第５７９堀：日々誰かが頑張っている (Part2)

第５７９堀：日々誰かが頑張っている (Part2)

"Hiiro. I’ll say it again: make sure you don't show any disrespect to His Highness."

"Oh, come on. Hiiro knows how to conduct herself, you know. Besides, isn't it about time?"

Checking the clock, I saw it was time to head out. Our light morning chat and meeting concluded, and everyone began to move according to their own schedules. As planned, we headed toward Betan to pick up Agil.

"We have been waiting for you, Yuki-sama."

"Thanks for your hard work, Horst. Things must have been tough over in Betan."

"Not at all. I am honored to have assisted in a feat that will go down in history."

"Well, don't push yourself too hard."

"Understood. Please, this way."

Guided by Horst, we went to fetch Agil. Upon arriving at the guest room in the lord's mansion...

"I see, I see. It is an honor to be accompanied by the Principal and the Saintess."

"Yes. It was already decided that we would focus on absorbing new magical techniques and other technologies."

"By traveling with Agil-dono, we also serve the purpose of verifying the safety of Weed."

Popuri and Hifie were chatting happily with Agil.

"Yo, Agil."

"Ah, Yuki. Oh—my apologies. Yuki-sama, I look forward to your care in Weed starting today."

"Yeah. Well, there's no one else around, so you don't have to be so formal."

"Eh? But Principal Popuri and Hifie-sama are..."

She glanced toward the two of them.

"We are, for all intents and purposes, part of Yuki-dono's inner circle."

"Yes. Please feel free to speak casually. We won't hold it against you."

"Um, what does that mean?"

"It's simple. Just like you, Agil, I've invited these two to Weed before. In fact, they've already been coming and going quite often."

"Ehh!? Since when!?"

"Around the time Agil-dono returned to Enaria, I suppose?"

"Wait, that was during the Magic Sword incident—that was ages ago!? Does that mean this was all orchestrated!?"

"Orchestrated is a strong word; everyone does a bit of groundwork. It’s only natural to move things along to ensure success."

"Ah, well, I suppose so. But how am I supposed to write this in my report..."

"I'm not trying to cause confusion, so you don't have to write the exact truth. Just report that Weed, Lancer, and Hifie seem to have a good relationship."

"...I see. That would certainly cause the least amount of friction. Reporting that the Lancer Magic Academy and the Hifie Holy Kingdom were acting behind the scenes would just lead to petty infighting."

"At worst, it could lead to a civil war. Some would claim they put the If Continent in danger. Though, would it even be called a civil war in this case?"

"OK, I understand. As you say, Yuki, I'll report that we have a good relationship. I don't want any more trouble than necessary."

Agil is easy to work with because she knows when to cut her losses.

"Well, you're already used to life in Weed, so if you have any trouble, just ask these two. Oh, Amanda and Eoid are here too, but you weren't very close with them, were you?"

"I haven't talked much with the Dragon Knight couple. I'll try not to be a burden, but I look forward to working with you both."

"Feel free to rely on us as much as you like."

"Yes. I've heard that Agil-dono's knowledge is immense, so let's work hard together on our technical research."

"Ah, I see. So that's why you had me meet with these two as well?"

"Exactly. Agil, you'll primarily be in the magic technology department. If you produce results there, it can be seen as you fulfilling your duties as a diplomat."

When I said that, Agil grabbed my hand, her eyes sparkling.

"Thank you!! I thought being a diplomat would be a hassle, but you've set up my dream research environment!!"

"I know your personality, after all."

"Man, I'm grateful. Truly grateful. By any chance, did you push for me to be a diplomat, too?"

"I had no hand in that. Honestly, it was a two-horse race, wasn't it? Either General Prism or General Agil."

"I suppose so. Though, Prism was trading blows with Queen Seraria, so it was effectively a one-horse race."

With that, the process of picking up Agil proceeded harmoniously...

"Come to think of it, Agil is fine, but are you two okay leaving your homes?"

"Hm? We have Lara there, so it's fine. Think of it as stretching our wings."

"And Taizo-san is taking good care of things on my end. He told me to take a break and relax since it's been a while."

I see, so it's like a vacation for both of them. They can head back immediately if anything happens, anyway.

"Well, since all three of you have the time, how about I give you a tour of Weed?"

" " "No problem." " "

And so, we spent the day leisurely touring Weed, eating delicious food, and shopping. There was only one miscalculation.

"...Accompanying women on a shopping trip is truly exhausting."

I didn't do anything, but perhaps that’s exactly why I’m so tired. Everyone works to live—that’s just the normal, everyday scenery. Well, coming back to the field after a long break is quite busy, though. In Japan, if you take a long vacation, you get those piercing looks from colleagues and superiors unless you have a really good reason. I think this culture where taking a break is seen as a "bad thing" is wrong. In other words, I want to be able to use my paid leave normally.

Anyway, that aside, it’s September. I live in Fukuoka, Kyushu, and I’m surprised to see the autumn breeze and clouds starting from the 1st. For the past few years, Fukuoka has felt like "Summer > Winter" rather than "Summer > Autumn > Winter." How is everyone else doing?