第１４６０堀：会議前の雑談 (Part2)

Indeed, as Dressa and Hiiro had pointed out, there were various minor issues, but school life remained peaceful, and nothing had occurred that would hinder our daily routines.

"That’s a relief. If there were problems within Weed on top of everything else, we’d be swamped."

Hearing that voice, I turned around to find my brother and the others standing there.

"Brother."

"Yuki."

"Yuki-san."

We hurried to his side.

"Sorry to bother you all when you’re busy. Did your friends at school think it was strange?"

"It’s fine. We told them about our positions from the start, so saying it’s for work settles it."

"Yes. As Dressa said, I don’t think anyone is dissatisfied. After all, other students are often called out of class for reports like this, too."

Since Labyris and Shera were right, Firia and I nodded in agreement.

If we say it’s for work, people understand. Other friends sometimes miss school for the same reason, or even leave in the middle of a lecture.

"Ah, is that really true?"

"Yes. Is there a problem?"

"Well, if students are being called away during class too frequently, it means their acquisition of knowledge regarding international exchange is being delayed. I’d like to avoid such summons unless it’s absolutely necessary. Are you and the others aware of this, Ratz?"

"Yes, we are. Oh, Ratz-san."

As Shera looked behind my brother, Ratz and Eris were standing there.

"Oh? What are you all talking about in front of the conference room?"

"Did something happen?"

The two tilted their heads, realizing we were huddled in conversation by the door.

"Just a bit of small talk, but there’s no reason to keep standing here. Let’s head inside."

At my brother’s suggestion, everyone agreed and filed into the conference room, where the gazes of the others who had arrived earlier converged upon us.

"Oh, you’re here."

"We’ve been relaxing here ahead of you."

Mikos and Enora greeted us with a smile. Kagura, Samantha, and most of the others were buried in paperwork; they gave us a quick glance and a wave before immediately returning to their documents.

I really do think it must be tough for them.

Especially the military division, led by Agil; they’d brought in so many documents that just thinking about having to explain them made me feel exhausted.

As I was lost in such thoughts, Kirue approached me.

"Aslin-sama, please, this way."

She guided me to my seat. It was my usual spot, but I’d learned that being guided like this was part of the etiquette for important figures.

Well, when things were busy, I’d usually just sit down on my own, but since this was a grand conference and the maids—Kirue and Sasari—were present, I had to accept their service. Otherwise, I’d be stealing their work.

I didn’t understand it when I was younger, but I’ve come to realize it now.

The maids are hired to take care of us, so refusing their help is essentially the same as saying, "I don't need you."

The world is a complicated place, isn't it?

"So, Ratz, I heard from Labyris earlier—is it true that the exchange students are missing school or leaving class for these reports?"

"Yes, that does happen. However, we do receive proper notification from the authorities of each nation."

"It’s not like they’re just skipping class."

"I see..."

"Is there a problem?"

"No, it’s just... I wonder if it’s right to call them away when it takes time away from their opportunities to interact with the world. Have you heard the details of these reports?"

"No, not to that extent. I’ve heard bits and pieces, but usually, it’s just reporting on Weed’s culture or technology."

"They are likely just confirming that there are no discrepancies with the documents provided beforehand. If it were truly classified, the report itself would likely be a fabrication anyway."

"Well, I suppose that’s true."

My brother and the others seemed to be checking on the situation regarding the students missing class for these reports.

But wait, weren't we supposed to be gathering for the meeting? Just as I thought that, the door opened.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Now, let’s begin."

Ah, Seraria hadn't arrived yet.

We couldn't proceed without her, after all.

I straightened my posture, preparing myself for the meeting.

The meeting began at a leisurely pace.

It seemed that for Aslin and the others, things remained calm throughout, which was a relief.