The Land of the Rising Sun Transfers to Another World

Chapter 113: An Oncoming Evil Hand

It's super awkward to hang out with a coworker outside of work, especially if you're not really friends.

- ワイアード

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A certain government-managed hotel in Tokyo, Japan

"Phew... This is exhausting. Japan is an incredible country, but its customs are so far removed from ours that it's hard to understand."

Fafnir, the prince of the Dragunov Empire, sat in a special guest room of a government-managed hotel. Perched on the edge of the bed, he grabbed the water pod on the table and drank directly from it instead of pouring it into a glass.

This hotel was hosting representatives from various demi-human nations, who had come as envoys. Thus, its design was somewhat unique: doorways were elevated to avoid stooping, and the beds and walls were made particularly sturdy. For species that enjoyed alcohol, the refrigerators were well-stocked with a variety of liquors. For aquatic species, the bedrooms featured large tanks instead of traditional beds. This hotel was specially adapted to accommodate demi-humans and was primarily used as a state guesthouse.

As Fafnir relaxed in his room, he heard someone knocking on the door.

"Pardon me, Lord Fafnir. There's someone requesting an audience with you..."

The voice belonged to Fafnir's attendant.

Curious, Fafnir told the attendant to let them in. When the door opened, standing there was Foreign Minister Azumi, accompanied by a man Fafnir did not recognize. While Fafnir was, of course, familiar with Azumi, the other man was a stranger. However, judging by his demeanor, it was clear he was someone of equal standing.

"Well, well, if it isn't Minister Azumi."

"Forgive me for disturbing you during your rest, Lord Fafnir. There is a matter I'd like to discuss with you."

Fafnir's mind raced. For someone to visit at this hour could only mean one thing: a conversation concerning matters that must be kept strictly between their two nations.

Fafnir nodded and allowed them to proceed. The unfamiliar man stepped forward.

"Your composure during an unexpected visit is remarkable. As expected of the son of the indomitable Dragon King Bahamut."

"Hm. Someone who knows my father?"

"This is our first meeting. I am Hirose, the Prime Minister of Japan. Please consider me at your service."

"Hirose... Hirose... Wait...!"

After a moment of contemplation, Fafnir realized something. He remembered his father, Bahamut, mentioning that the ruler of Japan was named Hirose. Immediately, Fafnir knelt on one knee, and his attendant hastily followed suit.

"M-my apologies! I had no idea you were King Hirose—"

"We deeply regret this oversight!"

Startled by their sudden reaction, Hirose quickly motioned for them to rise.

"P-please, there's no need to kneel like that! I'm not a king or anything so grand."

"What? Not a king?"

Fafnir was taken aback by his words. Unsure of what was going on, they decided to continue their conversation inside Fafnir's room.

・・・

"S-so... in other words, the position of Prime Minister is akin to what we would call a Grand Chancellor?"

"Simply put, yes, that's correct."