第１７２５堀：親戚の年上に関して (Part1)
Chapter 1725: Regarding Older Relatives
Side: Eris
"Sigh... the trial study abroad program is already ending in a month."
"Indeed. After that, we’ll have a preparation period before officially welcoming the full-time exchange students, but..."
Ratz and I were huddled together in the principal’s office at the International Exchange School, handling tasks like finalizing the school’s future schedule. The workload is immense—covering not just the students themselves, but their attendants, the curriculum, and everything in between. We even have to manage the budget; honestly, it might be more of a headache than when I was in the Accounting Department. Still, it’s for Yuki-san’s sake, so I’ll do my best.
"Honestly, I wish we could have all the trial students stay behind to act as instructors."
"That would be ideal, but we’re only taking one class at a time for now, so it’s a tough sell. Or perhaps... should we create a separate 'Senior Instructor' class?"
"Hmm, that’s a possibility, but then we’d have to figure out what they would actually be teaching."
"How about testing them on Weed’s common knowledge and international standards? If they pass, they could take classes in specialized fields—medicine, technology, and so on."
"Ah, digging deeper into their expertise. There was already interest in that, so I don’t think there would be any opposition. The problem is who would act as the teachers. Should we pull people from the laboratories and set up a university system like the one in the Magic Kingdom? I can’t exactly force them to take on more work, though."
It’s true that the laboratories are often designated as Weed’s top-secret facilities, and while a university system would be the most logical approach...
"Besides, we don't even have a university yet, do we?"
"That’s true. Which is why we could create a system where they can launch smaller, independent laboratories with a tighter budget—though calling them 'small' might be a bit rude. The condition for funding would be providing instruction to international exchange students and highly motivated youths from Weed. How about that? We wouldn't need to build a whole new school, Weed’s students could participate, and it would be a great way to scout talent for the larger laboratories."
"It’s not impossible, but 'small laboratories' is a bit vague. How would we distinguish them? If it’s a standard lab, the nation of Weed provides significant funding, so these would be the ones with less, right? But they’d still be research labs, wouldn't they?"
"Mmm, now that you mention it, that does sound complicated. It might be better to ask Yuki-san, Taiki-san, or Taizou-san for their thoughts."
"Agreed. Better than reaching a conclusion right now..."
Just as we were discussing the future of the school, an emergency call came through. We exchanged glances and answered immediately.
"Yes, this is Eris. Ratz is here with me."
"Yes, yes! What’s going on?"
*“Ah, good. That saves me an explanation. To put it briefly, it’s strange to say that Holly and Vilia are safe and on schedule, but they’ve been summoned.”*
At those words, Ratz and I widened our eyes in shock. The merchant acting as our scout had only arrived at that remote village two days ago!
"That easily?"
"Aside from Holly and Vilia, was anyone else harmed?"
*“No, just as planned, it’s only Holly, who had Vilia tucked away in her backpack. I have no idea why Kagura, Enola, or Nina weren't chosen, but I’ve already finished the preliminary talk with the other side—the ones who did the summoning.”*
"The 'other side'?"
So, the summoning wasn't a coincidence; it was intentional. Good grief. First Yuki-san, his companions, and the children, and now Vilia—though at least the damage was minimal. As for Holly... well, there’s a history there, but if she’s listening to orders, that’s a relief.
*“Anyway, I’m setting up a seat to talk with their higher-ups and have already deployed a dungeon. I need Eris and Ratz to assess the situation there and calculate the necessary budget and supplies.”*
"Understood."
That is, after all, our specialty. It was something we had anticipated, so there was no need to panic, but...
"However, Yuki-san. When you say 'talk,' does that mean it’s going to be another troublesome affair?"
*“Yeah, it’s pretty much a given. From what I’ve heard, they’re on the brink of collapse. I’m calling in Miyabi and the Elder from your village, Eris.”*
"Excuse me?"
What could that possibly mean? Why summon Queen Miyabi, who leads the Elf nation, and the Elder of my village? As if sensing my confusion, Yuki-san explained.
*“I didn't mention it, did I? The country that summoned Vilia and Holly is called the Oae Kingdom. The princess who led the summoning is Princess Suena, and she happens to be an Elf.”*
"Ah, that explains why you need the Elder and Queen Miyabi."
*“Exactly. Fortunately, both are currently in Weed and can come immediately. And, Eris, I think the other side will feel more at ease if you sit in on the negotiations as a fellow Elf...”*
"Yes, leave it to me. I will find out what intent they had in kidnapping people, and depending on the circumstances, I will make them pay the price as a fellow Elf."
I will see to it that any Elf who causes trouble for others is eradicated. If things had gone differently, Yuki-san, Ratz, Milly, or even the children could have been the ones kidnapped. At best, they deserve beheading; at worst...
*“No, no, it’s not like that. And I’m not holding you or Miyabi responsible. It’s a different continent entirely. It’s an unexplored continent stretching north to south, on the opposite side of the world map from Weed.”*
"From all the way over there? My, my... that sounds like it could have some good trade goods."
*“Exactly. Fortunately, there don't seem to be any human casualties, and since the Oae Kingdom is currently at a massive disadvantage, it should be easy to push our demands through. They’re being squeezed from the north and south by humans and the Demon Lord.”*
That sounds familiar, doesn't it? As I thought that, Ratz spoke up.
"Is it similar to the situation in the Ioa Kingdom?"
Ah, yes, that’s it. The small territory Holly was trying to destroy. Taiki-san is currently fighting the Demon Lord there, at least on the surface.
*“It’s similar, but I don’t know the full details yet. I only heard it from Princess Suena. So, I want you two to sit in and help extract the information. Of course, I’ll be going too.”*
"Ehh!?"
We both cried out in shock at his unexpected declaration.
*“Don’t be so surprised. This is a negotiation between nations. Seraria needs to oversee the overall command here in Weed, so as her consort, shouldn't I be the one at the table? Otherwise, they won’t know if they can trust us.”*
"..."
I understand what he’s saying. I do. But even if he is a Doppelganger, the thought of Yuki-san putting himself in danger is something I simply cannot accept. Ratz felt the same way; she was frowning just as deeply as I was.