第６５３堀：壊れた宝玉の行方 (Part2)
"No, the primary cause was our own complacency. And I am deeply sorry that our actions ended up disrupting the peace that you and your companions worked so hard to build."
"In this state of death, it is not often that one gets to meet their older sister and younger sibling once more. I hold no grudge against you, Hairen."
"Mm-hmm. Thank you. It seems you’ve raised many wonderful children, haven't you? What about you, Sota, Enol, Archbishop?"
"Indeed. It makes all our hard work worth it."
"That is precisely why we must ensure this series of incidents, sparked by the Mad King, is crushed once and for all. That is the duty of those of us who remain from 500 years ago."
"Yes. My contribution may be small, but I will assist as well."
It was becoming a rather heartwarming scene, but I decided to throw a wrench into it.
"So, what are you actually going to do?"
"…Um, what *are* we going to do?"
She’s hopeless.
"Ahem. Lady Hairen. Essentially, we have already isolated the Mad King’s Jewel. The remaining tasks are to recover the Magic Gears scattered across the various regions and to crack down on the Mad King’s followers. I am slated to lead those efforts."
"Oh, my. The Archbishop is quite impressive, isn't he?"
"Not at all. Now, as for the remaining issue, the credibility of the Hairen Church will undoubtedly suffer to some extent due to these events. Furthermore, Haiden and Findall, who were deeply involved in this incident, have already crossed swords. This has caused instability among foreign nations as well. I believe we must focus on diplomacy to prevent these sparks from spreading."
"Hmm. I don't really get it, but... Sota, Enol, is that right?"
"Yes. Even if they have reconciled, two major powers have clashed. It is certain that there will be some repercussions."
"It would be best if there were none, but it is the way of the world for people to move in various ways when such turmoil arises."
I agreed with Sota-san’s assessment.
Though, even if I agree, I’m not in a position to meddle in the diplomatic affairs of other countries. After all, Weed’s name recognition in this region is practically non-existent. Just setting up a diplomatic channel would be a headache. Plus, we’re short on manpower.
"So, what about you, Yuki-shonen and your group? You seem to have your hands full with all that talk about magic power and such. But you’ll keep helping us from here on out, right? After all, you’re the heroes who were summoned."
She’s such a ditz; she assumes it’s only natural for us to help.
"I don't know what kind of 'hero's work' Hairen is talking about, but I have a position as the Prince Consort of Weed. I can't keep sticking my nose into the problems of every country. No matter how you look at it, people will resent it, and I have my own work to do back home. You’ll have to manage with the local people for the rest."
"Ehh? But, but, to investigate the magic power, you have to cooperate with the people here, don't you? So, I don't think you’d lose anything by helping, right?"
"We’ve already helped an incredible amount. Especially in Haiden—if I keep helping any further, the current royal family might collapse. This whole incident is being handled as a secret cooperation by Weed, while publicly, it will be credited to the achievements of Haiden and Findall. If a newcomer runs wild as they please, they’ll be hated. You should understand that, Hairen, since you used to fight in mercenary bands, right?"
"Ah, ah, I see how it is. Politics is such a pain. Everyone should just get along."
"Well, there is one matter I think we should handle ourselves."
"What is it?"
"The disposal of the broken core—the Jewel containing the Mad King."
"Eh? Can you actually do something about that?"
"Hmm. Do you have a plan?"
"Oh? Can you really do something about the Mad King inside that jewel?"
Hairen and the others, unaware of the circumstances, asked with great interest, but the members who know my connections realized who I was talking about.
"I see. You mean Luna-san."
"Indeed. When it comes to things like 'gods,' there is only Luna."
"Mm-hmm."
As Ria and Deryu said this, Steve and his group, Princess Carrie, and Princess Stasia nodded in agreement.
Yes, *her*. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say she was the one who caused this whole mess. She really should have managed her employees better.
"Who? Who is this 'Luna'? Carrie-chan and Stasia-chan seem to know her, though?"
"Ah, um, how should I put this..."
"I wonder if you’ll even believe us..."
"?" Older Sister, Carrie, you’re being vague. What about this person called Luna?"
The two of them were tongue-tied by Hairen’s natural question, and Princess Age was puzzled by it. Anyone would be troubled. After all…
"That brat called Age, was it? Do not speak such a name so lightly. That person is Amaterasu Omikami in Japan, and the name of the High God who oversees this world."
"!?!"
At the water’s explanation, those who had never seen Luna looked as if they were wondering what on earth she was talking about. Well, that’s only natural.
However, unfortunately, it is the truth.
Though, even I am half-doubting it.
For now, we decided to take the broken jewel back to Weed and wait for her judgment. We kept Kagura away from it because it would be troublesome if she had her body possessed. That’s just how these things go.
Lesson: Do not sniff women in public. You will be reported.
And as for matters concerning gods, let’s leave them to the Useless Goddess.