第７５８堀：いつもより騒がしい朝 (Part2)
The little ones are eating their breakfast with their usual vigor—or rather, they’ve already finished their plates and are busy discussing today’s plans.
Yesterday, at Kirue’s request, they had stepped up to act as observers and escorts for the grand conference. The dignitaries from various nations were initially surprised by the sight of such small escorts, but since the kings were already aware that I kept these children in my company, they didn't make much of a fuss. From now on, they will likely be recognized as individuals who have formal ties with the monarchs, which should help prevent any unnecessary trouble when they have business to attend to.
Actually, perhaps I should stop calling this group "little ones"? Many of them have already outgrown that stage. Aslin, Shera, Vilia, and Dressa have blossomed from small children into proper young girls. It’s been nearly five years since the founding of Weed; a five-year-old back then is now approaching ten. In Japan, that would be the transition from elementary school to high school. Some even consider fifteen to be part of adulthood. In this world, they are already working, so they are certainly adults by any reasonable measure.
That said, Aslin and Shera often use their transformation skills to maintain their smaller, original forms, perhaps to match the likes of Firia and Labyris. They seem quite fond of that appearance. Even the bodies they use when going out, the Doppelgangers, are fundamentally based on those smaller frames.
"Hey, Yuki-san. The diplomatic team, including Jessica, looks pretty pale. Are they going to be alright?"
"Alright? Well, I suppose they won't die, at least. The diplomatic members have been busy acting as the bridge to Weed, after all."
"I suppose so."
Ria, who had been sitting beside me, spoke up after finishing her breakfast. She had been silently sipping her tea, taking a breather without saying a word. Looking at the state of the diplomatic team, it’s no wonder she’s worried.
"I mean, I can understand Jessica and Samantha, but the fact that Cleena is so quiet is..."
"No, Cleena isn't exactly the type to make a scene, is she?"
"Even so, Cleena usually talks quite a bit. Especially when it comes to books."
"Ah, now that you mention it, you're right."
Cleena is a voracious bookworm—whether it’s out of a passion for learning or just a hobby, she lives and breathes it. She becomes quite eloquent when the topic turns to literature. While she spends her time scouring academic texts from Earth, she has also dipped her toes into manga and light novels. That hasn't changed since the day we met. If anything, it’s gotten worse. Now that she’s grown accustomed to talking with people...
*“Yuki. What does ‘JC’ mean? And what about ‘wktk’?”*
Whenever she encounters something she doesn't understand in a book, she’s started asking me about it. I don't know anything about 3ch slang! And then there’s...
*“Manga is fascinating. The fusion of art and text. It is a miracle of Earth. A lump of dreams. By the way, the series I am currently reading, HxH—why has the new volume been stalled for several years?”*
I couldn't exactly tell her, "Because the author isn't working." I just explained it as a common case of cancellation.
She’s like that—she only talks at length with people who share her interest in books. Since most of the content is from Earth, the number of people who can actually understand her is limited, which is why her circle of conversation is so restricted. The fact that Cleena isn't talking about books at this morning gathering is proof enough that she’s truly exhausted.
"Compared to them, Kagura and the others, who seemed so drained until just recently, look quite energetic."
Prompted by Ria, I looked over toward Kagura’s group...
"It’s as delicious as ever, isn't it? I could eat forever. I have a feeling I’m going to get super fat, Micos-chan!! But I can't stop!!"
"It’s fine. Those idiots were thoroughly disciplined after the banquet last night. They’ve been holding back and staying thin for so long, so they need to eat their fill now or their bodies won't hold up."
"Is that really okay? Enora-san, what do you think?"
"Kagura aside, Micos and Solo should eat as much as they can. They were used as pawns by their families and were absolutely gaunt back then."
"Why the ‘Kagura aside’ part!?"
"Kagura isn't as exhausted as you are, is she? That’s why you’ll get fat."
"If you’re going to say that, Enora, you’re the same. You fat cat."
"Huh? You’re the black pig here, aren't you?"
"“Aah!?”"
They’re certainly full of energy. As I was thinking that, Seraria finished her meal...
"Right, let’s do our best today. Rurua, Deryu, you two are coming with me on the greeting rounds."
"Sigh, I suppose I can't say no to that."
"It can't be helped. Though I think it’s a bit much for a young girl from a fallen kingdom to be out and about like this..."
Our Queen, the former Saintess, and the Demon Lord seem busy again today. Though, I suppose I’m in the same boat.
"Alright, everyone, I’m counting on you today as well."
"““Yes!””"
And so, our days begin. Of course, life is something that never truly reaches an "end." That only happens in novels, movies, or stories.
*“Hello, Boss. I’m reporting on last night’s events...”*
*Sigh*, work calls already...
Depending on how you look at it, it’s a typical morning, but the level of fatigue is quite real. To put it in terms that are easy to understand in a Japanese context, it’s like the second day of a school festival, right? Things have settled down, but there are still events to go, so it’s time to push through. Or, to put it even more simply: the morning of the second day of a summer convention.
The first half is only just over!!