第４７５堀：モルモッ……じゃなくモニター見つけた (Part2)
"Honestly, it’s a total mess. The truth is, they can’t even think of a reward that would suffice. The gate usage fees are a given right, and the country can’t possibly concede any more territory. As for money, they seem to think it’s not a good idea for more wealth to concentrate in Betan. Well, not that they could pay it anyway. Putting a monetary value on the gate would result in an astronomical price. Honestly, trying to put a price tag on it would just lead to more trouble."
Agil, sorry about that. The gates are actually quite easy to create for 10,000 DP.
"In other words, they’re struggling with how to handle me."
"Exactly. Letting you go now would be a massive blunder, especially with the active exchange between nations about to begin. You’ve achieved a great feat, so a reward is only natural. But since there’s no reward that fits, they want to hear your opinion and declare to the other nations that they’ve granted your wishes. That should settle things to some extent. That’s why I was asked to find you..."
"And that leads to you and the others, Agil."
"Yep. But when we actually went looking, you were nowhere to be found. Before we knew it, Steve, Rurua, and the others had vanished too. So, we figured we’d visit someone who might know—Mr. Horst, or rather, the territory of Betan."
Ah, right. I had sent them back to Weed because I needed to step away for a bit. They should be back to their posts by now.
"So, you found me."
"Exactly. Thank you. If I hadn't found you, I would have had to head back to the Academy, ask Principal Popuri, or get Dragon Knight Amanda to lend a hand."
That would have been a valid lead, too. Unlike Horst, they aren't stationed here permanently. Popuri had been pulled away, though I suppose I could have reached her through Lara.
"I understand the situation. So, the idea is for me to show my face in Zilba and Enaria, right?"
"Exactly. If they treat you poorly now, their standing will only get worse, so you don't need to worry about your safety. Well, I’m sure you’ll have plenty of people coming onto you for the sake of interests, but that’s an unnecessary worry for you, isn't it? I was surprised by how things went at the Academy."
That was Popuri’s poor handling of the situation. She tried to use Samantha as a decoy.
"Ah, I see. What about your romantic life? With Lady Samantha and Lady Cleena around..."
"““Impossible.””"
Agil had meant to be concerned, but she was taken aback by the immediate, unified denial.
"Oh, I see. Well, if everyone is there, Yuki seems to be doing just fine."
In fact, the sheer intensity of their response left her unable to say anything else. She could only offer words of affirmation.
"There is no need to worry about Yuki’s romantic life."
"Indeed. Yuki-sama is quite disciplined in that regard, despite appearances."
"Mm. Besides, I don't let trashy women get close."
They say that, but the Magic Sword Users are all giving me looks that say, *'You have all of us here, and you're saying that?'*
Yeah. I get it. I understand that feeling. I don't even know how it ended up like this myself.
"W-well, that’s how it is, so it would be a huge help if you could visit soon."
"Understood."
Marly realized that saying anything more would only stir up a hornet's nest, so she cut the conversation short. I think that was the right call.
Thanks to that, I finally had time to enjoy my tea in peace. I thought we’d move on to some casual small talk, but the words Olive spoke next changed everything.
"Come to think of it, after doing all that, you didn't even come to report back. What have you been doing until now?"
"My sister is right. Was there some other problem?"
"Ah, that sounds likely. It won't do you any good to keep secrets, you know? Since we're here, why don't you tell us everything?"
"That’s true. If it’s Yuki-dono’s current opinion, the various nations won't be able to ignore it."
Mist, Agil, and Prism chimed in, agreeing with Olive’s question.
That’s when it clicked. Originally, I came to Betan to bring over the in-laws and the like. If I’m introducing the New Continent, it’s only natural to do the reverse as well. Right in front of me were people who weren't too high-ranking, possessed combat ability, and would listen to what I had to say to a certain extent.
They wouldn't be test subjects or guinea pigs, but they would be perfect as monitors.
Perhaps sensing my train of thought, Jessica and the others stiffened.
"Yuki. Don't tell me..."
"...Jessica-san. It’s better to give up. It’s a path you’ll have to walk eventually."
"Mm. Samantha is right. And as Yuki thinks, these five are convenient."
"Then, I’ll go send the message!"
Jessica remembered how she nearly broke down earlier, Samantha said it couldn't be helped, and Cleena agreed with me that they were convenient. Ria was already moving to prepare for their arrival.
"Eh? Eh? Did the conversation just move forward? What do you mean by 'convenient'?"
Agil and the others tilted their heads in confusion, but since things were already in motion, there was no stopping it.
"Horst, you come along too. You're the representative of Betan, and it’s a good opportunity."
"Is that true!! Will you finally show me Weed!! I shall prepare at once!!"
It’s not really something to get that fired up about, though.
"““Weed?””"
Whether the Magic Sword Users, who still didn't understand the situation, were happy or unfortunate, I couldn't say. But one thing was certain: the schedule had moved forward quite a bit.
I have to make sure I collect the data properly! Preliminary research is of the utmost importance.