第８５０堀：魔物を招く石 (Part1)
**The Stone that Invites Monsters**
**Side: Kagura**
"…So, the sea area survey will take some time, and in the meantime, I'd like to track Aquenoki's movements. Can you cooperate?"
"Yes, leave it to me!" I accepted Yuki's request immediately, without a second thought.
"Wait, Kagura. What about the magic instruction Seasifo asked you for?! It's really bad to go against the Princess's orders."
"That's right, Senior. I don't think this is a good idea."
It wasn't just Solo who tried to stop me, but surprisingly, Mikos as well. However, I had anticipated this level of resistance.
"We've already finished the stage where all of us need to be present for that, haven't we?"
"Well, I sometimes think one of you, like Mikos, would be enough. Are you saying we should use that?"
"Yes. While one person teaches, the others will help Yuki. Even the Princess said Yuki's safety is the top priority, so it'll be fine."
"I see. That's a great idea, Kagura!" Mikos's quick understanding was a great help.
Indeed, the soldiers of Seasifo were all serious, perhaps because the nation's prestige was at stake, and there was no opposition. Therefore, just one of us was enough to teach them. It was as if our initial worries had vanished.
"Um, is that really okay?"
"It's fine, Solo. Besides, there's always the option of returning to process the paperwork for sending promising students from Seasifo to the academy."
"Oh, that's a nice idea."
"Ohh..." Solo seemed to be too serious for this kind of thing. Huh? I'm supposed to be an honor student too, aren't I? Well, I guess it's that thing where you start to resemble your husband. Hehe... You can't survive in this world by just being an honor student.
Just as I was thinking that...
"What's with that sloppy look on your face, Kagura?"
"Huh? What's with you, Enora? And why are you even here?" Enora suddenly picked a fight.
"I merely stated a fact. Honestly, Yuki isn't just having an audience with King Hiden. He's also meeting Archbishop Enol. That's why Princess Stacia and I are here too."
"We were originally diplomats to Weed, not Seasifo. And given what Lord Yuki told us about Seasifo's problem, it's not certain that Aquenoki isn't involved, and the problem might not be limited to Seasifo. To confirm this, I apologize to Kagura, but we will be accompanying you."
"Ah, no. I'm reassured if Princess Stacia is with us." She was our New Continent's only female general, a beacon of hope for us women in this New Continent where male chauvinism was deeply rooted. If she said so, then it must be true.
"Well, if the discussion is settled, we'll move immediately. Is that alright?"
"Ah, yes. It's fine."
And so, for the first time in a while, we left the aircraft carrier and returned to our homeland. There were a lot of unexpected additions, but I suppose it couldn't be helped.
"I see, so that's why you've returned."
"Yes. There's a possibility that Aquenoki is involved in the monster appearances in Seasifo's waters, so we'd like any information gathered on Aquenoki since then. Also, here is the progress report on the magic instruction for Seasifo's soldiers."
The person accepting the documents was Princess Carrie, my superior. She seemed as busy as ever, with what looked like bags under her eyes, but I had to keep quiet as it would be rude to point it out.
"I'll take these. I'll contact you later regarding the magic instruction. And Lord Yuki, have you informed Seasifo about the possibility of a connection between their problem and Aquenoki?"
"Of course not. There's a chance the situation could become complicated if we do." Yuki was right. If Aquenoki were involved in Seasifo's maritime problems, it would be devastating for Hiden and the Hile Faith. If they were required to pay reparations or apologize, it would be difficult for them both financially and in terms of their standing. Of course, they could refuse, but the matter of the fanatics had already been communicated to various countries as a failure of the Hile Faith, and if they did nothing about the damage, the authority of the Hile Faith would plummet.
"I'm relieved to hear that. Though I didn't think Lord Yuki would carelessly say such a thing."
"Naturally. If I mishandled it, it could affect not just Hiden's standing but also intercontinental relations. I wouldn't say such a thing." Indeed, this issue affected not only Hiden and the Hile Faith but also intercontinental relations.
"So, I'd like to know how much information has been gathered regarding Aquenoki and the Assembly of Wisdom..."
"Please wait. That falls under my uncle, His Majesty's jurisdiction. I've already requested a meeting..."
"No, I'm here." Just then, His Majesty suddenly entered the Princess's office.
"...Your Majesty. Why are you here?"
"What do you mean 'why'? Yuki has business with me, doesn't he? So I came here."
"As a head of state, there's a certain decorum..."
"Carrie. When you say 'decorum as a head of state,' Weed is of equal standing, isn't it? And the other party is Yuki, a hero who saved nations, isn't he? In fact, given the difference in national power, Hiden should be bowing its head, shouldn't it?"
No, His Majesty was right, but that's not how nations work... In fact, His Majesty was surprisingly lighthearted. As one of his retainers, and as a member of one of the three prominent families, I hesitated, wondering what I should say, when...
"Hey, King Hiden. There's no point in teasing Princess Carrie. And you lot behind him, come out."
"Oh, you caught us. Too bad." With that, His Majesty stepped away from the doorway, and from behind him...
"Well, it's no surprise Lord Yuki would know."
"Father?! No, Your Majesty!! Why are you here?!"
"What do you mean 'why'? I'm just here for a meeting. Now, through the gates, Findar Royal Capital, Hiden Royal Capital, and the Hile Faith's main temple are now close neighbors, easily accessible."
King Findar said the same and stepped aside, revealing even more...
"Hello, excuse our intrusion."
"Even Archbishop Enol is here?!"
"Yes, of course. Today is the day for our meeting and dinner party."
"Ah, now that you mention it, it is."
...Ah, now that Archbishop Enol mentioned it, I finally remembered. Today was indeed the day for the New Continent Exchange Conference. They held regular meetings using the gates provided by Weed.
"Wait, Princess. You didn't know?"
"Of course I knew. But I didn't expect them to bring both of you to my office."
"Well, that's true."
Before I knew it, the three people who were the subject of discussion were casually seated on the sofas, each as they pleased...
"Here's your tea."
"Yes. King Findar, you had tea, right? And Archbishop Enol, coffee."
The super maids, Kirue and Sasari, had already prepared the tea. Oh, of course, our portions had already been prepared.
"Hmm. Kirue's tea is delicious as always. Now, as much as I'd like to enjoy this tea, first, it was about Aquenoki and the Assembly of Wisdom, wasn't it?"