第１１６５堀：久々の集まり (Part1)
Chapter 1165: A Long-Awaited Gathering
Side: Nina
"Ah, it’s been a while, Weed."
I murmured to myself as I strolled through the commercial district. Until just moments ago, I had been gathering intelligence on the If Continent. I work alongside Noble—who is tasked with managing the continent—and Sacri, helping to maintain the delicate balance of that land. Well, since both of them are essentially Yuki’s subordinates, it’s only natural, but above all else, this is where we truly belong...
*Clang-clang...*
With that familiar chime, I stepped into the stuffed animal specialty shop entrusted to us by Ratz. Yes, this place is our home. It’s almost laughable that we, the "Holy Sword Users," have ended up running a toy store. It really is a wonderful era we live in.
As I was lost in such thoughts...
"Welcome—oh, is that you, Nina?"
"What’s with that reaction, Leila?"
"Oh, nothing. I just thought you were a customer. Look."
Leila said this while gesturing to the bear in her hands.
"I see. So, we had an injured one?"
"Yes. It’s fully recovered now, just as you see. The child’s family is scheduled to come pick it up soon."
The stuffed bear was wrapped in an elaborate, oversized bandage. Our shop doesn't just sell toys; we also take on the duty of "healing" them. After all, there are children out there who desperately want their precious friends to be mended.
"So, did you return because of that message, Nina?"
"That’s right. Thanks to that, I finally made it back here after so long. Well, the situation on the ground is being handled by Noble’s subordinates, so it’s fine."
"Was it the Zilba Empire this time?"
"Yeah. That area has been volatile because the Zilba Emperor is so ambitious, which has stirred up the smaller nations. You remember that place that tried to start a rebellion using cheap, mass-produced copies of magic swords?"
"I remember. Though Yuki and the others suppressed it in the blink of an eye."
"Exactly. They arrived and finished it immediately. Before that, we were just keeping them surrounded, trying to avoid unnecessary casualties. Well, I don't think the Zilba army would have lost even if they had clashed head-on, but the collateral damage would have been significant."
"And because that story spread, the smaller nations are even more eager to raise their banners against Zilba?"
"If there’s even a hint that Zilba could be damaged or pushed into a corner, they’ll think that way. That’s precisely why Yuki and the others ended it so quickly."
That’s right. They demonstrated to all the foreign nations that if you dare to defy them, you will be crushed in an instant. It doesn't matter if you have magic swords or not.
"Even after such a display, there’s still movement?"
"Well, we’re just strengthening our surveillance. After all, if it happened once, you’d worry about it happening again—especially for those who were shipping out those shoddy magic swords."
"True. Well, Noble also felt it was a problem that his own creations were causing unnecessary harm to people."
"Exactly. So, it started as a side mission to recover the defective goods. Anyway, I’m exhausted from this long-term investigation. I want to finish this talk quickly and go soak in a hot spring. Is the back room open?"
"Yes. Only Difes has arrived so far. Well, please, keep her company."
"Got it. Are you staying until closing, Leila?"
"Yes."
"Call me if anything happens. I’ll help out."
"I will when the time comes."
With that, I headed into the living room at the back of the shop...
"Hm? Nina? Welcome back."
"I'm home."
Difes was sitting in a chair, leisurely sipping tea while reading a magazine.
"When did you get back?"
"Yesterday. My assignment was in Betan, after all."
"Betan? That’s Yuki’s—or rather, Weed territory, isn't it? Was there some sort of problem?"
"No, Betan is the same as always. Noble-dono just had me stationed there because he suspected someone might try to pull something in a place known as an entrance for intercontinental exchange."
"I see. Well, Betan is bound to attract some resentment. Anyway, mind if I have some tea?"
"Go ahead."
I confirmed with Difes before pouring myself a cup and taking a seat. The aroma of the green tea was wonderful. It had cooled slightly, but for me, this temperature was just right.
"Phew. Delicious. So, what are you reading?"
"This? Here."
Difes placed the magazine in front of me.
"Monthly Weed? Ah, the rumored Weed information magazine."
It’s a publication that’s been around for about a year. Before this, we only had newspapers filled with nothing but text, but this strange book uses full-color photographs to introduce recent events in Weed and popular shops. Well, it’s something Micos is doing under Yuki’s direction, so it being strange is just business as usual.
I took a look at the magazine. The cover featured Lady Lilishe, dressed in what was, in a sense, normal clothing.
"Wait... Priestess, are you allowed to dress up? Isn't it usually a sister’s habit or church-mandated attire?"
"Well, it’s a different religion, after all. I think the Church of Sia would be furious if we did something like this."
"They are quite rigid over there. Well, I suppose this kind of religion is possible, too."
It’s certainly strange to be so bound by rules that you can’t enjoy fashion. That’s what Lady Lilishe’s comment says. Fashion isn't inherently bad; it’s one of the ways to enjoy life. What’s wrong is becoming corrupt by focusing too much on clothing. We should enjoy fashion with proper moderation.
"I see. What she’s saying is certainly correct."
"Yeah, it’s correct, but I’m not sure about Rurua carrying a mountain of luggage in the background."
"Oh, you're right."
Sure enough, in the corner of the photo, Rurua was captured looking flustered while lugging around a massive amount of baggage. She really is helpful, or perhaps she just can't say no? Should I mention this to Yuki?
Just as I was thinking that, a voice called out from behind me.
"Yo. Long time no see, you two."
"It’s been a while."
I turned around to see Kishua and Sia standing there. As expected of Ratz, this shop—or rather, this house—was designed for us to live in, and the living room is spacious enough to seat twenty people comfortably, so there was no trouble finding a place for them to sit. The two of them took their seats on the sofa rather than at the table.
"Yeah, it’s been a while."
"Long time. Glad to see you’re both doing well."
"Well, all I’m doing is investigation and surveillance. No problems here."
"Same here. It’s a good thing it’s peaceful."
It seems Kishua and Sia aren't having any issues either. Well, both of them are investigating in their own local areas.
"Though, in my case, it’s Roday, right? The only thing is that old man Blade keeps bringing up whether I’ll take the throne every chance he gets..."
"He’s as boisterous as ever. Why did Yuki tell King Blade about Kishua in the first place?"