The second day of my stay in the Hydra Kingdom arrived.
I’d woken up quite early, so I decided to take a morning walk along the seashore while the world was still draped in the dim light of dawn. True to its reputation as a port town, many people were already hard at work, lending the streets a vibrant energy.
While listening to the noisy yet pleasant bustle, I continued my leisurely stroll until I reached a curious spot. People were scattered about here and there, each clutching a long, thin pole. They were fishing. It was apparently a popular local spot, attracting everyone from energetic youths to the elderly.
Fishing, huh? I’d never tried sea fishing before, but it looked like fun. I figured I might like to give it a try if the opportunity ever presented itself.
"Ngh! Whoa! This... this is a big one!?"
"Hm?"
"Nuuuh, gugu... You there, young man! A bit of help, if you please!"
"Eh? Oh, yes!"
As I walked along, I noticed an old man with a long white beard. His rod was bent nearly double, shaking violently. He was desperately hauling back on it, but he seemed to be locked in a stalemate with a massive catch. Since he looked like he might be pulled into the water, I immediately ran over to assist him.
"A-Alright then, let’s pull together on three!"
"Y-Yes, sir."
"One, two, three! ...Muuu, I suppose it won’t come up in one go. Okay, once more!"
"Right!"
Without a moment to wonder how I’d ended up in this situation, I threw my weight into supporting the rod. I battled the powerful force beneath the waves, keeping my movements in sync with the old man.
"Phew, that was a lifesaver. You have my thanks, young man."
"Oh, it was nothing. I’m just glad we caught it safely."
"Umu, it’s been a long time since I’ve landed such a prize."
After several minutes of struggling, we finally hauled the fish onto the shore. I couldn't identify the species, but it was incredibly large and impressive. The old man seemed delighted with the catch, a wide smile creasing his wrinkled face as he clapped me on the back. He was an incredibly energetic fellow.
"But, hmm... Yours is a face I don’t recognize. I fish here often, but I’ve never seen you before. Are you here for sightseeing?"
"Y-Yes, that’s right."
"Oh, is that so, is that so? You’re in luck, young man! I hear the God of Fate-sama and the Hero are visiting this city right now. You might even meet them if you look around."
"T-That’s true, isn't it?"
I’m sorry, I’ve already met both of them. Actually, I arrived here with one of them...
The old man seemed to love the sound of his own voice, and he continued speaking in rapid-fire succession with a cheerful laugh.
"Still, you have a good look about you for a youth of today. You’re the spitting image of me when I was young!"
"A-Ah, thank you very much."
Are you Japanese, old man? Because you look like a local no matter how I look at you... I desperately swallowed the retort.
"Speaking of which, since you’re here for sightseeing, have you visited the Assembly Hall yet?"
"The Assembly Hall?"
"Umu, the heart of this nation—the place where the Assembly is held. Since you’ve come all this way, you should take a look at it at least once."
"I see."
This old man was incredible; he showed no sign of stopping. His social stamina was staggering. Perhaps this was the kind of thing one gained from a lifetime of experience. He reminded me quite a bit of Magnawell-san.
His conversational skills knew no bounds as he pressed on.
"This is a good country. It does a fine job of listening to the opinions of us common folk."
"I-Is that so?"
"Umu. This country is governed by an Assembly System. Eight commoners and eight nobles are chosen by the citizens' votes to decide the direction of the nation."
"I see, I see."
The politics of the Hydra Kingdom sounded surprisingly similar to the systems back in my world. Representatives were elected by the people to discuss policies. Naturally, those who wanted to be elected had to prioritize their popularity with the public, and since the seats were split equally between commoners and nobles, the government benefited from a variety of perspectives. It sounded like the kind of place that would be very comfortable for the average citizen.
Of course, no system was perfect, but the old man’s tone suggested the people held it in high regard.
"The Assemblymen are all good people... however, the King of this country is another story."
"Eh?"
"I hear the King hardly participates in the Assembly and just spends all day playing around. It’s a lamentable state of affairs."
"H-Haha..."
I couldn't help but think the King sounded a lot like Fate-san. I didn't think I was being unfair for making the comparison.
"A King is no longer necessary for this country. Don’t you agree, young man?"
"Eh? Oh, well, that might be true."
"Right! Exactly! My, you’re quite perceptive for someone so young!"
The old man laughed merrily while repeatedly slapping me on the back. It actually stung a bit. Regardless, he was a remarkably bright individual. I had the feeling that if I stayed, I’d be stuck listening to him for the rest of the morning.
"Oops, my apologies. I’ve gone and interfered with your sightseeing."
"Ah, no, thank you for the interesting conversation."
Contrary to my expectations, the old man was the one to wrap things up, and I felt a secret surge of relief. It wasn't that I didn't enjoy his stories, but I was getting hungry for breakfast and had been looking for a way to make my exit.
"Ho ho ho, what a polite youth. I fish here often, so if you have the time, please come and keep a lonely old person company again."
"Yes, of course. If the opportunity arises."
"Umu. Then take care."
"Thank you very much."
Feeling thoroughly overwhelmed by his conversational momentum until the very end, I bowed to the old man and went on my way.
Dear Mother, Father—I thought my communication skills had improved since coming to this world, but that was naive. I was completely swept away by that old man from start to finish. How should I put it... it seems I still lack the gift of gab.
After Kaito had left, the old man cast his fishing line back into the sea. Just as he prepared to resume his hobby, several knights clad in full plate armor approached him.
"...What, have I been found already? I really can't catch a break."
"Honestly, what are you doing... and changing your appearance, no less..."
"One needs to catch their breath once in a while. Good grief."
Hearing the knight’s exasperated words, the old man let out a long sigh. At that moment, his body was enveloped in a soft light, and his form began to shift.
He transformed into a petite girl with ears shaped like fish fins, short marine-blue hair, and blue eyes to match. The girl stood up, shouldering her fishing rod.
"I have told you many times, it is a problem when you sneak out of the Royal Castle... Your Majesty."
"Haa... I always say that I’m fine being a figurehead. Besides, isn't it fine? Even I need to relax. The God of Fate-sama is in town, and it’s impossible to get any peace of mind. Let me off the hook a little."
"Your 'relaxing' didn't exactly start today, did it?"
"Hahaha, was that so? Well, it’s fine. The fact that the King is idle means the country is running well enough through the power of its people."
The girl—the King of Hydra—laughed as she stood and began walking, her knights in tow.
"In the first place, I have no intention of meddling in state affairs. A King should exist for the country, but the country should never exist for the King."
"Then please work a bit more seriously for the sake of that country."
"Hahaha. An old King like me has nothing left to say to the youngsters at this point. The Assemblymen should be the ones moving the nation. My role is merely to offer up my head as the scapegoat when things eventually fail. Fortunately, my head is still attached."
"Honestly, you are quite the handful..."
"Rather, aren't you lot the ones to blame? Honestly, making me play the King for nearly a thousand years—how long do you intend to overwork an old-timer? I’ve been trying to retire for ages."
The King of the Hydra Kingdom—a member of the Mermaid Race—was the founding monarch of the nation, an ancient veteran who still occupied the throne. While she was a legendary figure, she was also a troublesome ruler who constantly spoke of quitting and would sneak out of the castle to play whenever she found a spare moment.
"If you feel that way, then please get married and produce an heir."
"U-Unu... you would bring that up, would you? I have no interest in romance, but if you insist, then bring me a man who is to my liking. I hate boring men, you know? A kind-hearted youth with light brown hair would be good—someone who would quietly listen to my stories. Average height is fine, and he doesn't need to be dazzlingly handsome."
"Why are you being so specific?"
"I wonder? I just thought such a partner would be interesting."
With a playful, knowing smile, the Mermaid King headed back toward the castle.
Her name was Laguna Dia Hydra. She was the hero who had once fought the Demon King alongside the First Hero. Even now, she was a figure of absolute prestige, beloved by her people and hailed as the Strongest in the Human Realm.
In her blue eyes, the lingering joy of a chance encounter danced.