第５７７堀：のんびり異文化交流 (Part2)
I must harden my heart. I will put an end to the current, useless George and raise him into a proper man.
Just as I was thinking this, a scream echoed from the sky.
"Kyaaaaah!?"
*Thud!*
Someone had suddenly fallen from the heavens, and it was a face I knew all too well.
"Hmm? What are you doing, Kagura?"
Yes, the person who had fallen from the sky was Lady Kagura of the Kamishiro Ducal House of Haiden, who, like us, was working hard to establish diplomatic relations with Weed.
"Ouch, ouch, ouch... Well, Dressa, I was just joining in on Deryu-san and the others' training, but..."
"Ah, I see. You got blown away, didn't you?"
We all nodded in understanding. I had seen the training at Weed before; Deryu-san, one of Yuki-sama’s concubines, was a master of martial arts, and her strength was far from ordinary.
I had watched their training sessions, and I couldn't help but feel that what she did was beyond human capability. She didn't just throw punches; the ground would cave in just from the force of her stepping forward. It made no sense. Well, I suppose it’s possible with enough physical reinforcement, but that scale of destruction was impossible.
That was precisely why I had chosen to spar with Hiiro instead. If I were to spar with Deryu-san, it was obvious I would be defeated without being able to do a thing. That would be a blow to the dignity of our Findall. Sparring with Hiiro, however, could be dismissed as sisters playing around.
"But why did Lady Kagura participate in Deryu-san’s training?"
The one asking was George, who had managed to slip out of my grasp while I was distracted. *Tch*, he had escaped in that brief moment of inattention.
"Ah, Prince George. And Princess Stasia. My apologies. As for the reason, Amanda and Eoid, who are fellow students, were training, and I felt it wouldn't be right for me, as a member of the Magic Academy, to just stand by and watch. Besides, it is part of my duties as a diplomat."
"I see. So, it is to build bonds as both a student and a diplomat."
"Yes. However, as you can see, I was blown away in an instant..."
Well, against Deryu-san, that couldn't be helped. If anything, it’s a miracle she’s still alive. Ah, perhaps it’s thanks to the power of her ring. Still, I wonder if it’s appropriate to go this far with a diplomat?
"No, even my sister was with Hiiro-dono..."
"Be quiet. The current training is for cultural exchange and deepening the bond between sisters."
"My side is much the same. I thought that sweating together would lead to a better mutual understanding."
"I see. That makes sense. Sharing in both hardship and joy creates a sense of solidarity, after all."
So that is the direction in which she aims to foster friendship with Weed. I realized that Lady Kagura was working quite admirably as a diplomat.
As we were talking, Deryu-san, the very person who had sent Lady Kagura flying, came running over toward us, accompanied by Amanda-san and Eoid-san.
"Oh, there you are. Are you alright, Kagura?"
"...Yes. I am somehow unharmed, Deryu-san."
"You were lucky to be safe. Any injuries?"
"Deryu-san, you really must hold back. Kagura-san has only just started training."
"No, no, Kagura was trying harder than I expected, so... Oh, were you training over here too? My apologies for the interruption."
Deryu-san bowed her head in apology. She was a boisterous woman, but she clearly observed proper etiquette, and every movement was filled with grace, suggesting she likely came from a high-ranking family. ...I suppose I’ll have to wait until we are closer before I can pry that information out of her.
"No, please don't worry about it. Our training had already concluded."
"I see. Hmm? I see Hiiro looks a bit down. Did you lose?"
"...Lost."
"Mm-hmm. That experience is necessary. Learn well from it. You lot have been getting soft because you only ever face us. The subjugation of Baide the other day didn't involve any truly capable opponents, so I wouldn't call it much of an experience. Princess Stasia, if you would be so kind, please continue to guide these children."
"Yes. It is good training for me as well, so I would be happy to do so whenever the opportunity arises."
"Thank you. Now, let’s put aside the stiff talk. Since the training is over, why don't we all head to the shopping district and get something to eat?"
"Oh! Hiiro wants to go! I'm hungry! Stasia-onee-sama is coming too, right?"
When asked with such a cute face, there was no reason to refuse. It was also for the sake of deepening ties with Weed.
"Yes. I shall join you. Here."
I handed the training sword I had been using to George.
"Here? Why are you giving this to me?"
"This is a seat for those who have sweated through their training. I cannot allow a younger brother who has done nothing but stand on the sidelines and speak ill of his sister to join us."
"Wait, what!?"
"However, I am not a demon. Once you finish 100 practice swings, you may follow us. You can do that, can't you?"
"...Yes."
For once, he didn't talk back and began his practice swings quietly.
"Um, is that okay, Stasia-onee-sama?"
"Yes. It is fine."
I answered with a smile, took Hiiro’s hand, and headed toward the shopping district.
*"Hey, about my sister... wasn't she better before?"*
*"Your Highness, we cannot answer that."*
...I could hear that conversation carried on the wind.
*Sigh.* I think I'll add another 100 swings to his total.
In this way, Stasia grew closer to Hiiro, and Kagura grew closer to Amanda and Eoid. They were all working with proper calculation.
Also, the next story regarding the New Continent will be coming soon, so please look forward to it.
I revised this on the day of publication. The reason being... the 7th volume goes on sale on the 30th. There is also information regarding the comic adaptation, so please check it out.
Actually, I just completely forgot about that.