第１５４１堀：王都到着の感想 (Part1)
Dig 1541: Impressions of the Royal Capital
Side: Agil
The bus journey passed without incident, aside from overhearing some unexpected information, and we arrived safely in Hinsua.
“...The speed of this bus. And the stability. It truly is magnificent.”
After disembarking, we were to head to the royal castle—partly to hear their side of the story, but mostly to gather information under the guise of a formal greeting. As we walked, Light seemed once again struck by the performance of our mode of transport.
“It’s not like this is your first time, is it? You rode one during the transit within Weed when the alliance was announced, right?”
Indeed, when the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance was established and the ceremony held, the dignitaries from each continent—Light included—should have experienced Weed’s technology firsthand, buses and all.
“Yes. I certainly rode one then. However, it wasn't for a particularly long duration, and the interior was quite different. I didn't realize they could be this comfortable.”
“Ah, well, those were designed for mass transit. They were intended for short trips. This one is customized for multi-day travel and lodging.”
The bus used during the alliance’s inception was essentially a slightly more luxurious version of a standard tour bus. This one, however, felt more like a custom mobile suite.
Furthermore, since Zargis, Narjia-san, and Comet had teamed up to cram in whatever experimental technologies they felt like to make it more convenient, I doubted you could even call it the same vehicle. In that sense, Light’s intuition was spot on.
That said, I felt no obligation to explain the technology to her. Even if I did, she likely wouldn't understand, and if they started demanding I teach them, I’d end up stuck in Enaria for years. If I had to leave my husband and friends behind, the whole point of me marrying into Weed to bridge the gap between our nations would be lost.
Setting that aside, we had arrived in the royal capital of Hinsua, but as expected...
“Still, is this truly Hinsua? We sent word ahead of our arrival, did we not? Despite that, while some looks are merely curious, many are eyeing us with blatant hostility.”
Just as Light noted, the gaze of the Hinsua populace was far from welcoming. Well, I knew the reason.
“Hinsua isn't a member of the alliance. They’re technically under Litea’s umbrella, so some people might have heard the news, but few have seen the real thing. It’s the same in parts of Enaria; even if you know the facts, like Light does, seeing it in person is a different story.”
“...True. Weed’s technology is a constant source of wonder. I suppose it’s only natural for a small nation with no access to it to be shocked.”
“Exactly. And the perception of Weed as a 'small nation' still lingers. It doesn't matter if we have Litea’s backing.”
“From an outsider’s perspective, do we look like thieves who flattered Litea just to come and plunder the secret treasures of old Vinocia?”
“Spot on. You catch on quick.”
“...I wish we could have carried ourselves with more dignity.”
Light made a face like she’d chewed on a bitter bug as the reality of the situation sank in. As it stood, it really did feel like we were intruding on another country without a valid justification. Even if we weren't invaders, we certainly looked like tomb raiders coming for their treasures.
However...
“We *did* come to greet them and state openly that we’re here for the treasure.”
“You know that isn't what I meant.”
“Even so, we can't exactly tell them the *other* reason.”
“I am aware.”
Light replied with a look that said she understood but didn't like it. You’re just too straight-laced, aren't you?
While that temperament is desirable for someone wielding a replica of the Holy Sword of Light like the one Difes has... it didn't quite fit this particular mission. Given her position, she’s best suited as a figurehead or a commander in war; she’s still a novice when it comes to this kind of field work. But then again, who else was there?
The alternative provided was a sister serving as a deacon in the Enaria Church. It wasn't that she was a bad person, but her overall capabilities were low. For this mission, we needed someone with enough power to defend themselves should things turn ugly, which is why Light was chosen.
...The Enaria Church really lacks any standout talent. Normally, it would be unthinkable for a Magic Sword User from the Holy State’s military side to represent the Church. Publicly, it was framed as a joint decision made as the Holy State and the Church grew closer, but the truth was they simply had no one else to send.
If they were truly becoming friends, that would be one thing, but I just hoped there wasn't something moving in the shadows...
Good grief. To be worrying about other sparks of conflict—and in my own motherland, no less—right before we have to hunt down the Dark Guild and the Dungeon Master.
As I was lost in these thoughts, word came that the preparations for the audience were complete, and we were led into the throne room. Even for a small nation, the area for receiving envoys was well-constructed. Though the aesthetics and cultural nuances differed, it possessed a certain solemnity—a design intended to project authority.
“Welcome to our Kingdom of Hinsua. Representatives of Weed, and members of the Churches from across the continents.”
With those words, the man rose from the chair at the far end of the room and spread his arms in a gesture of welcome. This was King Shiana, the ruler of Hinsua.
He was a man nearing old age with a gentle countenance. He had a proven track record of taking in refugees who had fled Vinocia even before its collapse was certain. He felt, quite literally, like a 'kind king.'
To see if there was a hidden side to him, we had gathered information not only through Kirika and her team, but also from Litea and Lord Bamai, who had long-standing ties with him. The consensus was that he was someone who truly acted out of a desire to help the people. In an era where great powers were constantly at each other's throats, he was a man remarkably devoid of ambition.
A rare king who was, by all accounts, a genuinely good person.
In this day and age, it was considered common sense to step over others to ensure one’s own safety and profit. Furthermore, taking in the populace of another nation was a well-known recipe for destabilizing one’s own country. To do so anyway meant you either had absolute confidence in your plan, or you were a bottomless fool.
Well, if I put it that way, my husband Yuki is the same in that he accepts many people, but he falls into the former category—a man who acts with meticulous planning. And he has the strength to back it up.
But Hinsua was different. Their national power wasn't extraordinary, nor did they have an abundance of assets, yet they had taken in and saved those fleeing from Vinocia. In his own mind, he probably thought he could make it work, but from an objective standpoint, it was incredibly precarious.
To my eyes, he looked like nothing more than a bottomlessly kind idiot.