第８３０堀：いつだって唐突で (Part2)
"Ah, well, I suppose that’s true. Unlike this continent, it’s quite common for women to hold positions of authority there. They are formidable, too."
"Indeed. I am aware. I caught a glimpse of it at the training grounds. So, you mean to say these young girls are the same?"
"As you can see, they are still green, but yes."
"Hmm. So, we are two of a kind, then."
"Well, let’s leave it at that for now. Though, it seems the people over there are rather dissatisfied."
My brother said this, and as he directed his gaze, I saw a man in the military uniform of General Lake’s forces, his face twisted into a scowl, glaring right at us.
"Hey, you, show a little more—"
"General Lake. Even if this is a mock battle, it is still a proper engagement. To have our opponents be such tender, inexperienced girls is an insult. As a member of the Sea-Siphon navy, it is a disgrace to suffer such condescension in silence. Above all, to be led by a man so depraved that he would mobilize women, children, and even pathetic goblins as soldiers..."
"You fool!! You’ve said far too much!!"
Huh? What did that guy just say?
*CRACK!!*
"Whoa, Vilia!!"
"What is it, Dressa?"
"Vili-sis. Look at your feet."
"Yes?"
At Hiiro’s prompting, I looked down to see the stone tile beneath me had shattered.
"Oh my, I wonder if it had simply reached the end of its lifespan?"
"..."
For some reason, all the people from Sea-Siphon had turned pale and fallen silent.
I wonder why?
Actually, I’m fairly certain that man just...
"Ahem. Then, shall we agree that today’s mock battle will conclude once the representatives of each side have boarded the opposing flagship and successfully rescued—or rather, tagged—the representative stationed there?"
"U-um. That will suffice. It is a fine opportunity to gauge each other’s level of training. Everyone, attend to your duties. Begin preparations."
"Yes, sir!!"
"Right, let’s get our own preparations underway."
"Yes!"
Wait, I mustn't forget.
Naval warfare begins with the preparation of the ships themselves.
No, they say that in all battles, the outcome is decided before the first blow is struck.
It means that prior preparation is everything.
And I am an officer of an aircraft carrier.
We didn't get to board the carrier immediately, however; instead, we were tasked with guiding the Queen of Sea-Siphon and her retainers.
"...It is quite different to actually step aboard compared to merely hearing the tales or viewing it from afar."
"I imagine so. This technology is truly beyond words."
We arrived at the carrier and began guiding Queen Emerald, though I was grateful that General Lake and Chancellor Aquamarine stepped in to mediate, sparing me from having to provide detailed explanations.
I wouldn't be this nervous if it were Sister Seraria, but naturally, I find myself tense in the presence of a queen from another nation.
As I was lost in such thoughts...
"Tell me, Vilia, was it?"
"Y-yes!"
For some reason, the Queen had addressed me directly.
"There is no need to be so tense. And you are Hiiro, correct?"
"That’s right! Your Majesty."
"H-hey, Hiiro. You should answer more properly..."
"It is quite alright. Children should be exactly as they are. Isn't that right, Louis?"
"Ha, Mother is as indulgent with children as ever. Though, they do say children are the treasure of the nation."
"Indeed. And I wished to ask why Vilia and Hiiro—treasures of Weed, as it were—have come to such a dangerous place."
The Queen knelt, bringing herself down to our eye level.
"I assume you did not come merely to play, yet you are at an age where you surely still wish to. What is it you seek by coming here with Lord Yuki? If I may be blunt, you still appear quite immature. And you seem to understand that yourselves. Even that Captain, Lady Dressa. Well, one can tell from her demeanor that Lady Dressa is of noble birth. But you two... I cannot quite grasp it. It does not seem as though you were forced, and yet..."
Ah, I see. The Queen is worried about us.
She wants to know if we are pushing ourselves, or if we were dragged here against our will.
I must answer her clearly.
"I came here of my own volition. To be of use to my brother."
"Yeah. Hiiro is the same. We decided that we would do our best for our brother."
Yes, I conveyed our feelings clearly.
"...I see. Then I shall say no more. I look forward to the mock battle."
"Yes."
"We’ll do our best!"
Well, there’s no turning back now.
We must prove that we are the sword and shield worthy of my brother!!
Boarding combat on an aircraft carrier, you say?
HAHAHA!!
Still, this is the best way for us to truly understand one another.
We can keep our weapons hidden, and Vilia and the others can secure their standing.
Now, let’s see if Vilia and Hiiro can take down the enemy ship!