第１６７７堀：侮られるのには理由がある (Part1)
Chapter 1677: There is a Reason for Being Underestimated
Side: Yuki
*Swish, swish.*
Yayui and I had traveled from the port town of Weed to Aurelia Port in Zuraburu.
Originally, this place was part of Princess Parfil’s territory in the Gusdo Kingdom.
Due to a series of events, it currently feels like we are merely leasing Aurelia Port.
The other side seems to think they’ve handed it over to us, but that sort of ambiguity is a breeding ground for trouble. I’m of the mind that it’s best to treat it as a leased territory, just like the others.
But, putting that aside, as I stood there gazing out at the sea...
"It’s supposed to be the same ocean, but it feels different from the port town of Weed, doesn't it?"
"You’re right. There’s a certain... vitality to it, I suppose."
The same beautiful, clear, sunny sea stretched out before us, but beyond that, there were countless ships carving paths through the water. There were even people playing on the beach.
"There should be monsters around here too, right?"
"There are. Well, the reports suggest that the former Zuraburu side didn't have particularly powerful monsters thanks to Hylen’s barrier, but they’re still present."
Monsters are, by definition, creatures capable of killing humans, so the danger remains. Of course, there are some like slimes that aren't much of a threat if you know how to exploit their weaknesses, but even a slime can easily kill a person depending on how it’s used. That said, while the presence of a magic stone in their body is the technical definition of a monster, there hasn't been a single monster discovered yet that isn't capable of killing a human.
But I’ve digressed. The question remains: why are people swimming when the sea is so dangerous?
"That’s because they’ve stretched nets across the water, out by those buoys."
The explanation came from behind Yayui and me. When we turned around, we found them.
"Greetings. We heard you were coming this way, so we headed to the shore, and sure enough, here you are."
"Indeed. Our hunch that Yuki and the others would come here first was spot on."
"Glad we didn't miss you."
Curse, Mauve, and Raiya—the veteran adventurers—stood there in a line.
"O-oh! Curse-sama, Mauve-sama, Raiya-sama, thank you for coming to meet us."
Yayui was startled but managed a polite greeting.
"Come to think of it, I left the Aurelia port town in Curse’s hands, didn't I?"
"You’d forgotten that until just now, hadn't you?"
"No, I remembered, but it doesn't feel very real. I suppose it’s because I rarely see you actually working."
"Well, whenever Curse meets with Yuki, it’s usually like this, out and about."
"Or rather, since we always meet in Weed, you’d hardly ever see him at his workplace."
"Ah, I see."
So, the reason I can’t picture Curse sitting at a desk working is simply because I’ve never seen him in that setting.
"I do finish my work, you know. But tell me, how much longer am I expected to act as a substitute?"
"I haven't the faintest idea. If you have a recommendation, Curse, I’m happy to appoint them as the lord."
"That wouldn't be very amusing for you and your people, would it? Or rather, for Weed."
"I suppose so. Since this is a place Yuki acquired, it wouldn't be right for Curse to be the one choosing, would it?"
"Both of you are right. We should handle that properly."
"Sigh. Well, you’re right. Still, we really are short on people. As candidates, I suppose there’s Sisia or Sona."
I offered up a few names in response to his complaint. Yayui, however, looked surprised.
"Eh!? A-are those two currently building the port town in Weed... oh."
"Looks like you’ve figured it out. Usually, you don't need two people at the top. The reason Seraria sent both of them over is..."
"For the sake of future territorial management. No, it’s a big help."
"Curse, you’re welcome to keep governing Aurelia Port if you’d like."
"I’ve already said I must decline. I am an adventurer, after all."
"You’re stubborn. I’m telling you, you can still be an adventurer. You just have to handle the lord’s duties on the side."
"You’re the stubborn one. If you’re going to say that to me, you could just as easily govern this port town yourself, Yuki."
"..." "..."
We locked eyes, a tense silence hanging between us. Mauve and Raiya didn't seem particularly bothered, simply watching the sea, while Yayui looked flustered.
"We’ll discuss this another day. I know I’m asking a lot of you, Curse."
"I appreciate that. I truly hope we can settle this in one go when that day comes. Now, about the fishing port in Weed?"
"Right. Can you bring over a few fishermen to act as instructors?"
I stated the reason for my visit plainly. I had broached the subject before, so I assumed they would have some kind of answer ready, but...
"I can bring them, but they aren't exactly 'veterans.' After all, the veterans are the ones bringing in the money. That holds true for Aurelia Port as well."
"Well, I suppose that’s true. They’re supplying Weed, and I expect them to bear the burden of consumption for the resort area for the time being as well."
"Naturally. I doubt anyone would willingly choose to fish in the waters of Weed—or rather, Rogari. Even if safety is guaranteed."
"True. Even we would hesitate."
"Back in the day, Mauve went on a rampage and ended up out at sea. I’m amazed he survived that."
It seems these adventurers have had their share of maritime experiences. They really are a wealth of knowledge. But, that aside.
"So, you’re saying it’ll be the younger ones coming?"
"Yes. There is the condition that you provide the ships. A single ship is no small expense."
"I’ll provide appropriate compensation for that, but regarding their preferences... if I say 'ordinary,' that might be a bit vague. You mean the wooden ships we see out there, right?"
"Yes. Though, wouldn't the motorized fishing boats you’ve been preparing be better? You’d get operational data out of it."
"I suppose that’s one way to look at it."
Indeed, operational data and wear-and-tear statistics would be incredibly valuable. People like Narjia, Firia, Zargis, and Comet would likely be drooling over that.
"Understood. I’ll prepare things while Yayui is here teaching and providing guidance."
When I said that, Mauve’s eyes widened.
"Hey, is it true that the girl, Yayui, is going to be the one teaching?"
"Hm? Oh, you know about Yayui’s skills, don't you? She’s a master of all things related to vehicles."
When she changes, that is. She’s learned to suppress it recently, but in the beginning, it was quite something. It’s a bit absurd that she undergoes such a transformation even for things like skiing or snowboarding.
"I know that, but in the Aurelia fishing port, there aren't exactly many female fishermen who look as delicate as her..."