第７０７堀：ゲート開通！！ (Part2)
With that settled, the gate’s operation and safety checks were completed without a hitch. We moved from Findar to Baide, and then finally to Weed.
Incidentally, the gate between Weed and Baide is still located within a military facility. As intercontinental exchange progresses, we plan to relocate it to a site designated by the other nations.
Since we had already made the arrangements, the vehicles and escorts were ready and waiting. We immediately loaded the Findar delegation and headed for Weed’s commercial district.
"..."
The familiar, silent shock of first-time visitors.
Well, it’s only natural; their urban planning philosophy is completely different from ours. Our city was built with future expansion in mind, designed with various contingencies from the start. Plus, the structures themselves are primarily made of cement rather than brick or stone. It must be quite a novelty to them.
Ignoring the astonishment of the Findar delegation, we arrived at our destination: a high-class Japanese-style restaurant.
"How is it? Father, Mother, everyone—isn't this Weed amazing?!"
"I don't quite understand why you're the one bragging, Sister, but yes, this is the royal capital of Weed, with whom we have formed an alliance."
Yes, for some reason, the two princesses of Findar were the ones stepping out of the restaurant and showing off.
"Haha, it seems the Emperor and Empress are so surprised they’ve lost their voices."
"A-ah, forgive me. I had heard the stories, and I had seen the photographs and footage, but seeing, touching, and feeling it for myself is truly different. These vehicles are a prime example. I am now convinced that horse-drawn carriages are a thing of the past. They are fast, they are smooth—this will trigger a revolution in logistics."
"Well, that’s only possible because of the paved roads, of course."
I made sure to temper the Emperor’s enthusiasm as he stared at the cars with sparkling eyes; it’s not just the vehicles. Without proper road maintenance, things wouldn't run so smoothly. Even so, they are still faster than the average carriage.
"Indeed. These paved roads were prepared specifically for these vehicles to run upon. I had wondered why you were so focused on simple paving when I heard of your road maintenance plans, but I see now that this kind of paving will prove invaluable in the future."
It’s typical of a national leader to grasp that advice so quickly and look for ways to apply it back home.
"Well, let’s save that discussion for another day. For now, please enjoy the cuisine of Weed. Oh, and if something doesn't suit your palate, please don't force yourself—just let us know. Tastes and ingredients change depending on the land, after all."
"Ah, I appreciate your consideration."
And so, we had a slightly late lunch. Their confusion over the tatami-mat room was quite charming.
As for the meal, I decided on a buffet style. We placed the dishes at the edge of the banquet hall for everyone to help themselves. Ratz had reported that this style is popular with foreigners because they can sample various things and choose freely when they aren't sure what will suit their tastes, so I went with that again. Apparently, they can then visit the specific shops that serve the dishes they enjoyed later. It’s a logical approach, when you think about it.
The Findar delegation seemed to enjoy this method as well.
"This 'Tempura' is excellent. Truly excellent. The outside is crisp, yet the ingredients inside offer an infinite variety of flavors."
"As expected of the Emperor. You and I have similar tastes. And you should try this beer with it, your Majesty."
"Gulp, gulp. Mmm. Delicious!"
And so, the older men were completely absorbed in food that paired well with alcohol...
"This is wonderful. What did you call this? A strawberry? It’s like a red jewel."
"I’m glad you like it, Mother."
"Yes, it’s marvelous. Aside from these strawberries, there are so many fruits I’ve never seen before! This is wonderful, Stasia! I’m going to live here!"
"N-no, that’s really not..."
"Fine, then I’ll just come for day trips."
"I’m not sure about that either..."
The women were completely absorbed in the desserts.
"Gulp, gulp... *Ugh!* W-water!?"
"Here, George. Eat slowly."
"*Gulp.* That helped. Taiki. But I can't follow that advice. I’ll be stationed in the Findar Imperial Capital from now on. I have to eat my fill while I’m here."
"I thought you were being put in charge of the Imperial Capital..."
The young people were in a situation where they were stuffing themselves with delicious food alongside the escort knights.
"..."
And there was one girl watching them.
"Sorry. I thought it would be a nice surprise, but no one noticed me at all."
"It’s... it’s fine. I suppose food is more important than me, anyway. *Hehe...*"
"No, it’s just... you’re wearing a kimono, so your impression changed completely. That must be why."
"A family that can't recognize their own kin just because of a change in clothes or hairstyle..."
"I’m truly sorry. I’ll make sure to arrange another opportunity for you to meet properly. Please, bear with it for now. The Emperor is already quite tipsy."
"Yes. I wouldn't want to cause you any trouble, Yuki-sama. I am grateful for your consideration in this matter. Even if my family’s reputation has taken a hit... still, I’m glad to see everyone is doing well."
With that, Arge peeked into the banquet hall and smiled gently.
"*Hehehe...*"
Ah, wait. That smile—that’s the same absolute-zero smile as Princess Carly.
Oh, is she the original? I made a trivial discovery like that.
The gate opened in an instant. We entrusted the security of the fountain plaza to others, invited them to Weed, and chaos ensued. The emotional reunion with Arge was postponed.
With the visit to the new continent concluded, we are now beginning the preparations for intercontinental exchange in earnest. We’ve finished the briefings for each country and gained their approval; now, it’s just a matter of organizing the event. It feels just like deciding what to do for a school festival and then finally getting into the preparation phase, doesn't it?