第８０８堀：建前と本音 (Part2)
With that, Princess Stasia and Agil began brushing the sand from their bodies. As they did, the way their hands brushed against their chests, causing them to sway with a soft, supple rhythm, was undeniably alluring.
"Oh, they’re actually quite a sight to behold."
"Well, those two always carry themselves with such poise. I suppose they make for quite the picture."
As I watched the sensuous scene of them dusting off the sand, Princess Stasia and General Agil turned toward us...
"No, I mean... when you stare so brazenly, it’s hard to even feel embarrassed."
"Or rather, the truth is that we don't have the luxury of feeling that way. So, Yuki, what did Taiki come here for? You didn’t come all this way just to laugh at our disheveled state or to indulge in base desires, did you? Or perhaps, Yuki, were you simply captivated by my figure?"
"Hm? Ah, I’m definitely smitten with Agil, no doubt about it."
I don't know why, but Agil always greets me with this kind of banter. Is it that she’s finally finding it too difficult to work for Enaria and wants me to poach her?
"My, what a nonchalant reply... though I really do wish you’d take me off their hands already."
"That’ll have to wait until the various parties involved reach an agreement. You can’t just vanish from Enaria overnight, can you?"
"Oh, that’s surprisingly forward of you. But this isn't the place for such delicate matters."
"Indeed. I would prefer you not discuss such things right in front of me. To be perfectly honest, I would very much like to have General Agil as well."
"Eh!?"
Agil reacted with exaggerated shock at the Princess’s words.
"No, I meant it in the general sense—surely any nation would be desperate for Agil’s knowledge and technical expertise, wouldn't they?"
"Ah... is that what you meant?"
"Was there some other implication, perhaps?"
"No, not at all!! Hahaha!! Come now, get up, everyone!! Don't go showing Yuki such a pathetic sight!!"
Suddenly high-strung, Agil began rousing Kagura and the others, who had been lying motionless on the ground.
"Fueh!? Yuki!! Where!?"
"Yuki-sensei, please help us!! We can't beat the octopus at all!!"
"Ugh, so sticky..."
"...Funya!? I thought I was dreaming, but Yuki-dono is really here!?"
Upon confirming my presence, Kagura and the others scrambled to their feet, their expressions turning tense. Am I some kind of drill sergeant?
"Just what kind of training are you putting them through?"
"Well, I left the training policy to Deryu and Mauve... wait, there they are. What are you lot doing?"
My gaze fell upon Deryu and Mauve, who were busy hauling cargo out of the cottage’s warehouse.
"Hm? What are we doing? We’re tending to these exhausted girls—oh, Yuki, it’s you."
"It was almost time for a meal. Kagura and the others are just spent from fighting Aslin’s 'Octopus-kun'."
"That 'Octopus-kun' again?"
"Ah, you mean that colossal octopus. Isn't that a bit impossible for them?"
"No, no, they actually put up a decent fight, didn't they, Mauve?"
"Aye. I’ll give them credit; they’re used to combat. It was a close call this time, but that aside, did you need something?"
"Ah, right, I got sidetracked."
That’s right, I had business with Kagura and the others.
"Deryu, Mauve—can I borrow Kagura and the others, or rather, Micos, for a while and take her with me?"
"Why Micos, of all people? I can't agree to anything without hearing the reason. If you just toss her into the Sea of Seasypho like this, she’ll surely die."
"No, I don't think it’s quite that dire, but yeah, consecutive battles are tough. So, where exactly are you planning to take her?"
Hmm, hmm. It seems Mauve thinks they can handle a bit more. As for Deryu, well, she’s got the Demon Lord’s standard for everything. But more importantly, the reason.
"Look, it’s Micos’s family home. Since I’m heading to Seasypho, I need to get permission to establish a base there."
"Ah, that was a thing, wasn't it? You haven't paid your respects yet?"
"Well, I haven't had a reason to go until now, have I?"
"Come to think of it, that’s true. Will this help secure the border defenses as well?"
"I don't think Seasypho has any reason to attack for now, but it’s better to be properly coordinated with the locals, right?"
"Indeed. So, shall we call off the training for now?"
"I’d appreciate that."
" " "Yay!!!" " "
Micos and the others cheered in the background. It seems the training was quite grueling for them. And so, we set off toward Micos’s family home.
Yes, just because we have an aircraft carrier doesn't mean we don't need an airfield!! That is why building an airfield is absolutely essential!! This is not sophistry; it is a matter of common sense!! An army relies on numbers, and the strength of the organization is what counts!! I am definitely not building an airfield just because I want to fly in the sky, or anything like that!!
What a magnificent excuse. And meanwhile, unaware of all this, Kagura and the others remained covered in slime.