第６９７堀：意外な状況 (Part2)
"That is how it is. Just because we leaders have discussed it doesn't mean everything is decided, and we are still lacking information. I need to return to my country to scrutinize the details. Besides, after what happened yesterday, you wouldn't want to stay in a place where your subordinates aren't fully under control, would you?"
"Ngh..."
However, Queen Miyabi continued to dig into him without hesitation. The Wild Old Man, unable to offer a rebuttal, wore a bitter expression. Yet, since it was the truth, there was no way to follow up or soften the blow.
"Understood. Just for today, then. As for us, we were thinking of taking a look at the castle town."
"No, wait. Yuki-dono, didn't you say you didn't want to stay long to avoid unnecessary trouble?"
"Yes. But if it only takes one day, we thought it might be good to observe the town, see the reactions of the residents, and look for anything that might serve as a product or resource. That was the conclusion we reached."
"Ah, I see. You want to get a feel for the place yourself, then."
"Yes. Your side will likely conduct investigations as well, but having more information is better, and it allows us to compare it with the current situation."
"I understand the logic, but I will have you accompanied by guards. If word gets out and things go south, it wouldn't even be a laughing matter."
"I don't mind guards, but please make sure they don't look like soldiers. This is meant to be an incognito investigation from the perspective of ordinary citizens."
"...Understood. I will have them prepared."
"Wait, I’m coming too. I have a meeting later, so I’ll have to pull out early, but I am also curious about the sentiments of the residents."
"In that case, I might as well go too."
And so, it was decided that the three royal families would go for a 'walk'—or rather, an investigation.
"It’s quite normal."
"It is indeed normal."
"...No, I wouldn't want yesterday's events to be considered the standard."
An hour into strolling through the castle town, we were able to investigate without any particular issues. Incidentally, Rurua and Labyris were left behind to look after things. It seems the soldiers from yesterday were indeed an anomaly.
The town was perfectly peaceful. Even though there were many beastmen, there were ordinary humans as well. It’s only natural, as refugees aren't just beastmen; humans are among them too.
"It’s not exactly suspicious, but the prices feel high."
As Yuki noted, the prices were about 40 to 50 percent higher than what I was familiar with. If this were Weed, it would cause a massive uproar, but in a country where stable supply chains are impossible, this is to be expected. After all, in the worst places, prices can be two or three times higher.
"Is that so? In my country, it’s basically all rations, so I don't really know the prices."
"Sister’s country is abnormal in a sense. You have almost no interaction with the outside world, and it’s difficult for elves and demons to conceive children. You’ve managed to survive until now thanks to that, but your country is going to struggle with those issues."
"It seems so. The citizens probably wouldn't understand the concept of market prices. Or rather, we have to think about how to acquire foreign currency. The currency gained from the town waiting for entry probably won't be enough..."
"Well, we can hammer out those details later."
In that manner, the investigation revealed that, surprisingly, the residents held no hostility toward humans. So, was that soldier just an exception? Perhaps it had something to do with the story about his family being turned into slaves... Well, if Yuki were ever forced to wear a slave collar, we would take it as a declaration of war, too.
As I was thinking this, a male beastman approached us—or rather, he approached Tori. I thought it was another aggressive shopkeeper trying to force a sale, but...
"Tori!? Is that you, Tori!!"
"Eh? Eh?"
Hm? An acquaintance of Tori’s? Well, she used to be an adventurer, so it wouldn't be strange for her to have acquaintances. He had a large burn scar on his face; he must have been caught in the fires of war.
"Hey!! You're scaring Tori!!"
"Ah? What do you, you..."
I thought that, but the moment the man saw Riel, who had stepped in to stop him, his face turned to one of shock, followed by intense, seething rage.
"Is it you!! You’re the one who led Tori astray!! You half-breed, cursed child!!"
"Hyaau!?"
At that shout, Riel—the very same Riel—wore a tearful expression and flattened her ears against her head. In that instant, I knew this guy was an enemy. He was one of those people from the wretched village Riel had told us about.
Yuki and everyone else’s killing intent spiked instantly. However, the idiot didn't notice and raised his hand to strike Riel...
*CRACK!!*
Before we could even move, Tori had already struck him.
"Don't you dare bully Riel!! You piece of trash father!!"
This piece of trash, it seems, was Tori’s father.
Now then, what should we do...?
And then, an unexpected person appears.
What color is your blood!!
Next time: The Father Dies!!