第５０３堀：恒例のお約束 (Part2)
Standing before the gate, which was filled with an eerie, pale light, Catherine, Zargis, and I stood frozen. It seemed that even the two of them weren't entirely without hesitation when it came to throwing themselves into something so mysterious.
"……This is becoming a bit of a routine, isn't it?"
I heard Yuki’s voice from behind me, and then—
"It’s getting crowded, so please keep moving forward!!"
*Thump.*
Did he just kick me!?
"Wait, what!?"
"Yuki. Isn't there a slightly more gentle way to do this?"
"We’re pressed for time, so it can't be helped."
"Ahaha. Yuki-san really hasn't changed..."
I didn't hear the end of Ria’s sentence. Suddenly, the sound cut out completely, and—
*Thud.*
"Ouch."
I tumbled onto the ground.
"……I really don't understand Yuki sometimes."
I stood up, brushing the dirt off my clothes. One moment he’s being polite, and the next, he’s doing this. Oh, right—what about the two who were kicked before me? I looked up and saw a cityscape I had never seen before.
The buildings were of a style completely different from our own. They were massive structures covered in beautiful, seamless walls. How did they manage to create such perfect monoliths without stacking bricks?
"……Hey. Hey, don't just stand there staring. I’ll kick you again if you do."
"Ah!? My apologies, Yuki-sama. It was just such a landscape, I’d never seen anything like it."
"No, I must apologize as well. Aside from castles, I’ve never seen such large buildings. And the framework of that building—it’s not wood, it’s iron. To think they could process iron like that... My, I am truly astonished."
"……Is this Weed?"
"No, this is a military facility. The residential areas aren't all that different from where you’re from. Well, we have electricity, so it stays bright even at night."
"E-lec-tricity?"
"I’ll explain that later. First, we’re moving. Hey, John! Is the vehicle ready?"
When Yuki called out into the depths of the building, a strange box came rolling toward us. It stopped right in front of us, and I realized there was an Orc inside. Is this a carriage?
"Yes. Please, go ahead. Though, Boss, you have one in your Item Box, don't you?"
"I need to introduce you guys, too. Anyway, this is John, the Vegetarian... whatever-Orc who handles supply transport between Weed and Baide."
"Could you stop being so incredibly casual with the introductions?"
"Then stop evolving on your own."
"I wish I had a 'B-Cancel' button for that. Anyway, I am John, serving as a General in the Monster Army. It is a pleasure to meet you."
While they were having some sort of confusing exchange, General John bowed his head.
"Ah, nice to meet you. I am Kagura Kamishiro."
"Thank you for your courtesy. I am Catherine, the Lord of Baide, which has recently come under the protection of Weed."
"And I am Zargis, an old man from the Imperial Army. Though we serve different nations, as fellow generals, I hope we can get along well."
"The pleasure is mine. Well, if you need anything, just ask General John and it will be taken care of. Please, rely on him. Now, enjoy your tour of Weed."
"The meeting is the main priority, you know?"
"I’m sure it’s a tour as well. I’ll send over some pickled cucumbers later."
"I don't need them."
"That’s cold!? Why do you and Steve get to—"
An argument started. But Jessica and Ria didn't stop them at all.
"Come on, please get in the vehicle."
"Please, board from here."
"Ah, thank you. Wait, are we just going to leave them to it?"
"Yeah, it’s just John’s usual 'illness.' Don't worry about it."
"Illness? Is the General unwell?"
"He didn't look sick to me..."
"Ah, it’s not that kind of illness. He has a habit of trying to force everyone to eat his favorite foods."
Ah, *that* kind of illness. I’ve met people like that before. As I was thinking this, Yuki climbed into the box-like vehicle.
"Are you done already?"
"Yeah. It’s like a scripted bit. That should have eased your tension a little, right?"
"Ah... yeah."
"Good. Alright, John, we’re heading out."
"Yes, take care. But I’m still sending those pickles. Consider it an extra side dish for dinner."
"Understood. Send them to the government building where Kirue is."
"You got it."
With that, we boarded the self-moving box and headed toward the city of Weed...
"It’s, it’s fast!? Isn't it too fast!?"
"Th-this... even though it’s moving this quickly, it doesn't sway like a carriage at all!?"
"Ho-ho. This is truly incredible. I can see many uses for this."
What, what is this thing!? How is it moving!? Why is it so fast!?
"……You’re loud."
"It can't be helped, can it?"
"People usually react like this."
"Sigh, my job of explaining just got longer."
" "Please, just give up." "
Well, excuse me! But if you don't explain things properly, how are we supposed to feel at ease!?
It’s like a "Welcome!!" sort of vibe, isn't it?
*You know how there are always announcements saying, "Please do not stop at the entrance as it inconveniences other guests, keep moving"?*
*And honestly, when people actually do that, it’s incredibly irritating.*
*Well, the Weed tour has begun!! Though, we have a bit of an orientation first.*