第１１６２堀：挨拶周り 序 (Part2)
"Yes. I’ll graciously accept your thanks, but do keep in mind that we’ll be frequenting high-class inns like that one often, so you’d best get used to it."
"Understood."
I see. So that was the intention behind it all.
Indeed, as the right hand to Yuki-sama, the Prince Consort, there will be many occasions to utilize such luxurious inns and lodgings. It stands to reason that living in such places is part of our training.
Ah, so that means we were being tested even while we were at that inn.
...I assume the fact that I took three baths in the hot spring won't be held against me?
"Now then, our destination for today is the fields."
"Pardon?"
Oh dear, my mind must have been wandering, for I clearly misheard Riel-sama.
For a moment, it sounded as if she said one of the pillars of Weed was out in the fields.
Perhaps my expression betrayed my confusion, as Tori-sama chuckled softly.
"It’s no lie, you know. Weed puts a great deal of effort into agriculture. Are you aware of that?"
"Ah, yes. I’ve heard that Weed produces its own unique vegetables and fruits. Oh, is that what you meant?"
My own words finally brought the realization home to me.
"Exactly. It seems Orelia has caught on. To explain it simply for Yayui and Hobis as well: 'Agriculture' is one of Weed’s primary industries. That is why we have representatives appointed to manage it properly."
"Is that so? Then, the person we are going to meet today is..."
"The representative of the Agricultural District, perhaps?"
"That’s right. The current representative is a middle-aged man, but the vice-representative is a friend of ours and one of Yuki-san’s wives."
I see. I had heard that Seraria-sama had gathered many talented women through Yuki-sama to manage Weed, and it seems that was no mere rumor.
With that, we arrived at the agricultural district of Weed, but...
"Wow, it’s incredibly vast!"
Yayui let out a cry of surprise, her eyes scanning the horizon.
I must admit, I was equally stunned. As far as the eye could see, plains stretched out, meticulously cultivated and teeming with crops.
Given that it supplies food for the entire population of Weed, I had worried if this would be enough, but the sheer scale of it—hidden deep within a dungeon that should be underground—left me unable to hide my astonishment.
"Yes. It’s truly remarkable to see fields stretching on forever. By the way, what is that area filled with water? It looks like it’s overgrown with reeds or some sort of weed."
"If I recall correctly, that should be rice. It’s what produces the grain we eat so often."
"What!? Rice comes from that?"
"Indeed. That is the rice plant, and the area is called a paddy."
"Nufufu. Freshly harvested new rice is just delicious, isn't it?"
As we walked along, listening to the explanations from Tori-sama and Riel-sama, we saw figures approaching us from a facility in the center of the fields.
"Oh, yoo-hoo! Kaya! Representative Dodd!"
Riel-sama waved her hand enthusiastically.
Wait? That fox beastman, who looked for all the world like a common farmer, and that middle-aged man are the representatives?
No, they certainly matched the photographs I had studied.
Part of our training for Weed involved memorizing the names and faces of every representative. That was why I hadn't fainted when meeting the Queen, Eris-sama, or Ratz-sama, but Kaya-sama and Dodd-sama were surprising for an entirely different reason.
Mainly... because they were absolutely caked in mud.
"Why are you both covered in dirt?"
"...Today is... potato harvesting day... with the children."
"That’s right. We’re doing it alongside Lilishe-sama and the others from the Litesa Church."
"Did you mention that?"
"No, I didn't. But promises to the children take priority. Yuki told me all about them, so it’s not a problem."
"That’s what she said. I thought I should at least try to clean up, but..."
"No. It is not right for Representative Dodd to break a promise."
"Ahaha. Well, that’s how it is. Pleased to meet you, young ladies."
"...If you need anything, feel free to rely on me or Dodd."
With that brief greeting, Kaya-sama and Dodd-sama promptly turned and headed back to where the children were.
I felt a bit... lost.
"Tori-sama, did we commit some sort of social faux pas?"
"Ahaha, Kaya is a bit eccentric due to various circumstances, but she’s very considerate, I promise."
"That’s right. Right now, the children are just her top priority. We have children of our own, so we understand the sentiment."
The two of them tried to reassure me, but being dismissed so casually left me feeling rather unsettled.
Just as I was worrying about it, a voice called out.
"Oh my. So you must be Orelia-chan, Yayui-chan, and Hobis-chan. Well, since you’ve come all this way, why don't you lend us a hand? Tori-chan, Riel-chan, you don't mind, do you?"
A priestess from the Litesa Church appeared, her face beaming with a radiant smile, though she too was covered head-to-toe in dust.
Weed maintains excellent relations with the Holy Kingdom of Litesa through Rurua-sama, the former saint.
Therefore, I could hardly bring myself to refuse.
...And I had just gotten myself cleaned up, too.