第４８５堀：女神の力、及ばぬ土地 (Part2)
Luna, wearing a suit and an uncharacteristically stern expression, sat down without a hint of her usual playfulness.
"Hah. I got a tearful message from Jessica, so I figured it had to be about Yuki. I did some digging, but I never expected him to be summoned to a place like that. Should I call it a stroke of luck, or just typical Yuki? Or perhaps, typical of that group of eccentrics?"
"Luna. If you know something, answer us honestly and without holding back. My husband, our daughters, the pregnant women, and the children who were dragged into this are all there."
"I know, I know. If it were just Yuki, I’d laugh it off and leave him to it, but I can't exactly laugh when Sakura and Shans are involved. Now, about that continent—it’s the largest scale on this planet, comparable to the Eurasia or Americas on Earth. The continent they’re on, and the New Continent, are more like the scale of Australia."
Luna spread out a map of the world of Aulito and pointed to a spot on a massive continent far beyond our own and the New Continent.
"Yuki and the others were sent to this point. Given the time difference on this planet, it’s about eight hours ahead. They’re almost on the exact opposite side of the globe."
"Somewhere that far away... But why is your power restricted, Luna?"
"If I knew that, I wouldn't be having such a hard time. I suspected it might be related to the cause of the mana depletion, but I never imagined they’d be dropped right into the epicenter. I didn't know what kind of influence it would have, so I wanted to consult with you all before doing anything..."
"So that’s where my husband and everyone else were summoned."
"Yes. And the thing is, I can't use my power to directly restore the old dungeons in that region. That’s why I didn't say anything—my power is being obstructed, just as I said. But now that Yuki has been called there, I’ve realized that if it’s an ability I granted to someone, it seems to function, albeit with a heavy load."
"Is that about the DP increasing five-thousand-fold?"
"Yes. There are other things, but that’s the most prominent one. In any case, that land is beyond my reach, and honestly, I can't help them from here."
"……How could you."
Rurua’s face turned pale with despair at the blunt response. The others, while not as visibly shaken as Rurua, also looked grim at the realization that they couldn't rely on Luna.
However, Luna continued in a bright, cheerful voice.
"Well, don't look so gloomy. After all, Yuki is there. That guy will be fine. I’ll guarantee it. You all know the husband you chose isn't that fragile, right?"
"I suppose so. He’s already captured the summoners, and since he’s deployed a dungeon, there shouldn't be any immediate danger..."
"……Pfft!? He captured the summoners!? What kind of rule-breaking is that!! He’s still ignoring the standard procedures, as always. Well, since he’s deployed a dungeon, he’ll probably use those 100,000 'bait' units outside to open a gate in no time."
It was true; the prospect of opening a gate was already in sight.
...I really had been letting my anger get the better of me.
"Alright, everyone. Let’s get some rest first. There doesn't seem to be any immediate danger, and if you push yourselves to stay awake now and get sick, your husbands will just laugh at you. In a way, the ones in a real pinch right now are those of us left in Weed. We have to push forward with the intercontinental exchanges without Yuki and the others."
...Wait.
Even though I’m the one saying it, isn't Weed actually the one in a tougher spot?
Over there, they just have to use the dungeon to trap the enemy and wait for the DP to roll in.
Here, we have the ongoing work of intercontinental diplomacy...
...I have to check Yuki's project proposals and the like, don't I?
"Let’s go to sleep. I’m not joking—those of us left in Weed have it much tougher!"
" " "Yes!!" " "
The others seemed to realize it too, as they immediately began to file out of the room.
...Wait a minute. Are they essentially on vacation over there?
Damn it. When we finally reunite, we’re going to take it easy, too.
Since there’s a country full of kidnappers, it’ll be the perfect way to vent our frustration... or rather, they’ll make for perfect exercise partners.
***
Side: Luna
"Man, those country girls have really gotten strong."
It really was the right choice to leave things to Yuki—to Kazuya Torino.
Then again, the others are just too much to handle.
Having common sense is important, isn't it?
"Well, shall we get some sleep too?"
"I suppose so. If we don't do our best with the intercontinental exchange, we’d be doing a disservice to Yuki-kun, who has helped us so much."
I called out to the two men who were about to leave, just like Seraria and the others.
"Wait a second."
"Yes?"
"What is it?"
"I’m in the mood to drink right now. Keep me company."
" "Ehh—" "
"Don't 'ehh' me. We’re going!! We’re hitting three bars tonight! Call Hifi and Lilishe, too!"
" "Ehhhhh—" "
"You’re going to nag me endlessly once we reunite with Yuki anyway, so we’re going to have some fun while we can!"
" "Is that the only reason!?" "