第６９０堀：古の国 (Part2)
In the five great nations, being a driver is a state-certified profession, holding a status even higher than that of a knight. Well, you can't exactly sell such specialized skills for cheap, and the technology involved is far too advanced. Until the technical team—Zargis, Narjia, Comet, and Taizo—can establish a mass-production system using the technology of this world, this current hierarchy will likely remain in place.
"So, is that it?"
"Yes, that’s it."
"Yes. That place where you can see the massive tree is the High Elf nation. It doesn't have a name, though."
Just as Eris and Rurua said, the place where that colossal tree towered over the landscape was indeed the High Elf nation.
"Whoa... it's huge. Jessica, how big do you think it is?"
"I’m not sure. Looking at it, I feel like it easily exceeds fifty meters..."
"Whoa..."
Everyone except Ria and Jessica was left speechless by the sheer scale of it. I suppose that’s to be expected; I haven't seen a tree this massive very often either. I recall that the largest trees on Earth exceed a hundred meters, but this one looked to be at least double that. In this world, there is no architectural technology capable of creating such a tall structure. Perhaps that is why they worship it. I can understand that sentiment.
"The name of that sacred tree is said to be the World Tree, Yggdrasil. That was it, right?"
"Yes. The World Tree, Yggdrasil. It seems to be deeply revered as the mother tree that has watched over the rise of the High Elf nation. There is a theory that they restricted entry because a tourist once played a prank on the World Tree, but that hasn't been verified, so it’s likely just a rumor."
"...Hmm."
Listening to the two of them, I found myself unable to do anything but let the words wash over me. I mean, come on... The World Tree, Yggdrasil. Is this a glitch in the otherworld translation? Are they just picking up terms from my world and naming it that? The name felt like a landmine, and I was starting to get terrified.
"But Jessica, the World Tree appears in the games Yuki-san used to play, right? I wonder if they have things like World Tree Leaves?"
"Haha, that’s unlikely. If there were items that could restore life, that would be the real rumor."
...No, that wasn't it. Ria and the others heard it as "World Tree" too. And they even noticed the similarity to those games!?
"I hope there’s a nice souvenir for everyone waiting at home."
"Ah, yeah. That’s true. We’re just here to talk, after all."
That’s right. There’s no reason to panic. The names just happen to be similar, that’s all. I’ll convince myself of that. Or rather, even if there is something more to it, I’ll just ignore it. While I was resolving myself, we arrived at the gates of the High Elf nation.
"There aren't as many people as I thought."
"Yes. It’s standard practice to register here and then wait in a separate town nearby."
"Besides, very few are actually granted entry. They say the number of visitors has been decreasing lately."
That makes sense. It’s a country that only the eccentric and the wealthy can enter. The gate itself was magnificent, but one couldn't deny the feeling that it had seen better days.
"Well then, I’ll go handle the introductions. I hope the letter from the Elder is enough to get us through."
"Well, if not, I’ll rely on Rurua."
"Yes, leave it to me."
With that, Eris ran off toward the guard station.
"Still, it’s huge."
"It really is."
We all looked up at the World Tree. Name aside, wouldn't it be a huge pain to hang laundry with something that big? It’s basically all in the shade. While I was thinking about such out-of-place things, Eris returned quite easily. I was worried it hadn't gone well, but...
"We’ve been granted permission. Please, this way."
"...That was surprisingly easy."
"It was. It’s unexpected, but we have permission, so let’s go."
As I looked toward the gate guarded by beautiful elves, they bowed their heads normally. ...They were actually quite reasonable people. From among them, a male elf wearing impressive armor stepped forward.
"Guests from Weed. Though I am unworthy, I, the captain of the guard, shall act as your guide."
"No, thank you for accommodating our sudden visit."
"I am glad to hear you say that. Please, this way..."
Well, to put it plainly, I had let my guard down. But I endured. Just as we entered the High Elf nation, there was a sign written on the gate:
*『熱烈歓迎！！ ようこそ、ハイエルフの国へ！！』*
In Japanese.
My wives’ eyes went wide, and Kagura...
"Huh? Why is that in Japanese?"
She let it slip. Upon hearing that, the guard captain who was guiding us...
"Y-you can read it!? You know that is Japanese!?"
"Eh? Yes. 'Netsuretsu kangei. Youkoso, High Elf no kuni e.' Right?"
"A-ah, that appearance, I-I see, so that is why you were able to receive that letter!!"
"Eh? Yes?"
"Urgent report to the palace!! Someone from Earth, from Japan, has arrived!!"
Ah... I messed up. So *this* is what they meant by "you'll understand when you get there." Bringing Kagura along had backfired! Now, what exactly lies behind this all-too-obvious secret?