第１７３掘：実験交渉 (Part2)
"I have to wonder, is the recovery magic in this world truly 'recovery' magic at all...?"
Ah, wait, wait. I’m in the middle of talking to the sisters. I’ll save that topic for another time.
"..."
The sisters still seem to be struggling with the decision.
"May I ask what this 'cooperation' entails?"
"A fair question. It’s simple, really. I want to examine the magic swords, so I need you to assist me with some experiments."
"How sacrilegious! Those are the sacred treasures brought forth by the Progenitor! To treat them as mere test subjects...!"
"And you think it’s better to ignore the possibility that they might break during actual combat?"
It seems Jessica was right about them. I had her tell me about the magic swords earlier; apparently, they are legendary weapons forged long ago by someone called the Progenitor to combat the demi-humans.
Honestly, since a human made them, they aren't some "legendary" artifacts—they’re just man-made weapons.
As for this Progenitor, there’s absolutely no concrete information. There are plenty of myths, and because of their role in the wars against the demi-humans back then, they’re treated as a hero among the people. But as for what kind of person they actually were? The only records left say they were a "wonderful person."
Good grief, it’s a pain to research. I finally understand how difficult it must be for people who study history for a living.
"Sister, please calm down. He’s saying he will return the magic swords to us, right?"
"Is that true!?"
"Well, you two are the only ones who can use them. I can't conduct the experiments if I don't return them. Oh, and you’re free to take the swords with you when I release you."
Even if the details are murky, these swords are so famous that even illiterate commoners on this continent know of them. If I kept them in my possession, it would inevitably lead to trouble—like other nations besides the Zilba Empire coming to claim them.
"If we help with these experiments, will you truly return the surviving soldiers and the magic swords, and set us free?"
"Yeah."
"You realize we might just go on a rampage, don't you?"
Olive, the older sister, says this, but even if they went on a rampage with those lackluster swords, the only damage they’d likely cause is scorching Steve a little.
"I don't mind if you try. Just try not to get hurt."
"Huh?"
"People who can't even leave a scratch on me aren't going to be able to do anything to the rest of my members."
"Sister, let’s quietly follow Yuki’s proposal. It’s frustrating, but we are no match for him. If we cause trouble and get the swords confiscated, that would be a disaster. The lives of our soldiers are at stake, too. Please, can you bear with this?"
"...If that is what you say, Mist, then very well. I accept your proposal, Yuki."
"Good, negotiations concluded. I’ll have someone bring the paperwork later, so make sure you sign it."
"..."
As if I’d settle for a verbal agreement. If I get it in writing, I can probably find ways to use it to my advantage later. Well, whether they realize that possibility or not is their own business.
"The experiments start the day after tomorrow, so take it easy until then. Oh, and I won't be doing anything reckless. It’s just cooperation; it won't involve anything that would cost you your lives. It’s all written in the documents, too."
Paperwork is important. When you sign a document, you should always read the fine print. You never know when there might be a strange little addendum tucked away in the bottom corner.