第６９９堀：報告と次の目的地 (Part1)
### Chapter 699: Reports and the Next Destination
**Side: Seraria**
Yesterday evening, my husband and his party returned from their visits to the High Elf Kingdom and the Beast God Kingdom.
Well, they had been returning every night anyway, so I didn't feel lonely, but since it was officially announced that they were returning yesterday, we had to hold a welcoming ceremony. Since my husband had returned safely from his official duties, as his wife, I had to be there to greet him; otherwise, those around us might start suspecting trouble in our marriage.
"That said, I wonder if it’s really necessary to have a festival every time I come home."
"It can't be helped. The citizens are doing it of their own volition."
"I suppose so. Still, my stomach feels heavy."
"I feel the same way."
The problem was that, for this homecoming, a portion of the citizens held a small-scale festival as a celebration. It wasn't illegal or problematic—they had properly applied for it, received permission, and it mostly amounted to sales and food stalls in the commercial district.
Well, I couldn't just ignore them since they did it on their own, so I made an appearance, but thanks to that, we were showered with gifts. The most troublesome part was that Yuki had been heavily involved with the food stalls, leading to a mountain of food-related offerings—or rather, requests for us to taste-test everything.
"I'm going to gain weight."
"Tell me about it."
Thanks to that, my stomach still felt heavy even this morning. I deeply regretted not using a Doppelganger to eat it all. The others who participated in the festival nodded vigorously. Setting us aside, Tori and the others had only just managed to return to their pre-pregnancy weights, and they were radiating a sense of tragic despair. For a woman, gaining weight is a matter of life and death.
"Well, we can just increase our training to diet. Let's hear the report."
Right, the main point wasn't that we overate at the stalls. I had to hear the report on the discussions held in the High Elf Kingdom and the Beast God Kingdom. It was a crucial matter for intercontinental exchange.
"Understood. This visit can be considered a success. I'll submit the detailed report later, but you’ve seen the daily reports, right?"
"Yes. I was surprised that both countries were surprisingly positive about intercontinental exchange."
To be honest, I didn't think anything would change just because Yuki went there. I had even predicted we might be turned away at the door, given his past history. For us, we just needed the track record of having visited; I hadn't expected such progress.
"That said, I never thought I’d hear the name of the legendary hero that Rurua mentioned."
"True. I’ve heard the fairy tale about the hero who drove the Demon Lord into the basin of the central mountain range, but I never imagined the person involved was still alive."
Moreover, that person was the Queen of the High Elf Kingdom. When I heard about Queen Miyabi from Yuki, I was shocked, and I felt a deep respect for her profound love. She is a proud queen who has desperately protected the country she built with her husband until this very day. I want to meet and talk to her someday.
"Well, regarding that hero, Kagura, who has Japanese blood, was extremely helpful."
"Ah... I apologize for my lack of foresight."
"No, no, I’m not blaming you. That couldn't be helped."
"Indeed. From what I heard, there was no other way, and as a result, it led to a good outcome because Kagura was there, so bringing her was the right choice. I will write a proper letter of thanks to Haiden."
"Yes. I am grateful."
With this, Kagura has gained value beyond just being a diplomat to the New Continent. The High Elf Kingdom recognized Kagura as an individual, which will be very effective for our future maneuvers. Especially in the New Continent, where elves and beastmen are called Spirit Maidens, having formed a friendship with the Queen of the High Elves—the elf among elves—is something the nation should celebrate with open arms.
In particular, the position of Princess Carrie, who pushed for Kagura to become a diplomat for Weed, will be solidified. ...Though, it also serves as an apology for bringing Sota and Enor over here.
"Well, with that said, the High Elf Kingdom is positive about participating in the Rogali Continent Alliance for this intercontinental exchange. I don't know how things will turn out in future meetings, though."
"Just knowing the future is bright is enough. Now, next is the Beast God Kingdom."
"Yeah, the higher-ups there had no issues either. Both the Beast God and the King."
However, Yuki had a troubled expression as he said this. I already knew the reason.
"...But the public sentiment might be bad."
"Yeah. One of the royal guards—our guides, or rather, the escorts for King Wild—saw the chokers on Tori and Riel, mistook them for slaves, and became quite agitated."
"A royal guard acting like that? I can't believe it, but if you say so, Yuki, it must be the truth. If someone did that here..."
When I said that and looked at Quar...
"Without a doubt, it would be capital punishment. To insult the Master or his guests is not only a disgrace to the name of the Royal Guard but also a humiliation to foreign nations. Well, I can understand why King Wild would be suspicious and conduct an interrogation. It is strange for someone chosen as a royal guard to go on a rampage due to such trauma. Under normal circumstances, they would have been removed from the guard long before that."
"Exactly. I think there’s something behind it. Well, it’s not our place to interfere."
"True. Even though they were rude, it was only verbal, and the King promised a formal apology and a thorough investigation. They are positive about the intercontinental exchange, so I didn't think we needed to force our way into it."
"Yes, I think that judgment is correct. However, what about the visit to the town..."
Let’s assume the intercontinental exchange is fine. But there was another major problem.
"Regarding Tori's father, Tori said it was fine, so we didn't do anything."
That’s right. They ran into Tori's father while inspecting the town, and he tried to harm Tori and Riel. The content was too vile to even repeat—he wanted to make Tori a concubine for a noble of the Beast God Kingdom and have Riel lynched. I’m impressed they were able to hold back. If I had been there, I would have certainly lopped his head off. He is scum as a parent and as a person. I cannot recognize him as a human being.
"...Tori, Riel, are you sure that was okay?"
"Yes. Those people are neither family nor anything else. It would be a waste for us to dirty our hands. They will self-destruct on their own."
"U-um, th-that..."
Tori spoke with anger seeping from her entire body, while Riel was so frightened it was pitiful, unable to even speak. *Haha*, I really think it would be for the good of the world to kill the trash that makes Riel this scared. Nevertheless, what Tori said is also reasonable.
"Understood. Let's leave them be, just as Tori said. However, if they come to Weed and bully Tori or Riel, I will execute them according to the law. That’s fine, right?"
"Yes."
"...Yes."
Good, I have their word. If those idiots come to Weed, we will dispose of them immediately.
"Well, if it were just Tori's father, that would be fine, but there's the matter of the barons and nobles who appeared during that process."
"True. Royal guards making a scene, nobles demanding tributes. I sense the scent of trouble. But this isn't our job."
"Yeah, we'll just wait to hear from King Wild later and take countermeasures. For now, we're just waiting for news on meetings and investigations."
With that, the report on the two countries ended, and we took a break to have some tea.
"Phew. Overall, despite the minor issues, things are going smoothly."
"That's true. By the way, what happened with Steve and the others?"