第７２９堀：不安なこと (Part1)
**Chapter 729: Lingering Anxieties**
**Side: Samantha**
“…And that is the current status of the overall transition,” Holy King Enaria VII continued his explanation.
From what I could gather, the preparations for the public unveiling of the Holy Sword and its wielder were proceeding without any significant delays. For some reason, however, Cleena-san sat beside me with a sour expression on her face.
“…Cleena-san? Are you feeling unwell? You’ve been scowling for a while now.”
“…No. I just want a break. A vacation like that summer holiday we had, where we could do whatever we wanted.”
“Whatever we wanted is a bit of an exaggeration…”
“I want to spend all day in bed with Yuki.”
“Could you perhaps choose your words a little more carefully? Like ‘expressing our love’ or ‘trying for a child’?”
Though, to be fair, I had also spent intimate time with Lord Yuki after Soel-san and the others left to sightsee in Weed. Actually, we all did. It was our first break in a long while, so it was only right to fulfill our duties as wives.
“Well, jokes aside, the contrast between that break and this workload is so sharp it’s painful to be back at it,” Cleena sighed.
“You rested too much. Perhaps your body has grown soft?”
“Mm. I won’t deny it. A self-indulgent lifestyle like that rots a person. But if there’s nothing else that needs doing, that’s exactly the kind of life I’d prefer.”
“It is the ideal, isn’t it? I hope a day comes when we can live like that permanently.”
As we whispered back and forth, Agil-san, who was sitting nearby, joined the conversation.
“Hah, given Yuki’s position, I doubt he’ll be able to lead a self-indulgent life anytime soon. Honestly, I’m the jealous one. Lady Soel and Eoid are off having a vacation in Weed, while I’m stuck here attending meetings. I’d love a break myself.”
“Then you should just apply for one, Agil,” Cleena said.
“It’s not that simple, Cleena. I’m Enaria’s only diplomat to Weed. There’s no one else who can fill my shoes, especially with the Holy Sword matter on the table.”
“It would be difficult for you to take leave right now, Agil-san,” I added. “However, once this problem is resolved, you’ll be stationed in Weed again. Why not take a break then under the guise of a ‘goodwill gathering’?”
“Ah, a holiday in all but name. I suppose that’s my only option.”
“Setting the matter of holidays aside,” I said, shifting the topic back to the task at hand, “what do you think of the Holy King’s report?”
I decided to ask about the actual agenda: the Holy Sword unveiling ceremony.
“There aren’t any outright lies. Of course, the information the King has is heavily filtered. There are various issues behind the scenes in certain sectors. That said, the gist of his speech is accurate. It’s pretty much what we discussed briefly before coming to the hall.”
“So, there are no major problems?”
“Mm. It’s a relief that things are moving as scheduled,” Cleena noted.
“But if that’s the case, why did you say earlier that you ‘hope it ends safely’? It sounded like you were expecting trouble.”
Indeed, Agil-san had muttered those words earlier. One doesn’t say such things unless there is a cause for concern.
“Ah, well, like I said, there are issues in certain sectors. My biggest worry is whether Light—the Holy Sword User—can handle being in this land.”
“This land? What do you mean?”
“Think about it. This continent is where she clashed with Yuki’s forces. She was practically cut in half, wasn’t she? I just hope it doesn’t trigger some sort of trauma. Come to think of it, Cleena, you weren’t there at the time, so maybe you haven’t heard the details?”
““Ah…””
Hearing that, it all clicked. Light, the Holy Sword User, was the only person on the continent of If who had actually engaged in combat with Weed’s mechanized unit.
“I’ve heard,” Cleena said. “I heard that because Zilba’s military strength was insufficient, Weed’s primary weaponry was deployed.”
“Ah, so that was it. I figured no Magic Sword could produce that kind of destructive power. Was it a weapon made by Narjia-san, Comet-san, or perhaps Lord Zargis?”
…Weed’s primary weaponry, he says?
Unfortunately, Agil-san’s guess was wide of the mark. What was deployed back then was a tank. Its armor, mobility, firepower, and range are all impossible to replicate with current magical technology. Furthermore, it wasn’t even a ‘primary weapon’—it was merely being used for a test run.
“Well, regardless of who built Weed’s weapons, I just hope the experience hasn’t left a lasting scar on young Light. If she has a breakdown, we won’t be able to go through with the unveiling. But we won’t know for sure until she actually gets here.”
“We can hardly report a mere suspicion like that to the Holy King,” I remarked.
“Exactly. I know it’s no use worrying about every little thing, but we really can’t afford to let this event fail.”
While we were talking, Holy King Enaria VII finished his explanation. To summarize: preparations were complete, and he requested everyone’s cooperation for the big day.
“I understand that the preparations are in order,” Lord Yuki spoke up. “Horst, how are the arrangements in Betan for the unveiling?”
“Yes, my Lord. Everything is ready. We can proceed as planned.”
“No delays in the schedule, then. What about the other nations?” Lord Yuki asked, confirming the readiness of the various representatives.
“Zilba is merely making an appearance. No problems on our end,” King Fionha stated.
“Ex says the same.”
“August has no issues.”
“Roday is good to go.”
“White Forest is also prepared.”
Indeed, they were mostly just showing their faces. However, by doing so, they were in a position to put Enaria in their debt—a very favorable situation. Of course, they also wanted to make a good impression on Weed and were eager to begin intercontinental exchange.
Looking at how the situation had been organized, Lord Yuki had played his hand perfectly. His negotiation style made it impossible to refuse; he provided benefits that ensured the other party wouldn't feel slighted, while simultaneously teaching them that greed leads to ruin. Anyone who rebelled against such terms would be seen as a fool.
“Very well. Then the Holy Sword unveiling will take place in three days as scheduled. Everyone, please make your final preparations. Since we need to prep the venue, the assembly hall will be off-limits for the next three days. If you have more to discuss, save it for later. Once the unveiling is over, we will begin formal explanations regarding intercontinental exchange. I ask for every nation’s cooperation in making this event a success.”
With that, the date was set. The kings of the various nations departed temporarily to prepare for the ceremony.
“Now then, Horst. It might be a hassle, but let’s get the venue ready.”
“Not at all, my Lord. Compared to acting as a moderator for that meeting, this is nothing. I’d much rather be moving my body.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Kiyu will be overseeing the food stalls, so don’t worry about that side of things. Also…”
With those words, Lord Yuki began briskly delegating the remaining tasks.