第６９２堀：大きな木の下で (Part2)
"Yes. I’m not saying you need to provide an answer today or tomorrow, but if you intend to join the alliance with confidence, the sooner you do, the easier it will be to have a say in future proceedings. If you wait and join later, you risk being pointed at for having sat on the fence."
"……That is a difficult position. You mean to say that if I follow the invitation of Yuki-dono and Taiki-dono immediately, it will be viewed favorably, but if I delay, I will naturally be shunned. Everyone carries their own risks. It is only natural to try and avoid them."
The world is a complicated place.
Moreover, the High Elf nation is in a state of isolation, with almost no other countries to rely on.
There is Litea, or perhaps Weed or Rankus, with whom they formed ties today.
Personally, I recommended isolation because it lightens my workload, but looking toward the future, it’s a path that leads to a dead end.
If intercontinental exchange succeeds as planned, they will be labeled as a nation that ignored a request to participate in a monumental feat.
In the international society of the future, that is a very disadvantageous title to hold.
But it isn't my place to decide, and the circumstances are what they are.
Even if they join the alliance, they would have to discuss the matter of the Hero Touya, and I don't know how others would judge the fact that they have coexisted with demons since long ago.
"……Changing the subject, Yuki-dono, you intend to speak to the Beast God about this intercontinental exchange as well, don't you?"
"Yes. It might be rude to compare them to the High Elf nation, but it seems they aren't very interested in exchange either..."
"That is only natural. That one simply exists, that is all. They are merely keeping a promise made to their parent."
"By parent, do you mean the Saintess Litea?"
"My, you knew? Ah, of course, with Rurua-dono present, that is only to be expected."
Actually, I heard it directly from Saintess Litea's parent. It was an incredibly tense atmosphere, though.
"In that case, would you allow me to accompany you to speak with the Beast God? Naturally, I would bring my chancellor and guards along."
"What is your objective?"
"Simple. As a nation that has also closed its gates, I wish to hear their opinions on intercontinental exchange. If luck is on our side, we might even be able to cooperate. Besides, I am an acquaintance of theirs. If I go, I shouldn't have any trouble getting an audience."
"I see. I am grateful for the offer, but is it truly alright for prominent figures like Queen Miyabi and your chancellor to be away from the country?"
"In a nation that has closed its doors, it matters little if the Queen and the chancellor are gone for a month or two. If we were to perish from such a thing, we would have vanished long ago."
That is certainly true.
"Then, when will you be ready to depart?"
"I would say immediately, but I must notify my vassals, and I want you all to meet Touya first. Give me today to prepare."
"Understood."
And so, while Queen Miyabi made her preparations, we held a discussion.
"It went surprisingly smoothly, didn't it? Though, some shocking facts did come to light."
"Yes. I was surprised. I never imagined that the relative—no, the wife of the legendary Hero was still alive."
As expected, the conversation centered on the Hero Touya.
It was unexpected for me, too.
As I was thinking this, Riel suddenly spoke up.
"……Since Eris and Rurua have been doing all the work, we’ll be sure to do our best in the Beast God’s nation, Yuki-san!!"
"Please, leave it to us."
"……I feel like I’m being forgotten."
"““No, no, we haven't forgotten you!””"
While everyone comforted a dejected Kaya, we received word from Queen Miyabi and arrived at the foot of the World Tree.
Unexpectedly, it was a mystical place where sunlight filtered through the leaves, and water flowed along the tree trunk to form a spring.
"““……””"
This must be a form of nature's own art.
We stared at the scenery without saying a word.
"You couldn't deny it if someone called this the 'Drops of the World Tree'."
"Yeah, I’m of the same opinion."
I exchanged that foolish banter with Taiki-kun, but it didn't turn into a laughing matter.
Because there was no doubt that this was, in fact, the World Tree's dew.
I wouldn't complain even if it had no healing properties.
Then, at the spot where Queen Miyabi headed, a single stone was placed.
"My husband, Touya, said he didn't need a grand tomb that would ruin this scenery. He asked for this stone, which we found by the riverbank where we used to play together, to be his headstone. Honestly... Look, Touya. People from your homeland have come to see you."
With those words, Queen Miyabi introduced us to Touya-san.
We quietly pressed our hands together and offered our greetings.
Was it just my imagination, or did a gentle breeze blow by, as if he were returning our greeting?
The story of Touya is planned to be covered in a side story, or perhaps in the main narrative if the mood strikes.
With this, the High Elf nation arc concludes.
Next, we head to the Beast God's nation.