第７４０堀：すごーいめがみさま (Part1)
### Chapter 740: The Amazing Goddess
**Side: Mikos**
Well, there were some unexpected turns, but thanks to the protection of Lady Hairen, we managed to return to Haiden safely.
"Ugh. Such a rural backwater."
"Hey, watch your tongue."
"Senior, please, you really shouldn't say things like that in the royal palace."
"I know, I know."
We chatted as we climbed toward the castle.
But honestly, it *is* a backwater, isn't it? I think I’m justified in feeling that way.
Well, it’s not fair to compare it to Weed, I suppose.
As I was thinking that, the Princess, who was leading the way, looked back at us.
"Listen, Kagura, Mikos, Solo. As I said before, please keep the fact that I received Lady Hairen’s protection a secret. It could develop into a major issue that splits the nation."
"Yes!" we replied in unison, immediately responding to the sharp, intimidating tone in her voice.
We certainly wouldn't go around saying things that would cause unnecessary trouble.
Mikos-chan has a solid sense of loyalty when it comes to things like that.
But honestly, I’m glad the Princess became the Hero.
If it had been me, I would’ve gone insane. I would’ve been stuck living in Haiden as a diplomatic bargaining chip.
And honestly, Lady Hairen’s impulsive actions are terrifying.
I’m sure she intends to help us, but the fact that she uses tactics to subtly drive a wedge between us and Yuki-sensei makes her someone you can’t let your guard down around.
I know full well she isn't a bad person, but she’s scary. No, really.
"Wow. So this is the castle that Fable and the others built, huh?"
For Lady Hairen, this castle must be deeply moving, as it was built by the ancestors she traveled with. She was looking around the castle, peering here and there.
Come to think of it, Lady Hairen has been living in Weed ever since her second coming, so I guess this is a nostalgic homecoming?
But then again, she never actually spent time living here, so maybe not?
As I was thinking that, the Princess spoke to Lady Hairen, who was busy inspecting everything.
"Lady Hairen. I understand your feelings, but could you please refrain from using such casual names? To us in Haiden, they are one of the Three Great Houses, and are known as the Founding King who established this nation. If it reaches the ears of those who revere them, some may frown upon it."
Ah, true.
Calling a hero by their name without any honorifics... I mean, who do you think you are? That’s how people would feel.
In Weed, many people call Yuki-sensei by his name, and at first, I often found myself glaring at them.
Well, that’s just the culture of Weed, so it’s fine, but you can’t do that here.
If you’re not careful, you could even be struck down for disrespect.
"Eh—?"
"Don't 'eh' me. I'll send you back."
"Tch, fine, I get it. It’s not like I want to cause trouble for Carrie and the others."
"Thank you very much for your understanding. I will have a room prepared for you shortly, so please wait a moment."
With that, the Princess headed toward the waiting room.
We hesitated for a moment, wondering if we should follow, but since the Princess didn't tell us to, we decided to wait with Yuki-sensei and the others for the time being.
"Still, we haven't seen any regular visitors for audiences today, have we?"
"Now that you mention it, you're right."
It was true. Usually, the hall would be bustling with people hoping for an audience—maybe not a full-blown line, but at least a fair number of people. Today, it was completely empty.
"They probably suspended regular audiences because of the envoy from the Sea-Cypher Kingdom."
"Ah, that sounds likely."
I nodded in agreement. Yuki-sensei was right.
They had received an envoy from a country that might be connected to the Magic Gear. I’m sure they canceled the general audiences to minimize potential damage in case something happened.
"Ria, Vilia, Dressa, Hiiro, be prepared for combat if necessary. Stay calm if it comes to that."
"Yes, I understand."
"Leave it to me."
"I won't be caught off guard."
"Leave it to Hiiro—!"
Ria and the others, who had come along as Yuki-sensei’s guards, replied.
It’s reassuring, but...
"Come to think of it, Vilia and the others also took time off from school to come here, right?"
"Yes. But we are still studying properly. If we fail our exams, we have to do it all over again."
"It’s a pain, but in Weed, you can’t get by without studying properly. Well, I understand it’s for our future, so it can't be helped."
"Fufun. Hiiro is good at studying! Oh, and Labyris-onee and the others are studying properly too, you know?"
*Ugh!?*
Even Labyris-chan and the others, who were doing that grueling work!?
No way. There’s no way they could study after handling jobs like that.
"Well, Aslin, Firia, and Labyris are being taught directly by Brother."
"Yuki might look like that, but for some reason, he’s actually good at teaching."
"Yeah. And As-onee and the others said they were taught a lot of things back in the beginning."
I see.
One-on-one lessons with Yuki-sensei.
It’s no wonder they’re getting smarter.
"I don't know if I'm good or bad at teaching, but you can't learn anything unless the person studying has the right mindset."
"Yuki-san is good at teaching. Didn't you teach me all sorts of things, too?"
"I remember Ria studying with such joy."
"That’s only because it was Yuki-san teaching me. Well, it was also necessary for my job to assist Yuki-san."
"Well, I suppose that's true. You can't do your job if you don't learn."
I guess if it’s studying to become Yuki-sensei’s guard or attendant, you’d study like your life depended on it.
Mikos-chan would study like her life depended on it, too.
Hm? Wait a second. Mikos-chan just had a good idea.
"Hey, Yuki-sensei."
"What is it?"
"In that case, do you know how to calculate area?"
"Area? Like shapes or the area of a plot of land?"
"Yes, exactly. We're doing it in class right now, and I don't really get it. Could you teach me?"
"Ah, in the New Continent, it was enough to just know multiplication and division, wasn't it? Did I put you in the wrong class?"
"No, no! I understand the other subjects, but this is just my personal weak point. Right, Kagura?"
I looked over at Kagura.
*Come on, this is our chance to be taught directly by Yuki-sensei!*
"Y-yeah, that's right. I don't really get it either. Yuki, could you teach us? We can keep up with everything else. So, instead of changing our class, isn't it better if we just learn it?"
"Well, I suppose so. We have some time, so I'll teach you now. Show me what kind of problems they are."
With that, Yuki-sensei took out a notebook and writing utensils.
*Yes!! I got a spot right next to Yuki-sensei!!*
Vilia and Dressa seemed to realize my intention and looked at us with skeptical expressions, but it’s a fact that we don't understand, so it can't be helped.
Well, Kagura actually knows how to calculate area, so she’s lying—Kagura is the only one at fault here.
"Um, so... this part is like this..."
As I wrote down the problems I was told to solve in class...
"Hm? Isn't it just like this?"
For some reason, Lady Hairen began solving the problems with ease.
"...That's unexpected. It's correct, and even the formula is perfect."
"Fufun. I’ve been learning from Lilishe-sama along with the children at the church, so this much is easy. Besides, I used to help with wage calculations when I ran my mercenary group, so I’m good at math."