第３０３堀：な、なんだってー！？ (Part2)
In terms of raw ability, there are no issues, and being a Doppelganger, there are no physical concerns either. However, if others treat them like children and start pestering them, we can’t just stand by and do nothing.
In that scenario, they would technically be under the protection of August VIII’s princess or Feigel, which could easily escalate into a major incident. If a problem occurred on the battlefield, we could brush it off as the result of high tensions, but if something happens while they are entrusted to the Royal Capital, we would be forced to face accountability.
Since we’ve already brought them to the Royal Capital, simply sending the Doppelganger back to Weed would make them vanish from the city, which would only cast suspicion on us or lead to accusations of kidnapping. Taking all these factors into account, that’s why I brought Aslin and the others along.
As I stroked their heads, Labyris and Shera walked over to us.
"What's going on?"
"Have you finished your discussion already?"
"No, not yet. Since we have some downtime until things are settled, I thought we might as well talk things over and organize our information."
"I see."
"Is that so?"
They immediately turned on their heels and headed back to the transport cage, and we followed them inside. It feels a bit absurd that the sturdiest place in this entire fortress is inside Wai-chan’s transport cage.
"Whew. A kotatsu really is relaxing, isn't it? Oh, thank you, Aslin."
"It’s getting quite cold out, after all. You're welcome, Firia."
Ria and Jessica said this as they took their tea and let out a sigh of relief.
"Indeed. It’s wonderful to sit around the kotatsu like this with everyone."
"Maybe it’s time we aim to popularize the kotatsu in Weed, too. I’ve already asked Zargis to develop one that runs primarily on magic power, and it’s coming along quite well. We’ll just have to ignore the design for now..."
While saying that, those two sipped their tea as well.
"Mmm. Oranges are the ultimate companion for the kotatsu."
"...No, I don't follow. Though, the oranges are delicious. Mmm, they're sweet."
The two of them were lounging about, popping orange segments into their mouths. Well, since oranges and a kotatsu are said to be the ultimate winter equipment, Cleena isn't wrong. If we brought out some hanten jackets to wear, it would feel like the three sacred treasures of comfort.
"If you're going to bring out hanten, you have to give me a hug while you're at it."
Labyris was sitting on my lap, enjoying the kotatsu with me. Since we were pressed together, my thoughts were leaking out to her.
"Here you go, Yuki-san. Your tea."
"Thanks, Shera."
Shera poured me some tea, sat down beside me, and slid into the kotatsu. I reached for an orange, peeled it, and ate a slice. I held out a piece for Labyris, who was still on my lap.
"Nom. Mmm. Delicious."
"Don't eat my fingers along with it."
"Oh, come on. You know I did that on purpose. Or would you have preferred I went for something lower down?"
"Save that kind of talk for after we finish this discussion."
"My, how cold of you."
"You too, Shera, keep it in check."
"O-of course!"
I had just said that to Shera on a whim, but it seemed I had hit the nail on the head. ...Shera has really been heavily influenced by Labyris lately.
"How rude. It’s thanks to me that she’s become a woman, you know."
"Yeah, yeah. Alright, everyone. Let’s summarize the current situation."
"Boo."
Labyris puffed out her cheeks, but I ignored her and continued.
"But, big brother, even if we try to summarize the situation, the Wyvern squad is still in the middle of bringing back information, right? Is there really any point in talking about it now?"
"That’s true, but I have a strong sense of unease about all this. I wanted to talk it through and organize my thoughts. After all, the site of the incident is right there."
"I see, I see. So you’re saying something is bothering you. Labyris, do you know what part of this has big brother feeling doubtful?"
"Wait a second..."