第６８０堀：R魔剣の行方といたね (Part2)
"Hmm, simplifying names in times like these usually involves taking the initials of the translated meaning... What was the term for mass-produced again? Well, they're basically recycled goods, so how about taking the 'R' from that? 'R-Magic Sword,' how does that sound?"
"It’s not exactly poetic, but long names are a hassle, so that’s fine. R-Magic Sword it is. Since you’ve already been entrusted with the investigation of the R-Magic Swords in the six major nations, it would be a waste of time if you didn't head to Zilba to investigate there, wouldn't it? I won't stop you if you want to take a break in the meantime, though."
"Ah..."
What should I do?
Should I take a break? Whether I investigate Zilba or not, there’s plenty of other work piling up.
In the end, does it really make a difference?
As I was pondering this, Kagura and the others suddenly spoke up.
"Um, what should we do?"
"Are we going to continue acting alongside Yuki-sensei after this, Micos-chan?"
"Or should we head back to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?"
"Oh, come to think of it, Enol-sama mentioned that the paperwork is piling up..."
"Ah, Kagura and the rest of you can head back to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs setup work. You’ve probably got about a week’s worth of work backed up, so good luck."
" " "Eh!?" " "
"Unfortunately, since it’s still just a planned establishment, there are no other regular staff members. We can’t hold public recruitment from the Weed citizenry until the budget application is finalized. Until then, we have no choice but to manage with Souta-san at the top, along with the five of you: Enol-san, Kagura, Micos, Solo, and Enora."
"...I just realized, every key figure in the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is from Haiden. Is that really okay?"
"It's a pity, but if you're talking about origins, that might be true, but Souta-san and Enol-san are Weed citizens now, so that’s not an issue. Besides, Seraria and I handle the final confirmations, and Eris and Ratz look over the budget. Honestly, having you all there is a huge help. It might sound trivial, but you’re handling important, detailed work."
That’s right. If it weren't for Kagura and the others, half of our people would still be stuck doing paperwork for the Ministry’s establishment.
That would mean cutting our combat strength in half.
"...I see. But was it really necessary for us to help? Couldn't Aslin and the others handle the calculations and filing?"
"You don't need to belittle yourselves that much. Well, of course, Aslin and the others could probably do it, but you’ve proven that you can handle it just fine. Besides, having you participate also helps ensure the introduction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs into Haiden goes smoothly. Didn't you hear that at the start? Princess Carrie agreed to it, too. That’s the most important part. Even if the Weed members know the know-how, it’s a huge task to send them to other countries and teach them from scratch."
Going out of my way to teach them the ropes is a pain, after all.
In the future, when we establish Ministries of Foreign Affairs in the New Continent, Haiden will likely take the lead.
It’s about securing the initiative for future intercontinental exchange.
As we were talking about this, the door to the conference room swung open with force.
"There you are!!"
Standing there was a girl.
Her complexion was, perhaps, a bit too pale.
As that thought crossed my mind, I didn't recognize her for a second, but then it clicked.
"Arge, what’s wrong?"
Yes, it was Princess Arge of the Findall Empire.
Her skin being pale is only natural—or rather, "lacking blood" is the more accurate description.
Because she’s an undead.
Princess Arge officially died ten years ago and had a grand funeral in her country, so she can’t just go back easily.
Currently, Stasia—not Princess, but Her Highness—is in Findall with General Georgin to explain the situation? Or has she returned?
I was genuinely surprised when His Highness George returned in her stead.
Well, I’ll save the talk about Findall from His Highness George for another time. For those reasons, Princess Arge is being kept under our care in Weed, secretly?
I braced myself, wondering what could have happened to make her rush in like this...
"What do you mean 'what's wrong'? There is no way I can handle the Ministry of Foreign Affairs paperwork all by myself!! Kagura and the others, get back to work immediately!!"
" " "Y-yes!!" " "
The four of them stood up instantly in response to Arge’s commanding presence.
"Hm? Are you helping with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?"
"Yes. By being involved in the establishment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will surely be created smoothly in Findall as well."
"You're small, but you're quite capable."
"Unfortunately, despite this appearance, I am a proper lady of the same age as Carrie. Now, let’s go, you four."
" " "Yes!" " "
Just like that, Kagura and the others were whisked away to the hell of work, their brief moment of rest denied.
"What are you going to do?"
"Ah, I’m taking a break for now. I’m taking the day off."
"Well, I’m the one who suggested it, so I don't mind, but try not to let Kagura and the others, who are working so hard, become disillusioned with you."
"Disillusioned? You mean resentful. Well, I’m not going to do anything as nasty as flaunting my leisure time right in front of people working that hard."
" " "Haaah..." " "
I thought I answered normally, but for some reason, they sighed.
Is this one of those things where they say it's okay to take a break, but they actually didn't want me to?
No, it’s too late to go back on it now, and I’m exhausted. I’m taking my break.
Now, where is that R-Magic Sword?
And so, Kagura and the others returned to the battlefield known as paperwork.
But Yuki is going to rest!!
When it’s time to rest, I rest!!
That’s important!!