落とし穴１６１堀：今年を振り返る (Part2)
"Haha. They adore Aslin, after all."
Rurua offered this follow-up with a wry smile, which should give you an idea of just how massive their combined combat power is.
Well, the members of the Ten Demon Beasts under Aslin’s command are always fully motivated whenever they fight alongside her.
"Let’s get back on track, shall we? After we thought we’d solved the maritime issues in Ceasiph, the reincarnated individual, Menou, appeared."
"But Menou-san was quite friendly, wasn't she?"
"I suppose so."
Menou, a woman who had been Japanese in her previous life and served Ceasiph, surprisingly didn't cross swords with us.
Well, amidst all the various troubles we were facing, the appearance of someone like her was a relief.
Since she was mass-producing and deploying pseudo-guns, I had assumed she was a warmonger, but it turned out she was quite aware of her own limitations—or rather, she realized her own lack of power.
It’s the classic case of knowing that a tool exists, but it being meaningless if you don't know how to create it.
Still, Menou managed to attain a high position in Ceasiph by utilizing that sliver of knowledge. It’s not as if she wasn't putting in the effort.
"And after that, the investigation of Dragon Mountain."
"We were kept busy running back and forth, weren't we? Just when we thought we were done with Ceasiph in the New Continent, we were suddenly dealing with the Dragonman legend in the Rogali Continent."
"I was truly surprised that the legendary Dragonmen actually existed."
To think there was a race of people living on the mountain peak who could actually transform into dragons.
Personally, I had expected to have to trade blows with the dragon above before we could even start a dialogue, but I’m glad that ended peacefully as well.
"But they did mention something concerning, didn't they? A different kind of Dragonman, separate from the Dragonman village."
"Indeed. They spoke of it. An evil dragon. One of those dragons from the fairy tales."
"But Deryu, you’ve never seen one before, have you?"
"I have not. In the first place, areas attacked by dragons are generally reduced to scorched earth. Since there was no tyrannical rule to speak of, I never felt the need to investigate them specifically."
I see. To Deryu, they were just another type of natural disaster, not something she felt the need to intervene in.
"And then, after welcoming Gaul and the Dragonman tribe into the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, it was finally time for your wedding with Kagura and the others."
That’s right. Visiting the Dragonman village was also for the sake of holding that wedding.
Though, it was also intended to ensure the success of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance conference and to promote unity.
For me, it was about settling things.
Honestly, I was surprised that everyone agreed to marry me when I asked them, "You wouldn't want to marry someone like me, right?"—fully expecting to be turned down.
"It was wonderful, wasn't it? Jessica, Samantha, and Cleena were finally able to wear their dresses. Vilia, Dressa, and Hiiro were even tearing up. Oh, and I was quite surprised when Agil showed up."
"I felt the same way. Agil is a researcher, so I thought she had no interest in marriage. What did you think, Master?"
"Honestly, I was surprised too. That said, in Agil's case, it was a matter of orders from above."
Still, the marriage proposal with Agil went surprisingly smoothly for both of us.
It was a simple, "Shall we get married?" "Sure." And just like that, it was over.
That, in itself, was a rare experience.
"Well, those girls love you too, so make sure you treat them well."
"I know."
Even so, my nights are already completely packed. I really want a break. In more ways than one.
But that’s not going to happen.
"And finally, there was the matter of the Ceasiph envoy who never returned from Gusdo."
"That was a difficult situation. We ended up caught between the forces led by the new Emperor of the Zrable Great Empire and the various nations that still served the old Emperor."
As Deryu said, we were unlucky enough to stumble right into the middle of a war.
"But we couldn't just ignore it. For the sake of Ceasiph, and for the sake of the innocent people who had nothing to do with it."
Everyone nodded at those words.
If we can save them, we save them.
It’s as simple as that.
That was true in the past, and it’s true now.
"Oh, look at the time."
I checked the clock and it was already past 6:00 PM.
"Time to start preparing dinner."
"Oh, I’m looking forward to it."
"Indeed. See that it is done well."
"I’ll help you, Yuki-san."
"Ria, no. You’re pregnant, remember?"
Listening to that conversation, I stepped out of the room.
Well then, we’ve had a lot happen, but let’s end the year by eating something delicious and welcoming the New Year in high spirits.
How was your year?
It seems it was another hectic year for Yuki and his companions.
The snowman had quite a lot going on as well.
That said, I will continue writing as usual, so I hope you will continue to support me next year.
I would like to post the next update on January 1st, but there’s a lot going on, so I’m not sure if I’ll make it in time.
Please forgive me if the update ends up being on the 2nd.
Well then, have a happy New Year!