"...So, could you please explain what this means..." (Reina)
It's no wonder Reina said that.
Before setting off home, Mile said, "I'll explain on the way back."
However, since they decided to return home in palanquins carried by the Scavengers rather than on foot, with the three palanquins lined up in a single file with the Mile positioned behind them, it was impossible for them to talk on the way back. Therefore, she gave up on explaining while traveling to the surface, and planned to explain it later, on the way to the royal capital after arriving above ground. So Mile had not yet explained anything to Reina and the other two.
"...I understand... Now, I will tell you about what I heard from Slow Walker, the current situation between us and the world,... and also about a secret I have never told you before..." (Mile)
"Eh……" (Other 3)
Hearing Mile's strained voice and painful expression, Reina and the other two gasp in surprise at her appearance and the content of her final words.
Of course, everyone was aware that Mile had more secrets, or things to hide, than they had heard so far. And it's not that they never thought that one day she might talk about it. …But why now? There were no problems involving Mile's family, nor was it a situation where she should reveal the secrets of her birth. So why bring this up now, when they were about to begin talking about a global crisis?
And everyone knows that Mile was not stupid, nor was she the type of person to make such a joke at a time like this. So that meant it had to be said now.
[Is that okay, Mile-sama...] (Nano)
(Yes, it’s time. Of course, I don't intend to tell everything honestly. I won't talk about my memories of my past life, or about Earth. But I have to tell a certain amount of things to explain this situation... Ah, Nano-chan, can you send a message to the soldiers heading to Aubram Kingdom from here?) (Mile)
[Currently, Mile-sama does not have that much authority. However... ......Please wait a moment] (Nano)
Then, just a few seconds later... which must have taken a considerable amount of time for the Nanomachines, who were thinking at lightning speed... Nanomachines told Mile.
[Through the command center, a conference of nanomachines from around the world was held. As a result, in recognition of Mile-sama's past achievements and contributions to this world, as well as the fact that she has made us Nanomachines laugh, entertained us, and relieved us of boredom, it has been approved that Mile-sama's authority will be raised from the current level 5 to level 6.] (Nano)
(What?! Nano-chan and the other Nanomachines can raise the authority level on their own… but that's obvious, isn't it? Even though there is no God, there are people and ancient dragons who occasionally level up, which means that other than Nano-chan and the others, there must be no one else who can increase their authority level... So, with authority level 6, it would be possible to send information to soldiers far away...) (Mile)
[No, you can't.] (Nano)
(What the heck is that?!) (Mile)
[And now, this world is facing a great crisis. And it is not something that the people of this world have brought upon themselves, but a unilateral invasion from the outside... In the event of an unforeseen incident while the Creators are absent, several basic measures have been established. One of these measures is the application of a "Special Level Up in an Emergency."] (Nano)
(...What is that? I don't really understand...) (Mile)
[Please think of this as something like the "Temporary awards given on the battlefield" that Mavis-sama mentioned before...] (Nano)
(I see!) (Mile)
Mile generally understood.
[As a result, Mile-sama will have authority level 7. If the authority level is 7...] (Nano)
(...I can make natto!) (Mile)
[Don't keep remembering such pointless things forever!!] (Mile)
Nanomachines had finally regained their composure. So, what kind of events had occurred in the past that were related to natto?
Several minutes had already passed since Reina and the other two had asked Mile for an explanation, but they continued to wait in silence. ...They probably thought that Mile was struggling with many things in her heart, and they were patiently waiting for her to make up her mind. Then the conversation in Mile and Nanomachines continued.
[Mile-sama now has authority level 7. At this level, the Nano network allows Mile-sama's orders to be transmitted to the Nanomachines around the world. ...In other words, it is possible to spatially project images of Mile-sama and transmit audio to remote locations. Also, Mile-sama can raise the authority level of a few people she deems absolutely trustworthy. ...Not all humans, just a few people. And of course, the magic power used by Mile-sama will be greatly increased.] (Nano)
(I see… So that’s it…) (Mile)
[Mile-sama......] (Nano)
From this, Nanomachines seemed to have somehow guessed what Mile was trying to do. It was not for nothing that they had been active for so many years, and during that time they had observed the behavior of many living creatures. Impressive behavior, funny behavior, and stupid behavior. And the Nanomachines never disliked the foolish behavior of living things.
Besides, the foolish thing that Mile was about to do was exactly what their creators would want them to do. So they couldn't say anything to stop her. No matter how much they wanted to, there were priorities. And since that was how it was programmed, there was nothing the Created One (Nanomachines) could do about it.
[......] (Nano)
(…………) (Mile)
"...Finished?" (Reina)
"Huh? What's wrong?" (Mile)
Mile asked back at Reina's question, not understanding what she was talking about.
"Of course, I'm talking about the discussion with your friends in your head, you know." (Reina)
"Whaaaaaat?" (Mile)
Mile let out a cry of shock when Reina pointed it out.
"Did you really think we hadn't noticed? After all, so many times, you've suddenly become silent at important moments, your eyes become unfocused, and then you launch into a strangely detailed explanation... At that time, you always stare blankly, facing straight ahead without looking in any particular direction, so there is someone there that we can't see but that only you can see..., it doesn't seem to be a spirit or a ghost, we can't see them either, and you communicate with each other without speaking aloud. ...That means it must all have been something that happened in your head. We all kept quiet even though we knew, but if you're ready to tell us everything, there's no need for us to pretend we don't know anymore." (Reina)
"Wha, wha..." (Mile)
Mile was shocked.
"What on earth is that!!!" (Mile, probably?)
Author's Note
Sorry for the wait, 1 year and 10 months!
The sixth volume of the book "I'll Save 80,000 Gold Coins in Another World for My Retirement" was published safely on July 2nd! (^^)/
The cover and illustrations have been changed to those of Motoe Keisuke, the manga artist in charge of the comics, and the story includes kidnapping, the sinking of the warship Iras, the opening of a gallery cafe, the founding of Refilia Trading, and "The Road to Chelsea Terra Warros."
It's packed with food, so let's go! (^^)/