第５１１堀：再会と今後の相談 (Part1)
**Chapter 511: Reunions and Consultations for the Future**
**Side: Taiki, Ranks Affiliate, Hero, King, and Errand Boy**
"Oh, you’re here. Though, I suppose it hasn't been that long, has it?"
The one calling out to me is Yuki-san, the shadow boss of Weed and a fellow Japanese person like myself.
"Well, it’s only been about a week. Still, I was certainly surprised when I received the report."
"I was surprised, too."
Of course he was. The idea of being summoned again after already being transported to another world was completely unheard of.
"Regardless, you look well."
"My body is as healthy as ever, unfortunately. If I had collapsed, I might have actually gotten some time off."
I doubt that. If Yuki-san were to collapse, I don't think his wives would just stand by and watch. As I was thinking that, the sound of a door opening echoed through the conference room.
"In that case, we would have led the entirety of Weed’s military might to invade Haiden."
Speaking of the devil, it’s Seraria-san, Yuki-san’s wife and the Queen of Weed. Back then, the members who stayed behind in Weed were practically on a rampage. As Seraria-san said, if Yuki-san had fallen, that scenario might have actually played out. Invading a civilization at a medieval European level with modern tactics and weaponry would turn the place into a scorched wasteland in the blink of an eye.
"Come on now. Don't go destroying a country just because I caught a cold. It’s not worth the trouble."
"It’s not a matter of whether it’s worth it or not. It’s love, Yuki. Love."
Seeing them hug while saying that, it’s clear just how close they are. The other wives are the same way, so I can understand the sentiment. To me, Yuki-san is like an older brother and the only person I know who understands the Japan I remember. Honestly, if I heard Yuki-san had been killed, I might launch a retaliatory attack myself.
"Given your current standing, Yuki-kun, I think it would be well worth it to crush a nation if necessary. You are now the person pulling the strings behind both this Rogari Continent and the If Continent where we reside. Though, I do understand your desire to avoid the hassle."
Taizou-san entered the conference room as he said this.
"Rogari Continent? If Continent? Have the names been decided?"
Yuki-san looked at me with a puzzled expression.
"Ah, that’s right. You were summoned right in the middle of the discussions to name the continents. Did you not hear about it from Seraria-san?"
I felt awkward bringing it up myself, so I deferred to his wife. Seraria-san shrugged and opened her mouth.
"I’m sorry. There was so much going on that it completely slipped my mind."
I suppose that makes sense. Weed had far more pressing issues than naming continents.
"Huh. I get that 'Rogari' is an acronym for the countries involved, but why 'If' for the new continent? I don't think there’s even been a forum to decide the name for that side yet, has there?"
"That was a provisional name given by Noble-dono, Hifi-san, and myself. 'If'—as in, 'what if.' It also implies that the name can be changed at any time. Since there is already a continent where you were summoned, it’s easier to refer to that one as the New Continent."
"I see. It certainly was getting annoying to distinguish between 'Weed’s this' and 'Taizou-san’s that.' I’ll gladly use those names."
While we were talking, Sasari-san finished serving drinks to everyone.
"Well, now that we have our drinks, let’s get to the main topic."
Indeed, everything up until now was just light chatter. Now, the real business begins. The New Continent that suddenly connected to Weed—or rather, the whole mess started because of the summoning that kidnapped Yuki-san. In a standard light novel, this would be the part where a pink-haired loli mage appears to form a contract, and I’d have to run around saving the world. Unfortunately, reality didn't play out that way.
Thanks to Yuki-san’s unconventional—or rather, straightforward—approach, the summoners were neutralized in an instant. To ensure safety, he used his Dungeon Master powers and his own unique methods to secure a foothold in no time. Even though a few days had passed since then, Weed was now connected to the New Continent. Unlike the situation with the If Continent, we couldn't just go there in secret. Since we’ve already stepped out as the nation of Weed, we are required to act like one. We have to discuss everything from holding them accountable for the kidnapping of a VIP, to establishing diplomatic relations with a new nation, and assessing the current state of the New Continent.
"First, let me explain the situation over there in detail. Taizou-san and Taiki-kun aren't aware of it yet, right?"
"Yeah, go ahead."
"Please. All I know is that there’s a country full of idiots who kidnapped Yuki-san."
"It’s actually quite a troublesome situation. Or rather, because it’s so troublesome, I suppose we should have expected to be summoned..."
For the next hour, Yuki-san explained the situation on the New Continent.
*Slurp.*
Yuki-san sipped his tea.
"And that’s the general situation on the New Continent. Ah, this tea is delicious. Sasari, could I get a refill?"
"Yes, certainly."
He looked relaxed, but the content of his story was more complicated than I had imagined.
"To think you’re already operating as Weed over there."
"Well, given the circumstances, it couldn't be helped. But you intend to help that country, Haiden, right?"
"Hot, hot... well, yeah. Though, if you or Taizou-san want to take Haiden off my hands, I’m perfectly fine with crushing them head-on."
"I refuse."
"I refuse as well."
We’ve finally finished dealing with the issues regarding Nogosh and Bicks, and we’re currently focusing on stabilizing the internal affairs of Ranks. We don't have the manpower to spare for another country, especially one on a new continent. From what I’ve heard, that country is a walking landmine.
"I figured you’d say that. That’s why Haiden needs to handle things themselves. That is..."
On the call screen appeared a black-haired girl, Kagura Kamishiro—one of the people who summoned Yuki-san. Unlike the princess who summoned him, she seemed reasonable and capable of actual conversation. Because of that, it’s inevitable that this Kamishiro-san will have to do the heavy lifting to rebuild Haiden.
"...To think a girl like that is tasked with saving a nation."
Taizou-san muttered. When I first heard the story from Yuki-san, I thought it sounded like some generic "original otherworld summoning fantasy," but seeing the reality of the situation, Kamishiro-san is likely to end up as a casualty unless a series of miracles occur. The core of Haiden is already occupied by those idiotic militarists, the Queen who should be their figurehead is imprisoned, and the Princess is living in a fantasy world. It’s already checkmate. In a normal story, this is where it ends.
Well, if it were "normal," that is.
"In that sense, Kamishiro-san hit the jackpot."
Exactly. She summoned Yuki-san. She’s secured the ultimate backup.
"True. But this means you and your group are going to be busy with Haiden. We can’t just send a few investigators and call it a day anymore."