第９０５堀：帰ってきた奥さんたちと竜人族 (Part2)
I was frantically spinning my wheels, trying to figure out how to smooth things over, when...
"Hahaha! Queen Miyabi, you still have a fondness for that maid outfit, I see."
"Ehh!?"
Gaur-dono laughed with such natural, genuine delight that it was almost infectious. Ah, that’s right—he mentioned he was an acquaintance of Queen Miyabi. Still, to be able to recognize her instantly despite that getup... just how long has Queen Miyabi been wearing that maid outfit, anyway?
"Indeed. Ever since I took on this appearance, Touya has been in much higher spirits. I’ve still got it, don't I?"
"Indeed you do. You haven't changed a bit since the old days, even though I, who was but a young man then, have become a complete old geezer."
"You’ve clearly had a harder life than I imagined. Here, drink up. You always liked this, didn't you? Lemon cider."
"Well, it’s just a testament to how much time has passed..."
"Hm? Are you boldly trying to suggest that I’m an old hag?"
"No, heaven forbid! I only meant that I’ve had my share of hardships. I shall accept this with gratitude. Everyone, make sure to thank her properly. This lady is the wife of that legendary Hero."
"Yes, sir!"
It seemed the power balance was clearly tipped in Queen Miyabi’s favor. For some reason, the other Dragonfolk were breaking into cold sweats, standing at rigid attention as they accepted their drinks.
"Queen Miyabi, why are the young Dragonfolk trembling?"
"I haven't the faintest idea. Hey, Gaur, did you fill their heads with something?"
"Not at all. I merely told them how Queen Miyabi and the Hero Touya-sama once subjugated a dragon that was terrorizing the people. I told them there are many powerful beings in this world that even dragons cannot defeat. Ah, I still cannot forget the impact of that moment when Miyabi-dono took down a dragon with a single punch."
"Wait, you did that?"
A shocking history had just come to light. Apparently, Queen Miyabi had punched a dragon into submission. No wonder the Dragonfolk were trembling.
"I did no such thing! Do not twist the facts! At that time, the dragon was already on the verge of death from a blow dealt by my husband, Touya, and it happened to collapse in our direction. I simply combined it with wind magic and struck it. Do not go around saying as if I defeated it with a single punch all by myself!"
"Even so, I never imagined that one could deliver the finishing blow to a dragon—even a dying one—with nothing but an elf's punch."
True enough. It just went to show how high Queen Miyabi’s true capabilities were.
"Nngh..."
"Well, it’s far better than being looked down upon, so please just bear with it."
"Hmph. Very well. I believe you have already been warned, but I will not permit any rampaging in Weed—and that includes you, Gaur. It would reflect poorly on my reputation, as I was the one who introduced you to Yuki-dono and the others. Do you understand?"
"Yes!"
The attendant Dragonfolk straightened their backs and answered in unison. Seeing this, I couldn't help but think: couldn't I just leave everything regarding the Dragonfolk to Queen Miyabi? Just as I was thinking that...
"I am, for all intents and purposes, a newcomer to this Intercontinental Alliance. If I were to say I’m taking these people under my wing, the other nations wouldn't be convinced. Isn't that right, Princesses of Gartz?"
"Ah, well... personally, I think it would be best if Queen Miyabi took charge of them..."
"Indeed. However, considering the location of Dragon Mountain, it stands to reason that Gartz or Roschur should be the ones to oversee them. It would be problematic in many ways to entrust them to the High Elf nation, which is located so far away."
In my heart, I wanted to agree with Lowell, but as Charl pointed out, from a national standpoint, we couldn't just hand them over. Well, the leaders of the major powers would likely understand if we explained it, but the smaller nations with no prior connection would start asking "Why?" And if they started complaining about why they couldn't be the ones in charge, it would become a massive headache.
"Well, Queen Miyabi, it would be good for the High Elf nation to build up some track record, so let's just frame it as them cooperating with us as old acquaintances."
"That is the only way. If we do that, there shouldn't be any issues with leaving a portion of the Dragonfolk's management to Queen Miyabi."
"It’s a bit of a gray area, but the fact that you are acquaintances carries a lot of weight. If we publicly announce that Gartz and Weed will cover the expenses, we should be able to make it work."
As we discussed these troublesome matters, the bus continued on its way.
"Oh, by the way, Riel. Did you get any souvenirs?"
"Ah, not at all. We were so busy with one thing and another. I wonder if Aslin and the others will be disappointed?"
"That’ll be fine. Gaur-san and the others have come to visit, and more than anything, they’ll just be happy that you’re back."
"...Aslin and the others will be happiest just to have us home."
Behind me, they were getting excited talking about souvenirs—the contrast in temperature was amusing. I wonder... Queen Miyabi really was a force to be reckoned with. Well, she was the wife of a Hero, so I suppose that was only natural.
And so, Queen Miyabi the Maid remained as energetic as ever.