第１６５９堀：学生たちと顔合わせ (Part2)
"Hahaha, I suppose you’re nervous for a different reason, given that His Majesty has come as a student. Besides, you are being hosted by Yuki-sama and his people. I, too, am quite tense, fearing I might have committed some breach of etiquette."
The body double looked toward Yuki-sama as he spoke, bowing his head slightly.
"No, no, please, feel free to relax. Though I suppose that’s a difficult request. You look well, though. Was it at the Laboratory in Weed that we last met?"
"Indeed, it was at noon, ten days ago."
*Excuse me?* He visits Weed that often?
Wait a moment. I was with Yuki-sama as his escort, wasn't I?
Hmm? The Laboratory is where Yuki-sama keeps his culinary creations, and I do recall going there ten days ago, but...
"Did he have a beard back then?"
Orelia whispered from behind me, tilting her head.
I, too, had never seen anyone from Zurable who visited Weed sporting such a magnificent beard.
Just as I was thinking this:
"Oh, my apologies. Prol-dono, Orelia-dono, this beard is merely a prosthetic..."
The body double reached up to his chin.
*Rrrrip...*
With a sound like that, he peeled the beard right off his face.
Seeing his true face, I remembered him instantly.
"Forgive me, this beard was for the sake of dignity. When I am acting as a mere subject rather than a body double, I find a disguise is necessary."
"It suited you well."
As Yuki-sama noted, with a beard that impressive, he looked entirely different from his current state. It was easy to mistake him for someone else entirely.
"Hmph. Why don't you just become the Emperor already? I’m getting tired of how busy I am."
"That is far too unreasonable. The current Zurable exists only because of Your Majesty. You are neither aged nor bedridden, so such a thing is impossible."
"Tch. Well, regardless, you’ve done well."
"Yes, sir. Now, please ensure you do not cause any trouble for Yuki-sama and his party."
"Indeed. I feel the same. If I hadn't received dinner from Aslin-sama and the others yesterday, I would have returned to Weed already, come to think of it..."
"Ah, geez, alright, alright, I get it."
We could only offer bitter smiles at this exchange.
The idea of returning all the way to Weed just to eat dinner is, well, quite something.
"Now then, regarding what comes next—may we proceed with the afternoon schedule as planned?"
Oh, that’s right.
Yuki-sama and the others were scheduled to begin their work—or rather, their lectures—from the afternoon.
"Right. Today, we’ll be rotating through three classes. I’ll be covering my stories about Weed, Comet will handle electrical appliances, and Rushi will take medical."
"Ehh!? W-wait, am I, by myself!?"
"Yeah, but Stasia and Tori will be there to provide support. Plus, Nilua, Wazfi, Hiiro, and Firia will be infiltrating the three classes as students, so they’ll be there to back you up as well."
Ah, I’d been focused on the teachers, but there were members going in as students, too.
"Umm, Yuki. Are we just there to support the teachers' lectures?"
"Yeah, basically. During breaks, feel free to teach the students whatever you like, based on Nilua and the others' judgment."
"To what extent, exactly?"
"Mainly about daily life in Weed, or the research the two of you are working on. As for things that might be problematic if leaked due to policy, that would be dungeon-related matters, but I doubt those will come up in questions anyway. Firia and Hiiro, you two should focus on technical topics as well."
"Understood."
"Got it."
I see. The students are there to support the lectures and then chat with the other students afterward.
"Also, I’ve already told Yupia and Shou and the others, but we plan to provide dinner from Weed tonight. It’ll be held in the auditorium I mentioned earlier, so please drop a hint to the students. Tell them not to overeat at lunch."
"Oh, that’s right, wasn't it? I assume the curry will be served?"
"Your Majesty, please, you’re embarrassing me."
"Yuki-dono, I would prefer the spicy noodles I had at the Laboratory."
"Ah, we didn't have noodles on the menu, but I’ll see that they’re prepared. I look forward to seeing if the students are brave enough to try them."
Um, Yuki-sama.
I wouldn't call them "monstrous," but things that are an acquired taste might reflect poorly on Weed's reputation...
"Hmm, in that case, the curry might also be rejected based on its color alone. Which means—I can have it all to myself!"
"That sounds excellent. I shall consume the spicy noodles myself."
"You two, stop talking nonsense and please guide them properly."
Watching Shou-sama press his temples as he spoke, I couldn't help but think that he must have a splitting headache.
Long speeches from the principal are a staple of school life, aren't they?
I once heard that they’re intentionally designed that way for educational purposes.
Is it meant to teach us to endure long, tedious stories?