第７４１堀：使者への対応 (Part1)
### Chapter 741: Dealing with the Envoy
**Side: Kagura**
“……Eh? What, is this a joke?”
“It is not a joke!!”
“Yeah, yeah. Calm down.”
Yuki soothed Hairen-sama, who was incensed by the King’s reaction.
It was a natural response, really. If a woman who looked perfectly ordinary suddenly appeared and claimed to be a Goddess, anyone would think it was a prank.
Well, after some explanations from the Princess and the ever-troublesome Yuki, Hairen-sama was finally recognized for who she truly was.
Honestly, I couldn’t help but think that Hairen-sama was even more of a handful than the envoy from the Sea-Cypho Kingdom. I mean, she had completely ruined the blissful time I was having getting lessons from Yuki, all under the guise of helping that idiot Micos.
……Hm? Is this why Yuki often calls the Goddesses "plagues"? I felt a strange, subtle sense of understanding. It was truly subtle.
I’m sure Micos, standing next to me, felt the same way.
While I was lost in thought, the room had gone quiet, the explanation to the King seemingly finished.
“Haa. It pays to live a long life. Indeed, the reports mentioned that the Goddess Hairen-sama had descended, and Archbishop Enol had told me as much. But both I and Findar took it with a grain of salt; we didn't believe it.”
“I imagine so. I understand that sentiment well. However, Hairen-sama exists just as you see her. We have confirmed this with Sota-sama and Enol-sama as well.”
“That, too. The idea of Sota-sama and Enol-sama returning as zombies is hard to believe. I haven’t seen it with my own eyes.”
“I believe we explained that as well. And isn't the fact that we brought back Fable-sama’s remains proof enough? Furthermore, Archbishop Enol and Princess Stasia should have already explained the matter of the remains moving on their own, shouldn't they?”
“Muu. True, I don’t think those two would lie. But if a ruler believes such things too easily, they are seen as naive. Or worse, a liability. The dead do not rise, and gods do not typically descend.”
Yeah. The King seems laid back, but he’s surprisingly serious when it counts.
Ah, maybe that’s because he spent his youth adventuring?
“I’m not asking you to declare it to the entire country.”
“Is that so?”
“Of course. If I intended to advertise it, I wouldn't have brought her back to Weed.”
“True enough. Why are you keeping Hairen-sama in Weed, anyway?”
“Eh? If you’re willing to take care of her over there, I’d be happy to hand her over. But if she wanders around on her own, healing everyone in sight, and the royal family has to go around cleaning up the mess—I don’t know if you could keep it hidden from your subordinates, let alone the citizens.”
“No, that’s impossible.”
“Hey!! Don’t talk about me like I’m a dog or a cat!!”
“Exactly. If she were a dog or a cat, I could just put a collar on her or lock her in the house so she wouldn't wander off. That would be much easier.”
“What did you say!?”
“Yuki-sama. Please don’t tease Hairen-sama. We aren't making any progress. Besides, Uncle, you were the one who asked who she was in the first place.”
“Ah, come to think of it, I did ask that.”
That’s right. When asked who she was, there was no other way to answer but to say "Hairen-sama."
Still, I wonder if there has ever been an introduction that required such a tedious explanation.
“My apologies. No, that’s not enough. I am truly sorry, Hairen-sama. I did not know who you were, and I behaved rudely.”
The King, having grasped the situation, bowed his head immediately.
“Un. I don’t really mind. As long as you don’t treat me as coldly as Yuki-shonen does.”
“No, you need to think before you speak. You could have just said you were an academy student or an extra guard for me instead of announcing you were a Goddess.”
“But Carrie introduced me as a person of high standing.”
“Yes, I certainly did. And since it was Uncle who pressed for more, it’s Uncle’s fault.”
“……Ah, I see. I’ll take the blame. I understand. Yuki-dono, is the Goddess always like this?”
“Yes. So, do you want her?”
“I’m afraid not.”
“I told you, I’m not a dog or a cat!! And besides, calling this beautiful girl ‘unwanted’—are you out of your mind!?”
“My wives are more beautiful, so.”
“I’m married, so that’s not really an option.”
“Ugh!? I was countered with cold, hard logic. And while Yuki-shonen’s retort is annoying, they really are all beauties, so I can’t even argue back!!”
Yeah, yeah. I really understand how Hairen-sama feels.
Yuki’s wives are truly beautiful, and on top of that, they have power and talent.
Honestly, as a woman, I don't feel like I could ever win against them.
What is this, a gathering of perfect beauties? And there are so many of them, each specialized in their own field.
“Well, it’s a good thing you cherish your wives. I, being the adult here, will let it slide. Now, about that bastard from Aquenoki who manipulated the Sea-Cypho Kingdom into sending a vanguard—leave it to me! I’ll beat them to a pulp and make them spit out his true intentions!!”
As she declared that with such confidence, I almost thought, *Wait, is the Sea-Cypho Kingdom an enemy?*
Just then, Yuki pulled out a paper fan and smacked Hairen-sama on the head.
*THWACK!!*
It didn't have much force, but it really made a satisfying sound.
“Ouch—!? Even a paper fan hurts when you swing it that fast!!”
“Shut up. You’re the one calling the Sea-Cypho Kingdom an enemy on your own. It hasn't been decided that they’re enemies yet; they might just be here to talk. If you go and beat up the envoy, that’s a declaration of war from our side. Do you want to start a war? Huh? And if you can’t keep your promise to stay in the background, I’ll send you back immediately.”
“Ugh. F-fine. I’ll be quiet.”
Hairen-sama finally quieted down.
Well, she hasn't been quiet at all until now, so my trust in her is at zero.
I can really understand the hardships Sota-sama and Enol-sama went through.
It’s a miracle they managed to handle her back then.
Ah, so that’s why she was scattering the food supplies the moment they took their eyes off her.
“Anyway, despite all that, Hairen is right. What is the business of the envoy from the Sea-Cypho Kingdom?”
“According to the report from those who handled them, they are here to offer supplies regarding the war that just occurred and concluded.”
“The war? You mean between Haiden and Findar? And they’re offering supplies?”
“Yes. They probably intend to start by providing supplies consumed in the war to gain an advantage in future diplomacy, but…”
“But?”
“They haven't touched on the subject of the Haire Church. I expected some sort of action regarding the Magic Gear, but there’s nothing. I don’t know if they’re hiding it on purpose or if they don’t think it’s time to talk about it yet. Honestly, I can’t read their intentions.”
The matter of the Magic Gear should have been notified to the entire continent by the Haire Church. It’s strange that they haven't mentioned it at all.
I don’t understand the Sea-Cypho Kingdom’s intentions.
“So, are you going to accept the supplies?”