第８７５堀：男たちの飲み会 (Part2)
Perhaps someone with a few screws loose could find enjoyment in such a situation, but we are, in the end, ordinary men. That is why...
"For now, just maintain a sense of moderation befitting the situation. Besides, as I said before, there is no need for you to worry so much, Yuki-kun."
"No, Taizo-san, why do you say I don't need to worry?"
"Because you have us, of course, but more importantly, you have those wives you're so proud of, don't you? With them and us around, none of us would ever permit simple infidelity."
"He's right," Taiki added. "If you started acting truly reckless, we’d step in to stop you."
"I feel the same," Zargis agreed. "If you did something like that, the stability of Weed would be compromised. You have nothing to worry about on that front."
Seeing our consensus, Yuki-kun finally seemed to relax.
"...I see. So if I ever stray from the path, you'll be there to stop me. Besides, it’s not as if I’m going to end up with any more wives than I already have. I suppose I was overthinking things."
His expression softened as he finally found some peace of mind. Well, normally, it isn't that easy for one's wives to increase in number.
...That said, while it wasn't exactly "easy" for Yuki-kun, he did have a proven track record of steadily accumulating them. There was no need to point that out now, though. As his elder, the right thing to do was to simply keep him company over drinks.
Eventually, the conversation shifted toward Seasifo.
"...And so, since I didn't sense any particular malice from the reincarnated man named Menou, I've decided to leave him be for now," Yuki explained.
"Hmm. Faking his level, was he? That is the only point of concern," Taizo mused. "However, if he intended to do anything, he would have attacked by now... Taiki-kun, do you share that opinion?"
"Yeah. He just felt like a typical Japanese guy struggling to get by over here. Zargis, what do you think?"
"Well, I haven't met him personally, and I'm not particularly skilled at judging character. However, looking at the situation, if he truly possessed power exceeding our own, the New Continent would likely already be under Seasifo's control. In the end, his strength and developmental capabilities are probably exactly what they appear to be."
The conclusion regarding Menou was nearly unanimous: he was harmless. There was no reason to provoke someone who was keeping to themselves. All that remained was to ensure their participation in the intercontinental exchange was approved without issue.
"That reminds me," Taizo said, "speaking of Seasifo, what has become of the Blue Hole since then?"
The Blue Hole. A shaft-like abyss formed in the ocean—one of the great natural mysteries of the sea. It was the perfect place to study the ecology of marine monsters. My heart as a researcher couldn't help but ache with curiosity.
"Since then? There hasn't been much change. We've stationed an aircraft carrier there to monitor and investigate the area. I've instructed them to send data every week, and they'll contact us immediately if anything happens."
"I see. I'll have to look into that in more detail."
"Indeed. The ocean is a fascinating subject," Zargis added, nodding with visible excitement.
Even Taiki, sitting next to him, looked intrigued. It seemed the sea held a certain sense of romance for everyone.
"Comet and Agil are the main ones investigating it, so you can probably get the latest information from them. Actually, Taizo-san, Zargis, I'll give you both permission to travel to the Blue Hole. Go see the site whenever you have some free time. It would be a big help if you discover anything."
"Oh, that would be wonderful. I'll head there at once. Zargis-dono, how does tomorrow look for you?"
"Ah, as much as I would love to join you, since Comet is away, I have to manage the laboratory. I shall leave the site in your hands, Taizo-dono. I would be delighted if you could share any interesting findings with me later."
"Understood. Leave it to me."
As we delved deeper into talk of research, the drinks continued to flow. Before we knew it, closing time had arrived.
"Taizo-san. It's fine to get lost in talk of research and drink, but you must respect the time."
"My apologies, Hifi-san," I said, bowing my head sheepishly to Hifi, who had come to collect me.
While I was being scolded, I looked over to see Yuki-kun's side of things.
"Come on, Yuki. We're going home."
"Yuki-sama, let us return."
Watching Yuki-kun being dragged away by Enola and Princess Stacia as if it were the most natural thing in the world, I couldn't help but think that the real challenge of his night was only just beginning.
And so, the men continued their own exchange. If anything went wrong, Taizo and the others would be there to stop it. Yuki, in turn, used these moments to ensure he wasn't becoming a fool. In a world so full of women, these kinds of bonds were just as essential.