第６８３堀：動きの早い人々 (Part2)
"I suppose being a king is a busy job."
As I thought that, Seraria pressed her temples and began to explain.
"Basically, I acknowledge that it's a busy position. But lately, Princess Aria has been handling the state affairs of Roschur to build up her track record, so that damn old man hasn't been all that busy. Besides, coming to Weed is easy with the Gate, isn't it? There are no safety concerns, and he already has a track record of coming here frequently to see Sakura and the others. Now that he has a legitimate excuse to come to Weed for work, he's taking full advantage of it..."
"So, you're saying I should write a reply immediately and tell him it's fine to come to Weed?"
"Actually, he brought the letter directly to my office and has already gone to the Super Public Bath. That damn old man was being noisy about wanting to see Sakura first, so I told him to go get cleaned up and chased him off. It would be a nightmare to have to see his face even after coming home, so I've dumped him at the guesthouse for today."
"..."
What is that old man doing? And wait, he’s already here?
"Hold on, what about the 'welcoming' part of this?"
"Ah, he's planning to head back to his country on the day of the conference, and then we'll just pretend that you went to pick him up, I suppose?"
"How... how troublesome."
So, I have to make the King of Roschur, who is already here in Weed, go all the way back to Roschur just so I can 'pick him up'? Me!?
"I'm sorry for my father's behavior."
"No, it's not something you need to apologize for, Seraria. Though, it’s only just hitting me now how much I’m trusted by them."
"That's an understatement. Your credibility among the five great powers of Rogari, excluding Rumel, is absolute. You showed them what you were doing with Luna right in front of the royalty. That sacred sake at the start of the year was absolutely game-breaking, wasn't it?"
"Ah, that happened, didn't it?"
That was the stuff Luna snatched from Ebisu of the Seven Lucky Gods. It was like a top-tier Elixir.
"Well, in that sense, Weed's position in Rogari is unshakable."
It’s true. The four great powers of Rogari are well aware that I am an errand boy for the Goddess Luna. Because of that, setting up the research teams to investigate the magic power depletion phenomenon—my original goal—has been smooth sailing. The countries are setting up research institutions on their own initiative. Of course, it also helps that I’m properly returning the funds gained from trade using Weed’s Gate technology back into their budgets. It’s only natural that they’d push back if I asked for unlimited aid just because I’m a servant of a useless goddess, so I’ve been careful about that.
As I was thinking about this, the door to the room opened again, and more people entered.
"Oh, Rurua and Shera. What's wrong?"
"Seraria?"
"Seraria-san?"
Just as Seraria said, Rurua and Shera had walked in. Like Seraria, both of them were holding letters.
"Don't tell me, did you bring letters from your countries too?"
"Ah, yes. That's right. Master, here it is."
"Mine is the same. Here you go."
The contents of the letters handed over by the two were the same as Seraria's: they were ready to hold the conference as early as tomorrow.
"It seems the Holy Nation of Litea is quite proactive regarding intercontinental exchange. Besides, it’s not just Lilishe-sama's wish, but also Luna-sama's request."
Ah, as a nation that worships the goddess, it was inevitable that things would turn out that way for the Holy Nation of Litea.
"As for Gartz, Teague-onii-sama has been handling most of the state affairs, so my father says he's been free lately. I often hear that he's been practically living in Weed anyway..."
So the King of Gartz is the same as the King of Roschur. As I was thinking, "Everyone is like this, huh?" the door opened once more.
"Um, Yuki-san. I have letters from Her Majesty Liliana and the people of Rumel... Oh? Chii-nee-sama, Rurua-sama, Shera-sama?"
"Oh, if it isn't Elju and Oriel."
" "Elju-sama." "
Wow, it's been a while since I've seen them. The saintess and her bodyguard duo. Well, since the Gate is open, Seraria meets with Elju often as a national leader, but I’ve been busy lately being sent to the New Continent or solving problems on the If Continent. Still, we do see each other at seasonal events.
"Did you three also come to deliver letters regarding the conference? Is it the same for you?"
"Ah, yes. Her Majesty Liliana of the Last Kingdom and the ambassador from Rumel say it’s fine to hold the conference tomorrow. Both are interested in intercontinental exchange, and travel is instantaneous with the Gate."
"You too, huh?"
"Yes? 'Me too'?"
As Elju and Oriel tilted their heads in confusion, Seraria and the others let out dry laughs.
And so, I found myself having to prepare to welcome the representatives of the five great powers in a hurry. Honestly, having things be *too* convenient is something to think about.
*Hurry!! Hurry!! Bang bang!!*