第１８７８堀：医療従事者が見る王都について (Part1)
**Chapter 1878: The Royal Capital Through the Eyes of a Medical Professional**
**Side: Enora**
"Honestly, I’m stunned. You call me out of the blue, and the next thing I know, I’m being told to gather my unit and head for Giadana immediately."
*“Well, well, I did tell you about the scandal involving the Clearstream Church in Giadana, didn’t I? That’s exactly why we’ve made it in time.”*
Tch. I suppose he did mention it beforehand. He’s as silver-tongued as ever. Still...
"Baron Siana and his group only left two days ago, didn't they? Isn't there a chance they might just turn around and come back?"
That’s right. It had been a mere two days since Baron Siana and the high-ranking officials of the Clearstream Church had returned to Ohe. If the scandal regarding the church were to spread, it wouldn't take much for them to realize they needed to head back.
*“I’ve already coordinated that part. The plan is for them to arrive in Ohe without knowing a thing, only to be detained on the spot. By then, we’ll have extracted information from the Clearstream Church members while they’re still in their normal state.”*
"...So, you’re looking at both the front and the back of the situation."
*“Well, even if we’re going to pass judgment after catching them, we shouldn't lose sight of fairness, right?”*
"That’s certainly true, but..."
It’s just my misfortune to be dealing with Yuki. Then again, if there are any decent people among the Clearstream Church members, it’s worth finding them, and this is a necessary step to discern that.
*“Anyway, Enora, you’ve made sure your disguise is in order, right?”*
"I have. Though, all I’ve done is use magic to hide everyone’s ears and tails. It doesn't feel particularly unnatural."
I’m not even sure if you can call this a disguise. Anyone who knows what to look for would spot it instantly.
*“That’s fine. Besides, we’ll need to show our ears and tails when we go to help people anyway, so an elaborate disguise would actually be a hindrance.”*
"I suppose you're right. So, what exactly do you want me to do? Should I just wait near the church as planned?"
*“No, I want you to meet with King Giadana and Prime Minister Daeda through Emma first.”*
"Huh? Are you serious?"
From their perspective, there’s a significant risk in meeting someone from Weed—a country they still know nothing about. If things go poorly, it could create a rift between Weed and Giadana...
*“I’m dead serious. We need to raise the favorability of the demi-humans this time. If we don’t show our faces beforehand, they might just label us as enemies.”*
"Couldn't you just give Emma a photo of us or something?"
*“That won’t be enough. I need the King of Giadana to be in our debt. We have to demonstrate that we’re safe beforehand. And you need to let them know you’re my wife.”*
"Hah!?"
That was the biggest surprise of the day. Telling them that means...
"You want me to negotiate as a representative of Weed?"
*“Exactly. That said, I can talk via the call screen, so it’s not like your presence is absolutely mandatory for the conversation itself.”*
"Then why... oh, I see. You’re using me as a guarantee and a way to ensure safety, aren't you?"
*“That’s the gist of it. It might sound like I’m using you as a hostage, but if someone of appropriate standing doesn't meet with the King of Giadana, he’ll have trouble with the upcoming exchanges.”*
"I suppose it comes down to whether they believe it or not, but if Yuki is the one explaining it, I doubt they’ll think it’s a lie..."
*“Because it’s the truth, after all.”*
"So, it also serves as a sign of how much they trust themselves. Then again, I wish you had explained this to me sooner."
This is a major diplomatic matter. Being told this only after arriving on-site is unheard of.
*“Well, I apologize for that. But we needed to assess the situation on our end, too. Plus, the adventurers—Vilia and the others—advanced in rank faster than I anticipated.”*
"True, I didn't expect them to jump two ranks in three days. I suppose that just goes to show how dire the situation in the Iana Kingdom is."
It’s not normal to send rookies who have only been adventurers for three days to a fierce battlefield, even if they might have talent.
*“That was an irregularity. Anyway, it’s not like you need to negotiate anything complex. Just showing our utility by using some healing magic should be enough.”*
"That was the original plan, anyway."
Exactly. The initial plan was for us demi-humans to use our healing magic to treat the people hidden by the Clearstream Church, thereby improving the general impression of demi-humans. If we show that to the King of Giadana as well, it should make them think it’s better to have us as allies than as enemies.
Of course, there’s a non-zero chance they might try to exploit that healing magic and keep us under their thumb, but since my position is that of Yuki’s wife, any mistreatment would mean Weed itself becomes their enemy. In that sense, my presence acts as a security guarantee for my subordinates.
"Fine, I understand it’s a matter of necessity. So, where should I go to meet them?"
*“Emma should be contacting you, but...”*
Just as Yuki started to speak, a call notification popped up on my screen. It was from Emma.
"Speak of the devil."
*“That’s convenient.”*
I answered the call.
*“A pleasure to meet you, Lady Enora. My name is Emma. I am terribly sorry to keep you waiting when you have gone out of your way to come here...”*
"Oh, don't worry about that. I’ve already heard the details from Yuki, and we don't have much time, do we?"
*“Um...”*
As Emma faltered at my bluntness, Yuki spoke up.
*“Emma, don't worry about it. That’s just how Enora is. She won’t call it disrespectful, and I’ll vouch for her.”*
"That’s right. It’s fine. I’ve been helping out with refugees and the like, so I’m used to 'disrespect'—bring it on."
It’s rare to find commoners who know the etiquette of royalty and nobility anyway. Emma is a subordinate of Kirika, so she’s just well-versed in that kind of protocol, which makes her far removed from the average person. The brats in the refugee camps are wild, and compared to the idiots who resort to violence, Emma is showing me plenty of respect.
*“I... see. It wasn't about disrespect, but rather keeping you waiting... No, very well. I shall guide you now. The location is the Clear Church, but...”*
"Oh, so that’s where it is. It’s not far, so I’ll head over there while taking a look around. It’s about a twenty-minute walk, is that alright?"
*“Yes, that is fine, but shall I send an escort...”*
"No need. This is perfect. If I’m being summoned to the church, it’s better if people see me heading there."
If we’re seen as guests of the Clear Church rather than a group of mysterious demi-humans, it should put people’s minds at ease.