第８１８堀：仲間は海の国へ (Part2)
"It usually takes months to cover this distance, but we’ll be there in just about a week."
"Well, that’s the power of a car for you."
"Cars are fast, certainly. I just hope we don't draw the same kind of scrutiny we faced in the High Elf lands or the Beast God’s domain."
"……That is a slight concern, but with General Riel leading the way, I don't think there will be any issues."
"You needn't worry about the masters, really. They are the type to leave no stone unturned in their preparations. My current concern is Dressa, who is leading the detachment in the Kingdom of Seasifo."
"……"
We fell silent at Rurua’s words.
I know she’s been put through rigorous training under Yuki’s direct orders, but she is still undeniably raw. I understand Yuki’s intent, and I support it. Of course, Dressa herself doesn't harbor any illusions about being fully prepared for such a task. Seeing her struggle to fulfill her duty despite knowing she’s essentially being used as a decoy—it’s impossible not to worry.
"You needn't be so anxious. The ladies and I will be standing by as instructors, so I don't foresee any particular problems."
Kirika offered those words of comfort, but the problem lies in the heart, not the logistics.
"I’m not worried about the physical side of things either, Kirika. I don't think there’s anyone over there who could truly threaten the current Dressa. My concern is how much she can endure when she isn't recognized by those around her."
"……I see. That is the nature of the problem, then."
Kirika seemed to grasp my meaning, her expression clouding with sympathy. As I wondered how to steer the conversation, Ratz spoke up.
"I understand Seraria’s concern, but if we’re going to talk about that, we were in the exact same position once, weren't we?"
"That’s true. These moments come for everyone eventually. I was shocked when Seraria suddenly appointed me as a unit commander back then."
"……My apologies for that."
Ah, that did happen, didn't it? In order to settle things with the Holy Nation of Litea and eliminate the hostile factions, I had appointed Eris, Ratz, and the others as impromptu unit commanders.
"As someone who was on the Litea side at the time, I must say, I never would have guessed it was your first battle," Rurua replied with a wry smile.
"We don't know the details of that time, but it seems quite a lot happened."
"……Hmm. I’ve heard the stories. Rurua and Seraria leading armies and clashing head-on."
"No, no. If that had actually happened, I wouldn't be alive today. We were only facing the opposition factions within the Holy Nation."
"Well, regardless of the political climate back then, we were short on personnel, so I had Eris and the others take command."
"Haha, that’s true. But mostly, it was because Seraria just overwhelmed the enemy."
"Riel was running wild, too."
"……That was a close call."
Ah, I remember that. Riel led a monster unit, tearing through the enemy lines like a whirlwind. I recall reading the report later about how she ended up surrounded and in quite a predicament.
"So, you see, we were in the same boat. I think this is just Dressa’s time to shine, don't you?"
"……I suppose you’re right. This is Dressa’s moment to prove herself."
"Exactly. Life never offers perfect preparation. But she has the carrier, our support, and even Mauve and the others are heading out. Instead of worrying, why not try believing in her?"
Eris looked at me intently as she said this.
"……You’re right. You’re absolutely right. Dressa lost her homeland and her family, yet she continues to fight on. She has endured far more pain than I ever have. I owe it to her to have faith."
"You’re surprisingly protective of Dressa, Seraria."
"It’s just… she reminds me of myself when I was younger. Training with the sword, sneaking out into the castle town… Elju is a sweet sister, but Dressa has that same spark."
"Indeed. In terms of personality, she may be quite similar to you. Though, she is far less honest when it comes to the master. That is a significant difference."
"Ah, I’ll say. It’s so obvious, yet so frustrating to watch."
"She’s being lumped in with Vilia and Hiiro, after all."
"Perhaps that’s a bigger problem than her responsibilities in Seasifo."
And so, we fretted over the future of our struggling youth.
"More importantly, we must ensure they negotiate the maritime rights with Seasifo."
"Indeed. There are delicious treasures of the sea to be had."
"We have the seafood of Earth in Weed, but this world must have its own unique, delicious aquatic life!"
Even if it’s technically to mitigate mana depletion, we aren't about to work for free. Since they have an ocean, we are going to claim our share. We have our own ambitions, after all.
And so, with our rear guard secured, Yuki and his party head straight for the Kingdom of Seasifo. We are left to see them off, but…
Forget all that—it’s about the seafood! We’re about to get our hands on the ocean of another world! Success!