An active hunter from Hokkaido was thrown into another world - Chapter 76

An active hunter from Hokkaido was thrown into another world

Chapter 76   A Day Off in the Capital City

Wedding anniversary trip. Our last day in the capital.

As we prepare to depart in a shared carriage, ready to head back, we were unexpectedly halted by a mounted knight as we left the inn.

To our surprise, it was none other than the Captain of the Royal Guard.

“Ah, long time no see. Quite the coincidence, isn’t it?” I greeted.

“It’s not exactly a coincidence. We received a report of your entry into the country and I’ve been searching for you,” he replied sternly.

“Let’s just call it a fortunate happenstance. We’re already on our way back,” I responded.

“But before you go, I’d appreciate a quick visit to the palace,” he requested.

“Is that an order?” I inquired.

“It’s not quite an order, but…”

“If you have a summons issued by the palace, please present it,” I insisted.

“Hmm, as expected,” he sighed.

“We are not citizens of this nation, after all,” I pointed out.

The captain’s expression grew more serious.

“Certainly. We don’t have any orders or summons or anything like that. We don’t want to make a big fuss about it either. Please don’t take it too seriously. We just want to hear various opinions,” he explained.

“I’d prefer to decline,” I responded.

“Oh, come on! Why are you so cautious?” he exclaimed in frustration.

“We’re foreigners and commoners in this country, you see. We’re always living in fear of being accused of crimes we have no memory of and suddenly facing a hanging,” I explained.

“Do you really think of us that way…? The authorities aren’t so merciless. They wouldn’t do something like that to guests they’ve taken care of,” he assured.

…

“If you can return within the day.”

“Fine. I’ll vouch for it. Come with me.”

Well, considering that even Kylif and Faal trust the king, it’s unlikely they would suddenly execute us as dangerous individuals.

“Oh, by the way, we don’t have a carriage. It’s been difficult to find one, and I forgot about it.”

“It’s alright. Let’s just walk.”

“Apologies.”

With that, the captain dismounted his horse too, took the reins, and walked alongside us.

As the captain passed, people cleared the way, making it easy to walk. The citizens didn’t seem to fear the captain either. They greeted us with smiles and nods.

It seems that the power of authority isn’t so fearsome in this country. That provides a bit of relief.

“Are you okay, Shin?” Saran whispered softly.

“Well, I think we’ll be fine. If they wanted to do something to us, they would have done it already. Plus, the captain is vouching for us,” I reassured.

“Of course. Don’t worry, Miss Elf,” the captain chimed in with a grin.

“Before being the shield of the king, be the shield of the people.”

“?”

“Those are His Majesty’s words. That’s the Julliard Royal Guard. It’s also my job to protect you.”

That’s quite impressive… Normally, the priority for royal guards is to protect the king.

This feels refreshingly unconventional.

“Here it is.”

Led into a grand palace, we were guided through the building and into a room where the summoner hero from the church had used that gun was placed.

It looks like it’s been taken apart in various places.

Perhaps they disassembled it and then couldn’t put it back together? Well, that’s quite common.

Is that the anti-materiel rifle? And the Beretta.

“We had various experts examine it, but in the end, no one really knows what this is. Can you figure it out?”

“It’s a gun mentioned in the scripture, that’s all we know.”

“We tinkered with it in various ways. Can’t figure out how it’s used.”

“Do you intend to use it?”

“Well, if you’ve got an excellent weapon, it’s part of a soldier’s duty to incorporate it.”

“Is this all the culprit had?”

“Yes.”

“What happened to the culprit?”

“They were hanged immediately.”

“Then it’s too late now. We should have gathered more information…”

“I guess so… It’s disappointing.”

“An anti-materiel rifle. A Barrett M99, right?”

“It fell from the clock tower, so it’s all bent out of shape now. It’s pretty much useless.”

“Passing pebbles through this long iron tube. Once the tube is bent, it’s no longer functional.”

“Could you hammer it straight?”

“Not possible. Plus, the only available pebbles were the ones the culprit had.”

“I see…”

In reality, firearms can still be fired even if the barrel is slightly bent. But it seems there’s no ammunition for it.

I pick up the frame of the Beretta pistol. The frame is cracked and dented, preventing the magazine from being removed, so it still holds bullets. It would be dangerous to use it like this.

“Do you understand what this is?”

“I believe it’s a weapon meant for self-defense. A type of firearm. It has cracks, so using it would likely break it. Whoever fired this would probably get seriously injured. It’s best to leave it alone.”

“I see… The craftsmanship is too intricate. No blacksmith I’ve shown it to can reproduce something like this. Showed it to mages, too, but even infusing it with magic yielded no changes. After tinkering with it, we can’t seem to revert it back to its original state. Truly a peculiar magical tool…”

“Using this larger one, it’s certain that they were attempting to assassinate His Majesty from a distance of 700 naaru.”

“Ah, if such weapons were scattered around, it would indeed be perilous. I want to hear your thoughts on what we should do from here.”

“Make firearms illegal and crack down on anyone found using them, subjecting them to hanging?”

“Worst-case scenario.”

“That would be problematic. I’m a gun user myself.”

In this situation, there’s no choice but to confess. I won’t be able to use firearms anymore in the future.

“Exactly as I suspected. That’s what I thought.”

The captain nodded in agreement.

“So, what do you want to do?”

“Well… let me think.”

I take a moment to consider.

“I am a hunter. I use guns as part of my work, protecting farmlands from pests, hunting monsters when they appear, and even dealing with bandits and thieves on the road. In essence, it’s the same as swordsman hunters or mage hunters; we’re all just performing our jobs with different methods.”

“True…”

“If you want to ban guns, you’re free to do so. But the only ones inconvenienced by this would be those who possess guns, meaning I would be the sole individual affected in this world. Are you going to create new laws and regulations just for me? It’s quite an extraordinary notion.”

“Well, not to that extent…”

“If guns are banned, I won’t be able to do any work in this country anymore. Before such a law comes into effect and I end up hanged, I would return home and live quietly, not stepping a foot beyond the Elf village. It’s regrettable, but that’s how it will be.”

“I see. You’re right, Shin.”

As he said that, an older man entered the scene.

He may not be overly adorned, but he’s wearing a rather nice attire.

“Ah, Your Majesty, welcome.”

The captain responded warmly.

Your Majesty…

Is this person the king?

“Well, now, how should we handle this situation?”

For starters, we bow our heads at a 90-degree angle.

Saran quickly unsheathes her sword and places it behind her, then lowers her head as well.

“Please raise your heads. This isn’t a formal audience. Shin, Lady Saran.”

We bow our heads even deeper once, then raise our faces.

I won’t delve into why I’m addressed as “Shin” and Saran as “Lady,” for now.

“I’m grateful for your assistance during the assassination attempt. I’ve received proper reports. You’re my benefactors in preserving my life. There’s no need to worry so much. Don’t be too stiff,” he says with a smile.

That’s a relief. It seems there won’t be any sudden execution as dangerous criminals.

“As for the guns, they’re weapons, just like anything else. Should we continue to leave them unrestricted? Your opinions are welcome.”

“May I share my thoughts?”

“Of course.”

“Guns are indeed dangerous instruments. They’re akin to swords and bows. Currently, aside from hunters, regular citizens are prohibited from owning weapons. Regulation to prevent civilian ownership would be necessary for maintaining public order. However, that’s under the assumption of widespread availability. With the summoned hero now apprehended, I’m the only one currently using it. But I take pride in having utilized it for tasks such as repelling marauding beasts, combating monsters, and defending against bandits and thieves. I wish to continue employing it for my work in the future.”

The King nods thoughtfully.

“What do you think would be necessary for that?”

“In situations like this, rather than covertly engaging in dangerous activities, it’s important to follow proper procedures, obtain permissions, and openly address the risks.”

“Hmm… So, Shin, are you seeking permission for your gun?”

“Yes.”

In this world, I want to obtain a firearm possession permit.

Yes, that’s essentially what it comes down to.

Being in a situation where I can be made illegal whenever they want and arrested whenever they wish is quite troublesome.

“But these guns have been used for assassination, with many negative consequences. Shin, what are your thoughts on assassination?”

…Hmm. Well, if I think about it, I did assassinate the leader of the Elf kidnappers.

But let’s give the textbook answer here. It’s genuinely how I feel, anyway.

“I believe it’s entirely futile.”

“I see.”

“Changing history by assassinating someone, in reality, isn’t feasible. The grand currents of history cannot be altered. There will always be someone to take the place. Moreover, even if the perpetrator of an assassination is unknown, we can deduce who ordered it. Can someone like that truly replace the one they’ve assassinated? Assassination is a misguided approach.”

The notion that paying an assassin with a gun can change the world as one pleases is no longer a simple truth. How often do you see assassination news on TV every week? Considering assassination as a viable solution to problems is outdated. At least, it is in the modern era.

“No, your admonition is a bitter truth. You’re right. We, the nobles and royals, possess an aspect of history that involves assassination. Some fools conveniently believe that everything can be resolved through assassination. In reality, that approach achieves nothing.”

The King nods in agreement.

“My actions, my vassals, and my subjects, are constantly observed. Whether I am fit to be a king or not. Even in the face of opposition, if there are tasks that must be done, it’s essential to spare no effort in persuasion, follow formal procedures, garner the support of many, and carry them out officially. That is the essence of governance. Eliminating opposing individuals is a foolish strategy. No one will trust such a person. Shin, you are young yet you understand this well.”

It would be heartening to hear these words from Your Majesty.

For now, it seems my position is secure.

“This firearm is remarkable. Something beyond this world, brought by the church’s summoned hero. We cannot replicate it. As a weapon, it won’t serve to enhance military power. Moreover, the appearance of such objects can spark unnecessary conflicts. Indeed, these firearms should be sealed away.”

“We share that sentiment.”

Upon the captain’s instruction, his subordinates carried away the anti-materiel rifle and the Beretta. They won’t appear in this world anymore. That’s a relief.

“Also, Shin, I will grant you permission to use the gun. Specifically… I have an idea. How about branding the royal crest onto your gun? We’ll claim it was bestowed upon you by me as a reward for preventing the assassination attempt. What do you think?”

“I would be delighted. Please, I request that.”

“Would you mind showing me the gun you use?”

“Of course. Well then…”

I crouch down and retrieve the magic bag from under the table.

From there, I take out just one firearm and place it on the table.

Remington M870 shotgun.

This shotgun, my longest companion, is, as expected, an extension of myself.

“You possess an extradimensional bag. Impressive…. However, it seems well-worn. How do you use it?”

“I use it for carrying birds, animals, and even against bandits.”

“Oh!”

Both the King and the captain of the royal guard are highly intrigued by the gun I possess.

Well, I guess there’s no choice… Showing this is incredibly risky for me, but it’s a conversation that can’t be avoided. Considering the future, it’s a challenge I must eventually face.

“Does using this require magic?”

“Well… yes, that’s correct.”

Though what’s needed is ammunition.

“It’s considerably smaller compared to what the summoned hero had.”

“Of course, it can’t compare to a hero’s possessions.”

“How did you come to possess this, Shin?”

“It was passed down to me from my grandfather.”

“I see… Did your grandfather create it?”

“No, it was crafted by a skilled artisan who has since passed away.”

“So it’s become a lost magical art.”

“That’s right. I’ll be the last person to use this. Unfortunately.”

“I see… Well, it’s a memento from your grandfather. Take good care of it.”

A royal crest has been branded onto the stock. It’s a symbol of the royal family.

Now, in this country, I’m officially allowed to use this firearm anywhere without restrictions.

To put it in a Japanese context, it’s like the “aoi” crest of the Tokugawa family. Mito Komon, perhaps?

If trouble arises in the future, I can simply show this and settle matters.

I’m truly grateful.

“On the flip side, if someone catches on, there’s also a possibility that this could be used as a reason to confiscate the gun someday.”

“Confiscation, huh?”

That’s fine. If I want to do it, I should just go ahead. A gun without bullets holds no value whatsoever.

Even if my gun gets confiscated and I get expelled, I can always buy a new one from my magic bag. So, for now, it’s probably wise to heed the King’s words obediently.

“Cough. I believe you understand, but…”

The captain of the royal guard interjects.

“Use this gun to protect the kingdom, and ensure it’s not turned against His Majesty as a means of revenge. It could lead to a highly dishonorable outcome for you. I implore you to not betray His Majesty’s trust. Needless to say…”

“I will respond to trust with trust.”

“There’s no need for that formality, Tanra.”

Saying so, the King chuckles.

“Among those military men who have received stipends from the country for generations and Shin, who has undertaken troublesome tasks by visiting our nation, what needs protecting is different. Do you think I’d ask you to swear allegiance over such a petty reward like a mere branding? Come on.”

“But Your Majesty…”

“Even if there were any injustice on my part, the Elven people may rise against me. I am aware of that much.”

…A person of great stature, indeed.

“The gratitude is yet to come,” the King remarks, extending his right hand.

“In preventing my assassination and exposing the corruption within the church, you have my gratitude. Your actions have propelled the reform of the church’s teachings. Despite accomplishing so much, you seek neither position nor honor, and your lack of ambition is well understood. Going forward, I shall ensure that you are not manipulated by nobles or commoners alike. I also acknowledge your protection of our fields and livestock, our subjects. I anticipate your continued contributions.”

Taking the King’s hand in return, you bow your head.

“I humbly accept. Thank you very much.”

“Same for you, Lady Saran,” the King extends his hand to Saran.

“I am aware of the complexities and history between the Elves and humans, including the suffering inflicted by our kind. I do not demand forgiveness for all. Yet, I believe that through continued friendship and interaction, time will eventually bring resolution. Please, do not doubt this. We will continue to enforce severe penalties for abductions, kidnappings, and slave trading, not just for the Elves, but for all other races as well. That is my promise.”

Truly befitting a King. He’s aware of everything, every detail. Saran also shakes his hand and bows.

As the King departs, we are finally released from the audience. Seeing us slump down in exhaustion, the captain of the royal guard chuckles.

Phew, it has been quite a journey to get here. But finally, my firearm has received official approval, allowing me to use it openly in this country from now on.

Just a brief visit for leisure, yet this trip turned out to be more eventful than expected. It was probably a meaningful journey after all.

Living Fossils – Chapters END