CH 142

Policy change

***---***

There was a discount store nearby, in front of the Ground Self-Defense Force, Nerima garrison, so I've been there many times.

The site, which was sandwiched between Kawagoe Kaidou on the north side and Kanpachi Doori on the southeast side, was considerably larger than the surrounding residential area.

Perhaps the news that the Investigation Headquarters had been transferred had already been conveyed, and many media outlets had gathered in front of the main gate.

I was a little concerned that if such a situation were to occur, there would have been many helicopters flying for coverage, but not a single helicopter was seen this time.

There must have been some sort of regulation in place.

I had passed in front of the gate many times, but this was the first time I had set food inside the premises.

Here at Nerima garrison, there were events such as cherry blossom viewing in the spring and fireworks in the summer to promote interaction with local residents, but my house was a little far away, so I hadn't participated in them.

The map handed to me by Sudou-san also showed the locations of the buildings inside the premises, and I searched for the location of the Investigation Headquarters based on that.

Even so, it was a strange and unusual situation for an Investigation Headquarters to have been set up in the garrison of the Self-Defense Forces.

I wonder what could have happened.

The Investigation Headquarters was set up in a corner of the barracks near the center of the site, and the surrounding area was guarded by Self-Defense Force officers with rifles, and armored vehicles were also placed.

The security was so strict that you wouldn't believe it was in Japan.

[ Kent-sama, is this a military garrison? ]

"That's right, that person in charge of security has a weapon from this world, and it shoots bullets using the principle of explosives that I talked to Klaus-san about before."

[ Hohou, so it's a weapon that even those who can't use magic can use? ]

"Yeah, you don't need to chant, you can shoot continuously, and as long as you don't run out of bullets or have it malfunction, it will show its power stably."

[ Hou, there is such a weapon ... ]

After all, his knight's blood must have been noisy, Reinhardt seemed to be intrigued.

In addition to familiar faces such as Kajikawa-san and Morita-san, there were also Self-Defense officers in the Investigation Headquarters.

If I show up suddenly, it might cause a stir, so I'll ask first before going out.

"Kajikawa-san, is it okay if I go out here?"

"Oh, Kokubu-kun, please wait a minute. Everyone, please listen to me for a moment. Kokubu Kento-kun will move here in a moment using magic. I'm sure some of you will be seeing it for the first time, but please don't be surprised."

When Kajikawa-san raised his voice and called out, the Self-Defense Forces personnel who had been working silently stopped what they were doing and paid attention.

Hmm ... I don't like being the center of attention, but it can't be helped.

I put out a shield of darkness next to Kajikawa-san and stepped out from there.

"Hello, I'm Kokubu Kento. Nice to meet you."

"Oohh ..."

I bowed my head in greeting, and after a commotion resounded, for some reason there was applause.

Yeah, it's not a magic show.

"Kajikawa-san. Why did the Investigation Headquarters move here?"

"That's because the Japanese government has officially recognized the existence of another world."

Kajikawa-san, as he said at the Investigation Headquarters the other day, advised his superiors in the Cabinet Secretariat to release details of my background and Camilla's apology video.

"Well ... In the end, it wasn't my advice, but the girl Kokubu-kun brought back first that was the decisive factor."

"Eh, is that about Kizawa-san?"

"Yes, I finally understand why Kokubu-kun was looking so uneasy. She's an outrageous predator."

Morita-san, who was listening to our conversation nearby, nodded his head many times.

I was told that since Kizawa-san came back to Japan, she was thought to have been quietly at her house the whole time, but during that time, she had been making careful preparations.

While the Japanese government was considering whether or not to announce the details of the incident, Kizawa-san began disseminating information at once using SNS, blogs, and video posting sites.

It was said that she wrote about the details of the incident on SNS and blogs, and uploaded many videos showing the scenery of Volzard on video posting sites.

Various types of beastkins, fruits and vegetables that were not seen on Earth, Goblins and Kobolds filmed from the ramparts, and magic being used at the training grounds.

It seemed that the Kizawa Group split up and collected the videos they shot, transferred them to their smartphones, and took them home.

Naturally, with a tremendous number of views and more comments than could be read, Kizawa-san seemed to have become a person of the moment.

Moreover, Kizawa-san's strategy didn't end there.

It seemed that they announced through the publisher that an autobiography that described the background of the incident and life in another world would be released.

It seemed that she had been writing sentences on her smartphone since she was in Volzard, and some of the contents had been made public, and that had also become a big topic, and it seemed that it was even expected to become the best seller this year.

"Her father is a translator, her mother is a writer of children's literature, and I heard that they had a relationship with the publisher from the beginning, but did you know, Kokubu-kun?"

"No, I was in a different class, so I don't know anything about her family's occupations."

"Well, thanks to Kizawa-san, Kokubu-kun's honor was protected."

"Eh, what do you mean?"

"Well, the proof is better than the theory, can you take a look ..."

Kajikawa-san took me to his computer and showed me Kizawa-san's blog.

"if you want to see other pages, could you please open them in a different tab? It seems that access is concentrated, and once you leave the page, it becomes difficult to connect."

As if to support Kajikawa-san's words, even though it was just opened yesterday, the access counter was lined with ten-digit numbers.

"Eeehhh ... Is this really Kizawa-san's blog?"

When I read the page titled Hero, I involuntarily muttered.

There, regardless of his crisis, he confronted the Kingdom of Resenburg alone, rescued his classmates and teachers even though he was severely injured by having his stomach skewered, and protected a city in another world from a horde of monsters that filled the ground, like a written Hero, he protected a city in another world from a horde of monsters that completely covered the ground.

"Well ... Reading this again, Kokubu-kun's work is truly wonderful. Once the remaining classmates have finished returning, you should be given the People's Honor Award ... There is a lot of talk on the internet. "

"Eeehhh ... People's Honor Award ... They were totally in a state of disrepair yesterday, weren't they."

"I wonder if it's thanks to Kizawa-san ... Here, try scrolling to the bottom."

"Haa ... Eeehhh ... This, after all, it wasn't written by Kizawa-san, right."

"Ehh, why is that?"

"Because, it's too different from when she was in Volzard."

In her blog, she wrote about my courageous actions, my compassion for my classmates, my philanthropic spirit of showing mercy to even my enemies, my fighting power, my economic power, my negotiating skills, and so on, making me an indispensable human resource for Volzard. With such achievements, she asserts that dating three women was nothing more than a trifle.

I couldn't believe it was written by someone who called me trash to my face.

"Well, she may have her own purpose, but thanks to her, your public reputation has completely changed, so it's good."

"I guess so ... But it seems a bit itchy ..."

"Hahahaha ... Well, I thought Kokubu-kun would say that."

In the end, Kizawa-san was the first to disclose the information, so it seemed that the Japanese government was forced to admit it.

And officially acknowledging the summoning of another world meant acknowledging the existence of magic, magic tools and magic stones used in another world, and it seemed that inquiries from all over the world had flooded in.

"So, to be honest, we don't know what kind of organization or group will target unknown substances and theories such as magic stones, so the security of the police station might be compromised ... That's why we decided to move the Investigation Headquarters here."

"I see ... It's for security reasons. Ah, so that's why the helicopters for coverage weren't flying?"

"Oh, yeah, private helicopters are prohibited from flying in this area."

"Somehow, it's become a big story."

"You're saying it as if it's someone else's problem, but the main purpose of security is to ensure Kokubu-kun's safety."

"Eh, my safety?"

"Yes, after all, Kokubu-kun is Japan's savior."

"Huh? A savior ... I am?"

When I pointed to my face and asked Kajikawa-san, everyone who was there gave a big nod.

"The other day, Morita-kun went to Volzard, interviewed about the situation and inspected the scene, and then came back, right?"

"Yes, I picked him up."

"That's an amazing thing. From Japan, you can come and go between different worlds. You can also transport goods. Moreover, the world over there isn't as advanced in civilization as this one. In other words, a world where almost untouched resources lie dormant has been opened only to Japan."

If engineers and survey equipment were brought from Japan to Volzard and Resenburg, resource surveys could be conducted and if mining rights were obtained in advance, resources could be monopolized.

"You won't know unless you do some research, but if you can find oil resources and rare metal deposits, it's no longer a dream for Japan to become the world's largest resource powerhouse."

"But, I don't know if I can pick up and drop off very many people, right?"

"Of course, we will give due consideration to Kokubu-kun's physical condition, and at the moment we are in the stage of exploring the possibilities, and we will discuss the specifics from now on, but, as Japan, which has scarce resources, we have decided to move under the initiative of the government to make it a success."

"Should I carry the technicians and the investigation equipment?"

"That's right. Also, I'd like to ask for your cooperation in passing the story about the investigation to the local leaders."

"The investigation, how will it be done?"

"If it were Earth, it would be a survey from a satellite, but since there are no satellites over there, we would survey from an airplane or a helicopter, and if there is a high possibility, it would be a local survey."

"For some reason, I didn't even think about it, so I can't really understand it, and I don't even know what to do."

Until now, I was only thinking about how to return the summoned classmates to Japan, so resource development in another world came as a surprise.

"Kajikawa-san, I think I have to focus on the return of my classmates ..."

"About that. Can you stop it for now?"

"Eeehhh ... Why do you want to stop?"

"In the future, when resource development in the other world gets into full swing, there will be something absolutely necessary, do you know what that is?"

"Is it a local labor force?"

"Yeah, but it's not just labor, you'll definitely need an interpreter."

"Ah, I see ... There isn't anyone in Japan who understands the language of the other side, other than Kizawa-san and Kubo-san."

"That's right. There isn't even if you search all over the world, let alone Japan."

"But, will everyone agree ..."

"That's right, it's at the stage where we are thinking about it, so I can't say anything."

"No ... My head is in a bit of a panic. If I stop returning, what should I do first?"

"Well, I figured that would happen. That's why we also prepared countermeasures. Suzuki-kun!"

"Yes ..."

Kajikawa-san called out to a woman in a suit standing by the wall. (TN:Apparently 'kun' isn't only for males, but also a general honorific for younger co-workers regardless of gender ... Huh. Guess I can't always tell gender by the honorific since that's the case ...)

Her hair was pulled up, and her silver-framed glasses gave an intelligent and cool impression.

"Kokubu-kun, this is Suzuki-kun, who will be in charge of being Kokubu-kun's secretary."

"My name is Suzuki Yukari. Nice to meet you."

"Ah, I'm Kokubu Kento. Nice to meet you."

"I will mainly manage your schedule in Japan. However, as a policy of the government, it seems that the government will take the form of adjusting the schedule, giving priority to Kokubu-san's convenience."

This was more like an organization that was backing me rather than an Investigative Headquarters. Kajikawa-san coordinated with the relevant ministries and agencies, and Suzuki-san seemed to be stationed here.

Morita-san and other police officers were participating in order to smoothly resolve any threats or injuries that occur to me, my classmates, or their families.

"About Kokubu-kun's father, that ... His family is also guarded by public security officers."

"Thank you for your concern."

If the story of resource development leaked out and I played a central role, my father and the people who live with him may be in danger, so it seems that they were taking precautionary measures.

"The first thing I would like Kokubu-kun to do is to obtain permission for the investigation from the local government."

"Permission for the investigation, is it ..."

"We will probably start with a survey using a helicopter, so we need to secure a place where the helicopter can take off and land, and obtain permission to fly."

"I see ..."

I think that Klaus-san's permission would be obtained if I explained the details and method of the investigation.

However, the Landshelt Republic was a council system of seven Lords, so if the other Lords don't agree, the area that could be investigated would be limited to the area around Volzard.

When I explained that to Suzuki-san, she asked me to explain the local situation in a little more detail.

So, I explained the situation in Volzard, Resenburg, and Barshania, as well as the war that seemed to be going on further west.

By the way, I also added that Barshania requested that I prepare 800 kilograms of iron.

Currently, it seemed that permission for the investigation would be granted smoothly only in the area around Volzard.

Resenburg was in a state of political instability, and I only just made contact with Barshania.

However, if they were to investigate underground resources, it would be desirable to cover as wide an area as possible.

"From what Kokubu-san said, it seems like it would be best to get permission from the Lord of Volzard first, and ask for his help so that we can conduct a survey all over Landshelt."

"I met the Emperor of Barshania for the first time yesterday, but he seems to be having trouble obtaining iron, so if I tell him that it might lead to the discovery of an ore vein in Barshania, he might unexpectedly grant permission."

"For that reason, let's arrange the 800 kilograms of iron that Kokubu-san requested."

"Umm, Volzard also asked me for 800 kilos, so can I ask for that as well?"

"Okay, I'll take care of that."

Kajikawa-san took care of arranging the iron.

"From what Kokubu-kun said, it doesn't seem like there's been a large-scale production of iron in that world yet."

"Yes, it seems that there are mines, but it seems that mining is mainly done by human power, and refining seems to rely on earth-attribute magic."

"If so, it would be easier to use rebar than a lump like an ingot."

Kajikawa-san made a phone call to the Cabinet Secretariat and asked for the rebar arrangement.

"I think I'll get a reply in return, but just in case, I've arranged 3 tons of rebar. I'm indebted to Volzard in various ways, and if I can be of any help, it would be better than that."

"Thank you. But, 

"Hmm ... I don't know, let's do some research."

Kajikawa-san used the Internet to research the market price of rebar.

"That's right ... It's around 210,000 Yen."

"Eh, 3 tons is?"

"Yeah, it's around 70,000 Yen per ton, so it's about 210,000 Yen."

"Eeehhh ... Is it that cheap?'

"Well, most of the rebar is recycled, and if it's too expensive, it can't be used as a building material."

"I see ..."

"Kokubu-kun, are you thinking of making a profit from the difference?"

"Eh? Ah, I see, magic stones sell at a high price, iron can be obtained at a low price ... Wow, it's a rip off ... Well, I won't do it."

"You're not going to do it? It won't bother anyone, and it's like Kokubu-kun's privilege."

"No, no, I don't know because I didn't calculate it, but if I do it, it feels like cheating."

"Is that so? If I was allowed to participate, I was thinking of making some money, but ..."

"Kajikawa-san, what are you talking about?"

"No ... Suzuki-kun, I'm joking, joking!"

Kajikawa-san was being looked at by Suzuki-san as if she were looking at garbage.

If I bring Orc magic stones from Volzard, they will buy them for 2.5 million Yen, so I could buy 35 tons of iron with that money.

35 tons is 21,875 corads.

In Volzard, 1 corad of iron costs 4,800 Burgs, so 35 tons of iron would be 105 million Burgs.

In Volzard, Orc magic stones cost about 12,000 Burgs, so if all the money from the sale of iron was exchanged for Orc magic stones, it would be 8750.

With only two transactions, 8750 times the original amount is pretty shoddy, isn't it?

"Kokubu-san, the government has decided to dispatch a counselor in consideration of the mental state of the students. We're still in the process of selecting people, but could you send them to Volzard once they've been decided?"

"I don't mind. But will that person stay in Volzard?"

"We are still negotiating about that, but counseling will take time, and the daily transportation will be a burden for Kokubu-san."

"That's right. It's not that much of a burden to bring them from here, but I'm a little worried that if they stay in Volzard for a long time, attribute magic will sprout."

"Does that mean that they might end up in the same situation as the other students?"

"That's right. I don't know if it will happen or not, but I think you should consider it as a possibility ..."

"Is that so. I'll let them know."

Kajikawa-san received a call on his smartphone while we were having a conversation, and he sent me an OK sign.

"Kokubu-kun, it will be delivered to me by tomorrow morning."

"Yes, thank you very much."

I was able to arrange for the iron, so when I thought it was about time to return to Volzard, Morita-san approached me.

"Kokubu-kun, wait a minute, it looks like Kizawa-san will be on TV soon."

"Eh, TV, is she going to the TV station?"

"No, it's not like that, it's like broadcasting over the internet."

Kizawa-san declared that she would answer all questions via the internet because it would be a nuisance for the media to rush around her house and it would make security difficult.

She went so far as to say that she would not give any interview to TV stations, newspapers, or magazines that didn't leave the area around her house.

"When she came back, I thought she was a quiet and polite girl, but she's frighteningly calculating."

"Yes, I think she probably had a plan since she was in Volzard."

It seemed that Kizawa-san was scheduled to appear on an information program at noon.

If I remembered correctly, it was the program with the highest ratings during this time period, and various celebrities also appeared.

The host was an actor who was a bit foul-mouthed, but I was both scared and a little excited to see how Kizawa-san would respond.

The program didn't have the usual structure, and after the opening introducing the day's participants, it seemed that the interview with Kizawa-san would begin immediately after the commercial.

After the commercial ended, the screen changed to answer the call from the studio, and there was Kizawa-san in her uniform.

"Eeehhh ... It's a different person."

"Wow, she disguised herself ..."

Morita-san agreed with my unintentionally leaked voice.

At our school, it was forbidden to dye or bleach your hair, but when she was in Volzard, Kizawa-san had much brighter hair.

Her hair should have been more voluminous and fluffy, but now she had straight black hair of an honor student.

Her uniform was not worn out, and the ribbon that decorated her collar was neatly tied.

The interview proceeded according to a routine, asking questions one after another about the events that happened between being summoned and returning to Japan, the situation in a town in another world, impressions of using magic, and things about me.

Kizawa-san listened to each question until the end, asked frankly about the parts that didn't make sense, and answered in a firm tone.

Morita-san, who was watching the situation through the screen, leaked a groan.

"Hmm ... I think she practiced a lot in advance ..."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I don't have any proof, but there are people who speak calmly and logically like this during interrogations. Usually, people like that are prepared in advance and coordinate their story."

"I see ..."

After a series of questions, the time for the interview was about to end.

The host actor-san, asked in a different tone than before.

"On the internet, there are various opinions about this incident, but among them some say that Kizawa-san's confession is a publicity stunt, what do you think?"

"I know that there is such an opinion, and I think that it may be unavoidable to think that way."

"Does that mean that you want to become famous and are publishing videos and memos?"

"To be honest, I have a feeling of admiration for the entertainment world and idols. But, right now, I have a stronger desire to let people know exactly what happened in the world where I was summoned."

"But, come on, isn't it about money to publish an autobiography like this?"

Kizawa-san didn't lose her expression even when she was bombarded with blatantly nasty questions as if losing their temper.

"I won't deny that either. We were summoned to another world, but in Japan the school building collapsed and many people died or were injured. However, it was an incident involving magic. I was told by my parents that the insurance payments weren't progressing because of this. I asked if the book I wrote could make money, and I'm in the process of discussing whether it can be used to make up for the lack of compensation."

"Well then, the book sales, all of it will be donated."

"I don't know how much it will cost to publish, so I'll consult with the publisher, it doesn't matter if there's no personal reward for me."

"I see ... Huh, I don't have time? Then, last one, last one, why is your hair suddenly black? You used to have brown hair, didn't you?"

"Because I thought it would be rude for me, a survivor, to be dressed in a flashy manner when so many people had died ..."

The screen changed to a commercial while Kizawa-san was talking, as if he had pulled the time to the last minute.

"It's certainly true, Morita-san."

"Kokubu-kun, you seem to have something in mind."

"Marianne-san, who is the commander-in-chief of the garrison in Volzard, and Kizawa-san had a chance to talk, but at that time, more emotions showed on her face."

"I see ... In that case, I feel like one of her parents might be the Producer."(TN: No, not THAT Producer, it's just Engrish.)

Marianne-san advised Kizawa-san to start preparing to become independent, and perhaps, just perhaps that preparation was connected here.

Let alone a cat, Kizawa-san seemed to be wearing a tiger or a lion, where exactly are you aiming, I just pray that I don't get involved even if she does something.(TN:The expression of wearing a cat means to put on an appearance of sweetness or friendliness, while hiding their true personality.)