第３２掘：根本的な事 いろんな意味で (Part3)
"Hmm, it’s simple. That Hero lacked preparation in many ways. Or rather, the circumstances were just poor. However, I’m certain that democracy—even if it’s forced—will succeed within this dungeon. After all, I am immortal. I won't be carelessly stepping out into the world anymore, and then there’s the 'Designated Protection' skill. As you know, it nullifies the use of force. In other words, the only way to appeal is through conversation. Everyone here, as representatives, is under that protection. You’ll be involved in this operation until you reach the end of your natural lives."
Indeed, as Rurua-sama said, the reason for the decline was because the Hero who proposed it had stepped down.
If Yuki-san, who is immortal, is here, then this system can be maintained semi-permanently.
"Right. And I haven't answered why I don't take the 'stable' route, have I? Do you give up just because someone tells you it’s impossible? That’s what a 'challenging spirit' is all about. Ratz and the others are doing things for the first time. But you know, everyone is challenging themselves with something new, whether big or small. I’m doing my best to handle the security. Anything done for the first time is unprecedented. If there’s no successful example, people will call it reckless. But the people who founded your countries also did unprecedented, awe-inspiring things to build them. Isn't it disrespectful to the ancestors of your nations to say 'I can't' and not even try? If you could do it, you’d understand how much potential there is, wouldn't you?"
Yuki-san is right. The founders of our nation governed with the hope of prosperity for the people.
To close my eyes to that potential would be a mistake...
"Ah, Elju, don't you dare make the same mistake. This is a method that only works because no one else has touched this place. I told you, the Hero’s situation was bad. If you tried to push democracy in your countries, it would immediately lead to a parade of civil wars and rebellions. People fear the loss of what they’ve always known. Your ways aren't wrong, either. It’s just that your opinions weren't meant to be forced onto me. I don't mind if you listen to what I say and change things little by little, but don't do it all at once. There are things that have been cultivated over time—tradition is the prime example. You should watch this place we’re building and judge for yourselves; it will be a good model."
Yuki-san is telling us to look at the results of his experiment.
And he is telling us to take only the good parts back to our own countries in the future.
"That... wouldn't that be too pitiful for you!? To touch the things we’ve been afraid of, to be laughed at if you fail, and if you succeed, we just take what we like... Why?"
"Yes, yes, calm down. Elju, you just said 'pitiful,' didn't you?"
"Yes..."
"We are... no, *I* don't think of myself as pitiful. Tell me, Elju, don't you think of yourself as a tragic figure being treated unreasonably?"
"No, my life was saved. We had some arguments, but wasn't that just a clash of opinions? If anything, I think I’m fortunate."
"Exactly. But others will keep throwing various opinions at you. 'You’re happy.' 'You’re miserable.' What do you think of that?"
"...It’s arrogant. The side they see of me is only a fraction. I don't want to be thought of as a pitiful person being treated unfairly."
"Oh, me too. Even if someone tells me, 'Do this,' or 'Having such power is a blessing,' or 'You’re like the protagonist of a story,' honestly, it makes me angry."
"Eh?"
"You know the circumstances of how I came here."
"...Yes."
"This situation might be a happy one. It might be a convenient one. But that is something I obtained by using my power to get here. However, the circumstances of how I arrived here were anything but happy!!"
Yuki-san shouted. His voice sounded so incredibly sad.
That was right. We had mistaken him for something transcendental.
And we had forced that expectation upon him.
That was why we had vented our dissatisfaction.
Because he was a Dungeon Master.
Because it didn't align with the logic of a Dungeon Master.
We criticized him for creating escape routes.
We criticized him for using strange, underhanded tactics.
...Thinking that, because it was him, he could do anything.
But that is only natural. He is afraid, too.
Because he is just a human being.
Rurua-sama is also surprised to see Yuki-san shouting his frustrations right in front of her.
Ratz-san and Labyris-chan also have faces full of shock.
"A-ah, sorry, sorry. Ratz, Labyris. It’s not that I dislike you both. Forgive me. Well, you know, sometimes I just need to shout like this."
"...Onii-san."
"...Yuki."
Both of them have indescribable expressions as they watch Yuki-san apologize with a bitter smile.
"It’s pathetic, but my true wish is to get even a little closer to the way my homeland was. Well, it wasn't a mistake to think that had advantages in various ways. So, Labyris, Ratz—I’m a total coward, but please help me."
"...You’re pathetic. I can't leave Onii-san alone after this. I’m too worried."
"...As I swore, I’ll be with Yuki until the end."
I suddenly look at Rurua-sama beside me.
"...I suppose I still have a lot to learn as well. Elju-sama, I want to work hard alongside Yuki-sama from now on."
"Yes, I intend to catch up properly as well."
Perhaps having calmed down, Yuki-san speaks to us.
"Man, my bad. I showed you something unsightly."
"Not at all."
"And, I didn't say the most important thing. Rurua, Elju, why do you think I argued back when you gave your opinions?"
"Eh? Isn't it because we said things that didn't align with logic, or because we were being pushy?"
I answer reflexively. Yes, from pushing the responsibility onto the Demon Lord to intentionally letting Rurua-sama get hurt, and even regarding Rurua-sama’s stance on Yuki-san’s future plans.
"That’s the content of the argument, not the reason."
"...Ah, what have I done..."
Rurua-sama seems to have realized it, holding her head in her hands.
"Eh, Rurua-sama, what was wrong with it?"
"Elju-sama, even now—and I, at that time—our positions were different."
"Positions?"
"Elju-sama, would you go directly to the King of another country to appeal just because you think their governance is bad, or rather, because you can't accept it?"
"That, such an awe-inspiring thing would be... ah."
I understood what Rurua-sama wanted to say.
What we were doing was...
"Exactly. ...It is complete interference in internal affairs. And without following any proper procedures. It’s a barbaric act, like a random commoner knocking on the gates to appeal directly to the King."
Oh, oh, how embarrassing...
"I don't mean to make you feel that bad, but this is also a side effect of what you call democracy. You don't need majesty, but you have to be tolerant of people telling you various opinions, just like you did. Well, since you’re from other countries, I could have just said 'don't interfere' at the time, but it was a perfect opportunity to use it to motivate Ratz and the others."
Guh, how cunning...
"Well, now that the final punchline is delivered, let’s wrap it up and get some sleep. There’s a lot to do starting tomorrow~"
Yuki-san tries to stand up, but Ratz-san and Labyris-chan hold him down.
"No, no, the punchline isn't over yet. Please, make up your mind already. Now that we know Onii-san’s true feelings, we’ll let you be spoiled, okay?"
"...You should cry to your heart's content on my chest."
"You can't do that!? A man has his pride, you know. Besides, I’m aiming to become what they call a 'Wizard' (a 30-year-old virgin) back in my homeland..."
"...Don't mumble. Rurua, help me."
"Yes, leave it to me."
Saying that, Rurua-sama joins in happily as well.
Somehow, it’s fun. Position, status, race—none of it matters.
Yuki-san and Rurua-sama say it’s an impossible dream story.
...Ah, that’s why they’re aiming for it.
Because it’s a dream story, if this scene were to overflow throughout the world, it would surely be a good thing.
It would be happiness.
That is pushy... how arrogant.
Even knowing that this happiness is not happiness for everyone, still...
If there is a light to be seen there... one must reach out for it.
"Did the ancestors who built my Roschur feel this way as well...?"
Even that is an arrogance I force upon my ancestors. My own selfish emotions, my imagination.
Even so, I don't think this scene is wrong.
"I must become stronger, too... Oriel, I intend to walk the path I believe in. Will you follow me?"
"As you command, even if this life should come to an end."
In the end, there are no answers.
That is why I will only do what I believe is right.
If mistakes could be corrected so easily, the problems of war and religion would have already vanished.
My thanks to everyone who reports typos and omissions every time.
If you could write "Title" and "Copy-paste the line with the typo" in the comment section, it would be easier for me to fix them.
Writing this is a hobby, but I am grateful for everyone’s cooperation.