第４７３堀：そして打ち上げへ…… (Part1)
### Chapter 473: And Then, the Afterparty...
**Side: Yuki**
At Luna’s sudden suggestion, an afterparty was organized, and by the end of the day, everyone involved in the recent affair had gathered.
This included Lilishe and Hifie, who were on our side, as well as Faide, and even those who had been hostile toward us, like Nogosh and Nonoa. My fathers-in-law, who had finally learned the truth, were there as well.
Honestly, I’m surprised they managed to gather everyone, but it was a "word from Luna"—not quite a decree from on high, but close enough—that sent everyone scrambling to abandon their duties. That useless goddess really needs to learn the meaning of moderation. Being buried in work is a small price to pay for the sake of the world.
"Well then! Since all the misunderstandings have been cleared up, let’s celebrate the reunion of familiar faces, toast to your continued success, and offer praise to those who have become the architects of an unprecedented era of peace. Cheers!"
" " "Cheers!" " "
At Luna’s signal, the gods and the kings of various nations downed their glasses in one go.
"Whoa... this is delicious."
"W-what is this sake!?"
"To think such a drink existed..."
"As expected of Lady Luna."
"Yes, indeed. To think she could provide such a vintage."
The ones praising and fawning over Luna were the gods—her subordinates. To me, they’re nothing more than biological entities whose only defining trait is the title of "god."
I didn't bother speaking to those so-called gods. Instead, the ones who drifted toward me were the kings of the great nations and my fathers-in-law.
"Son. Is it true that Lady Luna prepared this?"
"I don't mean to doubt you, but doesn't this resemble the sake supplied from your territory?"
"But both of you, look—my old wounds are fading. This doesn't look like ordinary alcohol."
The kings of Roschur and Gartz were joined by the Saintess of Litea, and their observations were painfully accurate.
"To put it simply, it’s sake I 'borrowed'—or rather, received—from the gods of my world. According to the source, it’s a brew offered to the gods, and because it was actually touched by them, its quality has been enhanced. I suppose its properties have been boosted as well."
I hadn't investigated it thoroughly, but given the testimony from the kings of Roschur and Gartz that their old wounds were healing, it clearly possessed such power.
"I see... so it’s from your world, son. But is it really alright to drink it all up here?"
"He’s right. Can’t we take some home?"
"Indeed. Even an Elixir shouldn't have the power to heal old scars like this."
Oh, really? If I’m not careful, this stuff might even regrow severed limbs. Damn it, serving something of this caliber at a banquet...
"Don't worry about such trifles. I have enough for each of you to take a bottle home as a souvenir. For now, just drink. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a place to talk so calmly. If you drink and get your health in order first, everything else will be easier to handle, won't it?"
" " "Yes. Thank you very much." " "
"That was a thoughtless remark. We shall follow Lady Luna’s will."
Tch, what a convenient excuse. As Alstaire said, if I actually followed Luna’s whims, I’d die of overwork, so I’m begging you from the bottom of my heart to stop.
"However, son. What are your thoughts on the future?"
"Indeed. I understand you’ve accepted a mission from Lady Luna. Since the gods were involved this time, we left the handling to you, but..."
"We cannot simply continue as we have been. It may be a small contribution, but we would like to cooperate as well."
As expected of the leaders of the three great nations. This kind of initiative is commendable—far more than those racial gods drinking with Luna over there. That’s exactly why you lot are only leaders of small nations, Lilishe excluded.
"Well, I’ll explain the details later, but it involves exchange with the New Continent."
"The New Continent?"
"I assumed you meant strengthening our vigilance or inviting the nations that haven't joined the alliance yet."
"And what, pray tell, is this 'New Continent'?"
It wasn't just these three; even the gods making a ruckus over there were unaware, save for the ones in our camp.
"Beyond the sea, there is a continent just like this one. About two years ago, I sent people there on Luna’s orders."
" " "Huh?" " "
The three of them stared, dumbfounded. I can’t blame them. By the standards of this era’s knowledge and values, finding a whole new world is no exaggeration.
"Magic depletion is more pronounced there than here. It’s a great place for researching the phenomenon—the number of mages capable of practical magic is low, the birth rate of beastmen is declining, and the gods have all but vanished. Oh, and naturally, there are nations there just like on this continent. In a sense, they were fighting over territory even more fiercely than here."
"Were?"
"Does that mean it’s over?"
"Mostly. There were six great nations, just like here, and they were at each other's throats. It was a massive pain in the ass for me to move, so I pulled some strings behind the scenes and suppressed them. Oh, and Jessica, who recently joined my wives, was a member of a knight order in one of those great nations. Cleena is the child of an advisor to a princess from another, and Samantha is the second daughter of a duke from yet another."
" " "..." " "
The three of them fell silent. They looked absolutely exasperated.
"...I see. So my son didn't just wake up to a hobby of collecting women."
"...Hmm. Well, I don't mind the increase in concubines, but isn't this just the same as official government business?"
"So that’s why Lady Rurua is still worried..."
Shut up. I’ve had enough of adding to the roster, thank you very much.
"However. You said you’ve already suppressed them. And considering the status of your new wives, don't they hold significant positions over there?"
"Exactly. I couldn't research magic depletion otherwise. I’ve secured positions that allow me to move freely across the six great nations."
"...This is dangerous. My son really is an apostle of Lady Luna."
"...Does this mean we will be going to the New Continent as well?"
"That’s the idea. You didn't know my position or my goals before, nor the policy. But now that you’ve recognized my standing, you should be able to understand what I’m saying, right?"
"...Are you saying we should send our own researchers to the New Continent to conduct investigations?"
"Hey, where is the budget coming from?"
"Well, we can't exactly take it from Weed. Not for the sake of appearances."
"...So you want us to negotiate with those six great nations to generate profit while researching the depletion?"
The three of them looked at each other...
" " "More work!?" " "
They shouted in unison. Well, that’s the path I walk every single day. You lot can enjoy tasting the same hardships and agony I do from now on.
I’ve already been making videos and preparing materials for the New Continent introduction, so it’s not much of a problem for me. As for where to host them, Horst’s territory, Noble’s, Hifie’s, or perhaps White Forest would be best. Ah, White Forest is appropriate since many demi-humans still remain there.
It’s tough when a celebratory party gives you a stomachache. But well, in this world, gatherings of high-ranking officials are always like this.
Oh, what would happen if I told them that Noble, one of the hosts, is also a god?
"Your stomachs look like they're about to die, so just stick to Horst’s place. Or better yet, keep your mouths shut."