After unloading, Mei and Kugi came up to the penthouse in a private elevator, sitting in the living room.

"Welcome back, your room is that door, you can leave your luggage first."

"Yes, my lord. Thank you."

Kugi went into the room I pointed out after bowing to me and Pecori. Her hand luggage is rather small, with only one bath wrap. It's almost like you're traveling alone.

May?

"Yes, I will report to you." In conclusion, there is an unlimited 100% chance that she is a member of the Holy Empire of Verzalus known as the 'Shrine Maiden'. ”

What's the judgment?

There must be a good basis for May to say 100% without a doubt.

"Yes, first of all, the outpost of the Holy Empire of Verzalus, which she called the Cathedral. I have queried the records of the construction of the facility, but the right holder on the register is undoubtedly the government agency of the Holy Empire of Verzalus. At least that's what the Graccan Empire recognizes.”

"In other words, it's unlikely that a cheap con man or an outlaw is in hiding."

"I wonder if that's what's going to happen."

"I see... I mean, you need to think of it as something special and deal with it."

Seventy percent, eighty percent suspected it was a scam or something, but when it comes to fake things, it's kind of troublesome... Actually, don't worry about how much to take care of. Considering her mission, wouldn't it be a thing for a lifetime? Isn't that a little too much of a responsibility?

I stare into Mimi's face, sitting right next to me. It looks like he's thinking about something, and he has a slightly difficult look on his face. Yeah, it's cute. No, it's not.

"Nhh..."

When I had no choice but to bother my mind about how to judge, I had no choice but to raise my voice. Honestly, I don't care if they say they're going to dedicate their bodies and hearts to it. Although Kugi-chan is adorable, I can only say that she is honestly in time. Mimi, Elma, May, Tina, and Whiskey. I think I'm surrounded by five more women than I am, and I'm already over my height... well, now that I'm worried, there's nothing I can do. We have no choice but to turn to the flow.

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting." It's a very nice room... and I feel like it's too much for me. ”

“Get used to it. We're always like this.”

"If you say so."

Having said that, she wandered her gaze and showed a troubled expression. I'm sitting on the sofa in the living room right now, and there's Mimi on the right. Elma was sitting on the left. There is no room for her to sit.

Kugi-chan, come here.

"Here you go."

That said, when the mechanic sisters sitting on the sofa opposite us shifted left and right and urged them to sit between themselves, Kugi-chan froze between them in fear.

"First of all, we need to understand each other." So let's introduce ourselves first. First of all, my name is Hiro. I often call myself Captain Hiro. A mercenary belonging to a mercenary guild, ranked at the top of the platinum ranks. I got the Imperial Medal and senior citizenship. After that... what happened? "

By being awarded the First Star Cross, my lord has gained the status of Honorary Viscount within the Graccan Empire.

I see, I am the Lord of the Rock.

I don't know how much she understands, but she seems to have recognized that being her is a wonderful thing about my achievements.

"Then I'll be next." I'm Elma. As you can see, I'm an elf, and I'm a mercenary belonging to a mercenary guild just like Hiro. Silver Rank. There's a lot going on, and I'm working with Hiro. Well, you're my partner. "

"We are partners, both public and private."

"Um... no, that's right. If we act together, there's no way we can hide it. Hiro's right, partner. Not only as a mercenary, but also in the sense of men and women."

Are you embarrassed because you said it yourself? Elma's ears are red. I suddenly wanted to touch my ears and do it, but now I'm going to be grabbed by my flank, so let's be patient.

"I see. I see."

It was a self-introduction with clear content, but Kugi-chan only nodded honestly without changing her complexion.

Hmm? Something's not what I thought it would be. Somehow, from what Kugi-chan said, I thought there was some kind of reaction to the relationship between men and women.

"Well then, it's me next." This is Mimi. Hiro-sama saved my life and is putting me as an operator. We sell loot and manage supplies. Also, on the paperwork, it's Hiro-sama's wife. My wife. "

I told you twice because it is important. I know, and I'm going to grab my arm. Hmm, the right arm feels heavenly. But Mimi didn't know why, but she was burning up against Kugi-chan. This reaction is quite close to the initial one when I bought May.

"Yes, Mimi-sama." Thank you very much. "

Again, Kugi-chan was unresponsive and accepted Mimi's introduction. Hmm, I don't know. I don't know anything. Mimi was also expecting some kind of violent reaction, just like me, and she looked like she was stung by her shoulder.

Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn,

"I am a maiden serving my master." There's nothing more or less, so I don't need an introduction. "

"Really? Bye." My name is Tina. You and Wee are twins, and I'm your sister. I work for Space Dowelg, and now I'm on secondment to my brother's mechanic. Wee and my brother's handiwork. "

"Onii-chan...!"

Whisker protested with a blush at Tina's open mouth, but Tina seemed to have no intention of making contact by just laughing.

“I see, that means you're all in love with me.”

"Pete... well, that's what happens."

When Kugi-chan told me that, I think I'm doing something bigger now. I can't think of anything in the original world, but it's a miracle it's working. Is it because of the special chastity associated with the ship? It feels strange when you think about it.

“It's great that you're helping us keep the world in balance. In the future, I hope that I will be added to that last seat."

Kugi put her hands together to pray. I lowered my head.



For our part, we don't know what we're talking about, so we just tilt our necks. It really doesn't make sense that Mimi and I have such a relationship that the world's equilibrium has been maintained. What the hell are you talking about? It is a state.

"In other words, thanks to you, you are in your current state without falling into the negative."

"Not at all." I have no idea what that means. "

“Your presence is essential to me. Everyone is here, and my Lord is now. [M] That means you are here and you are now."

"Is it fateful that Hiro and we have such a relationship?" I wonder if the teachings of the Holy Empire of Verzalus are fateful. "

That's what Elma said and put a wrinkle between her eyebrows. Destiny theory... I don't really like it when you say that this is destiny after only seeing the results. If a scroll or something with all the fate of the past, the present and the future is real, you won't believe it, but if it doesn't exist, it's like egg first or chicken first, right?

"I'm not interested in philosophical conversations, but let's put it aside for now." Is that all you need to tell me about yourself? Then let's do a light question-and-answer or a chat, shall we? "

"I see, it's an interrogation of a newcomer." There's nothing to hide here. ”

I shake my hand and neck to Kugi-chan with a strange face.

“It's not an interrogation, is it? It's just a chat, isn't it? There are only rumors about the Holy Empire of Verzalus, so I'd like to ask you a lot of questions. Being able to act together with Kugi will be an unnegligible phenomenon."

"I see, that may indeed be the case. I will not ask you for anything from these people, but it may be useful for you to know them. And, my lord, abandon this matter of yours. [M] I'm not old enough to be called Chan."

"Is that so? Well, if Kugi says so, then so be it." Can I ask you about the Holy Empire of Verzalus? "

“Sure, just ask.”

Kugi nodded confidently. It's a bit doya-like and cute.

"I heard before that the Holy Empire of Verzales is a pure-blooded democracy that enslaves other races." If that's true, I'm afraid to get along too well. "

“That's a terrible misunderstanding. It's true that we value our bloodline, but we don't want to exclude other races.”

Kugi said that with an extremely serious expression. I see. Well, it's a faraway country, and there are times when rumors may spread in a way that's different from reality.

Well then, what about slaves?

"I think it's a rumor that he saw a prisoner in correction."

”Correctional treatment... it smells terrible, doesn't it?”

"Well, what exactly does that mean...?"

Elma and Mimi questioned Kugi in horror as they pulled back. Yeah, I'd like to hear about it. In some cases, I might be subjected to that indoctrination.

“We have heard of measures taken against cosmic bandits and those who commit unilateral acts of aggression, which we call conflicts, operating within our national territory. They preach their mission so that they do not repeat the same mistakes, and they give them the opportunity to pay for their sins by contributing to their achievement.”

"Is that any different from brainwashing...?"

"I think there are parts that can't be helped even if they are taken in a certain way. However, sin will require punishment. I think it is reasonable for them to be redeemed for their actions and actions when their mission is hampered by their actions. At the same time, it is also necessary to make these people aware of their mission so that they will not repeat it again."

”Is the muscle... passing through?”

Whiskers tilted their necks at Kugi's insistence.

Well, if you're interrupted, you're responsible for the damage. At the same time, they will understand and empathize with what they think. Is it appropriate to deal with those who have engaged in banditry and one-sided conflict? I don't feel wrapped up in words.

"When it comes to cosmic bandits, I hear that in the case of the Empire, I will be sentenced to life imprisonment or go to human experiments until I die, so is it somewhat more humane than that...?"

"I don't think I can deal with a space bandit... but I wonder what to do with prisoners from other countries?"

"I guess that depends on the treaties on the treatment of prisoners between countries..."

"Isn't this a scary country to hear rumors about?"

"Because the perspective of ethnic warmth and national warmth is different... In addition to not having the will to expand the territory, actively supporting the damage caused by space monsters can be said to be generous as a state, but the reputation of pure bloodism and exclusivity, and strict response to other races can be regarded as a reputation for sovereign races, not just the state"

"These people don't have enough isolation from other races to be said to be pureblooded and exclusivist. However, these people have duties that must be fulfilled, and other races do not have them.”

Kugi asserts his firmness in Elma's summary. After all, I suspect that the exclusivity of the people of the Verzalus Holy Empire is due to their mission and attitude toward them.

"I understand somehow, so let's do it." Anyway, would you like to slow down for today? I'm tired, and I'm going to take a proper rest and see where I'm going tomorrow with the lightweight Power Armor information. Either way, the delivery of Antrion and the renovation of Black Lotus will take some time, so let's just take it easy. ”

I see. Shall I call you Kugi...?

Yes, please feel free to call me here.

“Thank you. If we're going to be working together, we should get to know each other well, and we're going to take it easy. That's good for everyone, isn't it?"

Mimi and the mechanic sisters nodded at Elma's remark. I'm sure you agree that Mei didn't say anything.

"Then that's it." Shall we go somewhere for dinner first? It's about time, isn't it? "

There's no morning, no day, no night in the colony, but it's about time I got hungry after eating before leaving Black Lotus. It's not the same pot of rice, but eating together is a great means of communication.