第６９５堀：懐かしいかほり (Part1)
Chapter 695: A Nostalgic Scent
Side: Riel
This white tiger was the Beast God I had heard rumors about.
While I was moved by the sight of him, I felt a strange sense of incongruity.
However, there was no time to dwell on such feelings. Following the Beast God’s lead, we entered his home along with Yuki-san and the others.
"You may sit on those chairs. For those who cannot, I apologize, but you will have to make do with the sofa or the floor."
For some reason, the Beast God Tora-sama spoke in a very human-like manner. He went to what appeared to be a kitchen in the back, and through what looked like the same magic manipulation used by Narjia-san and the other Fairies, the cabinets opened on their own. Cups were retrieved, filled with water, and he returned to us to hand them out.
"I thought to offer tea, but it takes time, so please forgive me for offering only water."
"Oh, please, don't worry about it. We gratefully accept."
Yuki-san spoke for us, offering our thanks.
Well, if he had started boiling water now, it would have taken at least thirty minutes. It’s not like he has an electric kettle...
As I was thinking about such trivial things, Queen Miyabi and King Wild tilted their heads, looking puzzled.
"...Say, Tora. Have you always been this kind to outsiders? Old man, have you changed recently?"
"No... usually, even if you don't kill them, you would at least intimidate them more... That said, you haven't brought outsiders here in a long time... Beast God-sama, did something happen?"
Hearing the two of them say that, I realized what felt off.
For a massive beast, he lacked any killing intent toward us.
Normally, he should be acting much more... *grrr*.
But he was so docile that we didn't feel any sense of alarm at all. Even Aslin, who is the most sensitive among us, was calm.
"Docile? Kid, Miyabi-dono. These guests are envoys of my grandparents, are they not? Furthermore, they carry the nostalgic scent of my mother, Litea. There is no mistaking it, is there?"
"“Eh?”"
"Hm?"
The three of them were clearly not on the same page, but from those words, we understood exactly what he meant.
Speaking of the Beast God’s grandparents...
When I looked at Yuki-san, he had an "oh boy" expression on his face.
Right. Beasts are sensitive to scents.
I had completely forgotten. I had forgotten because he was the Beast God. I thought it wouldn't be a problem since they were already acquaintances.
But when you think about it, it’s only natural. We were carrying the scent of his departed grandfather and grandmother; of course, a child would be curious.
"Ah, ahh. I see. Was this a secret? My apologies, guests. It is only natural that my grandparents' affairs should remain a secret."
Seeing everyone’s confusion, the Beast God finally realized his slip of the tongue and apologized.
Well, if he doesn't interact with people much, I suppose it can't be helped.
Though it’s a bit late for that now...
"W-wait, Tora. Judging by the way you’re speaking..."
"It sounds as if Yuki-dono and the others are acquaintances of Lilishe-sama and Faide-sama..."
"Ah, ugh, hmm. Yuki-dono, was it? What should I do?"
"Ah, well, I suppose we should be grateful. Without the Beast God’s endorsement, we would just be dismissed as babbling fools or lunatics."
That’s true.
If we had suddenly told the other kings that we were friends with gods, they would have just thought we were crazy.
So, having an endorsement from someone they trust is helpful, but this was an unexpected way for it to come out.
While we were giving wry smiles, Yuki-san greeted the two of them properly once more.
"First, let me say that I did not intend to hide anything. I simply thought you wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"U-um. I suppose that’s true, but given your composure, what Tora said..."
"It is the truth. However, I have no proof to offer."
"N-no, I don't think the Beast God would lie, but to think..."
"Kid. Can you not believe me? Do you think I would mistake the scent of my own grandparents?"
"Ah, no, b-but..."
It’s only natural.
This is the standard reaction.
The guards standing behind them looked completely lost.
"W-wait, Tora. Wild doesn't mean anything by it. They might be close to you, Tora, but to us, gods are beings we can never hope to meet. Can you blame us for not easily believing that Yuki-dono and his group are their acquaintances?"
"Hmm. Is that how it is? Well, that will become clear in time. What matters is, Yuki-dono. You have brought some sort of message from my grandparents, haven't you?"
"“Eh? Is that so?”"
The Beast God’s eyes were filled with expectation, and the two national leaders looked surprised.
Under their gaze, Yuki-san looked even more uncomfortable.
It can't be helped, because as for Lilishe-sama and Faide-sama...
"I am very sorry, but Lilishe-sama and Faide-sama are not directly involved in this visit."
"““Yes?””"
Yep, yep.
After all, we came here to talk about intercontinental exchange.
"The reason we visited this time, as I explained to Queen Miyabi and King Wild, is for the sake of intercontinental exchange. When we were looking for connections to visit both countries, we happened to reach Lilishe-sama and Faide-sama."
"I see, I understand."
"And there is no one more knowledgeable than the Beast God."
"...I see. So my grandparents are not involved. No, wait. If you were looking for connections and my grandparents appeared, that means you have met them, right?"
"Met" them? They’re both just relaxing at Yuki-san’s place, after all.
"Yes."
"In that case, I have a request. Please, let me meet them!!"
"I apologize, but that is not something I can decide on my own. I have to discuss it with them first."
"Hmm. That is true. But why would they show their faces at Yuki-dono’s place when they haven't shown themselves to me even once..."
"That is something you will have to ask them yourself. However, to fulfill that wish, we must first finish the business that we, Weed, came here for. I understand your desire to meet your family, Beast God-dono, but could you please listen to what I have to say now?"
"Hmm. That is true. First, let us hear the reason you visited me, Yuki-dono."
Since the Beast God had calmed down, Yuki-san began his explanation regarding intercontinental exchange.
It was a simplified explanation, leaving the finer details for King Wild and Queen Miyabi, so it didn't take much time, which was a relief for us.
Waiting during these explanations is always so boring.
"And so, once intercontinental exchange begins in earnest, there is a possibility that various influences will reach Queen Miyabi, King Wild, and you, Beast God-dono... No, it will definitely have an impact. Well, for better or for worse."
"Hmm. I see. In the If Continent, we Beastmen have been treated as demi-humans and enemies until now, and in the New Continent, we are a rare race. You there, kids, am I wrong?"
During the explanation, the Beast God checked with Eoid, Kagura, and the others, who had been introduced as being from the If Continent and the New Continent.
"Y-yes. You are correct."