第１６０５堀：こっちもやりたくなる (Part1)
**Chapter 1605: It Makes Me Want to Do It Too**
**Side: Cleena**
I find myself at the August consulate, which is a rare occurrence.
Well, I suppose "rare" is a stretch—I’ve been coming here quite often lately—but the situation itself is what feels unusual.
"So, in other words, Yuki-dono is making steady progress on the port town?"
"Well, considering the son-in-law's capabilities, the construction itself shouldn't be an issue."
These two are Princess Inis of the August Kingdom, and Feigel, the old man who raised me and taught me the arcane arts.
They usually handle their duties back in their own country, but every so often, they drop by to check on the latest developments.
"I was somewhat concerned about the influx of people, but that was unnecessary."
"Indeed. I imagine everyone is thinking along the same lines."
They nod, recalling the conversation from the other day when Yuki and the others left us behind to go dine with Firia and her group. The topic had been whether or not people would actually gather at the port town.
I had been worried about that myself, but after hearing the details, I was convinced. If safety can be guaranteed, I agree that Weed will have no trouble drawing a crowd.
Still…
"…If it looks like people aren't coming, I’m sure Yuki will reach out, so I’d appreciate your support then."
Yes, the possibility of failure isn't zero. That’s why I make sure to say these things, just in case.
"Understood. You can rest easy and leave it to us when the time comes. It is, after all, a request from my sister."
"Precisely. A request from the son-in-law—and above all, a request from Weed—is not something the kingdom would ever refuse."
They accept my request with such ease. Well, this much is only natural. August has caused enough trouble for Weed, after all.
By the way, the reason Princess Inis calls me "sister" is because, for the sake of appearances, I have been adopted by the King of August.
Still…
"I don't mind giving you my report, but I do wonder about doing it while you're eating."
Yes, these two. For some reason, they are listening to my report while eating curry.
It makes me nervous that a stray drop of curry might splatter onto my documents. Re-printing them would be a waste of time, which is why I’d really like them to stop.
"My apologies. I came here in a hurry because there were things I needed to grasp regarding the port town, and I hadn't had lunch yet."
"Exactly. And so, I suggested we eat this curry that the Emperor of Zuraburu is so fond of."
"In other words, it’s the old man’s fault."
"Don't be so harsh. Though, I suppose I'm not in a position to say that..."
"Right. It’s true you tried to use me, Inis-nesama. I nearly died before I could even give birth because of it."
That’s right. Because these two have sworn loyalty to the August Kingdom, they used me for the sake of national interest. I hated it because I knew it would become a burden on Yuki, but in the end, Yuki accepted it, and we reached an agreement that they wouldn't exploit me to that extent.
"Oh, that’s right. Why isn't Prol here?"
"Indeed. We would have liked to see her face."
For some reason, the conversation shifted to my daughter.
"…I don't bring her to work under normal circumstances. Besides, she’s still a nursing infant. I wouldn't drag her all the way out here."
She’s only just reached the point where she can hold her head up. Until recently, I couldn't even stay by Yuki’s side because of childcare. I’ve finally managed to get back to work, and this is what happens.
Diplomatic tasks have piled up, and now Orelia and the others are mostly handling Yuki’s assistance and protection.
Well, it is true that Yuki’s workload has decreased, so I’m grateful for that.
But setting that aside, the child is not in a state to be taken out. Unless it’s a hospital, I wouldn't dream of bringing a child to a workplace.
"Is that how it is?"
"Hmm. I don't recall raising a nursing infant, you see."
These two idiots clearly have no memory of raising a baby. If I recall correctly, the old man only took me in when I was around three years old, right?
"Honestly, a child at the age where you call them a baby or a nursing infant needs to be fed milk every three hours or so. And crying is their job. I wouldn't bring her here when there are so many visitors. It’s only natural for her to be at home where she can be properly cared for."
"I see. That sounds difficult. Does it not matter if it’s night?"
"It doesn't. Babies have stomachs that match their size. That’s why the amount they can drink at once is small. For newborns, it’s even shorter—sometimes every hour."
"Ho, you know quite a lot."
"Inis-nesama is one thing, but you raised me, old man. Isn't it strange that you don't know this?"
"Well, you weren't quite that small, and besides, we had help, didn't we?"
"Ah, that lady?"
"She was the one who prepared the meals and such."
So, a maid—or rather, a helper—was the one who looked after us. Come to think of it, the old man is a high-ranking noble, so that’s only natural.
"Well, this knowledge is thanks to the advancement of medicine. We’ve been sharing this with every country. That’s why the survival rate of children born in recent years has skyrocketed."
Yes, there are quite a few idiots out there who don't know these things and call a baby’s crying "selfishness." There are even those who do absurd things like wrapping them in cloth so they can't move. When I heard that such customs existed, I was left speechless.
In other words, it’s no different from killing their own children.
I realized clearly that ignorance is a sin.
"I see. It is true that I had heard the birth and survival rates have been rising lately, but this is the first time I've heard the specifics. As expected, Weed’s influence is immense even in these matters."
"Indeed. It seems knowledge is put to use down to the very last detail."
"It’s not just 'details.' Medicine is directly linked to human survival. It’s inexcusable for you two not to know that."
"Haha. Well, that’s true, but we don't have to be experts. The numbers in August are improving, after all."
"That is correct. Our mission is to issue directives and improve the country. Though, of course, we are also in a position to fight should an emergency arise."
Ugh, what these two are saying is true. Those in positions of power don't need to do everything themselves. That would be impossible, after all.
That is why you entrust things to those who can do them. In that sense, Yuki is the pinnacle of that philosophy. He leaves the tasks to those capable of doing them while preparing the foundation—the research environments, the funding, and so on.
"But, we’ve strayed from the topic. Back to the port town."
"Quite right."
"No, it’s because you two brought up Prol."
"Indeed. We understand why Prol isn't here. We’d like to see Samantha-dono and the other children as well, so we’ll head to your home later. And for a bath."
"That sounds wonderful. The bath in that house is quite pleasant."
"..."
I suppress the urge to kick these two out.
Surprisingly, there is a lot of traffic in and out of that house. Beyond just family, Lowell comes by, Shera comes by, Show and Eupia come by...
Well, the other members have proper manners, so it’s fine, but...
No, I’m sure these two would observe the proper etiquette as well, but for some reason, perhaps because they are family, I can't help but feel a bit annoyed.