第６９２堀：大きな木の下で (Part1)
### Chapter 692: Under the Great Tree
**Side: Yuki**
"Ah, Yuki-san. What on earth is going on here? There’s definitely a Japanese person involved in this, right?"
The pitiful Hero Taiki said this the moment he met me.
Since we had already moved from the audience chamber to a guest room, his guard was down, and he didn't notice Queen Miyabi. He went straight to questioning me.
Well, of course, Queen Miyabi had requested...
*"It is not that I do not trust the words of you and your companions, but there is a possibility that you are being deceived. Therefore, I wish to judge for myself. Could you keep my identity a secret for the time being?"*
Since she had asked, and I had no reason to refuse, Queen Miyabi was currently standing among the other maids, dressed in a maid uniform.
"You think so? That’s exactly why I called you."
"I mean, leaving aside the 'enthusiastic welcome,' aren't the references like 'Sushi, Tempura, Fujiyama' way too old? I was mentally retorting to them the whole way here."
"No, those are classic tropes."
"Classic? They feel like dead slang to me. Ah, wait, was the time flow for people coming here all messed up? I guess that makes it acceptable in that context?"
While we were talking, Queen Miyabi quietly slid a menu toward us.
"...Why is there a drink menu? No, I guess it’s fine since it was a Japanese person's idea. But what is a 'Moe-Moe Drink'!? And what is up with that maid outfit that can't decide if it's Japanese or Western style!! That’s just pure self-indulgence!! There’s definitely someone here from our generation! Show yourself, you pervert!! You were clearly a regular at maid cafes, weren't you!?"
Hero Taiki started shouting.
I understand his feelings. I understand them well.
But that person is already...
"Unfortunately, my husband is no longer with us. Not anywhere in this world."
"Huh?"
Taiki-kun’s eyes went wide at the Queen’s sudden, maid-like remark.
"I was surprised by your outburst, but Touya did say that anyone with a decent sensibility would be surprised or angry. Besides, being able to read this menu is a passing grade in itself."
"...Um?"
"Forgive me. Hero of the current generation from Japan. I am Miyabi Yashiro, the Queen who rules this land of High Elves."
"Ehhhhhh!?"
"I know you have complaints about this outfit and the menu, but my husband loved them. I hope you can forgive me."
"Ah, no. I think everyone has their own tastes..."
He quieted down, perhaps realizing he shouldn't complain to the man's widow.
Well, anyone would react that way if told the person was dead.
"...That person, Touya-san... judging by what you've said..."
"Indeed. He has already departed. But you need not be so concerned, Hero. He lived a full life. We had a fated meeting, traveled the world together, cornered the Demon King, let him escape, picked a fight with the world, ran away, settled down in this land, built a country, and grew old..."
As Queen Miyabi spoke of these various memories with a smile, tears began to spill from her eyes.
When the Chancellor offered her a handkerchief, she seemed to realize she was crying and apologized to us.
"Forgive me. It is not a sad story. It is something I should be proud of, but whenever I speak of it, I just..."
Incidentally, perhaps moved by her tears, my wives and Kagura were crying as well.
It was just that kind of story.
I think I was on the verge of it myself.
"I knew this would happen because our races are different. I was prepared for it. Even so, Touya and I became one. And as long as I have life, I will remain here and fulfill the promise I made to my husband. I have met a Hero who can speak of my husband's homeland, and I have seen with my own eyes the coexistence between demons and the Demon King. Living a long life is not a bad thing. My husband, who could not see this world, must be frustrated."
Seeing Queen Miyabi smile as she said that, I thought she was a strong woman.
She would likely continue to protect this High Elf country as the guardian of Touya-san’s grave.
After her story reached a natural pause, I finally brought up the main topic.
"Queen Miyabi, may I speak about our primary objective?"
"Hm? Was bringing Kagura-dono and Hero Taiki-dono not the goal?"
Well, it was natural for her to think that.
But we didn't come here just to reminisce about the past.
That was what Touya-san had aimed for.
"I explained the intercontinental exchange, but there is a problem regarding that..."
I carefully explained the parts I hadn't covered in my earlier explanation.
Because they are High Elves, there is a possibility of an increase in visitors from the If Continent and the New Continent. I explained that we needed to establish countermeasures and asked if there was anything they needed support with.
I handed over the documents and explained everything clearly.
After all, you can't explain documents in the middle of an audience chamber.
"I see. Perhaps this is the answer to the decline of our race."
"Indeed. On the If Continent, the total number of demi-humans, including us and the Beastmen, seems to be quite small, and on the New Continent, they are almost non-existent..."
"If that’s the case, not only tourists will come, but also those with ulterior motives."
"That is true."
As expected of someone who leads a nation, she was incredibly sharp when it came to these matters.
She was particularly fixated on the declining birth rates of Elves and Beastmen.
"However, to avoid trouble by keeping the gates closed as we have until now, and to refuse to lend a hand to this great undertaking, would go against my husband's wishes. Chancellor, what do you think we should do?"
"...I do not think there is a need to provide an answer immediately. Yuki-sama and his party are scheduled to go to the Beast God's country to explain as well. Why don't we hold a thorough discussion once?"
"Hmm. That is logical. Yuki-dono, would that be acceptable?"
This judgment was only natural.
Closing the country has been their policy until now, and opening it is a massive issue in itself, not to mention how to explain the Hero and the Demon King.
It wasn't a matter that could be decided in a day or two.
"Yes. That is no problem. No matter which path you choose, we will not criticize you. Our response will simply change accordingly. Well, keeping the gates closed might be easier for future developments."
"What do you mean?"
"If you open the country, you will be dealing with the Rogari Continent, the If Continent, and the New Continent openly. That means participating as the High Elf nation, so you would be expected to join meetings not only on the Rogari Continent but also on the If and New Continents. As I mentioned, the rarity of Elves is a factor. Conversely, if you keep the gates closed, we can meet in secret, so it won't be much trouble. Well, even if I say 'not much trouble,' there will still be many things to discuss."
"...Hmm. I see. However, that makes it even more impossible to give an answer immediately. Your explanation makes it clear that the very nature of this High Elf nation will change completely."