第３１４堀：いいか、奴は空気を読まない。絶対にだ。 (Part2)
Guided by Taizo, I opened the door to find two young men—no, they were even younger than that. They were mere youths, standing tall and waiting for me.
They truly possessed black hair and black eyes, and their features bore a faint resemblance to Taizo.
"This is the representative of the Hifi Holy Kingdom, the Hifi Holy Maiden," Taizo introduced us.
The two youths bowed their heads in greeting.
"I apologize for my lack of decorum. I am Yuki, the leader of the mercenary corps acting as the envoy's guard."
"And I—no, I am Taiki, a mercenary serving in Yuki’s corps."
Their stiff, formal tone made my heart ache. It wasn't that there was anything wrong with their behavior—under normal circumstances, it would be perfectly acceptable—but when I thought of the path they had been forced to walk, cast into a world they didn't know, having to conduct themselves this way just to survive...
The first youth, Yuki, had already taken it upon himself to act as a leader, forcing himself to be this way to protect his fellow countrymen and his mercenary subordinates. The second youth, Taiki, quickly corrected his own speech, striving to ensure he showed no disrespect to me.
...I must persuade them to defect, no matter what it takes. I must save them from this unreasonable situation. These are not lives that should be scattered in such a foolish, trivial conflict. Like Taizo, they surely possess the power to forge their own futures.
"Please, there is no need to be so formal. Taizo has been a great help to me as well. First, please, take a seat. I will brew some delicious tea."
I tried my best to ease their tension. Their eyes were a mixture of wariness and anxiety. It would be difficult to have a calm discussion in such a state. As I reached for the teapot, the youth named Yuki spoke up.
"Um, if you don't mind, could you prepare a cup for me, Taiki, and one more person?"
I didn't understand. There were four of us in the room: myself, Taizo, Yuki, and Taiki. If I prepared three cups, either I or Taizo would be left out.
"Ah. Are you concerned about me? I don't particularly require tea," Taizo said.
I see. He likely thought that since he was acting as a guide and guard, he wasn't expected to be served. And he himself was saying he didn't need any. But if that were the case, Yuki and Taiki wouldn't be able to relax.
"It is quite alright. There is enough for you as well, Taizo. Come now, sit down quickly."
"But, my lady..."
"Can you truly enjoy your tea while your elder from home is going without?"
"...Understood."
*Sigh.* He is so stubborn when it comes to these things. Now, let’s compose ourselves...
"Oh, I apologize. There is one more person joining this conversation. I was hoping to have a cup ready for them."
"Taizo, has that person stepped out?"
"No. I know of no such person. Yuki, what is the meaning of this?"
Taizo and I stared at Yuki, both of us bewildered by his request for an extra cup.
"Er, well, they are an acquaintance of mine—or rather, an acquaintance of Hifi-dono."
"Of mine?"
"Yes? An acquaintance of mine?"
There shouldn't be anyone like that. Could it be one of the sisters? But why?
While we were lost in confusion, the table suddenly began to glow brilliantly, and a figure emerged from the light.
"The Goddess has descended!!"
The figure announced herself, standing defiantly atop the table. I was so stunned by the sight that I could only stare with my mouth agape. Taizo, regaining his composure first, immediately stepped in front of me to confront this... wait, have I seen her before?
"Who goes there!! Do you dare commit such an outrage knowing this is the Hifi Holy Maiden?!"
"Hey, what do you mean 'who'? I just said I was a goddess descending, didn't I? Right?"
"Don't drag me into this. First, confirm if you're actually an acquaintance. Do you want to be kicked out?" Yuki muttered, pressing a hand to his temple and waving the figure away.
...Could it be?
"Geez. Don't tell me you still don't recognize me, Hifi?"
That divine, radiant face...
"Lady Luna!?"
The supreme goddess who governs the gods of this world of Arowrito, Goddess Luna.
"Yup, yup. That’s right, it’s Luna. Man, I didn't think you’d actually be safe. You should have at least sent word, you know."
"I—I am terribly sorry. There were... reasons..."
"I bet there were. I came here to hear about all of that, including those circumstances. And you, the bespectacled soldier in the uniform—I’m an acquaintance of Hifi’s. So, you don't need to be so on edge."
Yes. That flippant attitude—it was undoubtedly Goddess Luna. But the serious Taizo...
"Shall I call the guards? Or perhaps Comet-dono?"
"No, that won't be necessary!! She really is an acquaintance!! Oh, but please bring Comet!! She is an acquaintance of hers as well!!"
"...Are you truly certain about this?"
"Yes. It is fine."
Wait? ...What was I trying to do again? No, never mind that—I have to talk to Lady Luna, and I must bring Comet as well!!
*Alright, don't push me, okay? Definitely don't push me!*