第４７８堀：異文化交流への準備と…… (Part1)
**Chapter 478: Preparations for Cross-Cultural Exchange and...**
**Side: Yuki**
Well, unlike the chaotic atmosphere in Weed the other day, the Magic Sword Users now looked rather pale.
I suppose arriving yesterday and leaving today is quite rushed, but since word has already reached Noble, any delay in reporting the situation in Weed would be a major problem. Thus, they had to return.
"With that said, I’m counting on you both regarding Zilba and Enaria."
"……I will try my best to explain it."
"Marly-san, please pull yourself together. Our very careers are at stake here!?"
"Elder Sister. First, we must offer our greetings to Yuki-dono…… Indeed, we have received the personal letter for His Majesty. We will certainly bring back a favorable response. We, too, have no desire for war."
I couldn’t tell if Marly was still suffering from yesterday’s bath-related fatigue, or if she just had a stomachache from the prospect of delivering such an outrageous report.
Olive, on the other hand, was as ambitious as ever. Her positive attitude was a blessing; if things went well, it would certainly be a plus.
Her younger sister, Mist, seemed to be getting pushed around as usual. Well, as long as Mist is there, I suppose I can rest easy.
That was the Zilba group. As for the Enaria group’s reaction...
"We are truly, deeply sorry for yesterday!!"
"Sigh, well, even if you keep bowing and apologizing, it only makes things more awkward for me. Wouldn't doing what needs to be done be a better form of apology?"
"Muu. To be lectured on logic by Agil... very well. Yuki-dono, we will certainly convey the truth about Weed and the other continent. I have no desire for unnecessary wars. Besides, I wouldn't be able to take baths anymore."
"Haha, that’s right. Weed is quite comfortable for me, after all. I have no appetite for war either. I’ll do my part, so rest easy."
The dynamic between Prism and Agil seemed to have flipped, but that kind of thing reminded me of Hifie and Comet.
In any case, it was a relief that the Magic Sword Users from both Zilba and Enaria were against the idea of war.
With this, I could safely assume that the top individual combat powers of both nations wouldn't be turning into enemies.
Well, there were others like Air, but I didn't think the middle-aged man who calls himself a King in that Empire was reckless enough to act without thought—no, wait, he did go on a rampage, didn't he? Enaria was similar, and the Church revered people like Rurua as Saints, so the pressure from that side should be manageable too.
Now, all that was left was to wait for the reactions from each country.
"Well, take care on your way back. Let’s meet here again."
"Yes!"
With those simple farewells, the Magic Sword Users left Betan and headed back to their respective royal capitals.
"The outlook seems promising."
"It does. Now, Horst, aside from the discussions on expanding Betan, there’s something I need to ask of you."
"What might that be?"
"Showing you Weed wasn't just for reference regarding Betan's future. Actually, I would have brought this up sooner if the Magic Sword Users hadn't been here, but through this visit, you’ve experienced firsthand that there are different cultures and technologies out there, haven't you?"
"Yes. Furthermore, thanks to the governance of you and Seraria-sama, the inhabitants of Weed seem to possess such peaceful hearts."
"That’s thanks to the residents' own efforts. Anyway, putting that aside, you understand now that 'different cultures' exist, right?"
"Yes. Even between Enaria and Zilba, there are minor differences, so it is nothing particularly strange. But what of it?"
"That’s only because you and the Magic Sword Users travel and interact with other countries. The townspeople here believe the common sense of their own home is the common sense of the entire world."
"Well, that is true, I suppose."
It’s the same in modern Japan—food culture, minor rules, and so on...
If the continent or the country is different, you can assume that common sense will change entirely.
"I had you come to Weed so you could learn our common sense to some extent, Horst. I’m planning to invite guests from Weed’s continent to Betan soon."
"Pardon? Ah, I see. If there is to be future interaction, it would be natural to invite guests from the continent where Weed is located."
"Exactly."
Man, it’s a huge help that Horst is a guy who understands things quickly.
"And who might those guests be?"
"Mainly the King of Roschur, the King of Gartz, and the Saintess of Litea. Plus some guards and scribes, I suppose?"
"……"
Horst’s mouth hung open at my reply.
Since I’ve already drilled him on the major powers of this world, he clearly understood the magnitude of this news.
"Wha..."
"Wha?"
Ah, here it comes. I covered both my ears in preparation.
"WHAT DID YOU SAYYYYYYY!?"
There it was.
"W-what is it!? Horst-sama!?"
"D-did something happen!?"
The soldiers standing at the gate rushed over in a panic.
"O-oh, it’s nothing!! Let’s discuss the details in the lord’s mansion!"
Horst grabbed my hand and hurried back to the office.
He closed the door, confirmed we were alone, sat down, pulled out some paper, and prepared to hear the full story.
"You don't need to be so panicked. It’s more like a preliminary inspection before an official visit. Just like you guys did."
"That is not how it works!! Regardless of them being your in-laws or the Saintess of Litea with whom you share a deep bond, they are the heads of great nations!! Why, of all places, here in Betan..."
"Well, Betan is the only place that understands Weed, recognizes them as heads of great nations, and can treat them as guests. Plus, I can arrange the security here freely."
"……That is true. Indeed, that is certainly true... but for a local lord like me to have to entertain the heads of great nations—and multiple ones at that... My stomach hurts just thinking about it..."
Oh boy, even the muscle-bound Horst had his weaknesses.
"That’s why I told you in advance. It’s better than just bringing them here suddenly."
"If you had done that, I think I might have died on the spot."
"Considering the future, they need to know about us too. Sooner or later."
"……You mean that if we act like this after our existence becomes known to other countries, it could invite interference?"
"Yeah. Demi-humans are considered a weak force here, but Roschur, Gartz, and even Litea have high-ranking officials and even royalty who are beastmen or elves."
"……That is correct. While we must have them learn our common sense, we must also learn theirs."
"Exactly. You don't have prejudices against demi-humans, Horst, but others won't be so open-minded."
"Yes. This is quite troublesome..."
"First, we’ll test the waters to see how the bigwigs from Weed’s continent react. After that, we’ll do the reverse with the bigwigs from Betan’s continent. The Magic Sword Users are favorable toward us, but we don't know about the others."
"……It could become a spark for conflict."
"Well, it’s a hassle, but it’s a path we have to walk eventually. It’s better than being in a state of war without even realizing it, right?"
"That is true."
"With that said, let’s decide on the potential problems, security, and the agenda for when we host these bigwigs in Betan."