第５４６堀：案内と仕事と無茶振り (Part1)
### Chapter 546: Guidance, Work, and Unreasonable Demands
**Side: Yuki**
"..."
Yes, this is Yuki reporting from the scene.
The people from the Findal Empire whom I brought to Weed—Prince George and Princess Stasia... though I can't read her expression behind her helm—are standing as motionless as the other envoys. It’s safe to assume they are stunned.
This has become a recurring aesthetic of sorts.
Since this is the same routine we went through with the Hayden party, and since I’ll be repeating the same spiel over and over for intercontinental exchanges, I’ve decided to omit the details to avoid sounding like a pre-recorded announcement.
The fortunate thing is that the citizens of Weed generally consider it natural for outsiders to be surprised. They either leave them be or, if they look troubled, offer a kind word. They don't mock them, which I’m grateful for. I hope we can maintain this national character.
"What are you doing, Brother?"
"Oh, Ratz. Playing narrator again?"
"You’re so free, aren't you?"
"Rather than free, I was waiting for you. A barrage of questions is inevitable."
"Well, I suppose so."
Ratz says this with a wry smile. There is no one else I could possibly ask to guide them through the commercial district.
"You’re used to this by now, right?"
"If by 'used to it' you mean it’s not different, then yes. Everyone has the same reaction. It’s about time I had some staff other than myself for this."
"You’re training them, aren't you? For the intercontinental exchanges, we plan to have personnel other than the top brass handle the guidance."
"If you put it that way, it just means all the VIPs get dumped on me."
"Well, yeah."
"Brother, I’d like to request a bonus. Maybe a week of relaxing and cuddling with you and everyone else."
"I’d like that too. It’s just that there’s too much work. Let’s finish this up and do our best so we can take a vacation."
"Sigh, I hope there’s an end in sight. Well, enough complaining. Let’s get on with the tour."
"Agreed."
The initial shock is starting to subside, and the Findal Empire party has begun looking around restlessly. I need to do something before they get reported for suspicious behavior.
"Yes, yes. Everyone from the Findal Empire, I, Ratz, will be serving as your guide and providing explanations from here on out. Please treat me well."
"Oh, thank you. Much appreciated."
"Y-yes, please take care of us."
As Prince George and Princess Stasia return the greeting awkwardly, the other envoys and guards bow their heads slightly. Perhaps it’s because Ratz is a Rabbit Beastman? From the perspective of someone from the New Continent, she is one of the Spirit Maidens, after all.
However, there is one person among the Findal party who remains calm and composed.
"Lady Ratz. Thank you for your assistance once again."
"Yes, Lord Georgin. But Lord Georgin, please remember that this time, you are not the one being guided, but the one doing the guiding."
"Hahaha, as expected of Yuki-sama’s wife. You are truly sharp."
"W-wait a moment, Georgin!? What did you just call Lady Ratz!?"
"...If I didn't mishear, you said 'Yuki-sama’s wife'."
"That is correct. This woman, who manages this incredible commercial district, is one of Yuki-sama’s wives—the Rabbit Beastman, Lady Ratz."
"...A woman managing a place like this?"
"...Could it be an honorary position because she is Yuki-sama’s wife?"
The envoys in the back are whispering, unable to believe it. Well, that’s to be expected in lands with strong patriarchal tendencies.
"Ahaha, it’s hard to imagine someone as young as me being in charge, isn't it?"
"O-oh, no!! My apologies!! You lot!!"
"You are being rude!!"
"Yes!! We are terribly sorry!!"
Prince George and Princess Stasia apologize in a panic.
"No, no. Well, it is true that in most places, men usually handle these things. Please consider Weed to be an exception. Much like the 'Bide' of Catherine-san, things here are female-led."
"I see... does that mean other key positions are also...?"
"Most of them are women. And most of those are Brother’s wives."
"...I see. Is this to ensure the stability of Yuki-sama’s regime?"
"Ahaha, that’s a common interpretation. Well, it’s not exactly wrong, but it started because we were short on human resources to begin with."
"Meaning?"
"You might find this hard to believe, but Weed was founded only about three years ago."
"What!?"
"I’ll explain the relationships with the surrounding countries later, but simply put, this area was just a forest in Roschur territory back then. The beginning of Weed was when we brought slaves here to cultivate the land. And I was one of the slaves brought here."
"S-slaves!?"
Ratz gives an explanation that isn't exactly wrong, but isn't entirely correct either. It brings back memories of the early days before it became Weed. It was back when I had asked Mauve to bring Ratz and the others, and I was plotting to acquire DP steadily while absorbing the knowledge of this world. It was a fact that I had no choice but to bring slaves and educate them, as bringing in influential people or scholars would have inevitably caused problems.
"Slavery is commonly practiced here, after all. Even if I’m called a Spirit Maiden over there, here, there are plenty of Beastmen and Elves like us, so we aren't rare at all and are treated as ordinary labor."
"...So the common sense is this different across continents. Are structures like this common on this continent as well?"
"No, no, Prince George. These are special structures unique to this place."
And so, Ratz skillfully provides explanations while they sightsee. Georgin has already hinted that she is my wife, so I doubt they will try anything reckless. Well, I don't think they could do anything to Ratz anyway. Ria and Samantha are nearby, too.
Now, I’ll leave this to Ratz and go meet up with Seraria to discuss the meeting with Princess Carrie.
"Prince George, Princess Stasia, and everyone else. I have a report for Her Majesty the Queen, so I will be taking my leave. If you need anything, please speak to Ratz, Ria, or Samantha."
"Her Majesty the Queen... Is she Yuki-sama’s wife?"
"Yes. She is the Queen of Weed."
"...And the audience with her..."
"That is part of what I am reporting on."
"We look forward to it."
Prince George, Princess Stasia, and the rest of the party bow deeply. Having seen what Weed is capable of, they surely want to establish a connection, and an audience with the Queen is essential for determining their country’s future.
Oh, by the way, Hiiro had taken a liking to Princess Stasia, so she remained behind as a guide. With Ria and Samantha there, it should be fine.
Now, I need to talk to Seraria. I visited her office, but Seraria wasn't there; her subordinate, Quar, was sitting at the desk taking care of paperwork instead.
"Huh? Where’s Seraria?"
"Yuki-sama... If you’re here, that means the Findal party has arrived in Weed safely, I presume."
"Yeah, I came to report that to Seraria, but where did she go?"
"...I’m not sure. Since this morning, she dumped her paperwork on me and said she was going to visit Zargis-dono and Comet-dono."
"So that’s why Quar is doing all the work alone, huh."