第８７７堀：自然な結果 (Part1)
Side: Agil
"Wow, it looks like things really progressed while we were away. But before we get into that, I should say congratulations, right?"
"Yes. Thank you, Comet."
"Thank you very much, Comet-san."
"I'm so happy! Hiiro is invincible right now!"
"Ahahaha! You certainly are invincible."
Comet, Dressa, Vilia, and Hiiro were chatting away cheerfully. It seemed that while we were having fun researching—I mean, performing monitoring duties—at the bottom of the sea, the situation had shifted drastically.
Well, these three had adored Yuki for a long time now...
"I'm glad for you. I can't offer much in the way of a celebration here, but please, have some cake."
"Yes. Thank you, Agil-san."
"Thanks, Agil."
"Yay!"
I could congratulate them sincerely. However... however...
"Still, with Kagura, Mikos, Enora, and even Her Highness Stasia added to the mix, Yuki’s going to have his hands full."
"It’s a real nuisance; thanks to them, his proposal to us was delayed," Dressa remarked.
"Now, now. Once we heard the story from our brothers and sisters, the reasons were quite understandable," Vilia added.
"Big brother is popular, so it's hard. But I never thought Big Sis Sta would become his wife. I definitely wanted to double-check that," Hiiro chirped.
"Ahahaha! And to think she intended to decline, only for it to turn into a proposal before she knew it! That’s incredible! Truly a surprise!" Comet laughed.
Indeed, the strange thing was that for some reason, Kagura and the other members from the New Continent had become Yuki’s before I did. Shouldn't I have been first in line?
I knew they loved him too, but still... there’s that feeling of 'I found him first,' you know?
"Well, I get the gist of it. But if that's the case, aren't you three technically newlyweds? Why did you leave Yuki’s side to come here? Surely you didn't come all this way just to report your marriage? We do head back to Weed every now and then."
It was a valid point. There was no need to come all this way just for a marriage announcement. While I could see the polite Vilia doing it, it didn't seem like something Dressa or Hiiro would prioritize. I don't mean they're rude; I just mean there’s no reason to travel here for something that could be handled in Weed.
"Oh, we came here to report the marriage, yes, but primarily we're here to assess the current situation and discuss future policies."
"Future policies? Isn't that something we should hear from Yuki?"
"That was the case until now, but things won't be going that way anymore," Vilia explained.
"...What do you mean? Did something happen to Yuki? I haven't heard anything."
If something had happened to Yuki, the executive class should have been notified immediately. That included me. But I didn't recall receiving any such message.
"Big Sis Jill, he’s not hurt or anything. It’s just that with the Seacypho alliance becoming official, he can't keep up with the monitoring duties over here anymore," Hiiro said.
"Ah, I see. Officially, the matter here is settled," Comet noted.
As Comet said, the issues regarding Seacypho have reached a conclusion. While there is still follow-up monitoring, it would look suspicious if Yuki himself were directly managing it. It would be like announcing that there are secrets or troubles being hidden.
"So, Dressa and the others came as Yuki’s representatives?"
"Yes. For the time being, we are the commanders and executives for this maritime monitoring zone. We’ve been entrusted with coordinating with Comet and Agil. Of course, you’re still welcome to report directly to Yuki, but..."
"But he’s so busy it’s uncertain if we can get through?"
"Exactly. He’ll probably listen if it’s an emergency, but he’s told us to handle minor issues ourselves."
True. It might hurt my pride to call this 'mere research,' but it’s unheard of for a head of state to personally oversee every single research report unless they are incredibly eccentric and have far too much free time. Yuki understands the value of this research, so he visited often, but there’s a limit to everything. And it seems we’ve reached that limit.
Still, this means my points of contact with him are going to decrease even further. As I was wondering what to do...
"Also, Agil. You’ve been summoned back to the Enaria mainland to report on this entire series of events. Your subordinates at the embassy told Souta they couldn't get a hold of you and asked me to pass the message along."
"Huh? But I'm technically part of the technical team..."
"You did come here for technical acquisition, but before that, you’re a diplomat from Enaria. Since the announcement went out that the Seacypho matter is concluded, that’s likely what it’s about. Honestly, how many days has it been since you last returned to the embassy?"
"...I see. Ugh, what a pain. Let’s see... about two weeks?"
"That’s way too long!"
"Ahaha! Well, once I get into my research, I just lose track of time. Besides, I really don't want to go. It’s such a hassle."
Yes, it was truly a hassle. From the bottom of my heart, it was a pain.
"Don't just be lazy about it; go and report already. Otherwise, you won't be able to continue your research here."
"I know. But explaining everything that happened on the New Continent from scratch is going to be incredibly tedious. When I first told them about Weed, they asked if I’d finally lost my mind."
"...Well, I suppose that’s a natural reaction."
"The saving grace is that this country isn't as insane as Weed, and I have been sending preliminary reports."
Even so, things change when you have to speak in person. It doesn't change the fact that it's a chore. Explaining things to those stiff-necked old men is always a struggle. Plus, with the news of Kagura and the others getting married, I’m sure I’ll be interrogated about all sorts of things.
*Sigh...* This is just going to distance me from Yuki even more.
Just as I was thinking that...
"But Agil-oneesama, shouldn't you be reporting your own marriage to Big Brother as well?"
"Pardon?"
Vilia said something very strange. Reporting my marriage to Yuki?
"...Wait, I’ve never received a marriage proposal from Yuki..."
I tilted my head, racking my brain to remember, but there wasn't a shred of a memory regarding such a conversation. Seeing me like this, Hiiro also tilted her head.
"Um, Big Sis Ria said that during the Intercontinental Exchange Declaration, Big Brother said he wanted Big Sis Jill."
"Oh, I heard that too. Do you not remember it yourself, Agil?"
"Wait a second. That was surely..."
Yes, I remember. It was the day of the Intercontinental Exchange Declaration. I met Yuki in front of the venue...
*'...You look tired. Something wrong?'*
*'Well, a lot of things.'*
The old men, including the King, had mocked my flat-chested, child-like physique and suggested that since I seemed to have a death wish, they should grant it. Prism and the others had stepped in to stop them, and then...
*'I see. If there's anything I can do, just say the word. Things have been rough for Kagura's side too.'*
*'Ah, them too? Well, I suppose that's to be expected.'*
After that exchange, feeling a bit like I was in a dream, I had blurted out:
*'Oh, I know. In that case, why don't you just make me your mistress?'*
But even then, Yuki had remained calm...