第１４７３堀：建前上晩御飯 (Part2)

第１４７３堀：建前上晩御飯 (Part2)

"Indeed. Nominally, I am in Weed under the guidance of Gaul and his kin. My subordinates are simply enjoying their leisure time there."

"Is that really alright?"

"If anything were to happen to me, it would become a matter of responsibility for Weed. Besides, keeping this discreet was your request, was it not?"

"Right, you're right. I didn't expect you to go that far for me. Thank you."

"Don't give it a thought. So, what is the plan? Are we moving out immediately?"

"No, we've only just begun to eat. For the sake of appearances, this is a banquet. So, please, eat your fill and restore your spirits. That goes for you too, Gaul and Coral."

I see. The departure itself is still some time off.

If that is the case, there is nothing to do but eat well.

And so, we set ourselves to enjoying the grilled meat.

It is delicious, as always.

It lacks the sheer impact of the cake, but I remember being initially astonished that cattle raised specifically for consumption could reach such a level of quality.

Well, naturally, the meat of a Wyvern or similar beast would be comparable, but one does not often have the opportunity to procure such things.

"Tell me, Master. Is the plan for this endeavor to meet with the spirit said to reside in the Spring of the Saintess?"

"Aye, that is the intention. Though, there is no guarantee we will actually be able to meet it. Do you truly think we will?"

"Hard to say. I have never been to this so-called Spring of the Saintess myself."

"Neither have I. However, if a spirit truly dwells there, I should likely be able to sense it."

"Oh? You can sense such things?"

"No, I cannot. I assume it is because I am a dragon."

"Hm. Is that how it works?"

I had assumed it was the same for everyone, but it appears I was mistaken.

I cast a glance toward Gaul, but...

"I am... uncertain. It is akin to sensing magical power, but spirits are slightly different. What of you, Narjia?"

"Hmm, the only spirit I have met directly is the forest spirit in Weed. I have never encountered others, so it is difficult to say."

"Coral seems to have traveled extensively, which may have sharpened her senses through encounters with various races. Regardless, in that sense, it is better to have more people with us."

"Hmm. When you put it that way, I suppose you are right."

Indeed, the more people present, the higher the probability of detection.

As I was contemplating this...

"Ho ho, 'various races,' you say..."

"Queen Miyabi? Did something catch your attention?"

"Indeed. Regarding races, I, too, have met the water spirit of that place. Though, as I mentioned, I was with my husband at the time, was I not? Which means..."

"Ah, I see. That is what you mean."

Upon hearing this, the Master produced his call device, and within ten minutes, new arrivals entered the room.

"Greetings. We heard there was a yakiniku party going on."

"I happened to be nearby, so I tagged along. I hope that is alright?"

It seems the Hero and the Sage have arrived together.

" " "Ah..." " "

The group on the Master's side nodded in realization at the sight of them.

I, however, did not quite grasp the situation...

"Indeed. That is, quite literally, the optimal arrangement. A Hero from another world and Queen Miyabi. A recreation of the past, as it were."

"I belong solely to Yuki-san, after all~"

It was only after those words from Deryu and Ria that I finally understood.

I see. When Queen Miyabi met the spirit, she was in the company of a Hero.

Well, while this is a different person from the Hero of that time, he is still a Hero from the same other world. Perhaps one could say they are similar enough?

It is as they say: the more tools one has at their disposal, the better.

"Eh? What is it? Did I have some task to attend to?"

"No, there is no point in asking me. Have you forgotten something?"

The Hero, receiving these gazes, looked at the Sage beside him in confusion, but of course, she knew no more than he did, leading to a situation where they were asking each other if they had forgotten something.

"We shall discuss that later; for now, please, enjoy the grilled meat. Taizo-san, you are welcome to join us as well."

"Ah, yes. First, we must fill our stomachs."

"Indeed. It is boorish to discuss work during a meal."

Indeed.

That is precisely correct.

Especially if there is work to be done afterward.

Very well, I shall follow their lead, feast upon this delicious meat, and prepare myself for the task ahead.

We may be gathering under a guise, but we shall eat heartily.

One must build up stamina with grilled meat, after all.