落とし穴１０１堀：楽しみな未来と不安な足元 (Part2)
As I said that, Taizo nodded and opened his mouth.
"That sounds like a good idea. Kanna-dono and Principal Grimo have both expressed interest in coming, and it’s necessary for the academy members to get used to Weed anyway. Since there are already participants, why not frame it as an academy-sponsored field trip or excursion? What do you think, Principal?"
"Indeed. I believe that is a fine proposal. While Kagura-kun has her position as a diplomat to consider, Micos-kun and Solo-kun would have to treat a visit as a private vacation if they were just friends. Well, naturally, we would need to clear it with the Princess, but what do you think, Kanna-kun?"
"Visiting other countries to broaden the students' horizons is something we’ve done before, so I think it’s a good idea. Though, as I’m essentially a temporary teacher, I’m not sure how much my opinion counts."
"No, you’re the only teacher with established ties to Weed, Kanna-kun. I’ll be counting on you to lead the group. I’ll be busy discussing various matters with Yuki-dono and the others, after all."
"Understood. I look forward to it."
"With that settled, we don't have any objections either. The rest is just clearing it with Seraria and the others."
Indeed. It seems Yuki and his group have no issues with it either.
"Um, Seraria, if I recall..."
"Hey, Micos! That’s Her Majesty, the Queen of Weed. You must add 'Your Majesty'!"
"Eep!? M-my apologies!!"
"It’s not an official setting, so don't worry about it. Just be mindful depending on the location."
"Yes, sir!!"
"...Micos. You’re forgetting because Yuki and the others are so frank, but they are incredibly high-ranking people. You really need to be careful."
"I know, I know. And Solo, why are you frozen?"
Following Micos’s comment, I looked at Solo, who was standing perfectly still, still clutching her bread.
"Solo? What’s wrong?"
"I-is there a possibility that I will meet the Queen...?"
"Hm? Well, you’re going as a representative of Haiden, so I suppose so?"
Eoid tilted his head and looked toward Yuki.
"Yeah, unless there are extraordinary circumstances, it’s likely. Even if you’re students, you’ll be treated as state guests. It’s the first official exchange, after all. It would be stranger if you didn't."
When Yuki said that, Solo began to tremble...
"I... I’m going to quit going to Weed."
"Huh? What’s this all of a sudden?"
"B-because, if I, a commoner, offend her during an audience and the relationship with Haiden worsens..."
"““Not gonna happen.””"
The members of Weed, myself included, dismissed her anxiety in unison.
As Solo stared at us in a daze, Micos delivered the finishing blow.
"Besides, Solo. Yuki-sensei is the husband of Queen Seraria, and Princess Stasia over there is a princess from Findall."
"...A-ah, that’s right."
"If heads were going to roll, they would have already."
"That’s true. If they were going to roll, Micos would be first, anyway."
"Hey!! Kagura, you’ve been awfully sharp lately, haven't you!?"
"I hear someone talking about whose treat it was earlier."
"““Ahahaha...””"
Seeing the exchange between Kagura and Micos, Solo’s anxiety seemed to ease, and she laughed.
Well, for a commoner to have an audience with the Queen is a dream within a dream, except in Weed. Seraria goes for walks in the town of Weed whenever she has free time, after all.
No, I suppose I do the same.
"We have a fun plan ahead, so let’s finish solving the remaining rumors quickly. Everyone, I’m counting on you."
When Yuki said that, we all nodded.
"Troublesome matters are best dealt with quickly, after all."
"Oh, then, even though she didn't come today, Deryu-shishou will help us next time, right?"
"No, that won't happen. I am strictly for cleaning up after the fact. I’ll leave experiencing the ghost stories to Amanda and the others."
"Aww, come on."
No matter what anyone says, I am absolutely not going to experience any ghost stories. If I weren't Yuki’s bodyguard, I would have retreated to Weed with Labyris.
Honestly, why do ghost stories even exist in this world? Does the school in Weed have... any?
I suddenly felt anxious. No, no, Weed is a burgeoning nation. There shouldn't be any ghosts there.
...There aren't, right?
Amidst the lively social gathering, I found myself worrying about Weed. While we talk about a fun future, Haiden is still full of problems.
Well, there is only one rumor left. Once that is cleared, the problems in Haiden might finally start moving.
As for the Academy Arc, it was meant to serve as a breather of sorts. I hope you enjoy the standard tropes of an academy setting. I’m sure some of you feel the pacing is slow, but please understand that this arc was necessary for the international conferences and for sharing information with Sota.
Well then, the Seven Mysteries of the Academy will continue for just a little longer. (In the style of an old man wearing sunglasses and an aloha shirt, carrying a turtle shell on his back.)