第９９２堀：たのしいほうもん (Part2)
"Yes. My name is Eris, and I serve as an assistant to Yuki-san."
"An assistant, you say? I see. I had suspected you were no ordinary person, but are you a key figure in Weed?"
"Your insight is sharp, as expected. I am entrusted with the accounting and financial management here in Weed."
"…Finance, is it? Another heavyweight has emerged. To think that even the one who manages the national treasury has come to Zurable—it’s a wonder your country continues to function at all."
"We have already cultivated enough successors, so I have been able to entrust much of the work to them."
"Ho-ho. To have reliable subordinates is truly an enviable thing. Now then, those goblins over there—are they the ones who demonstrated the exercises for me?"
"Yes. They will be serving as your escort during your visit to Weed."
"I see. I am well aware of the prowess of those goblins. Yes, there will be no issues with them. If anything, I fear that because we are so ignorant of your ways, we may cause you trouble. I leave our safety in your hands."
Emperor Eupia did not merely accept the goblin escort without objection; he even went so far as to suggest that he and his party might be the ones causing trouble. My, he is remarkably humble—or perhaps just incredibly polite.
"It’s alright. We will make sure to guide you and your party properly, Emperor Eupia-chan."
"We will!"
"Haha, I suppose so. Eris-dono, I apologize, but I intend to rely on Aslin and the others for our guidance."
"Ahaha, you really are close, aren't you?"
"It’s a bit of a headache, though..."
Eris and Schans both wore troubled expressions. It seems they are at a loss for how to reprimand them. I shouldn't just stand here idly watching, should I?
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Let’s begin the tour."
"Oh, Yuki-dono. I leave it to you. Now then, where are we?"
"This is a portion of our military facilities here in Weed."
"Ho? A military facility?"
At my words, not only Emperor Eupia but also Schans sharpened their gazes, scanning the surroundings in an instant. Their guards had been watching the area carefully from the start, but this was different—it felt like pure, unadulterated curiosity.
Still…
"Hmm. It looks like nothing more than a training ground."
"It would seem so."
Indeed, as the two of them noted, this is a training ground. In modern terms, it’s just a wide-open field. On the track circling the perimeter, some off-duty troops are running laps. This is standard procedure. I make it a rule to route all unofficial visits from countries that haven't been through the formal process through here. That way, if anything happens, we can suppress it immediately without other nations ever catching wind of it.
Though, in reality, such a situation has never actually occurred.
"Now, as part of the tour, please board this bus. We will take you to your lodgings."
"A bus? Ah, that strange, large box over there. Now that you mention it, it does look somewhat similar to the carriage you arrived in, Yuki-dono."
"Yes. It is a large vehicle designed to transport many people at once. We call it a bus."
"Ho-ho. That sounds exciting! Aslin, Firia, can you show us the way?"
"Yep, follow me!"
"Board from here!"
Before I could even finish my explanation, Emperor Eupia and the girls were already climbing aboard with cheerful laughter.
"H-hey, Your Majesty!? Goodness! My apologies, Yuki-sama. May we also board that bus?"
"Yes, of course. Please, the guards are welcome to join as well. Feel free to take any seat you like."
I’d hate to deal with the rigid seating protocols of the Zurable Empire, after all.
"I appreciate your consideration. Everyone, board at once and form a defensive formation to protect His Majesty!"
"Yes, sir!"
Yes, these soldiers are truly excellent. They follow the order to board a vehicle they’ve never seen before without a single complaint. This is how a proper soldier should behave. Even if the order is unreasonable.
Man, they are a far cry from Steve and his lot, who complain about everything. Maybe I should tell them to use these guys as a model.
While I was lost in such foolish thoughts, everyone had finished boarding. I confirmed this, hopped on with Eris and the others, and…
"Oh, this is quite comfortable. The back is especially nice. We can all sit together."
"Yeah, it’s a smooth ride."
"The back is very spacious!"
"Well, it is a special model with extra seating, after all."
"Would you like something to drink?"
"Hiiro, orange juice."
"Ah, I’ll have water, please."
"Ho! You even have drinks prepared? Oh, and it’s cold! Is this an ice cellar?"
Emperor Eupia doesn't seem to have any issues at all. If anything, he’s enjoying himself completely. Well, I suppose that’s better than him being terrified of riding it.
"Schans-dono, would you like something to drink?"
"Ah, no. Don't trouble yourself."
She’s far too tense; I’m worried she might get motion sickness. A first visit is always exciting, isn't it? Though, it’s also a fact that it can be exhausting.
What will the Zurable Empire gain from this visit, I wonder?