「So, that's what all the fuss was about…」
After delivering Fushin, who had developed stomach pains, to the medical bay, I returned to the dining hall and explained the situation to Kugi. In response, Kugi's expression darkened as she said this.
「Did you not realize that Krishna might be a relic?」
「Yes, my Lord. I considered the possibility at first, but everyone was interacting with Krishna normally, and I could control it without any issues myself, so I thought it might not be the case after all.」
「…? What do you mean by that?」
「'Visitor's' relics typically can only be used by the original owner… I thought maybe the relic was just Krishna's sealed generator. Or that the relic might be inside the generator, or even that the laser gun you always carry with you was the relic…」
「I see.」
When I first met Kugi, Mimi and Elma were already living on Krishna with me, and soon after, Kugi herself joined as Krishna's sub-pilot. Given the assumption that relics can only be used by their owners, it's understandable that Kugi might not have realized Krishna was one.
「Fushin-han figured out right away that Krishna was a relic as soon as he stepped on board, though.」
「That's due to my inadequate knowledge and experience…」
Tina, who had followed me to the dining hall, teased Kugi, making her fox ears and tail droop in defeat as her shoulders slumped. By the way, Wiska had gone to get drinks. The result of a serious game of rock-paper-scissors.
「The Overseer is an expert in sacred tools and a highly knowledgeable person. It's not surprising that he noticed something the Priestess did not.」
「Though it's not our place to say, the Overseer is a very distinguished person.」
Konoha and Moegi stepped in to defend Kugi. Well, I don't really mind that she didn't realize it. These things happen, and it seems Kugi thought my laser gun was the relic. Huh? Wait a second.
「So, this is just an ordinary laser gun, right?」
Saying that, I pulled the laser gun from the holster at my waist, removed the energy pack, and placed it in front of Kugi and the others. If I recall correctly, this was a slightly high-performance laser gun that I got during a SOL event. I remember hearing from a gun shop owner that it was quite a good piece.
「Umm… yes, I believe it's just an ordinary laser gun.」
Kugi, after hesitantly examining my laser gun closely, finally came to that conclusion.
「Hiro-dono, may I take a look as well?」
「Would it be alright if I checked it too?」
「By all means, go ahead.」
Konoha and Moegi, clearly fascinated by the laser gun, began inspecting it with great interest. Since the energy pack had been removed, there was no risk of an accidental discharge.
「Speaking of which, not only Kugi but also the two of you don't carry laser guns, right? Is there some kind of religious rule that forbids you from using them or something?」
When I asked, they exchanged glances. Konoha, seemingly acting as their spokesperson, cleared her throat before responding.
「Hiro-dono, Kugi-dono and Moegi are users of the Second Power of Law, while I am a user of the First Power of Law and carry a sword. That's more than enough for us.」
「I see… I suppose that makes sense. After all, I've heard that Kugi's Second Power of Law is pretty brutal.」
「Brutal…」
At my choice of words, Kugi's face froze in shock. But I mean, I've heard what she did when she and the others were captured by Earl Ixamal. Using her Second Power of Law, she apparently brainwashed the Ixamal soldiers, turning them into puppets, and even rendered the Earl himself powerless.
「So, it's just that you don't need to carry one. That makes sense. A laser gun isn't useful for much other than as a weapon, and with the Second Power of Law, you probably don't even need to rely on intimidation tactics. Plus, there aren't many idiots in the Grakkan Empire who would pick a fight with someone wearing a sword on their waist. Well, Konoha's is a katana but it's pretty much the same thing.」
Most people probably wouldn't even know the difference between a sword and a katana. Just wearing something sword-like on your waist is enough to make the average citizen think, 'Whoa, a noble. Better stay away.'
「That being said—hmm?」
Konoha suddenly gazed into the air, her tanuki-like ears twitching. Seeing that Moegi was doing the same, I figured they must have received some kind of communication from the Cathedral at the Neeparc Prime Colony.
「Hiro-dono, it seems our escort has arrived.」
「Well, that's good news. While I don't mind relaxing, I was starting to get a bit bored.」
By 'escort', she was referring to the fleet that was supposed to come from the Holy Vuelzarus Empire to escort us. They had said it wouldn't take long, but it only took a few days. That was quicker than I expected.
「Did you even have time to get bored…?」
Moegi tilted her head as she said that, but I decided to let it slide.
「By the way, the personnel stationed in the Grakkan Empire will be changed on this occasion, right? Are you two coming with us as well?」
「Mmm… yes, that's right. Both Konoha-chan and I are returning to the homeland during this rotation. The Overseer and Commander Ranshin will be staying behind, though.」
Moegi, sounding a bit sulky, responded as if she wasn't too happy about being ignored. Hmm, a sulking fox-eared Onee-san is cute. I'm not sure why you are nodding with an expression like you are taking mental notes, Kugi, but I don't think Moegi's style suits you.
「Do you want to ride with us on the Black Lotus? After all, we're headed to the same place.」
I suggested it casually, without any ulterior motives. It was more of a 'since we're all headed the same way, might as well travel together' kind of offer. Nothing more, nothing less.
「…You're suggesting that we, two single women board your ship, Hiro-dono?」
「With all the women you have already aboard your ship, you're still not satisfied? Hmm, I think it would be better if we got to know each other a bit more first…」
「No, no, that's not what I meant. I withdraw my offer. Forget I said anything.」
I raised my hands in surrender, retracting my earlier statement. Sure, the Black Lotus has plenty of space and offers an exceptionally comfortable living environment—if I may say so myself. I only thought it would be convenient for them since we're all headed in the same direction, and we've gotten to know each other.
「Reaping what you sow, huh?」
「Hiro-sama was just being kind, though.」
Elma, who had been silently listening up until now, threw in her two cents, while Mimi stepped in to defend me. Exactly! I was just being considerate. Although, I do admit I tend to be softer toward women than men—but isn't that true for most people? Men should figure things out for themselves. I do, after all.
「I see. I'm sorry we misunderstood your kind offer. Depending on the situation, we might be the ones to ask you to let us accompany you instead, so could we take some time to give you an answer?」
「From your side? What do you mean?」
「There's a possibility that Moegi and I will be assigned as your escorts or attendants when we return to the homeland. It would probably be more reassuring for you and your crew to have people you're already familiar with in such roles, rather than strangers.」
「That's true.」
It seems that the Holy Vuelzarus Empire might take such considerations into account. What Konoha said makes sense. I don't know how many years they've spent in the Grakkan Empire, but they certainly know more about the customs and mindset here than someone who has never left the Verzalus Empire. This would probably reduce the risk of unnecessary trouble or misunderstandings.
Although, to be honest, I'm not entirely sure if I'm completely used to the customs and mindset of the Grakkan Empire either.
「I'll just say this upfront: if you try anything inappropriate, I won't hesitate to act.」
「What do you think I am?」
「I've heard plenty about your exploits from the others.」
Konoha said this while turning away with a huff. Sure, I haven't exactly been the model of virtue when it comes to women, but I pride myself on never forcing anyone into anything they don't want.
「…Konoha-sama?」
「Ugh… I apologize. That was too much.」
Under Kugi's smiling yet intense pressure, Konoha flinched and apologized to me. I appreciate the apology, but I'm more startled by Kugi's sudden shift. She was smiling, but her eyes certainly weren't. Did Konoha step on one of Kugi's landmines?
「Well, let me know when you've made a decision about joining us. There are open rooms, so just give us a heads-up before departure.」
「Yes, understood. Isn't that right, Konoha-chan?」
「Yes…」
Perhaps Kugi's intimidation worked a little too well, as Konoha's ears and tail were completely drooped as she nodded. I'm starting to think that maybe I underestimated the authority Kugi—or rather, a priestess—holds in the Holy Vuelzarus Empire.
Either way, I'm relieved the escort has arrived. At last, we can finally head toward the Holy Vuelzarus Empire.