saving him.
"Oh, that reminds me. Does Nogosh have any Heroes?"
"No. He wouldn't appoint a Hero."
"Why is that?"
"He is the God of the Sword. The existence of a 'Hero' standing at the front is meaningless to him. It’s more efficient for him to go out himself, and unlike me, he doesn't have a need for a vanguard to protect a rearguard."
Eh? What kind of muscle-brained logic is that?
"Er, as the head of a nation..."
"That is the kind of man Nogosh is. That’s why I didn't think he would resort to petty schemes. For a man who boasts that there is no one with better sword skills than himself, the very existence of someone else being called a 'Hero' is a problem that strikes at the root of the Sword Kingdom."
"Ah, I see."
For Nogosh, who was recognized as a god through his sword alone, a Hero is nothing but a nuisance.
Somehow, I’ve started to worry about Taiki-kun and the Rankus nation he governs. Between the selfish princess and the muscle-brained king, the jealousy and envy are just going to multiply.
In the previous post, the comment section was overflowing with heartless reports of typos and omissions. No, I am truly grateful for that. Thank you for your continued corrections. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
However, I’ve realized that what everyone was looking for wasn't "serious" content, but "cereal." Well, don't worry—it’s going to get "cereal," so rest easy.