第７５２堀：未来の為に 色々な意味で (Part1)
**Chapter 752: For the Future, In More Ways Than One**
**Side: Agil**
No matter how many times I ride in this "car," I find it incredibly convenient. No, every time I use it, I realize just how remarkably useful it truly is. It carries more people than a carriage, the ride is smoother, and above all, it is overwhelmingly faster and doesn't get tired like a horse.
As I was lost in admiration, I heard voices of excitement from the seats next to me.
"Wow!! It really is amazing, isn't it!!"
"Ah, it’s incredible!! I’m reminded every time I ride it that it’s a wonderful thing. I want one for myself."
The ones making such a fuss were the Holy Sword User, Light, and my colleague, Prism. But just as I was listening to their cheerful chatter, the conversation shifted to something else entirely...
"Indeed, Yuki-dono. Should our country also push for a blood connection to deepen our friendship?"
"That would be wise. Deepening ties with Weed, which possesses such technological and national power, would be highly beneficial for our country. Other nations are already doing so. Zilba has their female knight, Roday has their duke’s daughter, and August has the daughter of their court magician—two of whom have been adopted into the royal family and granted the status of princesses."
From behind me, I could hear the gloomy, calculating voices of His Majesty and the Minister.
"Indeed. August and Roday have made their intentions quite clear. It is strange that Zilba is settling for just a female knight, but regardless, we are clearly lagging behind."
"True. When Yuki-dono came to Enaria, I thought we might be able to utilize his supposed closeness to the Saintess Rurua, who was active during that monster raid incident, but..."
Rurua-dono has been Yuki’s wife from the very beginning. What a shame. Besides, she isn't even from Enaria; she is the former Saintess of the Ritea Holy Kingdom, one of the five great powers of the Rogari Continent. She is a big shot whose status is equal to, or perhaps even greater than, our own nation.
"To think she was a former Saintess from another country..."
"Well, her capabilities were convincing enough. She certainly lived up to the title of Saintess."
"Hmm. Well, there is no use lamenting those who are already taken. We simply need to choose a new method."
"That would mean assigning a new woman to Yuki-dono... but that is quite difficult."
"The people around him are already influential figures from various nations. If we assign someone inadequate, it will only invite resentment."
"In that case, perhaps someone who already has an established relationship with him would face less opposition..."
"However, General Agil is..."
"Even though we have given the order, her physique is..."
...I wonder if it would be considered acceptable to commit treason right about now.
Generally, I don't care what people say about my physique, but hearing it here really irritates me. Or rather, since they are saying it loud enough for me to hear, are they practically begging to be killed? Should I do it? No, wait. I have a good relationship with Yuki; I feel like he might even grant me asylum. Should I really do it? Should I?
"Calm down, Agil."
"Indeed, General Agil."
"I am calm. Besides, you two stopped your excited chatter quite suddenly, didn't you?"
"We’d stop too if the conference hall came into view."
"Yes, it’s quite large, isn't it?"
"Hm? Ah, well, it’s not that far away."
It’s not exactly a stone's throw away, but it takes less than thirty minutes on foot. Yuki said he designed the hotel this way so that if something happened and we had to walk, it wouldn't take too much time.
"The grand conference is almost upon us. With the kings and dignitaries of every nation gathered, what would happen if Enaria caused a scene involving blades?"
"It would be a catastrophe."
"Hah. Should I just ignore those who are practically begging for suicide?"
"His Majesty and the Minister didn't mean any harm, you know."
"It seems there are various political circumstances involved."
"I know that, but it’s frustrating to be told things so bluntly."
As we were talking, the bus came to a stop and the doors opened. *Tch*, I missed my chance.
Thinking that, I stepped out first as a diplomat, and there stood Yuki, waiting to welcome us.
"Welcome, General Agil."
"Thank you for having us today."
Suppressing my anger, I performed my duties as a diplomat. Even if I were to seek asylum, if I destroyed this situation right now, I certainly wouldn't be able to flee to Weed.
"...Are you tired?"
He’s as perceptive as ever.
"Well, there’s a lot going on."
"I see. If there’s anything I can do, let me know. Kagura and the others are facing a lot of backlash, too."
"Ah, them as well? Well, in a sense, that’s to be expected."
Young girls like Kagura are bound to be swarmed by dirty adults. I hope they don't break mentally.
"Oh, that’s right. In that case, why don't you make me your mistress?"
That would solve everything. Well, I’m sure I’d be rejected...
"I don't need a mistress, but I do want Agil."
"Huh?"
I felt like I just heard something unexpected.
"W-wait a minute..."
"I’ll explain the details later. Well, it includes work, but the most important thing is that I trust you, Agil."
"...Well, alright. If you say it’s work, I can accept that to some extent."
If it’s just work-related, I can accept it. He has a mountain of work right now. He must want capable personnel who can handle it. But, *trust*, huh? Well, that’s only natural. His work is truly outrageous most of the time. Aside from the New Continent, he must have many other secrets. He probably wants someone who can share that burden and support him. That’s likely why he doesn't want a mistress. It might be his personality, but he also doesn't have the luxury of keeping someone useless around. I suppose I fit those criteria.
*Heh*, he trusts me? Is this the perfect opportunity for a career change? Hm? But wait. He denied the "mistress" part, but he didn't say he wanted my *abilities*—he said he wanted *Agil*.
...Wait? Does that mean...?
"...il. Agil!!"
"Hah!?"
I realized I had been lost in thought, and Prism was shaking me.
"What are you spacing out for, ignoring Yuki-sama and His Majesty?"
"Hm? Ah, Yuki-sama was just telling me something important. I was considering it."
"Is there trouble?"
"Is it related to the New Continent?"
"Ah, come to think of it, Agil, you headed to the New Continent at Yuki-sama's request, didn't you? Was it about a country that’s very skilled in magic?"
"That’s right. Well, that’s just additional information. See, as proof, Yuki-sama is dealing with His Majesty and the others without any complaints about me, isn't he?"
"In fact, he’s saying that Agil is very useful."
So, I’m that necessary to him? With this, I shouldn't be shunned by His Majesty and the others for the time being. After all, I’m essential for negotiations with Yuki.
"Well, I’m doing my best for Enaria. That’s why I’m receiving this kind of evaluation."
"You, of all people. You’re usually buried in research, so I thought that when you came to Weed, which has so many rare things, you’d just be holed up in a research facility..."
As expected of my long-time friend Prism. She knows me well. Of course, I spent all my time there when I first arrived. But I am also a field-work type researcher, so I do go outside, too.