第７９４堀：ここはダンジョンです (Part1)
Chapter 794: This is a Dungeon
Side: Yuki
It has been about two hours since I began observing General Lake. Since our initial conversation, he hasn't revealed any information beyond what Kirika, Kagura, and the others had already gathered.
During these two hours, he has basically been touching various items in the inn room, marveling at them as he moved them around. He was particularly impressed by the kettle’s ability to boil water, and he seemed to enjoy comparing different types of instant tea and coffee. Since he was genuinely enjoying himself, I felt it was worth the effort of preparing it all.
Well, there doesn't seem to be any sign of hostility for now, so I’ll just go ahead and guide him as planned.
"Well then, shall we head out for the tour?"
"Yes. I shall accompany you."
"What will you all do, Kagura?"
"Haiden will obviously follow along. We have a responsibility since we introduced and mediated for the Seasypho Kingdom."
"Findal will also accompany you. I would be grateful to learn of the Seasypho Kingdom's objectives, and if we can use this opportunity to build friendly relations, that would be fortunate."
"The Haire Church is the same. Besides, we need to confirm how much information about *that* incident has reached the Seasypho Kingdom."
Well, that’s a logical decision. As mediating or allied nations, they wouldn't just ignore this situation. With that settled, we left the intelligence division's command room and headed toward the lobby. Since we were in the same inn, it didn't take long to arrive.
"Alright, Kirika, if you would."
"Understood. Please wait a moment."
I called Kirika by her name, Kirina, and entrusted her with the duties of the innkeeper. She disappeared into the back of the hallway with a swift, nimble gait.
"It’s impressive, no matter how many times I see it. To move so skillfully while wearing a kimono..."
"No, Deryu, aren't you also wearing something quite revealing?"
"It’s thin, so it’s easy to move in, isn't it?"
"That’s not what I meant. I’m saying you don't seem to worry about your clothes shifting or anything like that."
As Milly pointed out, Deryu’s pure white dress is thin and highly revealing, yet she moves so actively that, as her husband, I’m always secretly nervous that a "wardrobe malfunction" might occur. However, such a thing has never happened. Her breasts bounce quite a bit, but for some reason, her clothes never shift at all.
"Ah, I see. Clothes or armor with special effects like these don't shift unless it's intentional or they take an impact beyond their defensive capabilities. Besides, it’s not like this is a body one should be ashamed of."
I see. I felt like I had just received the answer as to why bikini armor never comes off unless it’s due to damage. As Deryu puffed out her chest and her breasts gave a soft jiggle, Kagura and Solo’s faces twitched, and they instinctively covered their own chests. Sorry about that. My wives are a bit unreasonable in that regard.
As we were talking, Kirika returned with General Lake and his party.
"Yuki-sama, I have brought General Lake and his party."
"Thank you, Kirina-san."
I said that to Kirika and turned to face General Lake.
"I’ve come to pick you up. How are you? Is it alright to begin the tour of Weed now?"
"Yes. I have many things I wish to ask, but I decided that I should see Weed for myself first."
"I see. Then, let us begin the tour. Oh, the diplomats from Haiden, Findal, and Haire have also requested to join us. Would that be acceptable?"
"It is exactly what I would have hoped for. They will surely explain things to me in a way that is easy to understand."
Hmm, he doesn't mind Kagura and the others tagging along. In fact, he seems pleased. Does he think it’s better to ask them than me? Well, it’s natural to feel more at ease with people you already know. Or perhaps a general who carries himself with such dignity wouldn't resort to such petty tactics. He seems like the type to ask things head-on. Though, contrary to his appearance, there is a possibility he’s the type to work behind the scenes, but that rarely suits a general.
Thinking about this, we left the inn, and I asked where he would like to go.
"Well, I said I would guide you, but Weed is quite large, so we won't be able to see everything in just three days. Normally, we would have carefully planned the itinerary in advance, but this was a sudden whim of the King of Haiden, after all."
"Ah, indeed. The King of Haiden has been prone to such impulsive behavior since he was young."
"M-my King, I, I am so sorry..."
We were speaking jokingly, but for Kagura, the diplomat from Haiden, this conversation was nerve-wracking. After all, he had made plans without obtaining the consent of other nations' dignitaries. That would normally be a significant issue, which is why Kagura was apologizing. However, this is a special situation. General Lake and I exchanged a nod.
"Kagura-dono, there is no need to worry. If he hadn't created an opportunity to come here, even if it was forced, we would never have had a connection with Weed. I am grateful, not annoyed."
"That’s right. As General Lake says, the King of Haiden created the spark for Weed and the Seasypho Kingdom to become friends, so we are grateful."
We shook hands to show our sincerity.
"I, I see. That is a relief."
Kagura let out a sigh of relief. Seeing that, General Lake spoke in a voice only I could hear.
"Kagura-dono seems to be having a difficult time."
"Well, she is a diplomat at such a young age. The mental strain must be immense. It seems there is quite a bit of jealousy from those around her as well."
"...That is to be expected when one becomes a diplomat for Weed. Considering the profits and interests involved, there will always be those who won't stay quiet. But why was she chosen as a diplomat?"
"Ah, are you unaware of the circumstances regarding that?"
"Yes. I would be grateful if you could explain it to me in detail later."
"Understood. I will certainly tell you later."
He doesn't know about Kagura's situation? It should be fairly well-known that she was the one who summoned us to Weed, but I suppose it’s mostly treated as a fairy tale. Perhaps he thought it would be rude to bring it up himself, or maybe he truly knows nothing. It’s possible he only knows the general outline—that Haiden and Findal clashed. Perhaps he knew of Weed's existence but didn't consider it important because he had never heard the name before?
Well, I can ask about that later.
"I’ve digressed. Is there anything in particular you would like to see?"
"Hmm. Now that you mention it, I want to see everything... but, let’s see. How is Weed’s fishing industry doing?"
"The fishing industry?"
That was an unexpected question. Ah, the Seasypho Kingdom is a maritime nation. So he wants to compare it to theirs? It’s an easy yardstick to measure us by. Still, this is a dungeon, after all. Well, I’m sure he knows that and is asking anyway...