第１６９３堀：名前が決まるとが動きが活発になる (Part2)
I couldn't afford to let my work pile up in the meantime. I had to keep pushing forward with everything I could.
With that in mind, we decided to head over to see Mikos once we finished our administrative duties.
"Welcome! As I’ve said before, Yuki-sensei, you could have just called me and I would have come to you."
"I had other business to attend to anyway. It’s not exactly a detour, but that’s how it worked out. Plus, it’s a good change of pace."
"Ah, I get that. It’s tough when you’re glued to a desk all day. Lately, I’ve been staring at the computer so much my eyes ache, and while I use recovery magic, nothing beats just closing them or looking at something green."
"True. It’s not like magic can’t fix the strain, but since you’re just going to look at the screen again right after, it’s better to just give them a rest."
Computer work is brutal on the eyes, after all. And when you’re overworking them day after day, a good portion of that fatigue is likely stress-induced.
"That’s for sure. But anyway, you mentioned you had something to discuss. Since you’re coming to see me, is this about the port town?"
"Exactly. We finally settled on a name. The fishing port has started operations, too, so I thought I should let you know."
"Oh, that’s a huge help. Honestly, it’s hard to advertise a place that doesn't have a name."
So, Mikos had been struggling with that for her pamphlets and magazines, just as I’d suspected.
"My apologies. I’ve been busy with other things."
"I understand. You had the school visits and all that, and Mikos is a patient girl. So, what is the name of the port town?"
"Glass."
"Glass?"
"It’s a word that, much like Weed, carries a meaning close to 'grass'..."
"Ah, I see. Glass—it’s from Earth, isn't it? The etymology refers to grasses or pasture plants. I get it, it’s a pastureland for Weed. So, it’s about food."
"Oh!"
The aides, including the ones handling the profiles, let out sounds of surprise. They were clearly taken aback that Mikos had recalled the meaning from her knowledge base before I could even finish explaining.
"Hm? Is that so surprising? You all have access to that information, too, don't you?"
"We do, but we rarely have any reason to use words from Earth."
"Ah, I suppose that’s true."
Technical knowledge is one thing, but there’s rarely a practical need to know the etymology of common words. After all, this is another world.
"Anyway, the official name is Glass Port Town."
"Understood. Leave it to me. Oh, and did you say the fishing port has started operating?"
"Yes, it’s up and running. Research into fish-based cuisine is already underway, so it might be interesting for you to pay a visit to Ratz, Ria, or Canaria."
"Oh, that’s wonderful! A lot of people are still hesitant about fish, so they need a little nudge."
It seemed Mikos shared the same opinion as Lyushi and the others. Or perhaps it was just that spreading sushi in Weed had been a difficult task? Maybe I hadn't noticed the struggle as much because Qual loved eating it so much.
"I agree. I’m counting on you. There’s no point in having a fishing port if the main product doesn't sell."
"Exactly. Leave that to me. I’ll head over to cover it right away."
"Right. I’ll go with you part of the way. I have business at the town hall, and there’s something else I need to discuss with you."
"Come to think of it, were you with Seraria today?"
"Information from the maid corps led by Kirue revealed some troublesome matters."
"May I ask what they are?"
"Of course. I’d like your input on this as well, Mikos."
And so, while waiting for Mikos to prepare for her reporting trip, I explained the situation regarding the missing persons—or rather, the kidnapping case.
"Ugh... Kagura and the Princess are going to have a headache over this."
"I haven't told them yet, but when do you think would be the best time to break the news?"
"Hmm... for Kagura, today would be fine. For the Princess, it might be better to consult with Kagura, myself, and Enola first. By the way, what about Hairen-sama?"
"I’ve already consulted with Hairen beforehand, as I intend to use Holy."
"In that case, Enola might already know. I’ll check in with her. I’ll let you know once I have a better grasp of where the two of them stand."
We continued our conversation as we headed toward Glass Port Town.
Everything starts with a name, after all. There’s no such thing as a nameless town these days, and there’s no reason for one to stay obscure. Perhaps it’s a case of the name defining the essence—or maybe, having a name is simply what makes a place come alive.