第７３２堀：ステンバーイ ステンバーイ (Part2)
"I’ll leave that response to you, then. Anyway, while we’re on the subject of work, how is it? How’s the town looking with the unveiling ceremony tomorrow?"
『It’s quite lively. Thanks to all the advance preparations, the foot traffic is solid. I’ve been hearing a lot of people saying they’ve come from other countries, so I’d say the exchange and trade via the Gate are going smoothly. You’d probably get more specific details from the folks handling immigration at the Gate, though. Oh, I think King Blade is about to arrive, so if you’ll excuse me.』
『Kiyu!! Blade-san is here!』
『Talk to you later.』
With that, the call ended.
"Did the target arrive safely?"
"Yes, he has."
"Well, nothing much ever happens at Kiyu’s place. Covil is there too—wait, is Covil actually safe? She’s a fairy, a race that’s supposed to be extinct on this continent. Hasn’t there been any trouble with kidnappings?"
"Hmm? You haven't heard? There were a few commotions where people tried to make off with her. But Covil is a core member of Weed, after all. They repelled them two or three times, and the townspeople joined in to help, so it’s not an issue anymore. Of course, Kiyu was right in the middle of it."
Kiyu had been smiling at the time, but he was actually furious.
"I figured that sort of thing would happen."
"Crime exists everywhere."
"So, were the ones trying to snatch Covil an organization? Or individuals?"
"The first time was a low-level thug who took a job. The second time, the slave trader’s direct subordinates showed up. By the third time, the slave trader led a whole crowd to raid Kiyu’s ramen shop, so Kiyu finally snapped and beat them all to a pulp. He exposed the whole organization and crushed it. Man, Kiyu’s movements were sharp back then. The way he handled things really reminded me of the Boss."
"Well, officially he’s treated as the Boss’s younger brother. And in reality, he’s treated like one too. He certainly has the skill. Still, Kiyu getting angry is rare—just like the Boss, or maybe even more so."
"Their boiling points were the same this time, though: messing with their inner circle. Then again, the Boss gets mad if you interfere with his games, so his boiling point is technically lower."
"Hey, getting mad over game interference is only natural. Remember how we used to end up in fistfights?"
"No, no, that was because you guys would gang up on one person in *Dokapon* or *Momotetsu*, so it turned into a 'Direct Attack.' Actually, even Kiyu got involved in that massive brawl back then."
True to their reputation as 'friendship-destroying games,' our paper-thin camaraderie—which was only enough to play games together—was literally torn to shreds for a time.
I really should have finished off that vegetarian right then and there.
As we were talking, there was movement on the monitor.
"Reporting. The guards sent to find King Blade have located and made contact with him."
"Oh, they found him? Well, he’s in his usual spot, so that makes sense."
Please, just take him back already. Drag him back by the collar like usual. I should issue the order to pull back my subordinates...
"...The guards who made contact with King Blade have taken seats."
"Excuse me?"
"It appears the guards were talked into staying by King Blade."
As I tilted my head in confusion, Surakichi-san spoke up.
"My subordinates bugged the place and sent over a copy of the audio. Want to hear? It’s hilarious."
"Uh... what do you mean, 'hilarious'? I have nothing but a bad feeling about this."
That said, listening was the destiny of a superior.
『Your Majesty!! Enough is enough!!』
『Don't be so angry. It’s just another day of unchanging meetings anyway. Ronri and Huge can handle things over there on their own.』
『That is no excuse for sneaking out! What if something happens to you?! Intercontinental relations would fall apart!』
『Stop shouting. For now, just sit down.』
『But—』
『You guards are here with me now. So there’s no problem, right?』
『...There you go with your sophistry again.』
『Idiots. You’ve been chasing me every day, so you don't even know. Learn why I run away just to come here. Hey, Covil! Ramen for these guys too!』
『Coming! Three more bowls of ramen!』
『Ah, I’ll take a fork, please.』
『I know, I know.』
...And that was the end of the recording.
"So, he’s eating ramen with his guards?"
"Looks like it."
"Technically, there is no problem at present. It’s simply an inspection by the King with his guards present."
"..."
"..."
The two of us fell into silence.
"Video feed coming through."
The monitor flickered to life, showing the group eating ramen with looks of pure bliss on their faces.
""Is everyone in position?""
We both sent out communications at the same time.
『『In position. Standby OK.』』
""STRIKE!!""
""What are you saying?! Standby units, continue surveillance!""
『『...Roger.』』
For some reason, we got scolded after that.
But it couldn't be helped! They were eating delicious-looking ramen right in front of us! Right in front of us while we were working our hearts out!
Beautiful.
Good night.
And so, before I knew it, September has arrived.
Man, there are only four months left in the year.
I'm shocked.