第１７４６堀：ようこそ何度目？ (Part1)
Chapter 1746: Welcome, Which Time Is This?
Side: Miyabi
At the request of Yuki-dono, before my eyes, refugees from the country of Ohe—or more accurately, those who were not Ohe citizens but were ostracized as demi-humans in the New Continent and treated as hostages—are emerging from the gate one after another.
Many of them stop in their tracks, stunned by the act of passing through a gate, but the Weed staff are there to gently guide them along. It is a routine procedure for them by now.
"Alright there~. Let me know if you're feeling unwell, okay? Oh, wait a second. You're holding back, aren't you?"
Moving among them with a gentle yet professional demeanor is Lilishe-dono, performing her duties as a healer. As one would expect from a goddess, she seems fine at a glance, but if you look closely, she is favoring one foot as she walks.
"A sprain, is it?"
"O-oh... it’s embarrassing to admit, but I tripped yesterday after you helped me..."
"There's nothing embarrassing about it~. Given the terrible situation you were in, it would be stranger if your legs didn't give out on you~."
It is true. The hostages had apparently been kept on severely restricted rations and were in such a precarious state that it was decided they could not handle solid food, leaving them to subsist on easily digestible soups. It is no wonder their legs were unsteady.
As I ponder this, Lilishe-dono quickly finishes treating the injured and begins delegating tasks to the surrounding sisters. Her devotion remains as steadfast as ever, though watching her, I cannot help but feel she is not suited for high-level command. She understands this herself, but she is best utilized as a field commander.
Once the stream of hostage-refugees ceases, Yuki-dono and the others arrive.
"Indeed. You have returned safely. Yuki-dono, and these are..."
At my words, the Elder introduces them. I have seen them through the monitor, but since this is our first face-to-face meeting, such formalities are essential.
"Your Majesty?"
"Does that mean... from Weed?"
They knew Yuki-dono was the Queen's consort, so it is only natural they would misunderstand when the Elder addressed me as "Your Majesty."
"No, that is not it. I am Miyabi, Queen of the High Elf nation, here to act as a mediator. The Elder here is my subordinate. I came to welcome you at the request of Weed, as the Queen of Weed is of the human race."
I correct the misunderstanding and explain our circumstances.
"I see. However, for a Queen of another nation to act as a guide..."
"Normally, it would be unthinkable. Your assessment is correct. But with Yuki-dono—or rather, because it is Weed—that is the exception. It simply shows how much I trust Weed and how willing I am to cooperate."
Truth be told, my nation is not a superpower, so pressing matters are still in the future; I was simply enjoying some leisure time in Weed when I received the request and accepted it. Of course, the fact that Weed relied on me played a part as well.
"I understand. If Queen Miyabi trusts them to that extent, then I can trust them as well."
"Indeed. You may rest easy. Queen Seraria, like Yuki-dono, holds no prejudices based on race. However..."
"However?"
"You are aware that this matter cannot be settled easily, are you not? I will provide what support I can, but I expect a sincere response from your side."
Indeed. While one cannot say Ohe is entirely at fault for the origins of this incident, it is a fact that they kidnapped the citizens. We could not ignore that. One could call it bad luck, but that does not mean it can be brushed aside. If the Ohe side acts arrogantly here, it is clear that Roschur and Gartz, who have been inconvenienced, will be furious.
"I understand that."
"We humbly ask for your cooperation."
"Good. Then there should be no problem. Now, Yuki-dono, may we move on? Do you have any other business?"
"No, there is no problem. I have left the refugees in the hands of my subordinates."
"Then let us be off."
It is strange, perhaps, for a Queen of another nation to be the one welcoming guests to Weed, but when asked if this is the best way, I find myself nodding in agreement. I often think about how troublesome it is to be involved with such a country, but perhaps it is precisely because it is Weed that they can handle things this way and keep the damage to a minimum. If this were any other nation, the outcome would surely be far worse.
And, as one might expect...
"W-what is this..."
"...So this is the town of Weed."
It is only natural they would react this way upon seeing the inner workings and architecture of Weed. The fundamental technology is simply different. They are buildings that defy understanding. Especially the hotel we are heading toward, which is nearly the largest structure in Weed.
"..."
They are speechless as they look at the hotel. It is not a mountain-like structure tapering toward the top like a castle. It rises straight up to twenty stories. They cannot fathom how difficult that is to achieve.
"I will leave the guidance to you from here."
"Yes."
While I am appropriate for the journey—or rather, the welcoming of the Ohe party—it is a different matter once we are inside the hotel. That is a task for Yuki, the representative of Weed. After all, they are bound to be even more shocked once they step inside.
"..."
The Ohe party is rendered speechless once more. The entrance features a ten-story atrium—an insane structure—yet it is not dark. The interior is perfectly illuminated by magic lights and electric lamps, making everything visible without being harsh. The lobby possesses a sense of quiet elegance and a calm atmosphere. They are so stunned by the sheer number of things to be surprised by that they have frozen in place. I have no intention of explaining everything to them. We would never get anywhere if I did.
"I imagine you have many questions and surprises, but I will assign guides after we have finished our talk, so please ask them then. For now, this way."
Yuki-dono is truly accustomed to this; he leads them straight to the conference room. Well, we are accustomed to it as well. This hotel is designed for dignitaries like us and is fully equipped with conference rooms. It even includes meals. Though, we have all unanimously agreed that it is better to go out and eat at a restaurant for the main meals, rather than having a simple meal during a meeting. Who wants to hold endless meetings while eating bland food?
As I am thinking this, the elevator arrives, and we step inside, but...
"I-it's floa—"