第７３３堀：色々な成果とこれからのお仕事 (Part1)
**Chapter 733: Various Results and Future Tasks**
Side: Yuki
"…Well, it’s fine that Steve and the others were suppressed, but it looks like old man Blade finally won over his escort soldiers."
I felt a bit conflicted as I looked over yesterday’s reports.
"I am deeply sorry for my King’s behavior," Samantha apologized.
"No, it’s not your fault, Samantha."
The one causing the headache was King Blade of Roday, but honestly, he was hard to hate. Besides, I could understand why he was fed up with the daily meetings.
The other kings had already realized that King Blade’s disappearances were a regular occurrence and didn't even pay it any mind. I was actually a bit terrified by how quickly everyone had grown accustomed to it.
Fortunately, while King August VIII had been invited along by King Blade, he at least had the sense to get permission from his subordinates before joining him. Still, I couldn't help but wonder if hanging out with King Blade at a time like this would hurt his reputation. August’s kingdom might be in for another shake-up during the next generation's transition…
"Well, this report is business as usual. Actually, you could say things have improved. At least King Blade took escorts with him this time."
Though you could also say he just corrupted them.
Regardless, for those responsible for Baetan’s public order—like Kiyu, Covil, Steve, and Surakichi-san—it was a welcome development.
"Let’s consider one concern crossed off the list. He’s not stupid enough to run away from today’s event, anyway. If he skipped today, the Kingdom of Roday’s standing would plummet. After all, this is the Holy Sword Unveiling Ceremony, the cornerstone of our intercontinental exchange."
No joke, he’d be torn apart by the other participating nations. It wouldn't just hurt his national interests; it would significantly damage the interests of the entire continent.
"Now, moving on from King Blade. Regarding the Holy Sword Unveiling Ceremony held here in Baetan, there are no changes to the pamphlets or schedules distributed beforehand. Security is solid. Immigration control for tourists is strict. While there have been some minor troubles with visitors, there haven't been any incidents involving blades. That’s thanks to our policy of not allowing dangerous weapons to be carried openly."
Well, there *have* been incidents involving fistfights, but no stabbings. It’s all in how you phrase it.
"How are the dignitaries from each country doing?"
In short, there were no obstacles within the city of Baetan itself regarding the ceremony. The only remaining question was the state of the various nations…
"Zilba has no particular problems," Rurua reported.
"Roday… also has no problems," Samantha added.
"August, no problems," Shera said.
"Ex is perfectly fine as well," Noble stated.
"White Forest is also without issue," Refest added.
Reporting to me were my diplomat wives and two kings.
"Why are two heads of state showing up to give me reports personally?"
"I thought it would be better to report directly. Don't worry. Things are mostly settled in my country. Besides, our three nations are connected behind the scenes anyway. My vassals are at ease," Noble, the King of Ex, explained.
"I agree with King Noble," Refest added. "And more than anything, I couldn't possibly ask Lady Comet to deliver a message for me. I don't believe Lady Comet or Lord Yuki would ever treat us poorly."
I could understand Noble, but the sheer level of trust Refest and the others from White Forest had in Comet was frightening. I knew it stemmed from the debt of gratitude they felt for being saved, but knowing Comet’s true self—her laziness and her actual personality—it left me feeling… complicated.
Should I watch quietly until the day their trust inevitably shatters, or should I tell them the truth about Comet’s nature? Which would be better for the people of White Forest?
No, wait. Now isn't the time to be deconstructing Comet’s idol image.
"Well, as long as there are no problems, that’s fine. Now, regarding the situation in Enaria, the party directly involved: they’ve been quiet so far. They haven't made a move against Light, the Holy Sword user, and the Church officials haven't shown any signs of movement either. I don't know if they’re assuming we’ll fail or if they think it’s fine if we succeed, but don't let your guard down."
"""Yes!"""
"Understood."
"We won't fall behind."
Everyone responded in unison.
"Good. There are four hours left until the unveiling begins. Dignitaries start entering in two hours, and general admission is in one hour. It’s going to be busy, so I’m counting on all of you."
"""Yes!"""
With another collective response, everyone headed back to their respective posts. After seeing them off, I turned to the members waiting behind me.
"Vilia, Dressa, Hiiro—I’m counting on you today."
"Leave it to us, Big Brother. We will definitely protect you from any attacking enemies," Vilia said.
"Yes, leave it to us. Especially since I’m from the If Continent, you can rely on me even more," Dressa added.
"Rely on Hiiro too~"
"Yeah. I’m counting on all of you."
This time, Jessica and the usual guard members were busy with diplomatic duties for their respective countries. Since that would leave only Ria to guard me, I had asked Vilia and the others to step in as my security detail again.
They’d been working non-stop at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the intercontinental exchange lately, so this would probably be a good change of pace for them. I hadn't intended to neglect them, but I’d received reports that the light was starting to fade from their eyes.
"And as for the leader, Ria…"
"Yeth?"
She managed to respond to my call, but she looked utterly exhausted no matter how you sliced it.
"She’s like this because I spent about three days teaching her paperwork. Her reactions are a bit slow today."
"…It seems so," Vilia noted.
"Wait, normally you don't end up like that just from paperwork, do you?" Dressa asked.
"Ria-onee isn't very good with computers," Hiiro added.
Under the Spartan education of Jessica, Samantha, and Cleena, she had been taught the basics: how to pull original documents, how to input data on a PC, and who to contact for what. This state was the price she paid.
She had no problem contacting people. She’d met and spoken with all sorts of people alongside us, after all. The problem was the computer. Ria was clearly suited for analog work. Even if she could use a PC, she struggled with software she didn't use regularly. Whether she’ll get used to it or if it’s just impossible remains to be seen.
"Ria, I know you’re tired, but I can't exactly leave my protection to you in that state…"
It would be rude to the other nations, but more importantly, it would be a disaster if Ria collapsed. Then again, being rude to other nations was nothing new for us. No country was going to pick a fight just because a guard looked sleepy.
Setting that aside, if she couldn't even follow the conversation, I should take her off duty and let her sleep. She’d worked hard for three days on something she was bad at. The least I could do was…
"I-I’ll do my betht!! Tho pleathe don’t throw me away!! I beg you!!"
Not only did she react instantly, but she also started crying with teary eyes. Wait, what did she mean by "throw away"?
"Um, Big Brother… Ria-onee’s job is being your guard…" Vilia started.
"By saying you can't leave it to her, she thinks she’s being fired, right?" Dressa added.
Ah, I see how it could be taken that way. Dammit, that was a slip of the tongue. Just as I was about to correct myself, Hiiro delivered the finishing blow.
"Ria-onee is unemployed? Thrown away because she’s useless?"
"Noooooo!? I don’t want thaaaaat!!"
Faced with Hiiro’s merciless—or rather, innocent—words, Ria covered her ears and shook her head violently.
"Calm down. That’s not it at all."
In fact, firing a Hero would carry way more risk. And I wouldn't dream of tossing Ria out now, nor would my wives.
"I-Is that true?"
"It’s true, it’s true. It’s just that you’ve been pushing yourself to learn paperwork for the past three days, right? You look exhausted, so I was asking if you wanted to take the day off."
"I’m definitely going!! I’m not tired at all!!"
Well, given how she looked just a moment ago, saying she wasn't tired was a massive stretch…
As I was thinking that, Vilia and Dressa whispered into my ear.
"Big Brother… after saying something like that, there’s no way she can rest now…"