第６９４堀：獣神の国の王様 (Part2)
However, Queen Miyabi had called him a "tanuki-old-man-boy." Is he an old man, or a boy? Which is it?
While I was pondering such trivialities, Yuki-san gave a brief explanation and handed over some documents.
"...I see. This is not a matter I can ignore. But I thought the talk was about a new continent being discovered?"
"That is correct. We are in a situation where we cannot simply claim it is none of our business. If we remain indecisive, I do not know what the Beast God Tora will think, but for the nation, it would be a massive blow. Whether we deepen exchanges or close our gates, we will face problems if we do not take some form of action. That is why I have accompanied Yuki-dono—I wish to hear how they intend to proceed."
"What is this? Does the old hag intend to actively pursue exchanges?"
"That is also under consideration. Or rather, personally, I believe we should engage in large-scale exchanges."
"...Are you serious?"
"I am. Because the wish of my husband has taken shape."
"...Ah, I see. That is right. So, elder sister, you are going to step forward."
Hearing the wish of Hero Touya-san from Queen Miyabi’s own lips, it left an impression on me that Wild-san stopped calling her an "old hag" and instead called her "elder sister." From that point on, there were no more arguments; he agreed to consider the matter honestly and immediately arranged for us to meet the Beast God.
"So this is the forest where the Beast God lives? It feels like an ordinary forest. Tori, do you sense anything?"
"No. In fact, I don't even sense the presence of monsters or animals."
"...It's too quiet."
Just as Kaya said, it was silent.
Our ears couldn't pick up anything either. There were only a few small birds.
"Ho ho ho. That is only natural. This is the Beast God's territory, after all. Monsters and beasts do not dare approach."
"Indeed. If one were to take a single step into this territory, they would become food for Tora."
Hmm. Just as the soldier said, this forest is protected by the Beast God.
But for someone called a "God," I don't really feel a strong presence. Why is that?
As I was thinking about this, Wild-san and Queen Miyabi began to talk.
"However, as you said, elder sister, this is not a matter we can answer immediately. I also want to hear the Beast God's opinion. And if there is a reason like that, the Beast God will likely lend an ear."
"It should be fine if I tell him that I have come."
"No, if you say that, he won't listen to Yuki-dono and the others. You know that, elder sister."
"...It has been hundreds of years since then, yet Tora still holds onto that grudge..."
"The Beast God is a delicate soul, you see."
While listening to such curiously intriguing talk, we advanced through the forest behind the castle until we reached an open area. It was clearly a space cleared by human hands, with old stumps still remaining.
"Huh? Is there something in the back? A fence?"
When everyone looked toward the back of the clearing at Riel's words, we could indeed see something that looked like a fence. But...
"It looks like a fence, but it doesn't serve its purpose anymore. Wait, could those ruins visible in the back be..."
When Yuki-san said that, Wild-san opened his mouth to answer the question.
"Yes. This is the birthplace of this country. The village that the Beast God took under his wing."
"Though now, it is just a clearing with nothing but decaying ruins left."
Saying that, Wild-san and Queen Miyabi walked toward the center of the clearing. The ruins we passed by still held traces of where people had once lived. And among those ruins, there was one single, brand-new wooden house standing all alone.
"This is it?"
When Yuki-san asked Wild-san that...
"Indeed. This is the house where the Beast God spends his time."
"It's brand new. Did you rebuild it?"
"Indeed. Well, it was just about a year ago."
Eh? The Beast God lives in a human house?
Just as I thought that...
『Hmph. ...I thought you were thieves, but it is the boy and Miyabi-dono.』
When I turned around at that voice, a massive white tiger was walking slowly toward us. In its mouth, it carried a large snake monster.
『...There are people here I do not recognize. It does not seem like you have come for idle chatter. You may enter.』
With that, the tiger dropped the snake it was carrying, and the great white tiger skillfully opened the door and entered the house.
"Excuse me, but was that the Beast God?"
"That is correct. That is the Beast God."
"Tora will suffice. Now, let us go inside and talk."
So told, we entered the house where the Beast God lived.
Loli-hags are troublesome.
And old men are also troublesome if they are cunning.
In short, you should never underestimate the elderly.