第３８７堀：みんなが幸せって素晴らしい (Part2)
"Thinking in that direction is a mistake. The strategy Yuki-kun has proposed is strictly an insurance policy. He’s layering plans two or three times over to ensure that even if the worst happens, we’ll be fine. It’s not about whether you believe in it or not. If Hifi fails, blood will be shed. We need to take action to prevent that. Personally, I actually find it quite likable. It’s just like Taizo-san, isn't it? He was always looking out for you, Hifi."
"……Indeed. It seems I was being a bit too tense. Taizo-dono also told me to take it easy."
Ho-ho. So, just mentioning Taizo-san’s name is enough to make her stop in her tracks?
I’d had a hunch she was suspicious, but could there actually be a spark there? Is this doable?
He’s a bit of a stickler for rules, sure, but he’s far more flexible than this Hifi, and as a partner, he’s beyond reproach.
Honestly, she could live a stable life in Weed, and if someone would just take this nagging goddess off my hands, I’d be incredibly grateful.
Oh, and it’s not that I want to take it easy—it’s for the sake of Hifi’s happiness.
I think she’s worked hard enough to deserve a taste of a woman’s happiness.
I’m not lying, really. It’s my honest opinion.
And if her personality softens in the process and she starts doting on me exclusively, well, that’s just a bonus.
See? Everyone wins. Perfect.
For me, this is a higher priority than the scheduled, predictable negotiations with Noble.
Now, how should I bring it up?
As I’m pondering this, Hifi finishes reading the documents and speaks her assessment in a calm tone.
"With Yuki-san’s strategy, we will drastically reduce the military force Noble possesses while simultaneously conducting an internal investigation to secure the core. ……I see. As Comet said, once you read it to the end, the content is convincing. It will improve our standing and make persuasion easier as well. The only issue is losing the joint exercise between monsters, but…… since the monsters provided will be from Yuki-dono’s side, it would be harder to lose. Since Mino-chan-san will be leading the charge, our instructions won't be necessary, I suppose. ……Honestly, that is a relief."
Mino-chan-san—well, "chan" is part of the name, but that was decided by Aslin, so I don't think you need to add "san" to it.
Actually, it really is the full lineup, isn't it?
Is this just to ensure our negotiations go well, or are they planning to settle the score with this?
The paperwork says it’s to gather more information, but the force they’re bringing is higher than when they fought us. It’s a difference in power so vast it’s ridiculous to even compare.
I don’t know how strong Noble’s subordinate monsters are, but won't they be reduced to scraps of meat in a matter of minutes?
I mean, if Yuki-kun’s side gets serious, they have the super-miracle weaponry from his homeland and Narjia’s game-breaking gear.
Thinking about it, it’s a miracle we survived at all.
I’m just glad I only ended up with my arm sliced off by John-kun.
"However, we must not think that because we have Yuki-san’s rear support, failure is acceptable. We must hear Noble’s true intentions, and if they are misguided, we must admonish and stop him. ……Because it is obviously better if no blood is shed."
For you to say that—well, it would be rude to point it out.
I was on board with that, too.
But, you know, I think it’s going to be difficult.
You can’t just nod and agree when someone suddenly shows you a new path.
Just like you and I did when we stood against Yuki-kun and his group……
In the end, it always comes down to relying on him.
"Well, that’s something to worry about once we actually meet him. Right now, there’s another important matter."
"What is it? What other important matter could there be?"
"Why, it’s a friend’s romance, of course."
"Romance?"
"Oh? Are you unaware? Or do you not realize I’m talking about you?"
When I say that, Hifi freezes, and her face turns bright red in an instant.
"W-w-w-who, romance, I, Taizo-dono and I are, p-purely, just……"
"No, I never said the partner was Taizo-san. Thanks for being so easy to read."
So, she’s completely aware of it.
"In that case, I’ll ask Taizo-san about you, Hifi."
"W-wait, wait a moment!! I, when did I ever say such a t-thing……"
"No, as a friend, I just want you to be happy."
"B-but…… I am a g-goddess……"
"The difference in species doesn’t matter. I know better than anyone how hard you’ve worked until now. So, isn't it okay to grab your own happiness? You have the leeway to allow yourself that."
"Y-you think that much of m-me……"
"Of course. We’ve been together through thick and thin, after all. I want you to be happy."
"C-Comet!!"
Well, after that, she was sobbing too hard to talk about anything else.
With this, I’m one step closer to my ambition.
Heh heh heh heh……
And there’s one other undead beauty who has her own ambitions even in these busy times!!
Well, that story is going to take a lot more time.
There’s nothing quite as entertaining as watching someone else’s love life unfold, is there? (I’m the worst.)