第７３４堀：楽しさのあとの (Part2)
If you think about it, there are a mountain of Magic Sword users out there. However, revealing them all now would only serve to destabilize intercontinental relations. That’s why they decided to ask Kishua, who is currently active as an adventurer in Weed, to make an appearance.
As for the representatives from White Forest, well, they’re practically family. Kaya’s sister, Heena, is the Chancellor of White Forest. Claudia is King Refest’s younger sister. Since Kaya has very distinct ears and a tail, it was a perfect opportunity to advertise that demi-humans can be Magic Sword users too.
Well, technically they’re Holy Sword users, but the distinction is fine for now.
I had expected the leader of the Holy Sword users, Difes, to be the one to show up for something like this. Apparently, she declined because her weapon is also a Holy Sword of Light, and she didn't want to cause confusion.
That makes sense. Since we already have Light, the wielder of the Holy Sword *Light Revive*, having Difes show up with another Holy Sword of Light would only lead to more questions. For now, they’ll continue to monitor the movements of the If Continent from the shadows, just as they have been.
"By the way, speaking of Holy Sword users," Rurua remarked, "Kishua-san, Sia-san, and Alfin are living leisurely in Weed, but what about the other Holy Sword users?"
"Hmm? Didn't I mention it before? While they use Weed as their base, they’re working as observers for the If Continent. They mostly visit Hifi or Noble’s territories and prioritize investigating anything that catches their eye."
"Ah, so that’s why we’re getting more corroborated information from various countries than I expected."
"Exactly. On the organizational chart, they’re the If Continent Monitoring Division of Kirika’s Intelligence Department."
"Since they’re treated as Kirika-san’s subordinates, that explains why we never see them," Rurua noted.
Kirika and her team don’t do anything flashy like those British spies in the movies. Well, if they get caught, things certainly *get* flashy, but they’re the type to blend in. Real life rarely plays out like a blockbuster film. I hear they occasionally crush bandit groups to maintain public order, but that’s about the extent of their visible activity.
"So, why is Kirika herself standing right there?" Rurua asked, pointing.
"Naturally, I am here to guard my Lord," Kirika replied. "Vilia, Dressa, and Hiiro are still far from ready."
"Hmph. Kirika-san, we’re doing our best too!" Vilia protested.
"Doing your best is not enough. The job of a guard is to protect the target at all costs."
"As strict as ever, I see," Dressa muttered.
"Even so, Big Sis Kiri is kind," Hiiro added. "She bought us food from the stalls."
"Strictness is a requirement. And as Hiiro says, I am kind. One cannot serve as a guard without being considerate of others. Making the person you are protecting feel anxious or weary is unacceptable. However, I do recognize that Vilia and the others are working hard. Please continue to devote yourselves to your training. And, Lady Ria?"
Kirika turned a sharp gaze toward Ria. Uh oh, is she about to get scolded based on the flow of this conversation?
"Y-Yes? What is it?" Ria asked nervously.
"I leave my Lord in your care. Your determination to never leave Yuki-sama’s side, no matter how difficult things become... truly, you are someone Yuki-sama was right to choose as his guard."
"Oh, um, thank you."
It’s all in the phrasing, I suppose. You could certainly look at it that way. And it’s a fact that she worked hard for my sake.
"Wait, doesn't that mean she’s making Yuki-sama worry, which makes her a failure as a guard...?" Dressa whispered.
"Being able to say those words in an extreme situation is what makes it commendable," Kirika countered. "Dressa, if you were as exhausted as Lady Ria, could you still say you would protect our Lord?"
"I-I could!"
"Then I shall look forward to seeing that when the time comes. Regardless, I have a report."
"A report?"
Leaving Dressa’s question hanging, Kirika turned back to me.
"I have a report to make. There has been movement on the New Continent regarding the Magic Gear. It is not an immediate emergency, but it would be wise to seek information from Heiden through Kagura at your earliest convenience."
So that’s finally moving. I’d almost forgotten about it, or rather, things are finally starting to happen.
"What information did you pick up, Kirika?"
"Yes. From merchants visiting Baide, I heard rumors of a monster-infested mountain pass located between the great powers of Heiden and Findar."
I figured this day would come eventually.
"Alright. Kirika, continue gathering information."
"Understood."
"Ria, Vilia, Dressa, Hiiro, Steve. For now, let’s focus on making sure this Holy Sword debut event ends without a hitch."
"""Yes!"""
The four of them answered firmly, their focus sharpened by Kirika’s words. First, we get through today’s event. And after that, the New Continent...
And so, the Holy Sword debut on the If Continent was a success in more ways than one. However, in exchange, the New Continent of Aquenoki is starting to stir?
Also, my backlog of chapters has run dry! From now on, I’ll be back to a regular posting schedule. Daily updates are just impossible.