第４７９堀：訪問開始と言葉の壁、そして…… (Part2)
"No, no, Roschur. Gartz should take on that task. We are the shield of the continent, after all. We need a name that reflects that defensive strength..."
"Oh, ho ho ho... Both of your Majesties are the spear and shield of our continent. I cannot possibly allow you to be burdened with such trivialities. It is only appropriate that I, the Saintess of Litea, who serves under Lady Lilishe, take on this responsibility."
Sparks flew between them.
It was amusing for now, but since this was a matter that could potentially spark a war, I decided to drive a nail into it.
"Keep it moderate. It’s not like this is something that will be settled quickly anyway, so why don't you both exchange opinions and try to combine your ideas? Report back once the tour of the Betan is finished. If you haven't decided by then, I’ll use Luna’s authority to name it myself."
"Ngh!? If you’re going to bring up Lady Luna, I can't exactly refuse."
"Damn it!? Roschur, Litea, it seems it would be wiser for us to calmly exchange opinions and reach a consensus."
"Indeed. It would be nothing but a disgrace if something like this were reported to Lady Luna."
Good, that should do it.
I watched them for a moment before leaving the room with Taizo-san.
Taiki-kun is participating as a king, so he’ll continue to attend the meeting.
I felt a resentful gaze directed at me, but as long as Taiki-kun is there, there shouldn't be any bloodshed. Good luck to him.
Still, this is the first time Luna’s name has actually been useful.
So, even a goddess as useless as her holds such immense prestige in this world?
Even Lilishe and the other gods bow their heads to her, at least. I’ll be grateful for that much.
"However, it is fun to watch the march of time like this, isn't it?"
"You think so? From my perspective, I'm just exhausted."
Taizo-san and I talked as we returned to the office.
"Well, that can't be helped. And the people involved don't realize that this is likely one of the great feats that will remain in history. We, however, have a vague grasp of what will be remembered by the ages. That meeting is one that heralds a turning point, a shift in history—the dawn of a new era."
"I suppose so. Naming a continent only happens because another one has been discovered; it’s definitely a turning point in the era."
"But that is all. This world possesses magic, sorcery, and laws that differ from Earth. I cannot predict how it will develop from here. We might be able to provide some guidelines, but that doesn't mean it will necessarily follow the same path as Earth."
That’s true.
This world has its own way of developing.
That is something the people who live here should decide.
Well, if it starts affecting our side, I won't be lenient.
As I was thinking that, Taizo-san spoke up again.
"That is why, while the 'Gate' route is not bad, I believe we should also consider maritime routes—that is, exchange via ships."
"That’s a bit sudden, isn't it?"
"It’s not sudden. It’s just that the super-technology of the Gate has been skipping over the process. Eventually, others will realize it too. That there are unseen lands beyond the edge of this sea. And if there is no Gate there, they will have to cross the ocean."
"Ah, I see. Because if they start building ships on their own, it could lead to massive casualties..."
"Exactly. The shipbuilding technology in this world hasn't even reached the level of galleys yet. That’s understandable, given the rumors of large monsters in the sea. They probably never even considered that there might be a new world beyond the horizon. But from now on, many adventurers will be born with the goal of reaching it. We shouldn't let them die in vain. We have the technology. I don't think this is the time to be stingy with it."
Taizo-san is right.
Searching for undiscovered lands is an absolute necessity, even if it’s just to increase the interests of both continents.
Eventually, under the orders of their nations, they will set sail.
It would be a shame if they were all wiped out so easily.
"I understand. But I don't know much about shipbuilding either. I could only really order them..."
I stopped mid-sentence.
Wait. Come to think of it, what era and what organization did Taizo-san come from?
By the time I reached that conclusion, Taizo-san was wearing a beaming smile.
"There is no need to worry about that. I know how to build ships—not quite to the level of your era, but I know how. The blueprints are in my head. Including the armaments, of course."
Ah, I see. This man’s goal isn't just safety...
"I want to see them! Not for the sake of war, but to see our country's ships carving out the future!! I believe that will serve as a requiem for those who have sunk into the depths until now."
...Nostalgia for his homeland.
And perhaps he wants to see a different possibility for things that were originally built for war.
Today, on this day, the name of the continent was decided, and the New Allied Fleet Development Project began.
*(Why!? ...is it!? ...will!! Already... my limit... only... though!!)*
...By the way, I feel like I keep hearing a strange voice.
But since none of the other members seem to hear it, is it just my brain playing tricks on me?
I considered the possibility of a ghost from Earth, but since even the others don't seem to notice anything, I wonder what it really is.
Am I just tired?
For now, today’s work is done, so I’ll head home.
I’m worried about Milly, whose due date is coming up soon.
So, the visit has begun. The problem of cultural exchange is coming to the surface.
And the strange voice in my head continues.
Next time, a sudden development!!
Look forward to it!!