第６９３堀：ガイドさんたちによる説明 (Part2)
Since I am here as a representative of Weed, it’s a bit of a hassle that I can’t hand things over directly to someone of lower status...
"…I have confirmed your identity. However, as this is an unfamiliar vehicle, I suspect you may encounter similar trouble elsewhere. I would like to offer you an escort, but since we cannot confirm that the monsters on the road are indeed this vehicle carrying the people of Weed, my squad will continue to search the surrounding area. As a substitute, please take this. It is my rank insignia. If you present this and explain that it was given to you by me, I believe you can avoid any further trouble."
He was a well-trained soldier, and seeing his polite demeanor, Tori and the others seemed to lose their dissatisfaction, accepting the offered insignia with grace.
"Thank you for your courtesy. But do you always patrol and mobilize like this?"
"No, this time, because a monster never seen before had appeared, and because the Prince Consort of Weed was expected to arrive, we were on higher alert than usual."
I see. So, in a sense, getting caught in this security net was our own fault. Still, it’s a natural reaction when visiting a place with which you have no diplomatic ties.
With the misunderstanding cleared up, we confirmed the route and began moving again. During the trip, I consulted with everyone about whether we should use a carriage in places where we have no established relations, but they argued that a car is safer than a carriage, so the carriage idea was rejected.
Oh, by the way, the soldier had sent out messengers to report our arrival to various places, but we would likely reach the Beast God’s country before the messengers did. We had already passed them, after all. Thanks to the car’s speed, we didn't encounter any other soldiers, nor were we chased. Well, that’s to be expected, given that those soldiers were guarding the route we had just traveled.
When the royal capital came into view, we got out of the car and proceeded on foot. Perhaps they had spotted the vehicle from a distance, as a large group of soldiers was already heading our way. In the High Elf country, the World Tree was so massive that we could land far away without being noticed, but here, we had landed only after the walls were visible, so we must have caught the soldiers' eyes.
"Halt!! Did something strange pass through here?! And identify yourselves!!"
We were questioned in the same manner, and since there was no need to hide anything, I explained that we were envoys from Weed and described the car. We were then escorted—or perhaps "guarded"—into the royal capital of the Beast God’s country.
Though it’s called a royal capital, it’s a small nation. Unlike the High Elf country, there are no famous landmarks like a World Tree; it feels like a simple, nature-rich town with a looming fortress. What’s strange is that behind the fortress, there is a flat forest stretching out without any walls separating it.
I wondered if monsters would get in, but according to the captain who guided us through the capital, the Beast God manages that forest, so monsters never come this far. Conversely, entering that forest without permission is strictly prohibited, and doing so carries severe penalties. Well, it is where a god lives, so that’s only natural.
While receiving this explanation, we arrived at the castle where the King was waiting.
"Hey. It’s a bit late to ask, but why is it a 'Kingdom' if it’s the Beast God’s country?"
Kagura asked a very pertinent question, and Riel answered.
"Ahaha, that’s true. The Haire religion doesn't mean Haire is the Queen, right?"
"Ah, come to think of it, you're right."
"I think the King just manages the country while they worship the god. Right, Yuki-san?"
"According to the information, that seems to be the case. It feels like this country was built by people who gathered seeking the Beast God’s protection. Didn't Queen Miyabi say that they were just allowed to stay in a village at first? That must have been the beginning."
"Yes. As you say, Yuki-sama, our country developed around the village where the Beast God lived. At the time, the rise and fall of nations were more volatile than they are now, and refugees were born with every conflict. Many beastmen were persecuted, and it is said that those people heard of the Beast God and gathered here."
As expected, the town is filled with beastmen, and humans are in the minority. However, unlike the High Elf country, the gates aren't closed, so there seems to be normal interaction. But it seems the higher-ups have no interest in the outside world. Well, as long as we can talk, there’s no need to be meddlesome.
I entered the castle without any particular anxiety.
"To your left, you will see..."
Listening to a guide's explanation is something you do once you've gotten older and more settled. I feel like I used to just chatter away restlessly when I was a student. Don't you all feel the same?