第１２３２堀：準備の準備を開始 (Part1)
Chapter 1232: Preparing for Preparations
Side: Nairua
As I sank my body into the bath with a splash...
"Faaaah..."
A sound—or perhaps more of a sigh—escaped from the depths of my being.
Honestly, it was such a strange noise that I wondered if it had really come from me. Still, it couldn't be helped. That was just how...
"Soooo goooood..."
Next to me, Wazfi let out a bizarre cry, as if voicing the very feeling of my immersion in the tub.
Yes, baths are truly wonderful. At first, I was impressed by the showers, but they simply don't compare to a proper soak. And even better than that is an open-air bath. There’s also the "Super Sento," but since those are usually filled with strangers, I find it hard to choose between that and an open-air bath where I can have the place almost entirely to myself.
"Oh, you two are melting quite nicely, aren't you?"
I turned at the familiar voice to see Deryu, our combat instructor, standing with her hands on her hips.
At a glance, she looks to be around our age or perhaps even younger, yet she is already a mother and, of all things, a "Demon Lord."
It really makes no sense, does it?
Nevertheless, it is an undeniable fact that she is absurdly strong. Ugh, the world is such a baffling place.
Well, that’s neither here nor there...
"Deryu-san. Y-you're late."
"Indeed. I had a bit of correspondence to attend to."
As she spoke, she began to shower and wash her body.
My goodness, her silky blonde hair clinging to her skin and the luster of her breasts were quite alluring. Is this the charm of a married woman?
Compared to me, who was just a shut-in with messy pink hair, we were worlds apart.
Though, I do think I have her beat in the chest department.
"By the way, did something happen?"
"Nothing of great consequence. Just word that Yuki and the others finished their business at the goblin village safely."
Ah, right. Yuki and the others had gone to that "goblin village" on the continent where Kagura and her people are from.
She says they "finished their business safely," but isn't it physically impossible for anyone to actually harm Yuki and his group?
After all, even Deryu, a "Demon Lord," has said of Yuki:
*"We are on entirely different playing fields. It wouldn't even be a fight."*
I don't fully grasp what she means by "playing field," but I know for a fact that Yuki has the power to easily overwhelm Ardes, who was ranked 13th at the Academy, and even Principal Popuri treats him with deep respect.
Actually, every single member of Weed is at a level where Ardes couldn't even touch their shadows.
Since there’s no decent point of comparison, I can only categorize everyone here as "inexplicably strong."
While I was lost in thought, Wazfi seemed preoccupied with the news about the goblin village.
"Oh, that reminds me. I heard from Comet-san that they found a 'female goblin' in the village. Is that true?"
"Hmm? That isn't my area of expertise. Comet’s information is likely accurate, and I have heard whispers of that as well."
"Oh! So it's true! In that case, I really hope they bring one back with them. Havia was saying the same thing."
Oh, those monster-obsessed idiots.
A ghost and a human working together—they're just like Fiora.
No, these two might be even worse. They lack any sense of common decency.
"Wazfi. Y-you really should rethink that way of thinking."
"Eh? Why?"
As expected of a research-obsessed fool. Even I could see the problem with that statement.
I was about to explain, but Deryu, having finished washing, stepped into the tub and cut in...
"It’s simple. You called a 'resident of the village' a 'specimen,' referred to her as 'one,' and said you wanted them to 'bring her back.' No matter how you slice it, that sounds like the ramblings of someone who has lost their mind."
"Ah... I am very sorry."
Wazfi panicked, finally realizing the implications of his words.
"Well, be more careful in the future. It is true that in the Rogali or If continents, goblins are generally seen as mere monsters. But that is not the case everywhere. Kagura’s people are a prime example. Even the concept of 'common sense' changes depending on where you are. A careless word can trigger someone's wrath."
"Yes. I will take that to heart. Ah, why did I think of something so stupid?"
"W-well, Wazfi, you’ve only ever done surveys in the Great Forest, so it's natural you wouldn't know how to handle things you lack experience in. Though, I suppose you could have deduced it from 'knowledge' like I did."
"Mmph."
"Hahaha. I see. Perhaps that is why Nairua was ranked 1st at the Academy and Wazfi 2nd."
Oh, I don't need that much praise, really.
"So, are Yuki and the others c-coming back?"
"Indeed. Though, as always, they are bringing trouble along with them."
"Trouble?"
"Yes. It seems they have decided to invite the viscount's family from the town where they stayed in the Zufia Kingdom to Weed."
"Trouble? I-is that a common occurrence?"
"Well, it is not rare for nobles from other countries to visit Weed. But this time, there is an ulterior motive. I was going to wait until after the bath to discuss it, but we might as well do it now."
"Yes, please, tell us everything."
Ugh, I’d prefer to avoid trouble, but I couldn't very well say that, so I stayed silent as she continued.
"To put it briefly, we intend to use this visit by the Zufia Kingdom's viscount as an opportunity to officially begin accepting international students to Weed."
"Oh? That sounds like a good idea. If they come to Weed, the students can learn a great deal."
Yes, I agreed with Wazfi on that. Just being in Weed would be stimulating, and if they could study here, surely everyone would want to come.
I thought it was a positive thing, but for some reason, Deryu’s expression remained grim.
"Um, did I say something wrong?"
"No, you aren't necessarily wrong. However, considering what I heard from Yuki and the others... well, we’ve been soaking long enough. Let’s get out."
"Ah, yes."
And so, we climbed out of the bath together and continued our conversation.
"So, Deryu-san, why were you making such a difficult face?"
"I am not particularly skilled at diplomacy, but even I can see this is a troublesome matter. I was told to give you two a brief overview. I have been wondering how to approach it."
"U-um. For now, could you please let us hear the story?"
That’s right; I couldn't make any judgments without hearing the full story. Why was Deryu so worried about the exchange students? And how did it involve us?
"Very well. As you say, we cannot move forward without talking. Now, what would you like to drink?"
"Ah, I'll have coffee milk."
"I'll have fruit milk."
As we answered, she tossed our requested drinks from the cooler, *pop, pop*.
I caught mine without dropping it.