第１２５０堀：小国からの視点 (Part2)
At the table next to us, the scene was just as lively.
"Ah, this meat is divine. I’m in heaven, Micos-chan."
"Isn't it just? Meat is the absolute best. Oh, let’s order another round, shall we?"
"Mhm. I’ll take the premium kalbi."
Micos-oneesama, who is acting as our guide as a fellow native of the New Continent, and Enora-oneesama, serving as the Spirit Priestess, were both tucking into the grilled meat with evident delight. Since there didn't seem to be any trouble brewing, I decided to focus on my own meal for a while. I still had to figure out how to get those two to eat their vegetables, but for now, I was determined to enjoy the barbecue.
"Ugh... I’m so full."
"It really was delicious, wasn't it? *Hic.*"
Before I knew it, Hiiro and Fusora-san were rubbing their bellies, looking completely spent. Given their small frames, I suppose they’d reached their limit. I could certainly still eat more, but it seemed the two of them were taking a break. Regardless, I’d at least managed to get them to finish their quota of vegetables, so I settled in to enjoy the rest of the meal at my own pace—just as the main topic of the day, the discussion between Onii-sama and the Viscount, began.
"So, how are things? Has anything caught your eye, or have you encountered any difficulties?"
"Well, let’s see. What truly surprised me was how naturally the Spirit Priestesses and warriors walk about here as if it were the most mundane thing in the world."
"I suppose that would come as a shock."
"Indeed. Kagura-sama, who guided us, as well as Enora-sama and Micos-sama over there, had warned us repeatedly, but seeing the reality of the town with my own eyes is quite another matter. I fear this may become the greatest hurdle for students coming to study abroad from our continent."
I see. In the New Continent, the homeland of Kagura-oneesama and the others, there are precious few people of different races—what we in the Rogali Continent call "Beastmen"—like Enora-oneesama. It’s only natural that students arriving from such a place would be bewildered.
"Well, if it were merely surprise, that would be one thing. But if a lack of proper guidance leads to mutual resentment, that would be a far greater problem. Especially regarding the matter of slavery."
"Are you suggesting they might be inclined to purchase them en masse?"
"Yes. While they may be common Beastmen here, in our continent, they are considered messengers of the spirits. If one were to bring them back, it could elevate the status of their entire household. We must establish regulations—or rather, a code of conduct—or trouble is bound to arise. Conversely, there will be those who take issue with the very fact that they are treated as slaves at all."
"That is a valid point. Hmm. I shall arrange a meeting at a later date; would you be willing to discuss this with Enora over there as well?"
"Yes, please. The Haire Church is the primary governing body for the Spirit Priestesses, so it is vital that we coordinate with them."
"Understood. By the way, how long do you intend to stay in Weed?"
"Ah, yes. To be honest, I had expected the journey here alone to take much longer. I told my family it would be three months for the round trip. Not that I didn't believe the words of Yuki-sama and the others, you understand."
"Not at all. Even when told that one can travel instantaneously via Gate, it is difficult to truly believe until one has experienced it."
It’s true. If it were just a faster mode of transport, like a carriage, that would be one thing, but the idea that a Gate capable of instantaneous travel actually exists is hard to fathom. I myself never imagined such a thing was possible until I came to Weed.
"As for the duration of our stay, if it is acceptable, we are considering about a month. If we return too quickly, our home country will be suspicious of whether we actually visited Weed at all. I hope to use that time to have various discussions."
"A month, I see. Thank you. I expect we will have many more conversations as that schedule progresses. Also, please do not hesitate to consult with me regarding any issues, no matter how trivial."
"Is that so? Then I shall take you up on that offer. I wish to buy gifts for my wives, but having seen so much since arriving in Weed, I find myself quite lost."
"Ah, I understand completely. We shall set aside time for that as well."
"Yes, I would appreciate that. Oh, your meat is burning."
"Oops. Let’s dig in."
They continued to chat as they ate their grilled meat. So, this is how Onii-sama conducts his business while dining. Ah, it really is a luxury to have yakiniku at the end of the year. I’m starving.