CH 156

State Minister of Foreign Affairs

***---***

From the Self-Defense Forces Nerima garrison to Volzard, it was a short journey.

At the entrance of the guest house, six teachers and Ayako-sensei, the intern teacher, gathered to greet us.

"No, I was surprised ... Is this the other world already?"

"Yes, this is the guest house in Volzard. Also, the teachers."

"Oh, I'm Shiota, the State Minister of Foreign Affairs. Thank you for interpreting today."

"I'm Oda, who was the head teacher of the grade ..."

While Vice Minister Shiota and the teachers were meeting, I made sure that everyone in the group had left the shadow space and erased the shield of darkness.

<Welcome back, Kent.>(TN:Apparently in this chapter, Japanese will be " " and local language will be < > .)

<I'm home, Riche.>

Beatriche, who had come to meet me along with the teachers, quickly approached me and hugged me as usual.

For me, it's a natural behavior, but in Japan, when Junior High School students hug each other, it stands out.(TN:Does it really?)

The State Minister of Foreign Affairs also looked at us with a surprised look on his face.

Vice Minister Shiota asked, perhaps on behalf of his party.

"Kokubu-kun, is that woman one of your rumored lovers?"

"Yes, my lover, the Lord of Volzard, Klaus-sama's second daughter, Beatriche."

"Beatrice Volzard ... is my name, welcome, to Volzard."

To my surprise, Beatriche greeted them in Japanese.

Of course, she lightly grabbed the hem of her skirt a little, and acted gracefully as usual.

Starting with Vice Minister Shiota, everyone in the party let out a sigh of admiration.

<Riche, when did you start studying Japanese?>

<It's just a greeting, but Yuika-san taught me.>

Yup, yup, she's cute, has a good style, and is talented, she's wasted on me.

The State Minister of Foreign Affairs was moved to a room in the guest house and had a meeting with the teachers regarding interpretation.

Satou-sensei, who taught Japanese, would be the main interpreter, and Oda-sensei would serve as an assistant.

Vice Minister Shiota requested that I also attend.

"Kokubu-kun, by nature, you're in a position to be protected, but whether it's the return of the students or the possibility of a resource development project from Japan, it won't be possible without you."

Vice Minister Shiota said that he was thinking about rewarding me for returning my classmates, but honestly, it didn't really matter to me.

If I wanted to make money in Japan, there were many ways to make money, such as selling magic stones or Minotaur horns, or setting a fee for communication between Japan and Volzard, but rather than becoming rich, I want to live a carefree life.

Now that the preparations for the interview were complete, it was finally time to meet with Klaus-san.

The meeting between Klaus-san and Vice Minister Shiota was held in a room overlooking the garden, not in the audience room where the Resenburg messengers came.

Klaus-san, who greeted us, was completely different from his usual rough appearance, and he was dressed like a Feudal Lord.

The stand-up collar reminiscent of a half coat was embroidered with fine flowering plants, and the undulations of the thread created shadows that made the pattern stand out in three dimensions.

The scarf wrapped around his neck was a glossy wine red, and the material itself exuded a sense of luxury.

<I am Klaus Volzard, the Lord of the city of Volzard. So far, no, I'm glad you came from so near.>

"I am Takamasa Shiota, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The people of our country are very much indebted to you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness."(TN:Multiple ways of translating his name, Takaaki, Takamasa, Takayoshi 隆昌 ... Unimportant character, so whatever.)

Vice Minister Shiota, who shook hands with Klaus-san, looked down at his hands in surprise.

The hands that went to the site of the ramparts construction every week, and were covered in dust and sweat together with everyone, were not the hands of a person who did desk work.

<I'm a hands-on person ... Also, this is, the Master of the Headquarters Guild, which oversees all the Guilds in the Republic of Landshelt, including Volzard, Reese.>

<My name is Reese, my best regards.>

"I'm Shiota, it's a pleasure to meet you."

The emerald green dress Reese-san was wearing had a wide open chest, revealing her deep brown cleavage, and the waist was narrowed, further emphasizing the richly undulating body shape.

Vice Minister Shiota was also at a loss as to where to look.(TN:Incompetent ambassador?)

<Well, have a seat ...>

Klaus-san, with his usual grin, offered the group a chair.

First, Vice Minister Shiota, next to him was the secretary. Satou-sensei sat between Klaus-san and Vice Minister Shiota, and Oda-sensei sat diagonally behind.

The other teachers were supposed to sit next to the Vice Minister and the secretary, and I was supposed to sit next to the secretary, but there weren't enough chairs.

<Kent, your seat is here ...>

When I looked, there was an empty chair behind Klaus-san, next to Beatriche.

Vice Minister Shiota saw that and had a dubious expression on his face, but Klaus-san didn't seem to have any intention of yielding.

<Kent will participate as a person from the Volzard side. Putting down roots in this city is a condition for marrying my daughter.>

"I haven't heard anything like that, but have you spoken to Kokubu-kun's parents?"

<Is there any need to inform the parent who has abandoned Kent? Besides, this is the choice Kent made.>

"Kokubu-kun, are you planning to move to this world?"

"Yes, I plan to live in Volzard."

"Are you not going back to Japan?"

"Right now, if the friendly relationship between Japan and Volzard continues, I intend to act as a bridge between them, but if the relationship deteriorates, I will join Volzard's side."

Klaus-san smiled satisfactorily when he heard Satou-sensei, who translated my words.

Vice Minister Shiota, on the other hand, furrowed his brows slightly, but after nodding his head several times to convince himself, he continued.

"Regarding the handling of Kokubu-kun's nationality, I would like to discuss it again, including legal issues. However, for Volzard, that is protecting over 200 citizens of Japan, I would like you to understand that even though I am grateful, I have no intention of being hostile."

<Even Volzard has no intention of being hostile with other countries. Rather than say that, I think you've heard about it, but this city is adjacent to the Devil's Forest, and recently there have been frequent outbreaks of monsters. To be honest, we can't afford to fight with other countries.>

"Japan also wants to build a good relationship as a neighboring country even after the people under protection return home safely. First of all, I would like to hand over a personal letter from the Prime Minister of Japan."

In response to Vice Minister Shiota's signal, the secretary handed over a parcel.

The Vice Minister's group brought in several large carrier bags, it must have been put inside.

Wrapped in an indigo Furoshiki with a wave pattern, it was about 30 centimeters by 20 centimeters.

"This is a letterbox for storing letters, made with traditional Japanese craftsmanship."

<Let me see ...>

When he unwrapped the silk hanky that was wrapped so that it wouldn't get scratched, a letter box with black lacquer and peony flowers was revealed.(TN:Dunno why they call it a furoshiki before and now it's a mawata(silk hanky).)

The green stems and leaves, white and vermilion gradation petals, and yellow flower core had a three-dimensional effect.

<This, a colored sculpture ... No, is it different?>

"This is made using a technique called carved lacquer. The base wooden box is coated with lacquer, a paint made from tree sap, to create a layer of colored lacquer, which is then carved and polished."

It seemed that it was necessary to repaint many times to create a layer of one color, and it was necessary to repaint even more times to layer different colors.

Then, it seemed that a delicate technique was required to accurately dig out the desired color while shaping the design and sharpen it to create a gradation.

Reese-san, who was peering in from the side of Klaus-san, also had her eyes shining.

<I don't think there are many people among the obstinate elf craftsmen who can do such a splendid job.>

Just by seeing Klaus-san's hand open the lid, I could see the intricate construction.

"As you probably already know, our country has advanced industrial technology. On the other hand, it is also a country where such traditional techniques are passed down."

<It's frustrating, but I don't think there's a craftsman who can do this level of work in Volzard right now.>

Klaus-san seemed to be fascinated by the carved lacquer box, even though he said it was frustrating.

<I definitely received the personal letter. Unfortunately, I can't read the characters of that country, so I'll ask Ritsuko or Shuji to translate. We at Volzard also want to build a good relationship with Japan, Kent's birthplace. However, it is not without concerns.>

"You have concerns?"

<There are three main types. First, there is too much difference in technical level. Second, the difference in values is too great. The third is relying too much on Kent for transportation.>

Vice Minister Shiota nodded as Klaus-san raised his fingers one by one while raising his concerns.

"It's certainly true. Even for us, we don't want to create a situation where the country is thrown into chaos by sudden changes. We want to make steady progress."

<Above all, I would like you to give top priority to those who wish to return to Japan as soon as possible. A young child with a bright future should never take their own life again.>

"It's a painful story to hear, but as you said, we intend to enhance our support as soon as possible."

In the meeting that followed, they agreed to set up something like a branch office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Volzard, station a person in charge, and begin preparations for future exchanges.

If the person in charge of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was permanently stationed, requests from teachers and classmates would be able to be smoothly conveyed to Japan.

Having said that, I had no choice but to be involved in the transport of goods, so I had a feeling that there would be more work as a courier in the future.

After the luncheon meeting with Klaus-san, Vice Minister Shiota asked to see the town of Volzard.

<Kent, follow them as a guide. In order to prevent an emergency situation from occurring, have your genus be prepared as well.>

<I understand. I'll make sure they can quickly go out at any time.>

It's hard to imagine that Vice Minister Shiota would be targeted in the city of Volzard, but I'll summon Zae and the others just in case.

[ Reinhardt, call Zae-tachi. ]

[ Understood. For the time being, the Kobold Corps will also be on guard. ]

[ I'm counting on you. ]

Klaus-san offered to prepare a carriage, but Vice Minister Shiota declined, saying that he wanted to walk around.

"Kokubu-kun, can you guide me to the place where Sekiguchi-san died?"

"I understand. We'll have to walk quite a bit ..."

"I don't mind. Since I became a politician, I don't have the opportunity to move my body as much as I used to, but I haven't weakened to the point where it's painful to walk."

"Then, I will guide you."

Even though I took the role of guide, I had been just jumping around, and I could say that yesterday was the first time I had seen the city slowly, when I went shopping with the chairman, Manon, and Beatriche.

I wasn't good at answering questions, so I asked Beatriche to come with me.

In the early afternoon, the main street was bustling with people shopping and doing business.

That said, compared to downtown areas such as Shibuya and Shijuku in Japan, it was more laid back.

Next to Vice Minister Shiota, Beatriche and I walked side by side, and the SPs were on guard around us.

The secretary held up a video camera and filmed what the Vice Minister was watching, but what was normal in Japan felt strange in Volzard.

"No, to be honest, I thought it would be more cluttered, but the city is more well-maintained than I imagined."

"Yes, I was also surprised, but Volzard is also called the 'Farthest City', and it seems that they have proceeded with maintenance so as not to lose to the city in the center."

"It has a smell peculiar to foreign towns, but it's definitely not an unsanitary smell. How is security?"

"Right. It seems that you need to be careful in places where unruly adventurers gather, but overall it's good. For crimes, fines are the mainstream, and those who can't pay will be deprived of their identity cards and exiled, therefore, the number of crimes does not seem to be high."

"Speaking of which, I heard that some students caused a disturbance ..."

"Yes, normally they would have been expelled, but as an exception, they were allowed make do with forced labor. As for the punishment of forced labor, they were given amnesty in celebration of overcoming the maximum outbreak of Goblins, so currently no one is being punished."

It seemed that not only the secretary holding the video camera, but also the SPs who were guarding were captivated by the appearance of the beastmen with real cat and dog ears.

The townspeople also looked at the eccentric party with curiosity, but since Beatriche was with us, they seemed to understand that they were people who had come to Volzard from somewhere far away.

Vice Minister Shiota seemed to be a person who didn't care too much about formalities, and even though he just finished lunch, he was interested in the sweets sold at the stalls and enjoyed eating while walking around.

"I heard that Shiota-san went abroad when he was a Self-Defense Force officer, but how does it compare to Volzard?"

"In principle, the places where the Japanese Self-Defense Forces are dispatched are non-combat zones, so it was a place where there were no security problems, but it was not such a peaceful place. Also, it was a place that needed humanitarian assistance, like water, medical care, and schools, it's completely incomparable."

"Was that the result of the war?"

"That's right. War only makes some arms dealers richer, and weak people such as women, children, and the elderly suffer terrible things, it's something that should never happen."

Vice Minister Shiota appeared to be smiling and kind, but his expression when he talked about the war was very stern.

"Speaking of which, Klaus-dono said that you were attacked by a horde of monsters ..."

"Yes, about a week ago, we were attacked by a large group of Orcs, and there were quite a few injuries."

"Even with that many ramparts, it couldn't be prevented ..."

"No, it's not that they were able to cross the ramparts, but the damage was caused by the commanded Orcs throwing stones."

"Throwing stones, huh ... It's quite primitive, but is it normal for monsters?"

"No, it seems that it's rare for Orcs to attack with stones."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, I don't think it's the effect of us being summoned, but this time's outbreak was on an unprecedented scale, the attack method, and the irregular situations continue."

Vice Minister Shiota tightened his expression and thought about it.

Perhaps he was thinking about the impact on future resource development.

"Is it likely that the monster's attacks will continue?"

"It seems it will change with the direction of the seasonal winds, and it seems that the probability of going to the other side of the forest, the Resenburg side, will increase from now on, but it seems that we don't know how long the situation with many monsters will continue."

"Those monsters, is it possible to repel them using the equipment of the Self-Defense Forces?"

"Hmm ... I don't know how powerful the Self-Defense Forces equipment is, so it's hard to say, but I think it's difficult depending on the type of monster."

"Is there such a dangerous monster?"

"That's right. There are giant cats that can change direction even in the air using wind-attribute magic and treat humans like mice."

"Joking ... it doesn't seem to be."

Using a Storm Cat as an example, Vice Minister Shiota suddenly stopped and was at a loss for words.

The SP-sans, who were guarding us, couldn't hide their confusion.

I haven't heard of that ... It feels to be such.

"Regarding Storm Cats, there aren't many of them, and they rarely appear, but when they do appear, they are said to be an unstoppable disaster."

"Is there a possibility that such a monster will jump out of the forest?"

"Yes, the area around Volzard is safer than others because my genus patrol it, but I can't say it's perfect."

After passing through the main street and climbing up to the ramparts, the sight of Goblins roaming the forest caught my eye.

They seemed to be competing for the food they found.

The secretary excitedly captured the direction Vice Minister Shiota was pointing at with the video camera.

[ Reinhardt, I feel like the number of Goblins is increasing ... ]

[ That's right, except for the large herds, we have left them alone, but I feel that the overall number has increased compared to before. ]

[ Should we reduce them a bit? ]

[ Isn't it better to consult with Donovan-dono about that? ]

[ Well, it might end up depriving the adventurers of their earnings. Alright, I'll do that. ]

A small vase of flowers was placed where Sekiguchi-san jumped off.

Was it Senzaki-sensei, or maybe one of her friends?

Next to him, the secretary filmed State Minister Shiota offering a large bouquet of flowers brought from Japan and bowing deeply.

Perhaps it would be released to the press after returning to Japan.

It seemed that Beatrice and I were also filmed offering a moment of silence.

"The city is beautifully maintained and I thought it would be a perfect place to enjoy an exotic atmosphere, but unlike Japan, the internet is not available, entertainment is limited, and you never know when you will be able to return. On top of that, there is a possibility that monsters will take your life, so it can't be helped if there are people who are mentally driven to do this."

"That's right. There are people who have adapted to life in Volzard and are enjoying it, but for those who can't get used to it, it must be a difficult life."

"You may not know it at your age, but many of the American soldiers who were dispatched to the Vietnam War and the Iraq War still suffer from PTSD traumatic stress disorder even after returning home. In order to prevent such incidents from occurring, we will promptly proceed with support such as counseling."(TN:Dunno why PTSD needs TSD repeated afterwards, but OK ... Maybe because PTSD is English and the following is Japanese?)

"Yes, if you please."

"At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there was an opinion that if the system was in place, we should proceed with the industrialization of tourism in Volzard, but considering the feelings of the students who are unable to return to Japan, it goes without saying whether to give priority to returning to Japan or the tourism industry."

Being able to travel to another world ... If you ask me, there would be a lot of people who would want to go even if it meant paying a lot of money, and I felt like a tourism industry would be well-established.

However, If my classmates saw them casually coming to play and casually leaving, I'm sure my classmates who wanted to go home but couldn't go home would really have a nervous breakdown.

After paying homage to Sekiguchi-san, State Minister Shiota moved to the temporary garrison dormitory, and after hearing the requests for support from the teachers and students who remained in the dormitory, he returned to Japan from another room so as not to be seen by the students.